Ria de Vigo
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| Ria de Vigo
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 Ria de Vigo looking W |
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 the wide range of marine services, 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
- British Admiralty
- 3633 - Islas Sisargas to Rio Mino
- 1730 – Ria de Vigo
- 1731 – Spain West Coast, Puerto de Vigo
- Imray
- C48 - A Coruna to Porto
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 Spain.
Passages
List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Islands
- Islas Cies (aka Illas Cies). A permit is necessary to visit and the application form can be downloaded via the at National Park Webage or directly from PDF. 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).
Communication
Add here VHF channel for the coastguard, harbor masters. etc.
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
There are a number of rocky islands and reefs in the approaches from both N and S, but all are well charted. If coming from Bayona, it is possible in settled weather to pass inside the 
Islotes Las Estelas [[Ria de Vigo#Islotes Las Estelas|Islotes Las Estelas]] 42°08.769'N, 008°51.361'W , 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
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 Simón.
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 Simón.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
For details of the Vigo and Bouzas marinas, see the Vigo page.
Porto Deportivo Cangas
Porto Deportivo Cangas [[Ria de Vigo#Porto Deportivo Cangas|Porto Deportivo Cangas]] 42°15.665'N, 008°46.793'W The marina 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).
- [email protected]; Tel: +34 (986) 304 246; Fax: +34 (986) 303 856; VHF channel 06
- Prices: For the latest prices see Price Listing
Puerto Deportivo de Moana
Puerto Deportivo de Moana [[Ria de Vigo#Puerto Deportivo de Moana|Puerto Deportivo de Moana]] 42°16.665'N, 008°44.054'W It 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. The marina is very busy in summer.
- [email protected]; Tel: +34 (986) 311 140; Fax: +34 (986) 315 313; VHF channel 090
- Prices: For the latest prices see Price Listing
Puerto Deportivo de San Adrian
Puerto Deportivo de San Adrian [[Ria de Vigo#Puerto Deportivo de San Adrian|Puerto Deportivo de San Adrian]] 42°18.196'N, 008°39.205'W This marina is 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.
- [email protected]; Tel: +34 (986) 673 807; Fax: +34 (986) 672 545; VHF channel 09
Anchorages
Enseada de San Simón
Enseada de San Simón [[Ria de Vigo#Enseada de San Simón|Enseada de San Simón]] 42°18.503'N, 008°38.264'W 
Islas Cíes
Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water | In Porto Cangas, Puerto de Moana, and Puerto de San Adrian |
| Electricity | In Porto Cangas, Puerto de Moana, and Puerto de San Adrian |
| Toilets | In Porto Cangas, Puerto de Moana, and Puerto de San Adrian |
| Showers | In Porto Cangas, Puerto de Moana, and Puerto de San Adrian |
| Laundry | In Porto Cangas and in Vigo city |
| Garbage | Bins at the marinas |
| Supplies | |
| Fuel | Fuel in Vigo and Porto Cangas |
| Bottled gas | ? |
| Chandlers | Good chandleries in the town of Vigo |
| Services | |
| Repairs | In Vigo |
| Internet | WiFi in Porto Cangas and in Vigo marinas |
| Mobile connectivity | ? |
| Vehicle rentals | Rental outlets in Vigo |
Provisioning
Supermarkets in Vigo, Porto Cangas, Puerto de Moana.
Eating out
Numerous restaurants in Vigo, Porto Cangas and Puerto de Moana. Vigo, as one would expect, has some excellent choices.
Transportation
- Local bus service to Bayona and Pontevedra.
- Train service to Santiago de Compostela
- Airports at Vigo and Santiago de Compostela (65 kms)
Tourism
History
Give a short history of the port.
Places to Visit
Most visiting yachts sooner or later make a beeline for the magical Islas Cíes, 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.
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.
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
- Vigp at the Wikipedia
- vigo at the Wikivoyage
- National Park website
- Wikipedia
- Galicia tourism website
References
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.
- 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
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Ria de Vigo and this page's details validated:
- July 2000 -- Atheneoflymington
| This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
 Contributors to this page |
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
