Nazaré
Praia de Nazaré · Nazaré Beach Anchorage · Nazaré Surf
39°36.1'N 09°04.5'W
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m minimum. Day stop ONLY in perfect summer calm (swell < 1m). The Nazaré Canyon makes this the most dangerous anchorage on the Portuguese coast in any significant swell. Set alarm conservatively and maintain a permanent anchor watch. First sign of swell increase: depart immediately northward to São Martinho or southward to Peniche. NEVER stay overnight.
About This Anchorage
Nazaré is world-famous as the site of the biggest waves ever surfed — the Nazaré Canyon, one of the world's deepest submarine canyons (5,000m), runs almost to the beach and concentrates Atlantic swell to extraordinary proportions. In winter (October–March), waves regularly exceed 20–30m; Rodrigo Koxa set the WSL world record of 30.1m here in 2017. The clifftop lighthouse (Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo) with its surf-watching platform is one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the European Atlantic coast. As an anchorage, Nazaré is viable ONLY in summer and ONLY in perfect calm conditions (swell < 1m) — it is strictly a fair-weather day stop for boats making the Silver Coast passage. The town itself is a traditional Portuguese fishing village with colourful boats, fishing nets drying in the sun, and excellent fresh fish restaurants.
Protected From
S · SE · E
Exposed To
N · NW · W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: NAZARÉ CANYON WARNING: NEVER approach in swell > 1m from any direction. Winter approach (Oct–Mar) is absolutely prohibited — world-record waves break here; a standard yacht would be destroyed instantly. Summer day stop only with swell < 1m and stable W or NW forecast. Contact Peniche Port Authority (VHF Ch. 16) or Figueira da Foz Port (VHF Ch. 16) for conditions before approach. WSL Big Wave events (November–March) close the beach area entirely.
Setting Your Anchor
In Atlantic anchorages, use a minimum 7:1 scope — the combination of tidal range (up to 3.5m on spring tides) and overnight Atlantic swell requires generous chain deployment. Before settling, assess the swell period: long-period Atlantic swell (10–16 seconds) creates a slow roll that can walk the anchor across mixed sand/rock bottoms. At Nazaré, anchor in 5–15m on sand bottom and set the alarm to 90m.
Hazards
- !NAZARÉ CANYON: World-record 30m+ waves — NEVER approach in swell > 1m; the canyon eliminates gradual shoaling warning; waves arrive suddenly without warning; this is the most dangerous anchorage on the Portuguese coast
- !Summer swell: even in July–August, 2–3m SW swell can arrive from Atlantic systems; monitor forecasts obsessively; depart at the first increase in swell period or height
- !No overnight anchoring — conditions change too rapidly at this location; day stop only
- !N/NW/W exposure: the anchorage is immediately untenable in any Nortada buildup; must depart before 10:00–11:00 in summer
- !WSL Big Wave surf events close the beach (November–March): no approach permitted during events
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive by 08:00–09:00 maximum to complete the visit before the Nortada builds and swell increases; this is a morning stop only on a Silver Coast passage
- →The lighthouse viewpoint (a 10-minute walk up the hill from the beach) is one of the most dramatic maritime vantage points in Europe — worth the stop
- →The traditional Nazaré fisherwomen's dress (7 skirts, one per day of the week) is still worn by older women in the town — Nazaré has preserved its fishing culture remarkably
- →From October, world-class big-wave surfers and tow-in teams will be visible from the lighthouse — but your boat should not be anywhere near the coast during these swells
Facilities
Excellent traditional fish restaurants in Nazaré town — caldeirada, grilled fish, arroz de marisco. The town is a top Portuguese tourist destination with many options on the waterfront promenade.
Nearest provisions: Nazaré town (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
July, August
July–August ONLY in perfect swell < 1m conditions. This is the most weather-dependent anchorage on the Silver Coast. In all other months (particularly October–March) Nazaré is completely off-limits for any approaching vessel. The Big Wave season (October–April) transforms this coast into one of the world's most dangerous surfing environments.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Sleep Peacefully at Nazaré
Atlantic overnight swell and the Nortada can change conditions fast — a boat secure at anchor in the evening can be dragging by midnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously, alerting you the moment your anchor moves beyond 90m. Essential for Atlantic overnight anchorages where conditions change without warning.
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