Full Description & Details
Puerto Marina El Rompido is a floating marina on the north bank of the Rio Piedras, about 4.5 miles upstream from the river mouth and just below the lighthouse of El Rompido. It is protected from the Atlantic by long sandy beaches and the dunes of the peninsula that shelters the river. The marina is the last one on the river, so there is little wave action from river traffic. The setting is quiet and natural, with the village of El Rompido about 800 metres away.
The marina has 331 berths for yachts up to 30 metres, with a maximum draft of 4.7 metres. Berths are parallel to the river current, and there are no measures to regulate tidal currents inside the facility, though they rarely exceed 2 knots. Wide spaces between berth lines ease manoeuvring, but access to some berths can be briefly restricted at the peaks of spring tides. The marina uses a system of piles to support six long pontoons, with tyre wave breaks for added protection. Holding in the river is possible if you anchor clear of the moorings and swimming buoys.
Facilities include electricity and water on the pontoons, showers, toilets, laundry, WiFi, a fuel station just east of the marina, a boat ramp, and a lifting crane. A supermarket, restaurants, and bars sit right above the marina. The harbour office is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00. The marina provides experienced staff, free use of a tug and assistance boat for berthing, always under the captain's responsibility. A catamaran base rate applies in low season from October to May, matching the monohull rate.
Entry to the Rio Piedras should only be attempted on a rising tide, preferably close to high water, when depths at the mouth range from 3.0 to 4.7 metres. Do not attempt entry in strong onshore winds. The river channel over the bar shifts constantly, and the buoyage is changed yearly. Follow the buoyed channel closely and use eyeball navigation. The marina monitors VHF channel 71, though some cruisers report no answer on the radio; staff often meet boats at the jetty. Watch for small passenger ferries crossing to the sandspit known as the Flecha.
How to get there
Approach the Rio Piedras entrance on a rising tide, preferably near high water, when depths at the mouth range from 3.0 to 4.7 metres. A red and white fairway buoy marks the entrance. Do not attempt entry in strong onshore winds. The river channel over the bar shifts constantly, and the buoyage is changed yearly, so follow the buoyed channel closely and rely on eyeball navigation. Continue west upriver to the last marina, 4.5 miles from the entrance, below the two lighthouses. The marina is connected to the north bank by a long jetty. Contact the harbourmaster on VHF channel 77, though some sailors report no VHF answer and recommend calling by phone at +34 959 399 614.
From the marina, the village of El Rompido is about a 10-minute walk. The marina is managed by Marina El Rompido S.A. under a concession from the Agencia Publica de Puertos de Andalucia. The nearest airport is at Faro in Portugal, roughly 60 kilometres away, with Huelva the closest city. Formal procedures are handled by the harbourmaster's office, which is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum length and draft at Puerto Marina El Rompido?
Puerto Marina El Rompido has 331 berths for yachts up to 30 metres in length, with a maximum draft of 4.7 metres.
What VHF channel does Puerto Marina El Rompido use?
Puerto Marina El Rompido monitors VHF channel 77, though some sailors report that the marina does not answer on VHF and that staff meet boats at the jetty instead.
Is there a supermarket or provisioning near Puerto Marina El Rompido?
Yes, a supermarket is located right above Puerto Marina El Rompido, along with restaurants and bars.
Can I anchor near Puerto Marina El Rompido instead of taking a berth?
Yes, you can anchor in the Rio Piedras clear of the moorings and swimming buoys, provided there is sufficient depth.
What are the harbourmaster's office hours at Puerto Marina El Rompido?
The harbourmaster's office at Puerto Marina El Rompido is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00.
More sailing guides
Bareboat Sailing in Spain: Requirements and Licences
Everything you need to bareboat charter in Spain: accepted licences, flag-state rules, VHF requirements, and what to do if yours isn't accepted.
Yacht Charter Cost in Spain: What to Expect and How to Save
Real yacht charter costs in Spain by boat type, season, and region, plus what's included, hidden fees, and practical ways to cut the price.
How to Charter a Yacht in Spain: A Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step guide to chartering a yacht in Spain: choosing a charter type, budgeting, licences, booking, and what to expect once you're aboard.
Yacht Charter Provisioning Guide: Expert Tips & Checklists
Plan your sailing holiday like a pro with our yacht charter provisioning guide—food lists, meal planning, local market tips, and essential advice for every itinerary.
Best Yacht Type for Group Charters: How to Choose
Discover the best yacht types for group charters, from family reunions to corporate events. Compare sailing yacht options, capacity, cost, amenities, and legal limits.
What Information Is Needed to Book a Sailing Yacht Charter?
Discover the key information, documents, and requirements needed to book a sailing yacht charter. Learn what details charter companies need for a smooth reservation.
Yacht Charter Deposit Insurance: What It Covers & Why You Need It
Understand yacht charter deposit insurance: what it covers, costs, differences from security deposits, and how it protects your sailing holiday or commercial charter.