Ashdod Marina
Ashdod Blue Marina · Ashdod Yacht Club
31°48.8'N 34°38.9'E
Depth
3–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
50m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m
50m alarm radius for fully enclosed marina berth. IMPORTANT: Ashdod is an official port of entry — security screening mandatory. Gaza exclusion zones active approximately 20km south — consult current NAVTEX before transiting further south.
About This Anchorage
Ashdod is an official Israeli port of entry and one of two southern marinas forming Israel's coastal sailing infrastructure south of Tel Aviv. The Blue Marina has approximately 550 berths in a distinctive circular basin and serves as a major hub for Israeli recreational sailing, hosting national regattas. The city of Ashdod itself is Israel's fourth-largest city and a major commercial port — the marina is somewhat separate from the main port. Ashdod is important as the staging point for boats considering Ashkelon (18nm south) or wishing to explore the southern Philistine Coast. However, it sits critically close to the Gaza exclusion zones — active south of Ashkelon, approximately 20km from the marina. Consult current NAVTEX broadcasts and Israeli Navy instructions before planning any southward transit. The offshore Tamar gas platform complex lies approximately 25nm west — 500m exclusion zone around each platform.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Marina berth fee — approximately €30–50/night. Port of entry — security screening included.
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Official port of entry. Contact Israeli Navy on VHF 16 at 25nm offshore. Cruising permit issued after security screening. VHF 9 marina operations.
Restrictions: No anchoring — marina berths only. Security screening mandatory. Gaza exclusion zone approximately 20km south — consult NAVTEX and current Israeli Navy broadcasts before any southward transit. Offshore gas platform exclusion zones (500m) to the west.
Hazards
- !Gaza exclusion zone approximately 20km south — boundaries change with security situation; check NAVTEX before southward transit
- !Offshore natural gas platforms to the west — 500m mandatory exclusion zones; monitor AIS
- !Security screening mandatory on arrival — 2–4 hours; plan arrival for weekday 09:00–16:00
- !Winter NW storms can create swell at marina entrance — December–February challenging
- !Large commercial port immediately adjacent — AIS monitoring essential on approach
Skipper's Tips
- →Call Israeli Navy VHF 16 at 25nm offshore with full crew list and documents — same procedure as Herzliya
- →Ashdod is a good staging point for the southern coast — but check Gaza exclusion zone boundaries with the marina staff before proceeding
- →The Ashdod Art Museum (LaOmer) has a surprisingly strong collection for a regional museum
- →If planning to visit Ashkelon (18nm south), confirm current security situation and exclusion zones with Israeli Navy
- →VHF 9 for marina operations — call ahead for visitor berth allocation before arrival
Facilities
Restaurant and café on marina grounds. Supermarket within 2km. Fuel available at marina fuel dock.
Nearest provisions: Ashdod city centre (supermarket) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
April–June and September–November best. Gaza exclusion zones make summer south-coast transits complex — verify security situation. Winter storms (December–February) challenging. The Levant sea breeze moderates summer heat but humidity is high.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 50m
In Israel's open roadsteads and exposed anchorages, anchor drag in the Mediterranean night sea breeze can put you on ancient stonework before you wake. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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