Hel Harbour
Port Hel · Hela
54°35.9'N 18°48.1'E
Depth
4–9m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m radius on sand/mud in 4–9m. Harbour subject to ferry wash during summer operations (Gdańsk–Hel route). Anchor well clear of ferry approach lanes.
About This Anchorage
Hel town sits at the very tip of the Hel Peninsula — a fishing village transformed into a popular tourist destination while retaining its working port character. The harbour shelters the local fishing fleet alongside summer ferries from Gdańsk and Gdynia. The Baltic Seal Sanctuary (Stacja Morska) rehabilitates injured grey seals and porpoises — a fascinating and popular attraction. The town's fish smokeries produce some of the finest smoked fish in Poland. The Gothic church (15th century) served as a lighthouse for centuries. The tip of the peninsula offers dramatic views of both the bay and the open Baltic — a unique perspective where two very different sea conditions can often be seen simultaneously.
Protected From
S · SW · W · SE
Exposed To
N · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free outside harbour; marina fees inside
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Ferry approach lanes must be kept clear; harbour capacity limited — contact harbour master VHF Ch. 16 before entering.
Hazards
- !Busy passenger ferry terminal — ferries from Gdańsk operate hourly in summer
- !Open to N and NE across open Baltic — leave in northerly conditions
- !Very busy with tourist boats in July–August
- !Fishing nets in approaches — watch for buoys
- !Limited space in harbour — advance berth reservation recommended
Skipper's Tips
- →Book marina berth in advance for July–August — very popular destination
- →The seal centre visit is worth the trip alone — check feeding times
- →Buy smoked fish directly from the smokeries near the harbour — take cash
- →Walk to the tip of the peninsula for the 'two seas' experience — bay on one side, open Baltic on the other
- →VHF Ch. 16 to contact Hel harbour master; listen for ferry traffic on Ch. 12
Facilities
Several excellent fish restaurants in town — smoked eel, herring, and Baltic cod are specialities. Seasonal (peak summer).
Nearest provisions: Hel town (0.1nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August — very busy. May and September much quieter. Winter: harbour used by local fishermen only.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
In Gdańsk Bay, Baltic water level fluctuations and westerly fetch can cause unexpected anchor drag overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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