Port de la Selva Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Puerto de la Selva
Port de la Selva is a traditional Catalan fishing village on the N Costa Brava coast, offering the best-holding sandy anchorage between the French border and Palamós. The wide bay provides excellent shelter from S/SW winds but is fully exposed to the Tramuntana from the N — the classic Costa Brava challenge. In settled summer weather, the crystal-clear shallow water, whitewashed village, and authentic seafood restaurants make this one of the most rewarding overnight stops on the northern coast. The Sierra de Rodes mountains behind the village shelter the bay from W winds.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
42°20.2'N 003°07.4'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
S, SW, SE, W, E
Exposed To
N, NE, NW
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m covers 4–10m depth at 7:1 scope. Excellent holding means genuine dragging is rare in settled conditions — alarm is primarily a Tramuntana warning system. In Tramuntana conditions, leave rather than rely on the alarm.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 4–8m on sand and mud in the wide central bay, keeping clear of the small fishing harbour on the E side. Holding is excellent throughout — deep sand over mud gives reliable hold for all anchor types. This is a rare all-weather anchorage when winds are S/SW but fully exposed to the Tramuntana from the N. In Tramuntana, the swell rolls in from the N through the wide bay mouth — vacate immediately if N/NE forecast exceeds 20 kt.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Port de la Selva is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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, Delta, CQR.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Port de la Selva are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE and NW winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m covers 4–10m depth at 7:1 scope. Excellent holding means genuine dragging is rare in settled conditions — alarm is primarily a Tramuntana warning system. In Tramuntana conditions, leave rather than rely on the alarm.
May–June and September–October ideal. July–August: Tramuntana lighter, flat-calm mornings, afternoon Garbi (SE sea breeze) 10–15 kt. Avoid Oct–Apr when Tramuntana episodes are frequent and severe.
Navigation Hazards
- Fully exposed to Tramuntana (N/NE) — leave immediately if N forecast exceeds 20 kt
- Fishing boat traffic morning and evening — maintain anchor watch
- Posidonia patches in outer bay — use DONIA app
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Maintain 50m clearance from fishing harbour entrance. No anchoring in fishing boat turning area (marked by yellow buoys). Posidonia fines apply.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Port de la Selva village (0nm)
- Restaurant: Several good seafood restaurants on the waterfront, open year-round.
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Arrive from the S in the afternoon after the Tramuntana has settled. Tramuntana typically eases from 17:00.
- The village fish market opens at 17:00 — excellent anchorage for provisioning with fresh catch.
- If Tramuntana threatens overnight, motor round to Cala Montjoi (7nm S) which faces SW and is better protected.
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 Port de la Selva
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius.
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