Full Description & Details
Port Cerbere is a seasonal marina in the village of Cerbere, the last French port before the Spanish border, about 1 mile from Portbou, Spain. It sits in the Pyrenees-Orientales on the Cote Vermeille, between the Cap Bear and Cap Creus headlands, away from the larger resort towns. The port lies at the heart of the village, in front of the main beach, with shops and restaurants about 300 meters away. The village itself climbs the slopes of the Alberes mountains, the final stretch of the Pyrenees meeting the Mediterranean.
The marina is not a permanent harbor. Floating pontoons are installed each season from May 15 to September 15, managed by the Association Nautique de Cerbere under a public service delegation. It offers 190 berths plus 20 visitor berths. Depths in the bay range from 3 to 6 meters. Mooring is by lines or stern to dock. The holding is in a sheltered bay, though the port is open to the sea and the seasonal nature of the pontoons means the layout changes each year.
Facilities include fuel, water, electricity, wifi, showers, laundry, and restrooms. A lifting crane and travel lift are available, along with a boat ramp, sewage pump-out, recycling, and video surveillance with a night watchman. The port is run largely by volunteers, one of the few associative ports on this coast. The harbor master's office hours are not published.
Cerbere is a working village rather than a resort, with Catalan character, local wines, and village festivals. The winding coastal road along the Cote Vermeille connects the port to the wider region. The marina operates only between mid-May and mid-September, so outside that window there is no floating infrastructure. Overnight stays are permitted during the season. The port is 300 meters from the village center and its shops and restaurants.
How to get there
Port Cerbere lies at approximately 42 degrees 26.5 minutes North, 3 degrees 10.02 minutes East, in the bay in front of the village. The approach is from the Mediterranean, with the port situated between the Cap Bear and Cap Creus headlands. There is no published channel or marked entrance; the floating pontoons are installed in the bay each season.
Contact the harbor master by VHF on arrival, though the working channel is not specified in the sources. The port is at Avenue de la Cote Vermeille, 66290 Cerbere, about 300 meters from the village center. The nearest larger town is Portbou, Spain, 1 mile away.
The coastal road along the Cote Vermeille provides road access. There is no airport at the port itself; the nearest major transport hub is Perpignan, to the north. Formalities are standard for a French port of entry, though the sources do not detail customs or immigration procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the depth at Port Cerbere?
Depths in the bay at Port Cerbere range from 3 to 6 meters, suitable for most cruising yachts.
How many berths does Port Cerbere have and are visitor berths available?
Port Cerbere has 190 berths plus 20 visitor berths, with mooring by lines or stern to dock.
Is Port Cerbere open year-round?
No, Port Cerbere is a seasonal marina. Floating pontoons are installed from May 15 to September 15 each year, and the port is not available outside that period.
What facilities are available at Port Cerbere?
Port Cerbere offers fuel, water, electricity, wifi, showers, laundry, restrooms, a lifting crane, travel lift, boat ramp, sewage pump-out, and recycling. Video surveillance and a night watchman are also provided.
How far is Port Cerbere from the village and from Spain?
Port Cerbere is about 300 meters from the village center and its shops and restaurants, and about 1 mile from Portbou, Spain.
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