Comillas Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 4–8m on clean sand NE of the town beach in the open bay. The bay is relatively shallow — approach from the E to avoid the rocks at Punta de la Mesa to the W. Excellent sand holding. Shelter is adequate from the dominant W and NW winds but the anchorage is completely open to N and NE — leave before any NE builds. Tidal range 4–4.5m. The Gaudí connection: El Capricho (Antoni Gaudí's first major work, 1883–1885) stands above the town — an extraordinary neo-Moorish fantasy in orange brick visible from the anchorage.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Comillas Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Note: depths given are above chart datum — with a 4–5m spring tidal range on the Cantabrian coast, always calculate your actual depth at the target tide state before entry. No Posidonia seagrass restrictions apply on this Atlantic coast, but seagrass may be present in some estuaries — anchor on bare sand or mud where possible.

1. Verify depth at target tide state — with 4–5m tidal range, charted depth alone is insufficient. Calculate HAT (highest astronomical tide) and your target entry depth using tide tables or an app.
2. Call harbour master on VHF Ch 09 — for ría and bar entries, always call before approach. Bars shift seasonally and harbour masters know current depths.
3. Drop into the current and pay out chain steadily. In tidal waters with strong river ebb, anchor into the current — not the wind. The boat will swing to the current.
4. Deploy 8:1 scope minimum — Atlantic swell and 4–5m tidal range demand more scope than Mediterranean conditions. Use 8:1 as your starting point; increase in any swell or if staying overnight.
5. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds moderate throttle astern. On mixed bottoms (sand/rock), snorkel to verify anchor is buried in sand.
6. Take a GPS position — note coordinates once set and check your swinging circle accounts for tidal current direction reversals.

Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Comillas Bay are feasible in stable conditions but require active monitoring — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m for 4–8m on clean sand. Excellent holding. This is an open bay — tidal range 4–4.5m and NE exposure make a generous radius essential. Leave if NE forecast F4+.

Tidal & Atlantic note: With a 4–5m tidal range and Atlantic groundswell that can build overnight without warning, the Cantabrian coast demands a reliable GPS anchor alarm at all times. Your boat will swing significantly as the tide reverses direction — ensure your swinging circle is clear of other boats, mooring lines, and the shore at all states of tide. The minimum recommended scope on this coast is 8:1; in any swell, increase to 10:1.

July–August in settled W/NW conditions only. This is a fine-weather anchorage — have an escape plan to San Vicente or Santander. Not suitable for overnight unless forecast is very stable.

Navigation Hazards

• Completely open to N and NE — leave immediately if NE forecast
• Rocks at Punta de la Mesa (W side of bay) — approach from E
• Tidal range 4–4.5m — anchor well off beach
• Atlantic swell residual even in W-wind conditions

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free
• Key restrictions: Open bay — keep clear of the beach swimming zone. Rocks at Punta de la Mesa (W): approach from E. Speed limit 3 kt near beach.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Comillas town (0nm)
• Restaurant: Several restaurants in Comillas. Good local fish and seafood. The town fills with visitors in summer.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Use as a lunch stop or overnight in stable high-pressure anticyclonic conditions only — never rely on it in unsettled weather.
2. El Capricho (Gaudí) opens at 10:30 — visit in the morning before sea breeze builds.
3. San Vicente de la Barquera (7nm W) offers full shelter if conditions deteriorate.
4. The sunset from the anchorage looking at the Gaudí tower is one of the most surreal views in Spanish sailing.