Comporta
Praia de Comporta · Carvalhal · Comporta Beach Anchorage
38°23.0'N 08°46.3'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m minimum. This is an open Atlantic beach — all directions are exposed. Anchor only in perfect settled conditions with no overnight forecast deterioration. Excellent sand holding but immediate departure required at first sign of any swell development.
About This Anchorage
Comporta is one of Portugal's most celebrated undeveloped coast sections — vast pine forests, rice paddies, and pristine Atlantic beaches stretching 20km without development (now partially changed by recent high-end resort development). The anchorage off Comporta or Carvalhal beaches is an open Atlantic roadstead — viable only in perfect settled conditions. The Herdade da Comporta estate and its associated high-end tourism have made this coast fashionable among Lisbon's creative class. The sailing experience here is wild Atlantic at its most beautiful — but always with an escape plan to Setúbal (25nm N via the Rio Sado) or Sines (18nm S).
Protected From
Exposed To
W · SW · NW · N · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No specific anchoring restrictions. This is an open-sea anchorage — settled weather only. Tidal ebb/flood along coast creates current — anchor with good scope. No facilities.
Hazards
- !OPEN ATLANTIC: No shelter from any direction — immediate departure trigger for any forecast deterioration; this is the most exposed anchorage on this coast
- !Tidal current sets N/S along the coast depending on state of tide — anchor with good scope and monitor throughout
- !Dinghy landing in any swell is dangerous on this open beach — dumping surf builds quickly
- !No facilities and no rescue resources nearby — self-sufficient only
Skipper's Tips
- →Only attempt this anchorage in perfect summer high-pressure with a stable 36h forecast — this is a luxury stopover, not a safety anchorage
- →The best approach: leave Setúbal at dawn in settled NE wind, anchor Comporta for lunch, continue to Sines for overnight
- →Monitor the weather forecast obsessively before and during the stay — this coast has nowhere to run except Sines (S) or Setúbal (N) in an emergency
Facilities
Several upscale beach restaurants at Comporta (seasonal) — accessible by dinghy in calm conditions. The area is known for very good seafood and a fashionable Lisbon summer crowd.
Nearest provisions: Setúbal (25nm N by sea) or Alcácer do Sal (inland, 15km) (25nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September only in settled high-pressure conditions. Any Atlantic low approaching from W makes this coast completely unusable. The 'window' for safe anchoring here is typically 2–3 days in a summer high-pressure system.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
With a 4m tidal range and Atlantic swell, Cascais Bay conditions change fast overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor drags.
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