Playa del Papagayo Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Papagayo, Playas de Papagayo, Lanzarote south
The Papagayo beaches on the SW tip of Lanzarote are among the most spectacular anchorages in the Canary Islands — pristine white sand bays at the foot of dramatic volcanic cliffs, crystalline turquoise water, and consistent NE trade winds providing just enough breeze to keep the temperature perfect. There are 5–6 separate bays in the group, each with slightly different orientation — sailors can find a comfortable position in almost any wind condition except strong S. The beaches are part of a Natural Park; no hotels or development are allowed behind them.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
28°50.7'N 013°47.4'W
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
N, NW, NE, W
Exposed To
S, SE
Best Months
March, April, May, September, October, November
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m for the wide Playa Mujeres bay at 3–7m. Excellent sand holding. Monitor S swell — if swell increases from S, move to Puerto Calero 7nm W.
Playa Mujeres: 80m — The westernmost bay in the Papagayo group.
Playa del Papagayo main: 70m — More scenic than Mujeres but smaller.
Anchoring Zones
Playa del Papagayo has 2 distinct anchoring zones.
Zone 1: Playa Mujeres
- Depth: 3–7m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NW, NE, W
- Exposed to: S, SE, E
- Recommended alarm radius: 80m
The westernmost bay in the Papagayo group. Anchor in 3–7m on perfect white sand. This is the largest and most protected bay of the group — the rocky headlands to S block the swell from wrapping in. Posidonia-free. Trade winds from the NE accelerate over the low saddle behind the beach — gusts to 30 kt possible in the afternoon.
Zone 2: Playa del Papagayo main
- Depth: 2–6m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NW, NE
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Recommended alarm radius: 70m
More scenic than Mujeres but smaller. The natural park cliff directly behind gives good shelter from the N trades. Open to S — not suitable in S conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Playa del Papagayo is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly — at 3–7m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m 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, CQR.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Playa del Papagayo are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SE winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m for the wide Playa Mujeres bay at 3–7m. Excellent sand holding. Monitor S swell — if swell increases from S, move to Puerto Calero 7nm W.
Year-round. Summer (Jul–Aug): very busy with day trippers but excellent trade wind conditions. Winter: occasional S swell episodes; more solitude.
Navigation Hazards
- Afternoon NE trade wind acceleration over the headland — gusts to 30 kt at anchor
- Day tripper boats and jet skis in summer (09:00–18:00)
- Open to S swell — leave if S wind develops
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Los Ajaches Natural Park — no fires, no camping on beach. Day entry fee for visitors arriving by car (not applicable to boats). Speed limit 3 kt within 200m of beach.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Puerto Calero (7nm)
- Restaurant: One chiringuito at Playa del Papagayo main beach, open day hours Jun–Sep only.
- Provisions: None on site — Puerto Calero (7nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Arrive early (before 08:00) in summer for the best position. Day boats fill the anchorage by 10:00.
- Playa Mujeres is the most comfortable overnight — biggest bay, best shelter. For solitude, the bay immediately E of the main Papagayo is less frequented.
- Puerto Calero (7nm W) is the nearest fuel and provisions — stop there on the way S.
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 Playa del Papagayo
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