Full Description & Details
Socoa is a small drying harbour located beneath the historic Fort de Socoa on the northeastern side of the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz in the Basque Country. The harbour accommodates 156 vessels on buoys, with 20 places reserved for visitors. It is designed for small craft that can take the ground, as the harbour dries at low water. Maximum vessel length is 8 metres with a draught limit of 1.7 metres.
The harbour lies between the Jetee du Maregraphe to the northeast and the Quai aux Poissons to the south. Moorings are on buoys rather than alongside berths. The facility is managed by SPL d'exploitation du port departemental de Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Ciboure. Yacht Club Basque is based here.
Socoa provides fuel, water, electricity, wifi, and showers. A chandlery and repair facilities including a careening yard are available. The harbour office can be contacted on VHF channel 16 or by telephone. Commercial services and provisions are accessible in the nearby town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Skippers should note that Socoa is a drying harbour with a shallow water plan at low tide. Vessels must be capable of taking the ground safely. The harbour is suitable only for small craft within the stated length and draught limits.
How to get there
Socoa is approached via the Passe de l'Ouest, the western entrance to the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, which lies between the Socoa breakwater and the Artha breakwater with depths of approximately 15 metres. The eastern pass, Passe de l'Illarguita, between the Sainte Barde and Artha breakwaters, carries 8 to 9 metres. Contact the harbour office on VHF channel 16 before entry.
Socoa is located in Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Ciboure on the southwestern French Atlantic coast near the Spanish border. The Semaphore de Socoa signal station is positioned 0.1 nautical miles at 234° from the harbour. Commercial services and transport connections are available in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many berths does Socoa harbour have?
Socoa has 156 berths on buoys, with 20 places reserved for visiting vessels.
What is the maximum draft at Socoa?
The maximum draught at Socoa is 1.7 metres. The harbour dries at low water, so vessels must be able to take the ground.
What is the maximum length of boat accepted at Socoa?
Socoa accepts vessels up to 8 metres in length.
Can I stay overnight at Socoa harbour?
Yes, overnight stays are possible at Socoa. There are 20 visitor moorings on buoys available.
What VHF channel does Socoa harbour use?
Socoa harbour uses VHF channel 16. The harbour office can also be contacted by telephone on +33559472681.
What facilities are available at Socoa?
Socoa provides fuel, water, electricity, wifi, and showers. Repair facilities including a careening yard are available, and provisions can be obtained in nearby Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Which pass should I use to approach Socoa harbour?
Socoa is approached via the Passe de l'Ouest between the Socoa and Artha breakwaters with depths of approximately 15 metres, or via the Passe de l'Illarguita with 8 to 9 metres depth.
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