Delta de l'Ebre — Badia dels Alfacs Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 2–4m on mud in the large shallow bay of Alfacs. The Punta de la Banya sand spit to the S forms the natural barrier. Excellent protection from all directions except S/SW. The bay is very shallow overall — draft limit approximately 2.5m throughout. Rice fields surround the bay (Ebro Delta rice is famous). Tidal range minimal (Mediterranean). Mud holding is excellent.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Delta de l'Ebre — Badia dels Alfacs is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly — at 2–5m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
3. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds moderate throttle astern.
4. Take a GPS bearing — note position once set and confirm adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna, CQR.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Delta de l'Ebre — Badia dels Alfacs are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SW winds and swell. Most anchorages on the Costa Daurada are day stops only.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below. 75m for 2–5m in shallow mud. Excellent holding. Draft limit 2.5m throughout the bay. S/SW wind monitor.

April–October. Avoid in Levante conditions (N bay is well protected but the spit gives minimal W shelter). Best in spring and early autumn when bird migration is at its peak.

Navigation Hazards

• Shallow bay: draft limit 2.5m — deep-keel yachts may ground
• Fog: the Delta experiences more fog than the open Costa Daurada coast
• Bird nesting exclusion zones around Punta de la Banya — check current positions

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free
• Key restrictions: Delta Natural Park — no disturbing bird colonies. Speed limit 3 kt throughout the bay. No anchoring within 200m of Punta de la Banya (bird nesting zone). Draft limit 2.5m.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Good seafood restaurants in Sant Carles de la Ràpita. Excellent rice dishes (arròs a banda) using local Delta rice.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the most unique overnight anchorages in Spain — the bird life alone is worth the visit.
2. Local speciality: arròs a banda (rice with fish) and oysters from the Delta farms.
3. Flat, featureless landscape — great for sunsets. Bring mosquito repellent for evenings (rice paddies).