Tarifa

From CruisersWiki

Tarifa, Spain

The harbour of Tarifa is situated at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, 20 miles SE of Barbate and 15 miles SW of Gibraltar. The harbour lies immediately east of the island of the same name, which is connected to the mainland via a causeway. The harbour is a busy fishing and commercial harbour and not really suitable for yachts on passage, which should regard it as a port of refuge only.

Local Weather

From Barbate to Tarifa a yacht will often encounter a gradual strengthening in the wind as it approaches the Strait of Gibraltar at Tarifa. The 15 mile sail from Tarifa to Gibraltar is often accompanied by fresh to strong winds and rough seas, especially with an easterly wind against the prevailing east-going current. Not for nothing is Tarifa often described as the windsurfing capital of Europe. During the summer months (May to September) the winds here are either the westerly poniente, which usually blows at around force 4-5 (although it can reach gale force in winter and early spring, when it is known locally as the vendaval) or the easterly levanter, which normally blows in summer at force 4-5, but has been known on occasion to funnel through the Strait at anything up to force 8 or 9 and render it all but impassible to smaller yachts.

Sources for Weather forecasts:

Charts

British Admiralty

92

142

773

Spanish

44C

105

445

445B

4450

Imray

C19

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

There are often tunny nets off the coast in the approaches to Tarifa, especially to the west. The island of Tarifa, with its lighthouse at the southern tip, is conspicuous from several miles off. The harbour lies 0.75 miles NNE of the tip of the island. A tall statue marks the end of the outer breakwater. Caution is needed on entry since large ferries use the harbour.

Berthing Options

Berth alongside the long central jetty to the northern end of the harbour wherever there is space.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

In settled weather, anchor to the east or west of the causeway joining Tarifa Island to the mainland, depending on wind direction. If anchoring on the eastern side, be sure to anchor well clear of the harbour approaches. There is an uncomfortable swell here in most conditions.

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

None.

Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

There are reported to be a couple of water taps around the harbour but no other facilities.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The old Moorish town centre is reportedly quite attractive. Close to Tarifa is the impressive 13th century castle of Castillo Guzmán el Bueno. For keen birdfanciers, Tarifa is a great place during early spring and autumn for watching birds on migration, especially storks.

Grocery & Supply Stores

All usual provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

Several good fish restaurants in the town.

Internet/WiFi

No.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Garbage Disposal

Bins around the harbour.

Transportation

List transportation (local and/or international.)

Routes/Passages To/From

List 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

• Tarifa at the Wikipedia

References & Publications

See Spain.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• Details based on internet research and reports by visiting cruisers (please update if possible) --Athene of Lymington 16:03, 14 April 2010 (UTC)

If you provide a lot of info and this page is almost complete, change {{Page outline}} to {{Page useable}}.

This page has an outline in place but needs completing. Please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to suggest further content or alternatively, if you feel confident to edit this page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly.

Contributors to this page
Names: Athene of Lymington