Ria de Vigo
From CruisersWiki
Ria de Vigo, Spain
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 | [ Local chartlet] |
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The Ria de Vigo lies on the coast of NW Spain around 10 miles S of the Ria de Pontevedra and five miles N of Bayona. The most southerly of the rias, and the last before the Portuguese border, it is sheltered from W by the beautiful Illas Cies, now a protected national park. Within the ria are the major city of Vigo with its suburb of Bouzas as well as the smaller settlements of Moana and Cangas. Vigo is a popular spot for yachts to lay up in view of its good transport connections and wide range of marine service, while anchoring at the Illas Cies is an unmissable experience. Shelter in the ria is good in most conditions except with strong SW winds, which send in a considerable swell.
Charts
- Imray
- C48 - A Coruna to Porto
- British Admiralty
- 3633 - Islas Sisargas to Rio Mino
- 1730 – Ria de Vigo
- 1731 – Spain West Coast, Puerto de Vigo
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
The entrance to the ria is largely protected from N and W by the Illas Cies, which stretch N-S just under two miles off the entrance and keep out the worst of the Atlantic swell. Fog is an occasional problem.
Sources for Weather forecasts:
- See main page for Spain.
There are a number of rocky islands and reefs in the approaches from both N and S, but all are well charted. If coming fro Bayona, it is possible in settled weather to pass inside the Illas Estelas, a group of rocky islets on the N side of Bayona bay, but it is safer to pass outside in bad weather. On the N side of the entrance to the ria is the archipelago of the Illas Cies with an isolated islet a mile S of the three main islands. Other than these, there are no hazards in the approach.
Berthing options
Visiting yachts can usually find a berth at the four marinas at the city of Vigo and its suburb of Bouzas (for details see the separate Wiki page for Vigo. Further small marinas can be found at the settlements of Cangas and Moana on the N shores of the ria and that of San Adrian de Cobres under the road bridge in the tidal lagoon of Enseada de San Simon.
There are also several good settled weather anchorages around the shores of the ria, near the towns of Cangas and Moana and also (depending on a yacht's draft) in the sheltered lagoon of Enseada de San Simon.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
For details of the Vigo and Bouzas marinas, see the Vigo page.
Porto Deportivo Cangas 42°15.38′N, 08°46.48′W
has a total of 269 berths on finger pontoons. Maximum length 20 metres. Maximum depth 4.0 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. Toilets and showers. Laundry. Wifi. Small area of hard standing. Travel lift (64T). Mobile crane (8T). Fuel station. Security (24 hour). Contact on VHF channel 6. Telephone: +34 617 304246. Email. Website
Puerto Deportivo de Moana 42°16.58′N, 08°44.08′W
offers a total of 347 relatively shallow berths on finger pontoons for yachts up to 17 metres. Maximum depth 3.0 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. No hard standing. Contact on VHF channel 9. Telephone: +34 986 311140. Email. Website. The marina is very busy in summer.
Puerto Deportivo de San Adrian 42°15′N, 08°42′W
under the bridge (clearance of 35 metres) and into the Enseada de San Simon offers a total of 204 shallow berths on finger pontoons for yachts up to 20 metres. Maximum depth in the marina is only 2.0 metres (though 5.0 metres on the outside pontoon). Water and electricity on all pontoons. Bar/cafe. Restaurant. No hard standing or repair facilities. Contact on VHF channel 9. Telephone: +34 986 673807. Email. Website.
Anchorages
There are several sandy bays in the ria which offer good anchorage in settled weather, especially along the N coast from the entrance to the ria and near the settlements of Cangas and Moana. With care and attention to the tides, it is possible to pass under the high road bridge at the E and of the ria and into the Enseada de San Simon, where it is possible to anchor in perfect shelter from all except E winds near the settlement of San Adrian de Cobres.
However, the most beautiful anchorages – arguably the best in whole of Galicia if not of Spain – are on the E side of the Illas Cies, where there are three coves on the north and middle islands, Illa de Monte Agudo and Illa del Faro, and another on Illa San Martino to the south. The Illas Cies are now designated a national park and permit is necessary to visit (see below).
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Good chandleries in Vigo.
Repairs/Yards
Good repair facilities at most of the Vigo marinas.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Water and electricity at al the marinas. Fuel in Vigo and Cangas.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
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Most visiting yachts sooner or later make a beeline for the magical Illas Cies, where there are several idyllic anchorages on the two main islands of Illa de Monte Agudo and Illa del Faro. Both islands are also worth exploring on foot – especially Illa de Monte Agudo, where it is possible to climb to the top of the eponymous mountain where there are unusual eroded rock formations and magnificent views over the Ria de Vigo. Although tripper boat visitors are limited to 2,000 daily, the great majority stay on the beaches and you may well be alone up here even in high season.
A permit is necessary to visit and the application form can be downloaded via the national park webage at [1] or directly from [2]. Supporting documentation is required in the form of boat registration documents, certificate of competence and passport or ID card (it is a good idea to scan these in before you embark for the Rias as it is then possible to apply online).
The old centre of Vigo, the Casco Vello, is also worth a visit, with its narrow streets exuding character. Vigo also boasts some good museums, including an important Museum of Contemporary Art and a Museum of the Sea. The Castro fortress is worth a detour to explore its ramparts and peaceful gardens.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Supermarkets in Vigo, Cangas and Moana.
Eateries
Numerous restaurants in Vigo, Cangas and Moana. Vigo, as one would expect, has some excellent choices.
Internet/WiFi
At Cangas and most of the Vigo marinas.
Laundry
At Cangas and in Vigo city.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Rental outlets in Vigo.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at the marinas.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
- Local bus service to Bayona and Pontevedra.
- Train service to Santiago de Compostela
- Airports at Vigo and Santiago de Compostela (65 kms)
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
- The Illas Cies are still the most beautiful anchorages we have encountered, even after twelve years in the Med. It's even possible to go ashore before the tripper boats arrive and have the beach to yourself! – Atheneoflymington
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- July 2000 -- Atheneoflymington
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Names: Atheneoflymington |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | North Atlantic | Spain | NW Spain | Ria de Pontevedra | |
