Anse de la Palud (Port-Cros)
La Palud · Port-Cros S anchorage
42°59.3'N 006°23.7'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m on clean sand. Excellent holding. Summer-only — completely exposed to S. Leave immediately if any southerly develops.
About This Anchorage
Anse de la Palud is famous for France's only underwater snorkelling trail (Sentier Sous-Marin de la Palud) — a marked underwater trail at 5–10m with information boards identifying Posidonia meadows, rocky reef species, and endemic sea creatures. The bay is spectacular for snorkelling and freediving. Clean sand bottom with excellent holding. South-facing — summer-only, with island Mistral shelter. Eco-mooring buoys in season.
Protected From
N · NW · NE
Exposed To
S · SW · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (outside buoy zone/season)
- Mooring buoy fee
- €15–25/night (Jun 15–Sep 15)
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: National park rules — no fishing, no spearfishing, no collecting. Do not anchor over the underwater snorkel trail (marked). 3-knot speed limit. Daytime/summer anchorage only — S exposure makes overnight risky.
Hazards
- !Fully exposed to S/SW/SE — leave IMMEDIATELY if any southerly develops
- !Overnight stay risky — summer daytime anchorage only
Skipper's Tips
- →The underwater snorkelling trail is a unique experience — rent masks from Port-Cros harbour if needed.
- →Arrive morning, swim all day, depart by 16:00 before afternoon sea breeze builds from SW.
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Port-Cros harbour (1nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September daytime only. Do NOT overnight unless NE/N wind forecast overnight — S exposure is total.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In the Hyères Islands national park, a dragging anchor could cost you €150,000 in Posidonia fines. Safety Anchor Alarm alerts you the moment your boat starts to drift.
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