Saint-Jean-de-Luz — Main Bay
St-Jean-de-Luz · Donibane Lohitzune
43°23.4'N 001°39.6'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Excellent Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m on sand/mud. Excellent holding. Outstanding shelter — the only fully protected bay between Arcachon and Spain. Open only to extreme S (rare).
About This Anchorage
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is the jewel of the French Basque Coast — the only fully sheltered bay between the Arcachon Basin and the Spanish border (150nm of open Atlantic coast). The bay is protected by the Digue de l'Artha and the Fort de Socoa (a Vauban fortress), creating all-round shelter in all Atlantic conditions except extreme southerly. Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain here in 1660 in the magnificent Saint-Jean-Baptiste church. The town is one of the finest on the entire Basque coast — colourful half-timbered architecture, pintxos bars, surfing culture, and the most authentic tuna fishing fleet in France.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · W · E
Exposed To
S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Speed limit 5kt in the bay. Marked fairway for vessels entering/leaving the port — do not anchor in the fairway. Swimming area exclusion zones near the main beach (Jun–Sep). Ferry (Nivelle river boat) exclusion area near the quay.
Hazards
- !Barre (bar): the entrance to the harbour/river Nivelle has a sand bar — enter in calm conditions only at HW
- !S gale (rare): open to S; in extreme southerly storms the bay can become uncomfortable — marina refuge available
- !Summer crowds: busy Jul–Aug with day-tripper boats and charter vessels
Skipper's Tips
- →The only guaranteed shelter on the French Basque coast — use St-Jean-de-Luz as your base for the whole region.
- →Pintxos bars on the main street (Rue Gambetta): walk from bar to bar sampling the Basque specialities.
- →Socoa Fort (Fort de Socoa) on the W point: 17th-century Vauban fort, excellent views, small restaurant.
Facilities
Excellent pintxos bars and seafood restaurants in the town. Famous for fresh tuna (thon) and sardines.
Nearest provisions: Saint-Jean-de-Luz (1nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September, October
April–October. The essential base for Basque Coast sailing. All-season capable in extreme conditions.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
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.
Download Free for iOS