Mazagón Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 4–9m on clean fine Atlantic sand in the wide bay W of Mazagón marina, off the long Playa de Mazagón. Outstanding sand holding — hard compacted fine sand, anchor buries immediately. Protected from the N through E by the high sandy cliffs (up to 40m) that back the beach. Open to Atlantic swell from S through W — the bay catches ocean swell in Atlantic depression conditions. In settled summer weather (dominant NW sea breeze) the anchorage is comfortable. The marina entrance is to the E — keep clear of approach channel. The Doñana National Park coastline begins immediately to the E — no anchoring within park boundaries.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Mazagón is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. All depths are above chart datum — always calculate the current tidal height before approach using Cádiz, Huelva, or Tarifa tidal predictions (Spanish IHM tide tables available free at puertos.es). Allow for the full Atlantic tidal range of 3–4m at springs. Check the Posidonia DONIA app for the approach area to confirm no protected seagrass is present.

1. Approach in good visibility — confirm the tidal height gives adequate depth for your draft. If there is a bar or shoal on the approach, calculate precisely.
2. Calculate scope for maximum depth — at 4–10m plus up to 3m tidal rise, your maximum depth at HW may be 14m. Deploy minimum 7:1 scope accounting for the full tidal range.
3. Lie to the current, not the wind — in tidal waters the boat swings on the tidal stream. Drop the anchor into the current and pay out chain steadily. Allow for the swinging circle to change direction as the tide reverses.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds moderate throttle astern to bury the anchor.
5. Take a GPS bearing — note the set position and verify your swinging circle is clear of other boats and the shore on both the flood and ebb tidal directions.

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

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Mazagón are feasible but require careful monitoring — exposed to S and SW and W winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m for 4–10m on outstanding clean sand. Excellent holding. Atlantic swell from S/SW monitor carefully — the wide beach bay offers little wave break. Tidal range 3–3.5m at springs. DOÑANA BOUNDARY immediately to E — do not drift into park waters.

Atlantic tidal note: In the Gulf of Cádiz with 3–4m tidal range, Atlantic swell, and the risk of the Levante developing overnight, your anchor watch must be reliable. The Levante (E wind) can strengthen to F7–8 within a few hours — if it is forecast, ensure you are in a W-facing anchorage (Bolonia, Bahía de Algeciras) rather than an E-facing position. Check the Tarifa MRCC forecast (VHF Ch 10) before settling for the night.

April–October. Summer (June–September) is the best season — NW trades give steady reaching winds along the coast. In October the ARC fleet passes through. Winter: exposed to Atlantic depressions — use the marina rather than anchoring.

Navigation Hazards

• DOÑANA NATIONAL PARK eastern boundary — strictly no anchoring or landing; enforced by Guardia Civil coastguard patrol
• Atlantic swell from S/SW in depression conditions — bay offers limited protection
• Huelva industrial port (14nm NE) generates commercial traffic on the coast
• Tidal range 3–3.5m — generate adequate scope
• Río Odiel and Río Tinto mouth channels (Huelva) — tidal currents strong in the estuary area N

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free
• Key restrictions: DOÑANA NATIONAL PARK begins E of the marina boundary — anchoring strictly prohibited within park waters. Spanish coastguard enforces. Keep W of the park boundary markers. Speed limit 3 kt near beach. No kite-flying from boats near the cliffs (protected nesting area).

This is Atlantic water — Posidonia seagrass (protected Mediterranean species) is not present in Gulf of Cádiz anchorages. Standard good anchoring practice applies: avoid anchoring over rocky ground, use appropriate chain length, and set firmly before considering the anchor secure.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Mazagón village (1nm by dinghy) has seafood restaurants and a supermarket. The marina has a bar/café.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Mazagón marina (Ch 9) is one of the best-value marinas on this coast — good facilities, reasonable prices, and excellent base for Doñana visits.
2. Doñana National Park boat tours depart from Sanlúcar de Barrameda (25nm S by road/ferry) — the only way to see the park interior. Book in advance.
3. The cliffs behind Mazagón beach glow extraordinary orange-red at sunset — a remarkable backdrop for the anchorage.
4. Timing for Portugal passage: Mazagón to Faro (55nm) or Vilamoura (60nm) — leave at first light on a settled NW day for a comfortable reach. ARC participants often leave from here.