About the Cruising Area

A. Marina Bay (Gibraltar)

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -5° 21′ 13.9752″

Lng: 36° 8′ 56.5836″

Don’t be deceived into thinking that the Gibraltar area provides no challenging weather. We have a warm Mediterranean climate, which extends the sailing season throughout the year. However, the local peculiarities of the Rock of Gibraltar, and the varying conditions in the Gibraltar straits, will keep you on your toes.

Contrary to popular wisdom, the Mediterranean does have tides, with mean sea level variations of around 40 centimetres. The Mediterranean is effectively a closed body of water, with its only opening being the narrow Strait of Gibraltar where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The effects of the Atlantic Ocean’s tides are greatest at the Strait of Gibraltar, declining gradually towards the West. Sea level variations of 80-100 centimetres around the port of Gibraltar are not uncommon.

The funnelling effect of the Strait of Gibraltar can provide wind even on the calmest of days, and its currents can run at up to four knots. When the winds blow at force five and above, good shelter is afforded by the Bay of Gibraltar. Whether windy or calm, you can rely on our expert instructors to find just the right spot for safe yet exciting sailing. This gives you the opportunity to gain experience in all conditions, increasing your confidence and ability along the way. No matter what your ability, Gibraltar offers conditions perfectly suited to honing and testing your skills.

B. Puerto Deportivo de Ceuta

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -5° 18′ 54.1188″

Lng: 35° 53′ 21.4980″

Ceuta is a Spanish enclave, on the northernmost tip of the Moroccan coast. It enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate, with an average temperature of 20℃ and around 300 days of sun per year, and makes an ideal destination any time of year.

As with many ports in this area, Ceuta has had a long and turbulent history. It has been a Roman coastal base, a Byzantine outpost, and in the 8th century it fell under the rule of the Moors, who used it as a strategic base for invasions of Spain. It has been fought over by Moroccan Sultans, Portuguese Kings and Spanish Princes. It finally came under the control of Spain in 1640. This rich history is apparent almost everywhere in Ceuta, from its cathedrals and castles, to its monuments and museums.

Amongst its many attractions is the Maritime Park which is situated close to the sea and covers 70,000 square metres. It is formed by a beautiful a combination of swimming pools, lakes and gardens.

The city walls were built as fortifications by the Byzantines, and were later improved upon by the Portuguese and Spanish. They have been restored to their former glory, with the addition of information boards written in Spanish and English.

C. Marina Smir (Tétouan)

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -5° 20′ 18.9996″

Lng: 35° 45′ 2.9988″

The landscape that forms the north coast of Morocco comprises many bays and coves, many of which remain relatively unexplored. Situated approximately half way between Ceuta and Tétouan, Marina Smir is surrounded by lush green land that is in stark contrast to the arid and desolate country often associated with Morocco.

Smir is a modern, purpose-built and impressive marina, edged with bars and restaurants and flanked by miles of beach.  is a formal port of entry for Morocco and formalities are easily concluded before overnighting here or exploring south-east along the rugged, dramatic Moroccan coast to El Jebha or even further.   Within a 30 minute taxi ride to the south is the ancient city of Tetouan - a vivid mix for visitors wishing to see something of traditional Moroccan culture and enjoy a memorable supper in relaxed surroundings.   The marina itself is easily found.  The entrance requires a sharp turn to starboard into a short and fairly narrow but well-marked channel from which the visitors’ berth (which is a mandatory first stop) is immediately to port.  While navigation itself is straightforward, skippers will be need to take care in easterly swells and, on the approaches for 3 or 4 miles around, keep a watchful eye for often unmarked (and unlit) fishing nets.   Once inside the marina, you’re spoilt for choice: there are relatively few occupied berths, and lots of room to manoeuvre.  The variety of free walls and pontoons offers a superb opportunity to practise every conceivable drill for coming alongside in any wind conditions: great fun and second-to-none experience.

D. Kabila Marina (Tétouan)

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -5° 20′ 8.1420″

Lng: 35° 43′ 12.1152″

The ancient Mediterranean trading town of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin) is in the far north of the Rif mountains and was built around its market, where trade in animals, textiles, tobacco, soap, grain, flour and citrus fruits continues to this day. The production of tiles with inlaid patterns in silver wire is also part of this town’s history, and this is reflected in the decoration of walls and pillars in the historic parts of the town (the old town being known as a medina).

A strong Andalucían influence is also in evidence in the art and architecture of Tétouan, which was a town of particular importance in the Islamic period, from the 8th century onwards, when it served as the main point of contact between Morocco and Andalucía.

