Cala del Moraig Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Cala Moraig, Moraig Cave Anchorage
Cala del Moraig is famous for its sea cave (Cova del Moraig) — a 100m-long water-filled tunnel accessible by snorkel or dive, with a freshwater spring mixing with seawater inside. The anchorage itself is secondary to the cave experience but the setting is spectacular. Rocky cliffs rise 200m on both sides. Holding is variable on the mixed bottom — more a daytime anchor than an overnight destination, though overnight is possible in settled conditions.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°43.9'N 000°12.6'E
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand, rock, Posidonia
Holding
Fair HoldingProtected From
N, NW, NE
Exposed To
S, SW, SE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m minimum on mixed rocky/sandy bottom. Fair holding — snorkel to verify anchor is in sand before trusting the alarm.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreePosidonia Alert — Critical
Posidonia oceanica meadows are present in this anchorage. Before dropping anchor, use the free DONIA app to identify sandy patches. Anchoring on Posidonia is prohibited under EU law and Spanish Law 42/2007 — fines up to €200,000 in the Javea area are actively enforced. Yellowish-green patches visible from the surface indicate Posidonia — do not anchor there.
The Anchorage
Anchor in 5–10m in the sandy areas in the western part of the bay. Rocky bottom dominates much of the anchorage — snorkel to verify before setting alarm. The famous sea cave (Cova del Moraig) penetrates 100m into the cliff at the bay head — snorkelling/diving to the cave is the main reason to anchor here. Open to S/SW.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Cala del Moraig is primarily sand and rock and Posidonia with variable holding that requires extra care.
- Approach slowly — at 5–12m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
- Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds moderate throttle astern.
- Snorkel to verify Posidonia-free hold — visually confirm anchor buried in sand or rock.
Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Cala del Moraig are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SW and SE winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius before going below. 100m minimum on mixed rocky/sandy bottom. Fair holding — snorkel to verify anchor is in sand before trusting the alarm.
May–October for cave access. Avoid in any S/SW swell forecast.
Navigation Hazards
- Mixed rocky bottom — anchor placement critical; snorkel to verify
- Cave current can cause boat to swing unexpectedly in glassy conditions
- Dive/snorkel boats from Javea create wash 09:00–16:00 Jul–Aug
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Cave area: no mechanical propulsion within 50m of cave entrance. Posidonia restrictions apply.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Javea (Xàbia) (6nm)
- Restaurant: One chiringuito at the bay, Jun–Sep.
- Provisions: None on site — Javea (Xàbia) (6nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Bring a wetsuit — the cave is cold (17°C) even in August.
- Anchor in the western half of the bay where sand patches are larger.
- Daytime anchor only in moderate conditions; move to Moraira Bay (8nm S) overnight.
A note on this guide: Data researched from multiple sailing sources and provided in good faith. Always check current weather, NAVTEX bulletins, and the DONIA app for Posidonia mapping before visiting. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Cala del Moraig
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously and sounds an alarm if your boat drifts outside your set radius.
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