Ensenada de Baiona Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 3–7m on sand and mud in the wide bay N of the Monte Real marina breakwater. The Monterreal headland to the S with its parador (converted castle/fortress) provides excellent shelter. In the N/NW Portuguese trades the bay is comfortable. Open to the S — in S gales the anchorage becomes untenable, but S winds are rare in summer.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ensenada de Baiona is primarily sand and mud 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, CQR.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Ensenada de Baiona are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to S and SW winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 85m radius before going below. 85m for 3–8m on sand/mud. Excellent holding. S swell monitor — rare but bay fully exposed to direct S.

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.

May–September ideal. Year-round viable — sheltered enough for winter stops but Atlantic gales can last a week in January–February.

Navigation Hazards

• N Portuguese trades funnel across the bay — can be choppy in summer afternoons
• Open to S — move to marina or inner bay if S forecast
• Tour boats and high-speed charter boats from the Parador

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free
• Key restrictions: Keep clear of marina fairway. Speed limit 3 kt in bay. Monterreal headland (Parador): keep 100m off the castle walls — tour boats operate from the point.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Good choice of restaurants in Baiona town. The Parador itself has a restaurant open to non-guests.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Departure point for Portugal: the next stop S is Viana do Castelo (20nm) or Póvoa de Varzim (30nm).
2. Monte Real Club de Yates offers excellent paid berths (call VHF Ch 09) — consider marina for departure provisioning.
3. The Monterreal fortified headland is free to walk — the views of the bay from the ramparts are the best in Galicia.