Perhaps one of its main attractions to tourists is the fact that, although one of the smallest of Moroccan towns, it is the most complete and remains very characteristic and traditional. Traders such as weavers, jewellers and leather workers are much in evidence all over the city, where the streets are fairly wide and straight, and many of the houses belong to aristocratic families. An additional tourist attraction is the royal palace, situated just outside the town.

E. El Jebha

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -4° 39′ 57.9996″

Lng: 35° 12′ 18.0000″

El Jebha is a very small local harbour some 45 nm south-eastwards along the Moroccan coast from Smir. The town is small but supports the local fishing fleet and a weekly market. Residents and authorities are friendly, but tourist opportunities are limited.

The harbour is very cramped and the only available berth is alongside the (helpful and welcoming) Fisheries Protection Vessel. The entrance faces west southwest and needs care in any sort of strong westerly swell. The berth itself is poorly protected and therefore uncomfortable in similar conditions. As these are generally the conditions required to reach the area from Smir, skippers need to consider quite carefully both their arrival strategy and the return leg!

That said, the last skipper to go there from Gibraltar did so with the Fast Trackers on their Day Skipper practical assessment in a NW gale—and they all survived. Their view was that it was great to have a new adventure and to see a different aspect of Morocco. This is therefore essentially a destination for non-tidal mileage building and general interest—although the anchorage just to the north east of the town, set inside an old volcanic crater is a spectacular sight.

F. Bahía de Cádiz

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -6° 17′ 8.9160″

Lng: 36° 32′ 24.3168″

Cádiz in on the south-west coast of Spain is one of its oldest cities from being a Phoenician trading harbour until 500 BC, taken by the Romans in 206 AD and under Moorish rule from 711 until liberated by Alfonso X of Castile in 1262. It has also been the centre of Spanish naval pride since the 18th century and a walk amongst the old town of Cádiz will really give you a sense of that long history.

The Bay itself, although it has a fair amount of commercial traffic, offers several excellent marinas and an anchorage spot. There is also plenty of room for some sheltered sailing if the weather has turned on you.

G. Marina Rota

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -6° 21′ 12.7116″

Lng: 36° 36′ 55.4040″

On the north-western edge of the bay is the town and marina of Rota. Check the depth for your planned arrival time as the depth in the entrance can be down to 2 metres. Although the marina is compact there is space enough inside to get your sails down and prepare for your berth. The town is worth a visit and if you have the time there are excellent beaches on both the western and eastern sides.

H. Puerto America

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -6° 17′ 2.2740″

Lng: 36° 32′ 26.3040″

On the southern side of the Bay the marina is situated immediately to starboard at the entrance to the main harbour. An easy entrance with a minimum depth of 8.0 metres and full facilities. Great for visiting the old town of Cádiz but be aware it’s a commercial area so can be noisy.

I. Puerto Sherry

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -6° 15′ 19.5336″

Lng: 36° 34′ 46.4052″

One of two marinas on the eastern side of the bay Puerto Sherry is a large marina with plenty of space inside. However watch for the tidal flow near the entrance, particularly when approaching the visitors berth. Outside Puerto Sherry to the north-east, between the marina and the wall of the channel leading up the Rio Guadalete, is a secluded albeit shallow anchorage.

J. Puerto de Santa Maria

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -6° 13′ 48.8280″

Lng: 36° 35′ 20.2200″

A short way up the Rio Guadalete is Puerto de Santa Maria, the second marina on the eastern side of the bay. The approach can be great place for short-tacking if the wind is coming down the river but watch the tidal flow. The marina is a yacht club, well detailed in the pilot book and usually has plenty of spaces available.

If you still want to visit the town of Cádiz but prefer the quieter marinas of Puerto Santa Maria or Puerto Sherry then you can catch one of the regular ferries to Cádiz.

K. Barbate

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -5° 55′ 52.7088″

Lng: 36° 10′ 58.1304″

Barbate lies about 6 miles east of Cape Trafalgar and 23 miles north-west of Tarifa. It has been an important fishing port since Roman times and in the Franco era it was known as Barbate de Franco due to the dictator’s fondness for taking summer breaks here. The western end of the harbour has now been converted into a 314-berth marina, which offers a convenient stop-off point for yachts sailing towards or returning from the Straits of Gibraltar and a port of refuge should the weather off Tarifa get a bit spicy.

As with many of the ports in this part of the world with Barbate you need to watch for tunny nets which can extend up to 2 miles offshore in the approaches and fishing vessels are a constant presence.

