Hondarribia Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 3–6m on mud and sand in Txingudi Bay, S of the main navigation channel of the Bidasoa river. The bay formed where the Bidasoa river meets the sea (Spain-France border river) offers excellent shelter from nearly all directions — the surrounding hills of both Spain and France provide a natural amphitheatre. The main navigation channel (Hendaye ferry, fishing boats) runs through the centre of the bay — anchor to S or SW of the channel, clear of the fairway. Tidal range 4–4.5m. River current strong on spring ebb — up to 2 kt. Hondarribia on the S (Spanish) side; Hendaye on the N (French) side.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Hondarribia is primarily mud and 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, CQR.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Hondarribia are feasible in stable conditions but require active monitoring — the anchorage is exposed to SE winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m for 3–6m on mud/sand. Excellent holding in soft mud. Near all-round shelter from surrounding hills (both Spanish and French sides). Tidal range 4–4.5m — river ebb 2 kt at springs; set anchor into the current.

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.

June–September ideal. The most sheltered anchorage on the Cantabrian coast — viable in a wider range of conditions than other stops. Good arrival/departure port for passages to/from France (Bayonne 10nm, Biarritz 18nm).

Navigation Hazards

• Navigation channel through the bay — keep clear of marked fairway
• River ebb current up to 2 kt at springs — anchor into the current
• Tidal range 4–4.5m — generous scope required
• Ferry crossing Hondarribia–Hendaye — keep clear of ferry route
• International border: carry ship's papers, passports, and clearance documentation

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free
• Key restrictions: Keep clear of the main navigation channel (marked by buoys — Hendaye ferry and fishing vessels). Speed 3 kt in bay. Border area: customs formalities if arriving from France (or proceeding to France).

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Outstanding pintxos bars and seafood restaurants in the old town. The casco viejo (walled quarter) has some of the finest pintxos in the Basque Country. Also try the French side (Hendaye) for combination of Basque and French cuisine.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. The old walled town of Hondarribia (upper quarter) is one of the best-preserved medieval ports in Spain — the walk up through the walls takes 15 minutes and is unmissable.
2. The Hendaye ferry takes 3 minutes — take a dinghy or the ferry to experience both sides of the border in one afternoon.
3. Hondarribia is the natural start or end point for a Cantabrian coast passage — San Sebastián (12nm W) is the nearest major city with full marina facilities.
4. The bar at the Bidasoa river mouth: in SW gales, a breaking bar can form — check conditions before entry and call San Sebastián MRSC VHF Ch 16.