Madalena (Pico Island)
Porto de Madalena · Calheta do Nesquim · Pico Marina
38°32.2'N 28°31.6'W
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
50m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m
50m in 2–4m in marina. Draft >2.65m cannot enter marina — must use outer anchorage in 5–12m which is more exposed.
About This Anchorage
Madalena is the main port on Pico Island, directly across the 6nm Faial Channel from Horta. It serves as the ferry terminal for the Horta–Madalena crossing and has a small marina (draft limit 2.65m). The island is dominated by the massive Pico volcano (2,351m — highest peak in Portugal), which is visible from the marina on clear days. Pico is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage lava-field vineyard landscape. The marina provides fair shelter for moderate draft boats; deeper boats must anchor outside in more exposed conditions. Pico is an excellent daytrip from Horta or a first island stop from the E.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (outer anchorage); marina berthing fee applies
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: DRAFT LIMIT: Marina approach only 2.65m maximum draught — deeper vessels must anchor outside. All vessels must clear in/out at each island. Contact marina VHF Ch. 16 before entry. Keep clear of Horta–Madalena ferry route.
Hazards
- !Draft >2.65m cannot enter marina — pre-check marina approach depth with local pilot or port authority before attempting entry
- !W and NW swell exposure at outer anchorage — rolling uncomfortable in Atlantic groundswell; use marina berth if available
- !Faial Channel tidal currents — flood sets N, ebb S; crossing from Horta with beam current in a small boat requires care
Skipper's Tips
- →The Pico UNESCO vineyard landscape (Paisagem da Cultura da Vinha da Ilha do Pico) begins 1nm from the marina — hire a car for a half-day tour with a wine tasting at the local adega
- →Whale watching from Pico: the island was historically the whaling capital of the Azores; excellent whale watching boat trips operate from the marina pier
- →The walk up Pico volcano (2,351m) takes 3–4 hours from the base — requires registration with the park authority and clear weather; reserve a day for this outstanding experience
Facilities
Restaurants in Madalena town, local wine bars featuring Pico wines. The Adega Cooperativa do Pico offers wine tastings 0.5nm from the marina.
Nearest provisions: Madalena town (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
June–September are best months. May viable but more volatile weather. Pico's volcano summit is cloud-capped most of the time — a clear-sky window for the summit is a special event.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 50m
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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