L. Puerto de Tarifa

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -5° 36′ 17.1540″

Lng: 36° 0′ 37.5192″

At the southernmost tip of Spain, and indeed, Europe, is Tarifa. It is thought of by many as a surfer’s paradise, but Tarifa is able to offer much more than beautiful windswept beaches.

Tarifa’s little fishing town is a friendly, happy place, where relations between locals and holidaymakers are genuinely warm. Its wild coastline appeals to nautical and nature lovers alike, and you are just as likely to meet a bird watcher as you are a surfer.

Kite surfing and wind surfing are rightly popular here. Although they require some grit and determination to master, they are extremely entertaining and rewarding activities. Tarifa is a very laid back place, and is well suited to the more leisurely types. There are some beautiful secluded beaches, plenty of interesting narrow cobbled streets, tasty tapas bars and welcoming watering holes.

M. Puerto de la Duquesa

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -5° 13′ 42.4632″

Lng: 36° 21′ 14.0904″

Duquesa is holiday home town located approximately halfway between Gibraltar and Marbella on the Costa del Sol. The Puerto de la Duquesa marina has quite a bit of character surrounded by bars and restaurants, the Castillo to the south and with the long beaches of the Duquesa Golden Mile running both north and south. There are several hotels and, as you’d expect from the Costa del Golf, a golf course in the hills above the port.

The entrance is fairly narrow and there is no room for handling sails once inside to get all this done before approaching, keep a close eye on depths and stick to the middle of the channel.

N. Puerto Deportivo de Estepona

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -5° 9′ 29.7108″

Lng: 36° 24′ 55.2672″

Marina del Mediterraneo at Estepona is part of the same group of marinas at Duquesa, Benalmadena and Almuñécar along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. It has a similar feel to Duquesa though much larger and is again surrounded by bars and restaurants. If you’re visiting in the summer you definitely need to head for the beach and the traditional Spanish beach bar/restaurants or Chiringuitos.

The approach into Estepona is easy enough with the lighthouse to the north-east of the marina clearly visible and once inside and berthed alongside pontoon 5 you can see the marina office that the pilots books amusingly describe as looking like a blue and white, multi-layered wedding cake.

O. Puerto Banus

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -4° 57′ 12.4596″

Lng: 36° 29′ 1.2948″

Marbella and Puerto Banus in particular are well known as the playground for the rich and famous, where if you believed everything the media had to say celebrities are rubbing shoulders in the cocktails bars and on the deck of super yachts with mafia bosses on a nightly basis. Back in the real world this is indeed the ultimate people watching location where gucci-clad ferrari drivers are commonplace and the opulently decorated cocktail bars nestle between designer boutiques.

In fact Marbella has a long history stretching back to a Phoenician settlement. In Roman times, the city was called Salduba but it was it’s Islamic rulers who built a castle and walled city here and named it Marbil-la. The Spanish re-captured the city in 1485 and since then it has grown to over 110,000 inhabitants.

It may not offer a huge amount for sailing purists but assuming you can get into what is often a very crowded marina you will see the luxury, opulent, over-the-top side of the Costa del Sol.

P. Chipiona

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -6° 25′ 45.8580″

Lng: 36° 44′ 48.9516″

South-west of the Rio Guadaquivir estuary is the town and marina of Chipiona. The town itself, which is a 10-minute walk away, is attractive with Moorish style architecture and plenty of sea front bars and restaurants. If you have the time then it’s a 10km taxi ride from the sherry-producing town of Sanlucar de Barrameda.

The lighthouse, one of the highest in Spain, on the headland of Punta del Perro marks the dangerous reef of Bajo Salmedina just under two miles off the headland. A further cardinal, marking the reef, and a fairway buoy, marking the approach channel, lead you to the entrance of the marina. Depths here can get down to around 2.5 metres so care is needed, especially if there is any swell running.

Q. Bonanza and the Rio Guadalquivir

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -6° 20′ 30.5340″

Lng: 36° 48′ 19.1988″

The Rio Guadalquivir leads from the Spanish Atlantic coast all the way to Seville. However if you wish to visit Seville you will need to use more traditional methods and this route would cost you at least two days with little to be gained from the experience.

A trip up to the anchorage opposite Bonanza can be enjoyable with some short-tacking up the channel, if the wind is favourable, and some ferry gliding in the strong tidal streams but be sure to keep your eye out for traffic. Ensure your anchor is well set as the currents can get very strong and care should be taken if you decide to take a swim at any other time than when the tide is slack.

