São Jorge Bay
Baía de São Jorge · São Jorge Madeira · Porto de São Jorge
32°46.7'N 16°55.3'W
Depth
6–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 6–12m. Fair holding on mixed bottom. Exposed to the prevailing NE trade wind — use only in rare W/SW wind conditions. Deep anchoring on the N coast is generally not recommended except in specific conditions.
About This Anchorage
The N coast of Madeira is dramatically beautiful — sheer black basalt cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic, small villages perched on terraces above tiny harbours. São Jorge Bay is one of the few places where a yacht can anchor on the north coast in settled conditions. The exposure to NE trade winds and N Atlantic swell means this is primarily a winter anchorage (when SW winds push you to the N side) or a brief stop in unusual W/SW conditions. The dramatic scenery makes the stop worthwhile if conditions allow. Madeira's N coast is best appreciated from the sea when the trades are not blowing.
Protected From
S · SE · SW
Exposed To
N · NE · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Registration at simplifica.madeira.gov.pt required. N coast anchorage requires specific weather conditions — do not anchor in NE trade winds.
Restrictions: N coast anchorage suitable only in W/SW wind conditions. NE trade wind makes this bay untenable in summer. Contact Funchal Radio VHF Ch. 11 with your position.
Hazards
- !Exposed to NE trade wind and N Atlantic swell in summer — completely untenable in standard summer conditions
- !Mixed sand/rock bottom — trip line recommended; holding not as good as S coast anchorages
- !Remote N coast — no facilities, limited rescue response; self-sufficient stop only
Skipper's Tips
- →This anchorage is for specific window use only — do not attempt in NE trade conditions; the north coast is beautiful precisely because it is wild and exposed
- →Better approach to the N coast scenery: take the coastal highway (EN101) for spectacular clifftop views without the sailing risk
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Santana (nearest town, N coast) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March
Winter (Nov–Mar) when SW winds occasionally allow N coast anchoring. Completely unsuitable in summer (NE trades). The N coast is one of the most dramatic sailing experiences in Madeira when conditions allow.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
When Madeira's mountain winds kick up overnight, Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your position continuously. Porto Santo's 9km beach is stunning — but the E swell can make it uncomfortable.
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