Tabarca Island Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Isla de Tabarca, Nueva Tabarca, Isla Plana
Tabarca is Spain's only inhabited marine reserve island — a UNESCO-protected natural park 11nm from Alicante with 18th-century fortified walls, a small permanent population, and exceptional marine biodiversity. The water clarity is outstanding (Secchi depth regularly 15–20m) and snorkelling/diving within the non-core reserve area is spectacular. Anchoring is restricted to the designated NW zone — the S side is a no-anchor core reserve. Day ferries arrive from Alicante and Santa Pola, making July–August very busy.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°09.7'N 000°28.4'W
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
S, SE, E, SW
Exposed To
N, NW, NE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free in designated zone
Mooring Buoys
Yes — Mooring buoys available in some zones — free or nominal fee
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m in designated NW zone on clean sand. Excellent holding but ensure you are within the permitted anchoring boundary.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 4–7m in the NW designated anchoring zone on sand. Spain's marine reserve management system at Tabarca strictly limits anchoring to designated zones — the NW sandy area is the main permitted spot. Holding is excellent on clean sand. The island is exposed to N/NW winds from the open sea — this is primarily a calm-weather anchorage. The S side is the core marine reserve where anchoring is completely prohibited.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Tabarca Island is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly — at 4–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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, Delta, CQR.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Tabarca Island are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to N and NW and NE winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m in designated NW zone on clean sand. Excellent holding but ensure you are within the permitted anchoring boundary.
April–October day visits. Overnight in settled N/NW forecasts only. July–August: crowded with ferry tourists.
Navigation Hazards
- Ferry traffic from Alicante and Santa Pola — high frequency Jul–Aug
- N/NW fully exposed — leave if N wind forecast exceeds 15 kt
- Core marine reserve boundaries — GPS plotting essential to stay within permitted zone
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free in designated zone
- Mooring buoys: Mooring buoys available in some zones — free or nominal fee
- Key restrictions: Marine reserve: anchoring in designated NW zone only. Core reserve (S side) — no anchoring. Speed limit 3kt within 200m of island. No fishing in reserve.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Alicante (11nm)
- Restaurant: Two restaurants in the walled village, open year-round (reduced hours Oct–May).
- Provisions: None on site — Alicante (11nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Snorkelling at the E end of the island (outside core reserve) is exceptional — visibility regularly 15m+.
- Visit midweek in June or September to avoid the worst day-ferry crowds.
- The 18th-century fortified village walls and church are worth a 1-hour walking tour.
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 Tabarca Island
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously and sounds an alarm if your boat drifts outside your set radius.
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