Portinho da Arrábida
Portinho de Arrábida · Arrábida Small Port · Portinho
38°29.0'N 08°58.8'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m in 3–6m on sand. The Serra da Arrábida massif gives exceptional shelter from NW Nortada. The bay is completely open to S — any southerly swell makes it untenable quickly. Monitor Windy/Windguru for any S component in the forecast.
About This Anchorage
Portinho da Arrábida is consistently ranked among the most beautiful anchorages in continental Portugal — a brilliant turquoise bay hemmed in by the dramatically steep limestone cliffs of the Serra da Arrábida (501m), with one of Portugal's clearest and warmest nearshore waters. The Arrábida Natural Park has strict environmental protections here. IMPORTANT: anchoring requires prior authorization from the Setúbal Port Authority, and a seasonal mooring allocation system operates May–September. The turquoise colour is caused by a combination of posidonia meadows and chalk-white sand; anchoring on posidonia is prohibited (Natura 2000 rules and substantial fines apply). The small pier serves local fishing boats and authorised boats.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Authorization required; potential fee — contact authority
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Contact Capitania do Porto de Setúbal (VHF Ch. 16 or +351 265 524 540) before anchoring. Seasonal fixed mooring allocation May–September; prior authorization required for free anchoring in this zone. Fines reported for unauthorised anchoring (Noonsite 2022 report). ICNF park rules apply.
Restrictions: NATURA 2000: Anchoring on posidonia meadows prohibited (Natura 2000 + Park rules). Total Protection Area restriction may apply in certain zones within the bay — verify current zone status with ICNF or Capitania. No overnight without authorization in peak season. Maximum capacity limits enforced in summer.
Hazards
- !PERMIT REQUIRED: unauthorized anchoring carries fines — always call ahead to Setúbal Capitania
- !Posidonia meadows throughout bay — anchor ONLY on sandy patches (appear bright turquoise from above); snorkel to verify holding
- !Completely open to S/SE — Atlantic swell from S penetrates directly; departure trigger at first sign of S component in forecast
- !Very crowded July–August with day-trip boats, RIBs, jet skis — arrive early and give wide berth to the pier
Skipper's Tips
- →Call Setúbal Capitania on VHF Ch. 16 before entering the bay — they will advise on current anchoring authorisation and mooring availability
- →The turquoise colour indicates shallow posidonia: always snorkel to confirm the anchor is on white sand, not seagrass
- →Arrive by 09:00 in summer to secure a spot before the day-trip boats (09:30 onwards) make the bay congested
- →The Arrábida Natural Park clifftop road gives spectacular views; worth hiring a car from Setúbal and combining a land visit
Facilities
Small café/restaurant at the Portinho with excellent fresh seafood and local wines. Very popular and often fully booked in summer — book ahead by phone.
Nearest provisions: Setúbal city centre (10nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–June and September are ideal — park rules are enforced but crowds are manageable and the turquoise water is at its best. July–August: overwhelmingly busy; capacity limits mean you may be turned away without prior authorization. October: getting quieter; S swells begin.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
no anchoring. Partial Protection Zone: anchoring on sand/rock only (no Posidonia). Contact ICNF (pnarr@icnf.pt or +351 212 198 140) before visiting peak season (Jul–Aug).:In Arrábida's strict marine park, anchoring violations carry heavy fines. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your position so you know immediately if you drift over protected Posidonia zones.
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