Corcubión Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Corcubion, Ensenada de Corcubión, Ría de Corcubión
Corcubión is the classic staging post before rounding Cape Finisterre — the 'End of the World' and one of the most weather-sensitive headlands in Europe. This deep Galician ría is sheltered from almost all directions and offers excellent mud holding, making it the best waiting anchorage for a Finisterre passage window. The town of Corcubión itself is a quiet fishing community. The ría is also used by Camino de Santiago pilgrims as a stopping point on the Camino Finisterre route. In strong NW Atlantic gales, this anchorage offers some of the best protection available before the Cape.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
42°56.6'N 009°11.2'W
Depth
3–8m (above chart datum)
Bottom
mud, sand
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, NW
Exposed To
W, SW
Best Months
June, July, August, September
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit
Not required
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m for 3–8m on excellent mud. Outstanding holding in soft mud. W/SW monitor — if Atlantic depression approaches from SW, the anchorage can receive significant swell.
⚠ Galicia has up to 4m tidal range — boat swings with tidal current. Set alarm generously and check periodically.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 3–7m on mud and sand in the inner Ría of Corcubión, well inside the Cabo Corcubión headland. Excellent all-round protection in this deep inlet. The only true exposure is to W/SW — the hills on either side of the Ría entrance provide a natural wind break. Tidal range 3m at springs. Ideal waiting area for a Cape Finisterre passage window.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Corcubión is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set. Note: depths given are above chart datum — always calculate tidal heights before entry.
- Approach in daylight — mussel bateas (unlit mussel farming rafts) may be present in the approaches. Do not approach unfamiliar rías at night.
- 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.
- 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.
- Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds moderate throttle astern.
- Take a GPS bearing — note position once set and check the swinging circle allows for tidal direction changes.
Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna, CQR, Delta.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Corcubión are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to W and SW winds and swell.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m for 3–8m on excellent mud. Outstanding holding in soft mud. W/SW monitor — if Atlantic depression approaches from SW, the anchorage can receive significant swell.
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 most comfortable. Viable year-round as a passage waiting anchorage — this is its primary purpose.
Navigation Hazards
- Cape Finisterre approach: seas can build to 6–8m in NW gales — check forecast for 48+ hours before departure
- Tidal range 3m — anchor with adequate scope for tidal changes
- Fishing boat traffic entering/leaving the Ría
Rules & Regulations
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Key restrictions: Cee, the town across the Ría, has a ferry berth and fishing boat priority area — keep clear. Speed limit 3 kt in the Ría.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Corcubión and Cee (0nm)
- Restaurant: Traditional seafood restaurants in Corcubión town and in Cee (W side of Ría).
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- This is the classic waiting anchorage for Cape Finisterre passage — comfort here while waiting for a settled weather window.
- Cape Finisterre passage: time arrival at the Cape for slack water or favourable tidal stream. From Corcubión, Finisterre is 7nm — 1.5 hours.
- VHF Ch 16: contact Finisterre MRCC for passage weather forecast (24/7 in Spanish and English).
A note on this guide: Data researched from multiple sailing sources and provided in good faith. Galician tidal conditions change rapidly — always check current tide tables, NAVTEX bulletins, and illasatlanticas.gal for current permit availability. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Corcubión
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — critical in Galicia where 4m tidal changes and boat swing require constant anchor watch.
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