Esposende (Rio Cávado)
Foz do Cávado · Rio Cávado Anchorage · Esposende Marina
41°32.1'N 08°46.7'W
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m inside the river in 2–4m on sand/mud. Shallow bar — enter only at half-flood. Good shelter once inside the river.
About This Anchorage
Esposende is a small resort town on the mouth of the Rio Cávado, midway between Viana do Castelo and Póvoa de Varzim on the N Portuguese coast. The small harbour provides a sheltered anchorage inside the river mouth, useful as a waypoint stop on a N-to-S or S-to-N coastal passage. The bar at the river mouth is shallow and must be entered at half-flood — always check current bar depth with the local harbour authority before approach. The Cávado estuary is part of the Litoral Norte Natural Park, protecting the coastal dune system and estuary habitat. Esposende town has basic provisioning and excellent seafood restaurants near the riverside.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · E
Exposed To
W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Litoral Norte Natural Park: respect estuary habitat, no anchoring on mudflat vegetation. Bar depth varies seasonally — always check before approach. Contact harbour authority VHF Ch. 16 for current bar conditions.
Hazards
- !Shallow bar at river entrance — variable depth 1.5–2.5m; always check before approach on VHF Ch. 16
- !W exposure at the entrance — approaching in any W or NW swell is dangerous; enter only in calm conditions
Skipper's Tips
- →Useful waypoint stop between Viana do Castelo and Leixões but only in settled conditions — Leixões and Viana are more reliable overnight bases
- →The Litoral Norte dune system here is botanically interesting — one of the largest mobile dune systems in Portugal
Facilities
Seafood restaurants in Esposende town near the waterfront.
Nearest provisions: Esposende town (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
June–September in settled conditions. Transitional stop — not a destination anchorage.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
2.5m LWS minimum depth — verify current conditions via local pilot.:Norte coast bar crossings demand full attention — once committed, there is no turning back. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your position after entry so you can anchor safely.
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