Cala Aiguablava Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Aiguablava, Aigüablava
Cala Aiguablava ('blue water cove') is the most famous anchorage on the Begur coastline — a compact bay of exceptional clarity backed by pine forest and crowned by the Parador hotel. The turquoise colour that names the bay comes from the white sand bottom visible through clear 3–6m water. Extremely popular in peak season; arrive before 09:30 to secure a position. One of the few Costa Brava bays where the Tramuntana gives reasonable shelter, making it a favourite early-season anchorage.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
41°55.4'N 003°13.3'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand, rock
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NW, NE, W
Exposed To
S, SE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m covers the central bay at 3–7m. Rocky headlands on both sides — keep to centreline.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 3–6m in the sandy areas in the inner bay. Rocky outcrops extend from both headlands — keep to the centre. The Parador hotel (5-star, on the N headland) means this anchorage is often busy with gin palace motor yachts. Good holding in sand. Open to S/SE — comfortable in summer.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Cala Aiguablava is primarily sand and rock with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds.
- Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and confirm adequate chain for the depth.
Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Cala Aiguablava are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below. 75m covers the central bay at 3–7m. Rocky headlands on both sides — keep to centreline.
May–October. Peak season (Jul–Aug) extremely crowded — early arrival essential.
Navigation Hazards
- Rocky outcrops from both headlands — centre approach only
- Very crowded Jul–Aug — motor yachts and charter boats
- Open to S/SE afternoon Garbi (SE sea breeze)
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. 3kt limit within 200m of beach.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Begur (3nm)
- Restaurant: Parador restaurant (formal, expensive) and one beach bar.
- Provisions: None on site — Begur (3nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Arrive before 09:30 in summer or use Sa Riera (2nm N) as backup.
- The water is genuinely exceptional — worth anchoring just for the colour.
- Snorkelling around the N headland rocks is excellent.
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions can change. Always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather 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 Aiguablava
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