Cala del Plomo Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Cala del Plomo has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Cala del Plomo is primarily sand and fine gravel with reliable holding when properly set. Before dropping anchor, check the DONIA app (free, Spanish Government) to confirm you are over a Posidonia-free sandy patch — anchoring on Posidonia is prohibited throughout Spain and fines can reach €600,000. Use the following approach:

1. Check DONIA app first. Open the DONIA app before approaching and identify the sandy patches suitable for anchoring. Posidonia meadows in Almería can be extensive — do not assume any bay is clear without checking.
2. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m depth).
3. 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.
4. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten and the boat should stop moving back.
5. 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 Cala del Plomo are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night. 70m is appropriate in the northern cove at 3–7m with full scope. If using the shallower middle cove, reduce to 55m. This is a remote anchorage — set a conservative alarm as nearest assistance is 9nm away at San José.

On this coast, the Levante (E/NE) can arrive with little warning and accelerate dramatically around Cabo de Gata headland. If you are anchoring in an exposed bay and Levante is forecast overnight, set a conservative alarm radius and be prepared to depart or move to a more sheltered position. The Safety Anchor Alarm app will wake you the moment your boat drifts — giving you time to react before the situation becomes dangerous.

Spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal — moderate conditions and occasional rare solitude. Avoid July–August Levante season and winter altogether. This is not a storm anchorage.

Navigation Hazards

• Exposed to N/NE Levante — must leave before Levante F4+ arrives; no shelter and remote location
• Rocky approach between coves — navigate with chart plotter and proceed slowly
• No phone signal in most of the cove — file a float plan before visiting
• Nearest help is 9nm at San José; self-sufficiency essential

Rules & Regulations

Cala del Plomo lies within or adjacent to the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park (Parque Natural). This is a protected natural area but not a marine reserve — there is no entry fee and free anchoring is permitted in most bays. However, Posidonia protection rules apply in full: anchoring on Posidonia oceanica is prohibited throughout Spain and subject to severe fines.

• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 5 days
• Key restrictions: Within Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. Posidonia anchoring prohibited — verify with DONIA app. No camping on shore.
• Posidonia: Anchoring on Posidonia oceanica is prohibited throughout Spain. Fines up to €600,000 in the most sensitive zones. Use the DONIA app before every anchor drop.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site — Almería is the driest region in Europe. Arrive with full water tanks. Nearest water: Las Negras (5nm)
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Las Negras (5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Las Negras (5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Las Negras (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use the northern cove as primary — it offers marginally more shelter from NE compared to the middle cove.
2. Check the 48-hour forecast for Levante before committing to overnight here. If any Levante F3+ is predicted, choose Genoveses instead.
3. Bring all supplies — this is a true wilderness stop. Plan to be self-sufficient for 2–3 days.
4. The snorkelling between the coves is outstanding — crystal water and undisturbed marine life.
5. Best visited on a multi-day passage east from San José toward Carboneras or south from Águilas.