Ria de Arousa
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| Ria de Arousa
| |
 The beautiful Illa de Arousa |
The Ria de Arousa lies on the coast of NW Spain around 20 miles S of the Ria de Muros and 12 miles N of the Ria de Pontevedra. One of the loveliest of the Rias Baixas (lower rias), it has a number of superb beaches (especially around the beautiful Illa de Arousa), numerous good anchorages and a sheltered marina at the town of Vilagarcia de Arousa. The entrance is rock-strewn, especially on the N side, and care is needed if entering in bad weather.
Weather
The entrance to the ria is largely protected from N and W by the chain of rocky islets and reefs in the entrance but is open to S winds, which cause a swell in the outer part of the ria if they are strong. Fog is a frequent problem.
Sources for Weather forecasts:
- See Spain.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 3633 - Islas Sisargas to Rio Mino
- 1764 – Ria de Arousa
- 1755 – Plans in Ria de Arousa
- 1762 – Vilagarcia de Arousa
- Imray
- C48 - A Coruna to Porto
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
There are a number of rocky islets and reefs in the approaches from both N and S and on the N side of the entrance. A suitably large-scale chart is essential. The approach from N is especially hazardous and in bad weather the safest entry to the ria is from due S around Illa de Salvadora. The ria also boasts probably the greatest number of mussel rafts of all the Spanish rias, so a night entry is inadvisable.
Berthing
There are six separate marinas in or immediately adjacent to the ria. Clockwise from the N side of the entrance they are:
- Puerto Deportivo Santa Eugenia de Ribeira;
- Club Nautico de Caraminal;
- Marina Vilagarcia;
- Marina de Arousa;
- Marina Cabo de Cruz and (immediately S of the southern entrance to the ria)
- Puerto Deportivo Pedras Negras.
See below for details.
Alternatively – and especially in settled weather – there are numerous lovely anchorages around the shores of the ria. The island of Ille de Arousa is ringed with delightful beaches and several of them are suitable anchorages in the appropriate wind conditions.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Puerto Deportivo Santa Eugenia de Ribeira
Puerto Deportivo Santa Eugenia de Ribeira [[Ria de Arousa#Puerto Deportivo Santa Eugenia de Ribeira|Puerto Deportivo Santa Eugenia de Ribeira]] 42°33.41′N, 08°59.36′W Club Nautico de Caraminal
Club Nautico de Caraminal [[Ria de Arousa#Club Nautico de Caraminal|Club Nautico de Caraminal]] 42°36.24′N, 08°56.04′W 
Marina Vilagarcia
The marina lies at the NE corner of the ria and offers 450 berths for yachts up to 25 metres in depths of up to 5.0 metres. Berths are a mixture of finger pontoons and Med-style moorings, Water and electricity. Toilets and showers. Wifi. Bar/restaurant. Travel lift (70T). Small hard standing area. Most repairs. Contact on VHF channel 9. Telephone: +34 986 511175. Email. Website. Chartlet.
See also Vilagarcia de Arousa.Marina de Arousa
Marina Cabo de Cruz
Marina Cabo de Cruz [[Ria de Arousa#Marina Cabo de Cruz|Marina Cabo de Cruz]] 42°36.99′N, 08°53.42′W Puerto Deportivo Pedras Negras
Puerto Deportivo Pedras Negras [[Ria de Arousa#Puerto Deportivo Pedras Negras|Puerto Deportivo Pedras Negras]] 42°27.47′N, 08°55.03′W Anchorages
There are numerous sandy bays and small coves in the ria which could easily occupy one for a week to explore. Around Illa de Arousa in particular there are several delightful anchorages where a yacht can stay overnight in settled weather. It is always possible to find good shelter somewhere, no matter what the wind direction.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Basic chandlery in Vilagarcia de Arousa.
Repairs/Yards
At Marina Vilagarcia.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Water and electricity at Marina Vilagarcia. No fuel berth.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The town of Vilagarcia is not particularly inspiring. However, the settlement of Carril a mile of so to the north is worth exploring. Shellfish beds off the village are exposed at low tide and local fishermen are busy harvesting their wares before the tide returns. The real jewel of the Ria de Arousa, though, is the small island of Illa de Arousa, accessed from the water or from land via a causeway 8 kms south of Vilagarcia. The island is ringed with sandy coves lapped with turquoise waters that are the equal of anything in the Caribbean. There are several fine fish restaurants on the island.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Supermarket in Vilagarcia.
Eateries
Several restaurants in Vilagarcia and on the Illa de Arousa.
Internet/WiFi
At the marinas.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Rental outlets in Vilagarcia.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at the marinas.
Transportation
List transportation (local and/or international.)
Routes/Passages To/From
List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Ria de Arousa at the Wikipedia
References & Publications
See Spain.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit. Personal experiences?
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Ria de Arousa and this page's details validated:
- July 2000 -- Atheneoflymington
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Names: Athene of Lymington |