R. Puerto Deportivo de Mazagon

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -6° 49′ 50.7000″

Lng: 37° 7′ 52.2156″

The town and marina of Mazagon is situated at the entrance to the Rio Odiel, the major river leading up to the Spanish port of Huelva. The modern 500-berth marina is well protected from all directions and is a good base for exploring the Donana National Park and Odiel Nature Reserve as well as historic Huelva.

The entrance to the Rio Odiel can hardly be missed with its curving, 3 mile-long mole which extends the southern bank of the river out to sea and makes this an excellent port of refuge. Probably due to the commercial traffic, the channel is very well marked, in fact the sea of red and green flashing lateral marks can be confusing at first but the clever red-white-green transit light is easy to follow.

There is an anchorage west of the marina that is well shielded from anything apart from south or north-westerly winds. This area is also good for mooring buoy practise and ferry gliding in the tidal stream as long as you do this outside of the main buoyed channel.

S. Ayamonte

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -7° 24′ 28.0404″

Lng: 37° 12′ 39.7944″

Ayamonte is the westernmost coastal town in the Spanish province of Andalusia, situated on the west bank of the Rio Guadiana, which forms the national border between Spain and Portugal.

The entrance to the Rio Guadiana is conspicuous by virtue of the 1.2 mile long mole of Ponta de Santo Antonio on the Portuguese side of the estuary. This beautiful area where Spain meets the Portuguese Algarve, with the river lined with old fortresses and picturesque houses and stunning beaches can be a challenging location to get into but well worth the effort and preparation required. Once you’ve run the gauntlet of the lobster pots and fishing boats there is the sand bar at the entrance and the fierce tidal streams to deal with. However with a good pilot plan, secondary port tidal heights calculation and a bit of preparation you will be well rewarded.

T. Vila Real de Santo Antonio

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -7° 24′ 48.2040″

Lng: 37° 11′ 42.4500″

Vila Real de Santo Antonio, with it’s prefix denoting it’s royal foundation, is the twin and opposite of Ayamonte on the other side of the Rio Guadiana. It was founded in 1774 on the order of King Jose I after the nearby settlement of Santo Antonio de Arenilha was destroyed by a tsunami in 1755. Once an important fishing and fish processing port it’s primary source of income is now tourism with the Porto Desportivo de Guadiana marina being completed in 1998.

The same positives and warning as Ayamonte apply with equal measure for this stunning location. The marina used to ban all boat movements except at High and Low waters +/- 1 hour so read the pilot book and believe what it says. If you come in at night the approaches are well marked but consider going to the Ayamonte side or dropping the hook for the night and waiting until morning. The best place for this is just above Vila Real on the Portuguese side, which is marked in the pilot book.

This location is a terrific sailing playground and well worth spending two nights here practising mooring buoys and other tidal manoeuvres as well as enjoying both the anchorage and the marinas.

U. Tavira

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -7° 37′ 5.0664″

Lng: 37° 6′ 51.1164″

The town of Tavira lies some 15 miles east of Faro in the heart of the Rio Formosa nature reserve and was an important port from the 8th century through Moorish, and later Christian rule, until it was virtually destroyed by the 1755 tsunami. Although rebuilt it’s location and silting of the Rio Gilao reduced its importance but the attractiveness of its 18th century town and superb beaches make it a firm favourite on the Algarve tourism map.

For cruising yacht visitors the anchorage behind the long sandy Ilha de Tavira are an ideal spot from which to visit. Be aware that Tavira is an anchorage only and not a port of entry. Check the depths, avoid arriving at Low-Water +/- 1 hour and ensure your anchor is well set as the tidal currents can run at 3-4 knots. The town itself or the fish restaurant on Ilha de Tavira is accessible only by inflatable or local river taxi.

V. Faro

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -7° 52′ 10.7184″

Lng: 36° 58′ 1.8300″

Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, is situated at the southern end of the beautiful Parque Natural da Ria Formosa between Vilamoura 15 miles to the west and Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the Portuguese-Spanish border 30 miles to the east and in our view is the best anchorage on the Algarve and not to be missed. The islands of Faro, Barreta, Culatra, Armona, Tavira and Cabanas lie off the towns of Faro, Olhao and Tavira, protecting the channels leading up to them from the open sea. Depending on draft, yachts can anchor in idyllic and peaceful surroundings inside several of the islands.

