Berlenga Islands
Ilha Berlenga Grande · Berlengas · Berlenga Anchorage
39°24.5'N 09°30.2'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 5–15m. Mixed sand/rock — anchor outside 20m depth line for sandy bottom. Rocky bottom near shore — use trip line. Fair holding; in northerly swell the anchorage becomes very uncomfortable. Monitor forecasts carefully as conditions change quickly at this exposed location.
About This Anchorage
The Berlenga Islands are a magnificent Portuguese National Nature Reserve 10km off Peniche — a rocky archipelago of extraordinary natural beauty, home to nesting seabirds (Cory's shearwater, common tern, yellow-legged gull), crystal-clear water, and the 17th-century Fort of São João Baptista (now a hostel). The Berlengas are one of the most spectacular day/overnight stops on the Portuguese coast but require specific N/NW wind conditions to anchor safely — any S or SE component makes the anchorage untenable. An anchoring permit from Peniche Port Authority is required. Do not pick up tourist/ferry mooring buoys.
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Permit fee may apply — confirm with Peniche Port Authority
- Maximum stay
- 2 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- PERMIT REQUIRED: Contact Port Authority in Peniche (VHF Ch. 16) for anchoring permit in the Berlenga Nature Reserve. National Nature Reserve rules apply.
Restrictions: NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE: Anchoring permit required from Peniche Port Authority. No picking up of tourist/ferry mooring buoys. Strict nature reserve rules: no littering, no disturbing nesting seabirds, no fishing in the reserve. Access to the fort hostel by dinghy.
Hazards
- !Strictly N/NW wind conditions required — any S/SE deterioration requires immediate departure; conditions change rapidly in the open Atlantic
- !Rocky bottom near shore — trip line essential; anchor well outside 20m line
- !Tourist day boats and the Peniche ferry create significant traffic 09:00–18:00 — anchor clear of their mooring buoys and routes
- !Open Atlantic location: even in calm weather, the Nortada acceleration off the Portuguese coast can make the anchorage uncomfortable in the afternoon
Skipper's Tips
- →Call Peniche Port Authority (VHF Ch. 16) before departure for current conditions at Berlenga and to obtain anchoring permit — a straightforward call
- →Arrive early (by 08:00) to anchor in the most sheltered position before the day boats arrive
- →The underwater scenery around the Berlengas is exceptional — visibility often exceeds 20m; bring snorkelling or diving gear
- →The Fort of São João Baptista dates from 1644 and has a hostel inside — a unique overnight experience; book well in advance (most guests arrive by ferry)
Facilities
One small restaurant/café at the fort harbour — simple meals and drinks. Book ahead if possible in season.
Nearest provisions: Peniche Marina (6nm) (6nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. The Berlengas are only accessible in N/NW wind conditions — plan as a weather-dependent detour. Peniche Marina is the safe base. The islands are outstanding in spring (May–June) when seabird nesting colonies are active.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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