Hendaye — Baie du Figuier
Hendaye anchorage · Bidassoa estuary
43°22.3'N 001°46.2'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Excellent Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m on excellent clean sand. Excellent holding. Good all-round shelter. Last anchorage before Spain.
About This Anchorage
Hendaye is the last port in France before Spain — the Bidassoa river forms the border, and the Spanish town of Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía) is visible across the river. The Baie du Figuier anchorage has excellent holding on clean sand and good all-round shelter. The Franco-Hitler meeting took place in Hendaye in 1940 (the railway station still stands). Hendaye beach (the longest beach on the Basque coast) backs the anchorage. Hondarribia across the river has an exceptional medieval old town and is worth a dinghy trip.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · W · E
Exposed To
S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: International border: the Bidassoa river is the French-Spanish border — vessels crossing must comply with customs regulations. Speed limit 5kt near shore. Bidassoa river: tidal stream up to 3 kt on springs.
Hazards
- !International border — Bidassoa river is France/Spain border; customs compliance required when crossing
- !Tidal stream 3 kt in the Bidassoa river on springs
- !Atlantic swell from S/SW can make anchorage uncomfortable
Skipper's Tips
- →Hondarribia (Spain) across the river: the medieval old town is one of the finest in the Basque Country — dinghy across.
- →Last stop before Spanish coastal waters — ensure provisions and fuel before departing Basque France.
Facilities
Hendaye has excellent restaurants. Hondarribia across the river (dinghy) has outstanding pintxos.
Nearest provisions: Hendaye (1nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September, October
May–October. Last French port before Spain — good staging anchorage for coast hopping.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
Atlantic swell can build quickly on the Basque Coast. Safety Anchor Alarm watches your GPS position all night — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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