Full Description & Details
Puerto Deportivo de San Vicente de la Barquera is a small marina on the Ria de San Vicente, inside the Oyambre Natural Park on the western coast of Cantabria, Spain. The town is a traditional fishing port and tourist destination, with the marina set among working fishing facilities. The ria is a narrow arm of the sea that extends southwest, splitting into two channels: the Cano del Peral to the west and the larger Cano de Villegas to the south, crossed by the Puente de la Maza.
The marina offers 150 berths on a central pontoon with six secondary fingers, and boats moor bow-first. Berths are limited to vessels up to 10 meters LOA, with depths ranging from 1.5 to 3 meters. The port is sheltered within the ria, but the entrance bar can break even in light seas, and ebb currents reach 3 knots during spring tides.
Finding a vacant berth is difficult, as transit berths are not reserved; anchoring in the ria opposite the port and the new bridge is an alternative, with mooring buoys available. The marina provides electricity, water, showers, restrooms, fuel, Wi-Fi, video surveillance, and a 5-ton lifting crane. The port office is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 15:00, and the contact numbers are 942 711 529 and 686 866 238.
The town is known for the Puente de la Maza bridge and the Church of Santa Maria de los Angeles, and the surrounding Oyambre Natural Park offers beaches and dunes. The port is accessible by road via the A-8 motorway, with regional bus service limited.
How to get there
Approach the ria from the north, identifying Punta de la Silla lighthouse. Beware of the La Plancha shoal northwest of the western point's lighthouse (43°23.7'N, 004°23.2'W); head for the head of the western breakwater from the north. Near the lighthouse, about 100 meters away, aim for the middle of the channel and avoid the Andresin shoal, which has 1 meter of water and lies about 30 meters east-northeast of the light.
Enter through the center of the channel, slightly closer to the eastern breakwater, and continue parallel to the breakwater until passing Pena Mayor, then keep the center of the channel with Punta de la Espina on the starboard bow; depths here are 4 to 5 meters. Pass close to Punta de la Espina, marked by a green and white tower, and continue until the slipway is ahead. If anchoring, drop to starboard, as the anchorage lies from abeam to the bow; watch the depth, as it changes suddenly.
The marina pontoons are ahead. On departure, round the head of the western breakwater, then head north with sufficient clearance. The port monitors VHF channel 0.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum length and draft for a boat at Puerto Deportivo de San Vicente de la Barquera?
The marina accommodates vessels up to 10 meters LOA, with depths ranging from 1.5 to 3 meters at the berths.
Are there transit berths available at Puerto Deportivo de San Vicente de la Barquera?
Transit berths are not reserved, and finding a vacant berth is very difficult; it is advisable to contact the port authority for availability.
What facilities are available at Puerto Deportivo de San Vicente de la Barquera?
The marina offers electricity, water, showers, restrooms, fuel, Wi-Fi, video surveillance, and a 5-ton lifting crane.
What is the best way to anchor near Puerto Deportivo de San Vicente de la Barquera?
If no berth is available, you can anchor in the ria opposite the port and the new bridge, where mooring buoys are also available; watch the depth and tidal currents.
What are the port office hours at Puerto Deportivo de San Vicente de la Barquera?
The port office is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 15:00, and can be reached at 942 711 529 or 686 866 238.
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