Tarifa Road Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Tarifa Road has 2 distinct anchoring zones.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Tarifa Road is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. All depths are above chart datum — always calculate the current tidal height before approach using Cádiz, Huelva, or Tarifa tidal predictions (Spanish IHM tide tables available free at puertos.es). Allow for the full Atlantic tidal range of 3–4m at springs. Check the Posidonia DONIA app for the approach area to confirm no protected seagrass is present.

1. Approach in good visibility — confirm the tidal height gives adequate depth for your draft. If there is a bar or shoal on the approach, calculate precisely.
2. Calculate scope for maximum depth — at 4–10m plus up to 3m tidal rise, your maximum depth at HW may be 14m. Deploy minimum 7:1 scope accounting for the full tidal range.
3. Lie to the current, not the wind — in tidal waters the boat swings on the tidal stream. Drop the anchor into the current and pay out chain steadily. Allow for the swinging circle to change direction as the tide reverses.
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds moderate throttle astern to bury the anchor.
5. Take a GPS bearing — note the set position and verify your swinging circle is clear of other boats and the shore on both the flood and ebb tidal directions.

Recommended anchor types: SPADE, Rocna, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Tarifa Road are feasible but require careful monitoring — exposed to W and NW and N and NE winds and swell.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 95m radius before going below. 95m for 4–10m on sand. Good holding but very strong tidal stream (3–4 kt) requires generous scope and alarm radius. Ferry traffic close by — maintain anchor watch. Usable only in Levante/easterly conditions.

Atlantic tidal note: In the Gulf of Cádiz with 3–4m tidal range, Atlantic swell, and the risk of the Levante developing overnight, your anchor watch must be reliable. The Levante (E wind) can strengthen to F7–8 within a few hours — if it is forecast, ensure you are in a W-facing anchorage (Bolonia, Bahía de Algeciras) rather than an E-facing position. Check the Tarifa MRCC forecast (VHF Ch 10) before settling for the night.

April–June and September–October ideal — less Levante pressure. High summer (July–August) sees intense Levante periods; can be a multi-day wait. This is a staging stop, not an overnight destination — move on when the tidal stream is right.

Navigation Hazards

• STRONGEST TIDAL CURRENT IN THE STRAIT: 3–4 kt at springs — set additional scope and monitor anchor constantly
• Tarifa–Tangier FRS and BioFerry high-speed ferries run hourly — keep AIS on
• Levante (E wind) against E-going current creates extremely dangerous short steep seas at the point
• Commercial TSS traffic — cargo vessels at 15+ kt in the separation lanes 1nm N
• Kite-surfers in NW anchorage area in daytime — approach carefully

Rules & Regulations

• Anchoring fee: Free
• Key restrictions: Tarifa–Tangier ferry lane passes within 500m of the NW anchorage — monitor AIS and VHF Ch 16. Keep 200m clear of Tarifa harbour entrance. Tarifa Port Authority monitors VHF Ch 9 and Ch 16. Do not anchor within 300m of the island causeway.

This is Atlantic water — Posidonia seagrass (protected Mediterranean species) is not present in Gulf of Cádiz anchorages. Standard good anchoring practice applies: avoid anchoring over rocky ground, use appropriate chain length, and set firmly before considering the anchor secure.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site — nearest: Tarifa (0.5nm)
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Tarifa (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: Tarifa town (10-minute walk from harbour) has excellent restaurants and provisions.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Listen to Tarifa MRCC traffic report (VHF Ch 10, even hours) — they give actual current tidal stream direction and speed, plus forecast. Essential before Strait passage.
2. The tidal gate: westbound, take the E-going surface current (it runs for approximately 5.5 hours). The ingoing (eastward) current is stronger. Wait here for the right moment.
3. Tarifa is the windiest point in Europe — the kite-surfing schools on the beach are a clue. Even in summer, the Levante can pin you here for 3–5 days.
4. Morocco is 14km across the water — on a clear day you can see individual buildings in Tangier. The Strait crossing by ferry (35 minutes) is fascinating from a yacht perspective.