While the channel up to Faro is buoyed (except for the last 500 metres up to the anchorage) it is easy to run aground and therefore it is less frustrating to enter on a rising tide. If arriving on the ebb, be aware that the tidal current can run at 3-4 knots at springs and much higher at the entrance so it’s not advisable to try and punch through it and if running with the current things can happen very fast. The anchorage at Faro is identifiable by the boats on moorings in the pool. Anchor in the channel clear of the moorings in 4.0 - 5.0 metres. The holding is excellent in heavy mud. There is a wooden jetty on the waterfont under the old town walls where dinghies can be left during a trip ashore.

Our recommendation is to head east towards Olhăo, and anchor quarter of a mile east of the pair of green leading lights marking the Olhăo channel. This will put you just northeast of the landing stage pier on Culatra. Another excellent opportunity for practising your secondary port calculations.

W. Albufeira

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -8° 15′ 36.9360″

Lng: 37° 4′ 53.7132″

Albufeira is a purpose-built leisure and marina development 15 miles east of Portimao and seven miles west of Vilamoura. The inner basin in which yachts berth is surrounded by gaudily painted luxury hotel rooms and apartments, boutiques, bars and restaurants. The development also contains a small boatyard and yacht club. It’s a walk of a little over a mile to the town which is a big, brash and lively tourist resort. Not to everyone’s taste perhaps but the beach is good and the old town still retains some of its character.

The approach is clear and easy and the trip through the high walls into the inner basin is interesting but unfortunately the outer basin isn’t suitable for anchoring due to the large number of moorings for smaller boats. There are plenty of spaces in the marina but ensure you have your berthing plan well set before leaving the visitors pontoon as the berths are packed in very tightly and there isn’t much room for manoeuvring.

X. Portimao

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -8° 31′ 36.6600″

Lng: 37° 7′ 1.4664″

Located in the Rio Arade estuary and surrounded by some of the most beautiful and famous beaches in the Algarve, Marina de Portimao is a purpose built marina designed for vessels up to 50m and as such is a place where you’ll see the super yachts of the rich, if not the famous. Once inside the huge sea-walls you are well protected from everything apart from a strong southerly and the locate truly is stunning with the historical forts of Santa Catarina and São João framing the marina.

The anchorage is not one we’d recommend for a long stay as it can get rather bumpy but, with a tidal stream that’s not as fierce as Vila Real, it’s a great place for practice mooring buoys and manoeuvres in amongst other boats. With the entrance to the marina and the visitors pontoon running north-south, parallel with the tidal stream, make sure you have your berthing plan well set and have practised your ferry gliding before making your approach.

Y. Vilamoura

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -8° 6′ 36.0000″

Lng: 37° 4′ 4.8000″

Vilamoura is a purpose built resort and Marina which was started from scratch by a wealthy banker from Lisbon. The resort was begun in 1974 and is still expanding outwards from the marine center. At the heart of Vilamoura is the marina which has the capacity to berth over 1,000 vessels. The marina is surrounded by large hotels and luxury holiday homes as well as a large casino and numerous restaurants and vibrant bars. Tourism in Vilamoura is extensive and well-developed, with many different resorts with ratings from 3 star to 5 star and as a consequence of being mostly privately owned, the town is very opulently designed, For the avid historians there is a preserved Roman Site and Museum providing an insight to the area’s past. Originally a Roman fishing town, the ruins include baths in which the mariners used to bathe.

The entrance to the harbour can be difficult to identify so it’s either use your GPS or keep a sharp eye out for the long breakwaters protecting the entrance and don’t confuse it with the fishing harbour at Quarteira a mile to the east. Due to the size of the entrance and the large outer basin this is an ideal harbour to sail into if the winds are favourable.

Z. Lagos

GPS Coordinates

Lat: -8° 40′ 26.3280″

Lng: 37° 6′ 35.0244″

It was from the historic town of Lagos that Vasco da Gama set sail in 1499 on his voyage of discovery. Nowadays, its picturesque harbour is a popular port of call for yachts travelling from the Mediterranean and the Americas, and its marina provides a permanent mooring for many boats.

Lagos marks the western most point of the Allabroad cruising range so for the Fast Track students or those on a mile-building trip it’s marks the final destination, party town and turning point. As a place to visit Lagos has the lot! It has its long history reflected in the old-walled town, it has beautiful beaches all around, it has bars, restaurants and night-clubs.

Approaching Lagos is easy enough and safe as with at least 4m of depth in the channel that is clearly marked. Only thing to watch is the narrow entrance if a strong southerly has built up a swell. You’ll need to stop at the visitors pontoon, which also is the fuel berth, and then wait for the lifting bridge to be opened to allow access into the marina.