Bahía de Getares Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Getares, Algeciras Bay S anchorage
Bahía de Getares (S of Algeciras) offers the best Levante shelter in the immediate Strait area — the sheltered eastern corner of the wide Bay of Gibraltar. Sand and mud bottom with excellent holding. This is a staging anchorage for the Strait crossing, not a destination — the industrial and commercial port surroundings of Algeciras lack scenic appeal. However, for a rough weather bolt-hole or a Strait timing anchorage, it is functional and reliable. Gibraltar marina (4nm E) provides full facilities.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°06.1'N 005°26.5'W
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
N, NE, NW, E
Exposed To
S, SW, W
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m for 5–12m on mud/sand. Excellent holding. Radar watch essential for shipping.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 5–10m on sand and mud in the sheltered bay S of Algeciras. The bay gives the best shelter from Levante of any anchorage in the Strait area. Holding is excellent on mud and sand. The Bay of Gibraltar/Algeciras is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world — maintain a strict radar and visual watch; large tankers and container ships make manoeuvres in the bay.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Bahía de Getares is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly — at 5–12m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m 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.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Bahía de Getares are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SW and W winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius before going below. 100m for 5–12m on mud/sand. Excellent holding. Radar watch essential for shipping.
Year-round but always weather-dependent. Summer Levante least frequent. Winter Vendaval most dangerous.
Navigation Hazards
- SHIPPING: Bay of Gibraltar sees 300+ vessels/day — radar and AIS watch mandatory
- Levante gusts channelled through Strait can reach 50+ kt
- Vendaval (SW gale) from Atlantic — monitor forecast continuously
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Mandatory: monitor VHF Ch 10 (Tarifa Traffic) and VHF Ch 12 (Gibraltar Port) at all times when anchored in Bay of Gibraltar. Do not anchor in shipping lanes or turning areas.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Gibraltar Marina (4nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest at Gibraltar Marina (4nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Gibraltar Marina (4nm)
Skipper's Tips
- This is a functional staging anchorage, not a destination. Use it to time the Strait crossing.
- VHF Ch 10 Tarifa Traffic broadcasts weather every even hour — mandatory listening in this area.
- Gibraltar marina (4nm): excellent for provisions, fuel, and laundry before Atlantic departure.
A note on this guide: Data researched from multiple sailing sources and provided in good faith. Always check current weather, Tarifa Traffic VHF Ch 10, and NAVTEX bulletins before visiting the Strait area. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Bahía de Getares
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — critical in the Strait area where conditions change rapidly.
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