Cala Pi Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in the inner third of the fjord in 2–4m on clean sand. The narrow inlet (25–30m wide at the anchorage) creates almost complete all-round shelter except from the S/SE at the entrance. Maximum 4–6 boats can anchor here — first come, first served. Entry requires careful navigation: the approach from S requires turning precisely at 355° to align with the inlet entrance, maintaining a centre-line track. Do not enter at night without GPS track from chart.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Cala Pi is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 2–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain for the depth.

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 Pi are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 40m radius before going below for the night. 40m maximum in the inner fjord — the inlet is only 30m wide. Set the alarm as tight as possible (30–40m) to detect any dragging before grounding. The rock walls are close on both sides.

Usable May–October. July–August: can fill by 09:00 — arrive at dawn or accept the outer anchorage. Best in May/June when summer crowds have not yet arrived.

Navigation Hazards

• NARROW ENTRY — 30m wide at the inlet mouth; assign bow watch, no sails, engine only
• Rock walls within 5m on both sides inside the fjord — do NOT anchor too far in (3m shoaling)
• Exposed at entrance to S/SE swell — if SE swell is forecast, reconsider; swell enters the mouth
• Very limited capacity — do not attempt entry if already 4+ boats inside

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 5 days
• Key restrictions: Maximum depth constraint limits entry to boats drawing under 2m at mid-tide. No anchoring on the Posidonia that extends outside the fjord entrance.

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: Llucmajor / Colònia de Sant Jordi (8nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Llucmajor / Colònia de Sant Jordi (8nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Llucmajor / Colònia de Sant Jordi (8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Download a GPS track from Navily or CruisersWiki for the approach — the entry heading must be precise at 355° to clear the shallow rock on the starboard side.
2. Enter in the morning before day-charter boats arrive; you will need to reverse in if the space requires a stern-tie to shore.
3. A stern-tie to the rock wall using a long line and a fender is the standard approach in the inner fjord — keeps all boats parallel and maximises space.
4. Outside the fjord, there is a pleasant daytime anchor off the rocky spur 200m to the W of the inlet in 4–6m sand, with slightly more space.