Lajes das Flores
Flores Anchorage · Lajes Flores · Porto das Flores
39°22.7'N 31°10.7'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in 3–6m. Fair holding on sand/rock mix — the invariable swell roll means the anchor should be well set with good scope. Immediate departure plan essential if N/NE wind develops.
About This Anchorage
Lajes das Flores is a small fishing harbour on the south coast of Flores — one of the most remote and beautiful islands in the western Azores. The island is known for extraordinary waterfalls, crater lakes, and lush vegetation. Lajes is an open bay with a substantial NE exposure that makes it a potentially dangerous anchorage in any E to N wind or swell. Hurricane Lorenzo (2019) severely damaged the harbour infrastructure; repair status should be verified before visiting. The preferred base on Flores is the Santa Cruz das Flores marina on the NW coast, which provides better all-round shelter. Flores and Corvo are the most challenging islands to reach and anchor safely, but the remoteness and natural beauty make the challenge worthwhile for prepared sailors.
Protected From
W · S · SW
Exposed To
N · NE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: VERIFY breakwater/harbour condition before approach — Lorenzo damage repairs ongoing (verify status VHF Ch. 16 or contact Santa Cruz das Flores marina). All vessels clear in/out with local port authority. Very limited facilities ashore.
Hazards
- !E/NE EXPOSURE: harbour extremely dangerous in E/NE wind or swell — turbulent conditions develop rapidly and departure impossible
- !Swell invariably present in the harbour — constant roll is the norm; use a snubber and check anchor set frequently
- !Hurricane Lorenzo damage: verify breakwater repair status before approach — potentially reduced shelter compared to pre-2019
- !Remote location — 8nm from Santa Cruz das Flores (nearest town); no marine services at Lajes
Skipper's Tips
- →Santa Cruz das Flores marina (NW coast, 8nm) is the preferred base on Flores — far better shelter and facilities; Lajes is for daytime exploration only
- →Check the MRCC/APA weather forecast for Flores specifically — the western islands have different weather patterns from the central Azores
- →The Flores island interior is extraordinary — waterfalls, 7 crater lakes, and 25 endemic species; hire a car from Santa Cruz das Flores for a full-day interior tour
- →Flores is the closest Azorean island to North America — traditionally the first landfall for E–W trans-Atlantic sailors
Facilities
Small cafe/restaurant in Lajes village (very small village — basic provisions only).
Nearest provisions: Santa Cruz das Flores (8nm, hire car/taxi) (8nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September is the only realistic window for visiting Flores. The western islands receive more Atlantic weather influence than the central group — allow extra time in your schedule and be prepared to wait for weather windows.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
Horta (Faial), Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), or Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira). Contact Capitania do Porto on arrival. Horta anchorage fee approximately 50% of marina rate. Marine Parks govern each island group — rules vary by island.:In the Azores, anchorages can become untenable quickly as Atlantic depressions pass. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position all night — essential when 900nm from the nearest mainland port.
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