Cíes Islands Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 3–7m on clean fine white sand in the Ensenada de Rodas, the lagoon between Isla del Norte and Isla del Faro. This is the best-protected anchorage in the outer Ría de Vigo — sheltered from all but direct W/SW winds. The sand bar at the S entrance to the lagoon limits draft — pass to the N of the sandbar (follow posts). Maximum draft for passage: approximately 2.0m at low water springs. The Playa de Rodas beach is rated one of the best in Europe by various authorities — perfect white sand and turquoise water.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Cíes Islands is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Note: depths given are above chart datum — always calculate tidal heights before entry.

1. Approach in daylight — mussel bateas (unlit mussel farming rafts) may be present in the approaches. Do not approach unfamiliar rías at night.
2. Check tidal height — at 3–8m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope accounting for tidal range. With 4m spring tide, plan scope for maximum expected depth.
3. Drop into the current and pay out chain steadily. In tidal waters, the boat swings on the current not the wind — account for this in your swinging circle.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds moderate throttle astern.
5. Take a GPS bearing — note position once set and check the swinging circle allows for tidal direction changes.

Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna, Delta, Mantus.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Cíes Islands are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to W and SW winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below. 80m for 3–8m on perfect sand. Excellent holding. W/SW swell monitor — in Atlantic gales the lagoon remains protected but SW entrance swell can penetrate. Permit required.

Tidal note: In Galicia's 4m tidal waters, your boat will swing significantly as the tide reverses — check the anchor alarm is set generously enough to account for the swing, and do not anchor too close to other boats or the shore.

June–September only. Outside season the permit is not required and the anchorage is wonderfully solitary — but Atlantic gales increase significantly Oct–May.

Navigation Hazards

• Permit required — anchoring without permit carries €600+ fine and immediate removal
• Sandbar at S entrance: draft limit approximately 2.0m LWS — check tide tables
• Unlit bateas (mussel rafts) on approach from Vigo — night approach dangerous
• Ferry from Vigo brings 2,500 day visitors daily in summer — arrive early

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: National park anchoring permit (seasonal fee via illasatlanticas.gal)
• Permit: Anchoring permit required via illasatlanticas.gal — book weeks ahead in summer. Day visitor landing permit also required. Limited to 150 boats/day. No camping. Ferry from Vigo brings day trippers (boats have priority for overnight).
• Mooring buoys: Permit fee + mooring buoys (when available). Check current rates at illasatlanticas.gal.
• Maximum stay: 3 days
• Key restrictions: National park rules: no fires, no single-use plastics, no disturbing wildlife, no diving without permit, speed limit 3 kt within park boundary. Day visitors limited. Night stay limited to permit holders.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Vigo (9nm)
• Restaurant: One restaurant on the main island open Jun–Sep. Limited menu.
• Provisions: None on site — Vigo (9nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Book permit at illasatlanticas.gal as soon as the booking window opens (typically 60–90 days ahead for July–August).
2. Draft over 1.8m: use the N channel entrance (between Isla del Norte and the mainland). Draft under 1.5m: S channel (deeper, wider, further S of the sandbar).
3. Arrive by 09:00 — day ferry from Vigo brings crowds from 10:00. The evening after 18:00 when the last ferry leaves is the best time.
4. The walk to the lighthouse on Isla del Faro (45 min round trip) gives a panorama of the Ría de Vigo and Portugal.