Puerto de Mogán Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Mogán, Little Venice of the Canaries
Puerto de Mogán is often called the 'Little Venice of the Canaries' for its flower-draped bridges and interconnected marina. It's the most picturesque harbour in Gran Canaria and the main destination for SW Gran Canaria sailing. The outer bay offers anchoring for boats that can't get a marina berth, though the bottom is variable between sand and rock. In the dominant NE trades the anchorage is well protected — the dramatic volcanic mountains behind deflect the wind. The Tuesday market at the marina is the best in the Canaries.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
27°48.4'N 015°46.0'W
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand, rock
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E
Exposed To
S, SW, W
Best Months
March, April, May, September, October, November
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m for the wide outer bay. Variable bottom — sand patches give good hold; rocky areas poor. Set trip line in rocky zone. SW swell monitor essential.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 4–10m in the bay to the SW and SE of the marina entrance breakwater. Sand patches between rocky outcrops. Bottom is variable — sandy areas give good holding. Rocky areas have poor hold — use the trip line. The marina offers paid berths if the anchorage is uncomfortable. Sheltered from the dominant NE trades — the SW tip of Gran Canaria breaks up the trade wind stream.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Puerto de Mogán is primarily sand and rock 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, Bruce.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Puerto de Mogán are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SW and W winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m for the wide outer bay. Variable bottom — sand patches give good hold; rocky areas poor. Set trip line in rocky zone. SW swell monitor essential.
Year-round destination. Summer NE trades are consistent and strong. Winter offers calmer periods but occasional S swell from Atlantic depressions.
Navigation Hazards
- Variable bottom — rocky patches give poor holding
- SW swell penetrates the bay during S/SW wind episodes
- Ferry and tourist boat traffic in the fairway
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Keep clear of marina fairway and entrance. Speed limit 3 kt in the bay. No rafting without permission. Marina berths available at the port authority.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: Excellent choice of restaurants and cafes in the marina. Fresh fish daily.
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Tuesday market is unmissable — provision here for extended passages.
- The steep road up to the mountains behind the town (or local taxi) gives spectacular views over the anchorage.
- Marina berths: call Puerto Mogán VHF Ch 9 — cleats charge around €25–40/night for 10–12m boat.
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 Puerto de Mogán
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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