Bahía de Las Palmas Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria anchorage, Playa de Las Canteras
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the ARC Rally start, the biggest city in the Canaries, and the primary stop for Atlantic-crossing boats. The anchorage off Playa de Las Canteras — one of the finest urban beaches in Europe — is a convenient alternative to the packed marina during ARC season (November–December). The city offers excellent provisioning, chandleries, repair facilities, and the lively Las Canteras beach promenade. A truly urban anchorage: the backdrop is apartment blocks, but the water is clear and the beach is excellent.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
28°09.2'N 015°24.9'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
S, SW, SE, E
Exposed To
N, NW, NE
Best Months
October, November, March, April, May
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m for 4–10m on sand. Good holding in clean beach sand. NW swell monitor in winter essential.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 4–9m on sand off Playa de Las Canteras. This is the sheltered NW side of Gran Canaria — the dominant NE trade winds come from the SW/S here (the trades wrap around the island). Holding is good on sand but the natural reef (La Barra) just off the beach creates a surfing zone — anchor well outside the reef break. Swell from NW swells in winter.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Bahía de Las Palmas is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly — at 4–10m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
- Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds moderate throttle astern.
- Take a GPS bearing — note position once set and confirm adequate chain.
Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna, Delta.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Bahía de Las Palmas are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to N and NW and NE winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m for 4–10m on sand. Good holding in clean beach sand. NW swell monitor in winter essential.
Year-round. ARC season November–December is the peak. Best for passagemaking: January–March (trade wind season; S-crossing boats depart Dec–Jan).
Navigation Hazards
- ARC season (November): anchorage and marina extremely crowded
- NW winter swell enters the anchorage (October–February)
- Surfing zone at La Barra reef — avoid anchoring over the reef
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Keep clear of beach swimming zone and surfing zone at La Barra reef. ARC season (Nov): anchorage extremely busy — arrive early. Speed limit 3 kt.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: Excellent variety — the Las Canteras promenade has dozens of options.
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- ARC Rally: if competing, marina berths are reserved — register early. For non-ARC boats, this anchorage is the best free option during November.
- The chandleries near the port are among the best-stocked in the Atlantic — last chance to buy spares before crossing.
- City bus from Las Canteras beach to the old Vegueta quarter (30 mins) — excellent colonial architecture and market.
A note on this guide: Data researched from multiple sailing sources and provided in good faith. Always check current weather, AEMET forecasts, and VHF weather bulletins before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Bahía de Las Palmas
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — essential in the Canaries where trade wind chop can make a comfortable anchorage suddenly uncomfortable.
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