Valdevaqueros (Tarifa) Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Playa de Valdevaqueros, Tarifa anchorage
Valdevaqueros is the most sheltered sandy bay immediately W of the Strait — a large Levante-sheltered bay on the Atlantic coast, just around Punta Paloma from Tarifa. The sand is clean and the holding excellent. Famous worldwide as Europe's premier kitesurfing location — the reliable Levante wind that makes it dangerous for anchoring is the same wind that draws kitesurfers from around the world. A spectacular and energetic anchorage in settled conditions, but conditions here are always transitional.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°02.5'N 005°36.5'W
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
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
80m on excellent clean sand. Best anchorage near Tarifa for Levante shelter. Very open to SW Atlantic swell.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 3–7m on excellent clean sand N of Punta Paloma, in the bay that faces SW. Best shelter in the immediate Tarifa area from E/NE Levante — the Loma de San Bartolomé hills break the N component of the wind. The beach is world-famous for kitesurfing (Valdevaqueros is Europe's kitesurfing capital) — expect constant kite activity from the beach in summer. Open to S/SW/W Atlantic swell.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Valdevaqueros (Tarifa) 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.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Valdevaqueros (Tarifa) are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SW and W winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m on excellent clean sand. Best anchorage near Tarifa for Levante shelter. Very open to SW Atlantic swell.
Weather-window dependent. Most manageable June and September. Levante monitoring non-negotiable.
Navigation Hazards
- Kitesurfers: 200m exclusion from launch zone — collisions documented
- SW/W Atlantic swell enters freely — uncomfortable in any W component
- Levante can build from 0–50kt in 2 hours at Tarifa — depart immediately if E develops
- Africa is 14km S — Morocco currents affect approach in strong winds
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Maintain 200m clearance from kitesurfer launch area (clearly marked with red flags). No anchoring within kite exclusion zone.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Tarifa (3nm)
- Restaurant: Beach chiringuitos open Jun–Sep.
- Provisions: None on site — Tarifa (3nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Best used as an early-morning daytime anchorage when checking weather before Strait passage.
- The view from the anchorage — Africa 14km away, kites, dolphins, the Rock of Gibraltar — is uniquely dramatic.
- Tarifa harbour (3nm) has excellent weather information at the fishing dock — ask the harbour staff.
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 Valdevaqueros (Tarifa)
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — critical in the Strait area where conditions change rapidly.
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