Tróia Peninsula
Praia de Tróia · Troïa · Tróia Marina · Rio Sado Tróia
38°30.2'N 08°53.9'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in 3–6m on excellent beach sand. Anchoring in the Rio Sado requires Capitania authorization. W-facing beach (Praia de Tróia) anchorage is freer but more exposed to W/NW swell.
About This Anchorage
The Tróia Peninsula is a 22km sand spit separating the Rio Sado estuary from the open Atlantic — one of the finest natural formations on the Portuguese coast. The western (Atlantic) side has outstanding beaches. The eastern (estuary) side has the Tróia resort development with marina access. The Rio Sado entrance area is subject to anchoring restrictions per the RCCPF Pilotage Notice — contact Setúbal Port Authority before anchoring inside the estuary. The river is home to a resident population of common dolphins. Setúbal city (Arrábida's main town) is 4nm across the estuary entrance. Strong tidal currents in the Rio Sado require careful pilotage.
Protected From
N · NW · SW
Exposed To
E · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free on W-facing Atlantic beach; potential restrictions in Rio Sado estuary
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: RCCPF NOTICE: Anchoring restrictions in Rio Sado — contact Setúbal Capitania (VHF Ch. 16 / +351 265 524 540) before anchoring in the river/estuary. W-facing Atlantic beach anchorage is generally unrestricted. Rio Sado tidal streams strong at springs — anchor with care in the entrance channel.
Hazards
- !Rio Sado tidal currents: 1.5–2 knots at springs at the entrance — strong ebb against W/SW wind creates steep confused seas at the bar; enter on the flood
- !RCCPF anchoring restrictions in Rio Sado — always call Setúbal Capitania before anchoring in the estuary
- !W-facing Atlantic beach exposed to W/NW Atlantic swell — refraction around the peninsula tip can create unexpected confused sea states
- !Dolphins in the Rio Sado estuary: resident dolphin pod — do not chase or approach closer than 50m by motorboat; sailing past quietly is fine
Skipper's Tips
- →The resident Sado estuary dolphin population (common dolphins) is a remarkable wildlife feature — see them on your approach/departure from the estuary
- →Setúbal ferry from the Tróia N tip to Setúbal city runs regularly — excellent for provisioning, Arrábida logistics, and exploring the city
- →The Atlantic beach (W side) is one of the finest in Portugal for swimming — clear water, fine white sand, no development on the beach itself
- →Call Setúbal Capitania (VHF Ch. 16) to confirm anchoring permission for any estuary anchoring — the call takes 2 minutes and avoids any fine risk
Facilities
Tróia resort complex has restaurants, supermarket, and services. Setúbal city (ferry crossing, 15 min) has full provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Tróia resort complex (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September, October
May–October. The Rio Sado estuary is navigable year-round in fair conditions. The Atlantic beach anchorage is summer-only due to winter W Atlantic swell. The estuary itself provides winter shelter if anchoring is authorised.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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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