Playa de S'Espalmador Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 2–4m on clean white sand on the SW-facing beach of S'Espalmador islet. Holding is outstanding — the sand is deep, fine, and consistent. The anchorage is protected from E/NE (Ibiza/Formentera channel) but fully exposed to W/NW — afternoon Ponent (W) sea breeze in July–August reaches 15–20kt and pushes swell across the open W approach. Most boats use this as a daytime anchorage. Overnight is possible in settled weather with no W forecast. This is a LIFE POSIDONIA restricted zone — no free anchoring 15 Jun – 30 Sep.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Playa de S'Espalmador 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 2–4m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (28m chain at 4m 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Playa de S'Espalmador are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and NW and SW winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night. 55m covers 2–4m depth with 7:1 scope and swing buffer. The shallow depth keeps the swing arc manageable, but W/NW wind can push boats into the anchor chain — in afternoon Ponent, increase scope and monitor carefully.

May–June is ideal — fewer day boats from Ibiza, lighter Ponent. July–August: extremely crowded, mandatory buoys, Ponent up to 20kt afternoons. October: usually quiet but Tramuntana weather starts building.

Navigation Hazards

• Posidonia fields extensively around the islet — approach slowly, depth sounder essential
• Mandatory Ses Salines Natural Park zone — fines up to €450,000 for Posidonia damage
• Freus de Ibiza current: up to 2 knots in the N–S channel between islet and Ibiza
• Very exposed to W/NW — afternoon Ponent builds swell quickly; overnight not advisable in unsettled weather
• Jet ski and water taxi traffic from La Savina (Formentera) and Es Pujols

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free outside buoy season
• Mooring buoys: €30–100/night (LIFE POSIDONIA mandatory buoys, 15 Jun – 30 Sep). Book via balearslifeposidonia.eu
• Maximum stay: 3 days
• Key restrictions: Ses Salines Natural Park: anchoring on Posidonia carries fines up to €450,000 (Formentera) and €600,000 (Ibiza sector). Mandatory buoy use 15 Jun – 30 Sep. Navigation 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: La Savina (Formentera) (4nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at La Savina (Formentera) (4nm)
• Provisions: None on site — La Savina (Formentera) (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Approach from the SE along the channel between S'Espalmador and Formentera — shallower but clearer of Posidonia than the NW approach.
2. The sandy bottom is clearly white when viewed from on deck — easy to identify from the boat before dropping.
3. Book LIFE POSIDONIA buoys by June 1 for July–August dates — they sell out within hours of the booking window opening.
4. Day anchor here, overnight at Cala Saona (7nm S) which is better protected from W.