Gibraltar Eastern Beach Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Bahía de Catalan Bay, Caleta, E Gibraltar anchorage
The Eastern Bay of Gibraltar (Catalan Bay) provides shelter from the Vendaval (SW) when the W bay of Gibraltar is exposed to Atlantic swell. It is one of the few places in the Strait where a boat can anchor safely in strong W/SW conditions. The Rock of Gibraltar (426m) rises dramatically to the W, blocking all westerly wind. The Barbary macaques on the Rock are visible from the water. This is a specialist anchorage used by experienced Strait cruisers — not a general-purpose overnight destination.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°07.7'N 005°20.3'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand, rock
Holding
Fair HoldingProtected From
W, NW, SW, N
Exposed To
E, NE, SE
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
110m minimum on mixed bottom at depth. Fair holding — use more scope (9:1) and snorkel to verify sand contact.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 5–12m on sandy patches between rock on the E side of the Rock of Gibraltar. This anchorage gives shelter from W/NW (Vendaval/Ponent) but is completely exposed to Levante from the E. Very deep close to the Rock — anchor at least 300m from the cliff face. Holding is fair on mixed sand/rock. A specialist anchorage: use in specific wind conditions only.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Gibraltar Eastern Beach is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra care.
- Approach slowly — at 5–15m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (105m chain at 15m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily.
- Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds moderate throttle astern.
- Snorkel to verify — given fair holding, confirm anchor buried in sand.
Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Gibraltar Eastern Beach are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to E and NE and SE winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 110m radius before going below. 110m minimum on mixed bottom at depth. Fair holding — use more scope (9:1) and snorkel to verify sand contact.
Weather-dependent only. Summer Levante risk is lower but always possible in Strait.
Navigation Hazards
- Deep near cliff — anchor at least 300m from Rock face
- Fully exposed to Levante from E — leave immediately if E/NE wind develops
- Military exercise areas may be active — check NAVTEX before anchoring
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Maintain 300m clearance from Rock of Gibraltar cliff face. Monitor Gibraltar Port on VHF Ch 12. Military training area restrictions may apply — check NAVTEX.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Gibraltar Marina Bay (3nm)
- Restaurant: Catalan Bay fishing village (100m from anchorage area) has one restaurant.
- Provisions: None on site — Gibraltar Marina Bay (3nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Use this only when W bay is untenable in Vendaval — it is a weather-specific anchorage.
- The Barbary macaques can sometimes be spotted on the rock face from the water.
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 Gibraltar Eastern Beach
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — critical in the Strait area where conditions change rapidly.
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