Cala d'Hort Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 5–10m in the sandy patches in the N-central part of the bay, keeping clear of the rock ledges extending from the Es Vedrà approach (marked on chart). Holding is variable — sandy patches give good holding but rock and Posidonia areas will cause dragging. Snorkel or dive to verify. The bay faces SW, giving a magnificent view of Es Vedrà (378m rocky islet) but also full exposure to SW/W swell. This is a daytime and early-evening anchorage for most conditions — only overnight in settled high-pressure with no westerly forecast.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Cala d'Hort is primarily sand and rock and Posidonia patches with variable holding that requires extra care and verification. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–14m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (98m chain at 14m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on top of the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten and the boat should stop moving back.
4. Snorkel to verify Posidonia-free hold. Given the Posidonia present in this anchorage, it is strongly recommended to dive on the anchor and visually confirm it is buried in sand or rock — not skimming over Posidonia meadows.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: SPADE, Rocna. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Cala d'Hort are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W and NW winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 110m radius before going below for the night. 110m minimum for 5–14m depth on mixed bottom. Variable holding means the boat can appear to drag without having moved — the anchor may be resting on rock. Set a tight initial alarm at 80m; if the GPS shows apparent dragging, re-anchor in a verified sandy patch and widen to 110m.

May–June and September ideal for calm W mornings. July–August: busy with day boats, afternoon Ponent persistent. Avoid any forecast with W component overnight.

Navigation Hazards

• Mixed rocky/Posidonia bottom — holding unreliable in sections; snorkel to verify
• Fully open to W/SW — any westerly forecast makes overnight dangerous
• Rocks and shoals around Es Vedrà approach — maintain 0.5nm clearance from the islet
• Strong ferry and motorboat wash from Ibiza Town water taxis afternoon

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free
• Key restrictions: Within Ses Salines Natural Park — Posidonia fines up to €450,000. No landing on Es Vedrà (protected habitat). Speed limit 3kt within 200m of shore.

For a full overview of Spanish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Sant Josep de sa Talaia (5nm)
• Restaurant: Three restaurants/beach bars open Jun–Sep including the well-known Es Boldado above the bay.
• Provisions: None on site — Sant Josep de sa Talaia (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Snorkel to verify anchor is in sand before setting alarm — the rocky patches are not obvious from the surface.
2. Anchor by 11:00; the afternoon Ponent picks up from the W after noon and makes tendering difficult.
3. Es Vedrà is best photographed from the boat at golden hour (19:00–20:00) — worth staying for the light.
4. For overnight security, move to Cala Compte (4nm N) or Playa de Ses Salines (11nm N, Ibiza S coast) where bottom is sandier.