Ilha de Ons Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor on the E/SE side of Ons in the Ensenada de Canexol in 3–8m on sand and mud. Well protected from the dominant NW/W winds by the island mass. The small village of Canexol has the only facilities on the island. Open to the E — if E/SE wind is forecast, consider moving to the Cíes. Depth shoals gradually towards the beach — sandy bottom throughout, good holding.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ilha de Ons 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 3–9m, 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.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Ilha de Ons are feasible but require monitoring — exposed to E and SE and S winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m for 3–9m on sand/mud. Excellent holding. E swell monitor essential — if E/SE forecast, move before it builds.

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 with permit. Outside season: very exposed to Atlantic gales — experienced crews only.

Navigation Hazards

• National park permit required
• Open to E — move if E/SE forecast
• Ferry from Bueu and Sanxenxo brings day visitors

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: National park anchoring permit (seasonal fee)
• Permit: National park anchoring permit required — illasatlanticas.gal. Same permit system as Cíes. Day visitor limit enforced.
• Mooring buoys: National park permit fee applies
• Maximum stay: 3 days
• Key restrictions: National park rules. No fires. Speed limit 3 kt. Diving permit required separately.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Bueu (5nm)
• Restaurant: One restaurant/bar open Jun–Sep. Good pulpo (octopus) — a Galician specialty.
• Provisions: None on site — Bueu (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Less popular than Cíes — permit easier to obtain. Good alternative if Cíes is full.
2. Buraco do Inferno sea cave — accessible by dinghy in calm weather, spectacular geysering blowhole.
3. Pulpo a feira (octopus at the village restaurant) is the definitive Galician experience.