Playa de Cabopino Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Cabopino, Ancón Sierra Blanca
Playa de Cabopino is the best natural anchorage on the developed Costa del Sol — a clean sand bay backed by a protected dune reserve (Dunas de Artola, the last natural dunes on this coastline) with a small marina to the W providing wind shelter. The sand bottom gives outstanding holding. Located 5nm E of Marbella, it offers good access to town by taxi for provisioning while maintaining a natural setting. One of the few Costa del Sol anchorages with genuine character.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°29.8'N 004°42.8'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
N, NW, NE, W
Exposed To
S, SE, E
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Mooring Buoys
None
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m on clean sand. Excellent holding — alarm primarily monitors southerly exposure.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 3–7m on clean sand in the bay east of Cabopino marina. The natural dune reserve behind the beach (Dunas de Artola, protected) keeps the backdrop wild and unspoiled. Excellent holding on clean fine sand throughout. Open to S/SE — any Levante or southerly swell penetrates quickly.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Playa de Cabopino is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.
- Approach slowly — at 3–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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, CQR.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Playa de Cabopino are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SE and E winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m on clean sand. Excellent holding — alarm primarily monitors southerly exposure.
April–October. Avoid Levante forecasts (E/NE). Most reliable May–June and September.
Navigation Hazards
- Open to S/E — Levante builds quickly on Costa del Sol
- High-speed jet ski traffic from Marbella in Jul–Aug afternoons
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Dunas de Artola Natural Monument — no landing on dune system. Swimming zone exclusion front of beach Jul–Aug.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Marbella (5nm)
- Restaurant: Beach restaurant and chiringuito, open Jun–Sep.
- Provisions: None on site — Marbella (5nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Best natural anchorage between Malaga and Gibraltar — a reliable overnight in settled conditions.
- Marbella provisioning: taxi from the marina entrance (5 min) to the market.
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 Playa de Cabopino
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — critical in the Strait area where conditions change rapidly.
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