Calpe Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Bahía de Calpe, Calp, Peñón de Ifach Anchorage
Calpe Bay offers one of the most dramatic anchorage backdrops in Spain — the Peñón de Ifach, a 332m limestone rock jutting into the sea, dominates the scene. The anchorage in the N bay is well protected from NW/W winds by the rock and the surrounding hills. The nearby Calpe marina and town provide excellent provisioning. A UNESCO natural park surrounds the Peñón — no climbing without a permit, but viewing from the water is magnificent.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°37.9'N 000°02.6'E
Depth
5–14m
Bottom
sand, Posidonia
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NW, NE, W
Exposed To
S, SE, E
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
110m for 5–14m at 7:1 scope. The greater depth requires more scope — deploy at least 80m chain in 12m depth.
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 5–12m on sandy patches N of the Peñón de Ifach. The 332m limestone monolith creates a dramatic wind shadow to the S and provides some protection from SE winds. The N bay is the preferred anchorage — deeper (5–14m) but well sheltered from NW/W. The S bay (between the Peñón and Calpe town) is shallower but more exposed. Active Posidonia enforcement around Calpe — use DONIA app.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Calpe Bay is primarily sand and Posidonia with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly — at 5–14m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (98m chain at 14m 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.
Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Calpe Bay are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SE and E winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 110m radius before going below. 110m for 5–14m at 7:1 scope. The greater depth requires more scope — deploy at least 80m chain in 12m depth.
April–October. Winter visits possible but check Levante forecasts carefully.
Navigation Hazards
- Deep anchorage (up to 14m) — requires significant chain deployment
- Posidonia throughout — DONIA app essential
- Ferry and sport boat traffic from Calpe port
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Natural Park boundary around Peñón — no landing on the rock without permit. Posidonia enforcement active.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: Calpe town (1nm): multiple restaurants, excellent seafood (gambas de Calpe are famous).
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Gambas de Calpe (red prawns) are the local speciality — the fish market and restaurants in Calpe are excellent.
- The sunset behind the Peñón from the cockpit is a genuinely special experience.
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 Calpe Bay
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