Vigo
From CruisersWiki
| Vigo Port of Entry
| |
        
| |
 The commercial port of Vigo |
The large commercial port of Vigo lies on the S shore of the Ria de Vigo on the coast of NW Spain, around six miles from the entrance to the Ria. Together with its suburb of Bouzos, it is the largest city in Galicia, with a population of just under 300,000. In addition to being a major fishing and shipbuilding and repair centre, the city also hosts a major Peugeot Citroen car manufacturing plant. As well as offering all the facilities of a major city, Vigo boasts a total of four marinas and has a wide range of chandleries and marine support and repair services. It is, in consequence, a popular spot for yachts to refit or lay up for the winter. In 2005 leg one of the Volvo Ocean Race started from Vigo and ended in Cape Town.
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 de Vigo 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.
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
There are a number of rocky islands and reefs in the approaches to the Rio de Vigo from both N and S, but all are well charted. If coming from 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 to Vigo as long as a yacht keeps half a mile offshore until reaching the commercial port.
Entrance
Vigo is a port of entry for Spain. For details see Entrance: Spain.
Berthing
Visiting yachts can usually find a berth at one of the four marinas in Vigo and its suburb of Bouzas. If they are all full, there are further small marinas at the settlements of Cangas and Moana on the N shores of the ria and at San Adrian de Cobres under the road bridge in the tidal lagoon of Enseada de San Simon (see for Ria de Vigo for details).
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
For details of the Cangas and Moana marinas, see the Ria de Vigo Wiki page.
Real Club Nautico de Vigo
Real Club Nautico de Vigo [[Vigo#Real Club Nautico de Vigo|Real Club Nautico de Vigo]] 42°14.540'N, 008°43.384'W It has a total of 320 berths on finger pontoons in two separate basins in the heart of the city. The basins lie around 500 metres NE of the commercial harbour. Maximum length 22 metres. Maximum depth 8.0 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. Toilets and showers. WiFi. Small area of hard standing. Travel lift (25T). Fuel station. Security (24 hour)
- [email protected]; Tel: +34 (986) 447 441 ; Fax: +34 (986) 449 697; VHF channel 09
- Address: As Avenidas, sn, 36202, 36202 VIGO - Pontevedra, Spain
- Hours: 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 19:00
Marina Punta Lagoa
The marina has a total of 326 berths on finger pontoons. Maximum length 24 metres. Maximum depth 3.0 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. Toilets and showers. Wifi. Restaurant. Fuel station. Large area of hard standing. Travel lifts (110T and 50T). Fixed crane (5T). Security (24 hour).
- [email protected]; Tel: +34 (986) 374 305; Fax: +XX (XXX) XXXXXX; VHF channel 09
- Address:
- Hours:
Liceo Maritimo, Bouzas
Liceo Maritimo, Bouzas [[Vigo#Liceo Maritimo, Bouzas|Liceo Maritimo, Bouzas]] 42°13.624'N, 008°44.973'W Lice Maritimo has a total of 277 berths on finger pontoons. Maximum length 15 metres. Maximum depth 4.0 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. Toilets and showers. Wifi. Gym. Restaurant/clubhouse. Small area of hard standing. Slipway. Fixed crane (12.5T).
- [email protected]; Tel: +34 (986) 232 442; Fax: +34 (986) 239 955; VHF channel 09
- Address: Av. Eduardo Cabello 8, Bouzas, 36208 Vigo (Pontevedra), Spain
- Hours: 24/9
Marina Davila Sport, Bouzas
Marina Davila Sport, Bouzas [[Vigo#Marina Davila Sport, Bouzas|Marina Davila Sport, Bouzas]] 42°13.970'N, 008°44.401'W Marina Davila Sport has a total of 180 berths on finger pontoons plus a superyacht berth. Maximum length 150 metres. Maximum depth 28.0 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. Toilets and showers. Restaurant/clubhouse. Chandlery. Wifi. Separate boatyard with large area of hard standing. Travel lift (70T). Fuel station.
- [email protected]; Tel: +34 (986) 244 612; Fax: +34 (986) 20 68 09; VHF channel 09
- Address: 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
- Hours:
- Prices: For the latest prices see [XXX Price Listing]
- Real Club Nautico de Vigo (founded 1906) organizes every August one of the largest sailing races of the Iberian peninsula: the Regata Rias Baixas, which attracts up to 130 yachts of all nationalities.
- Liceo Marítimo de Bouzas yacht club (founded 1907) organizes two important regattas in the Galician sailing calendar: the Regata Vila de Bouzas and a Regata de Solitarios y a Dos.
Anchorages
There are no suitable anchorages close to Vigo. However, there are several sandy bays in the Ria de Vigo 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 one can anchor near the settlement of San Adrian de Cobres in perfect shelter from all except E winds.
Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water | In the Club Nautico, Marina Punta, Liceo Maritimo, Marina Davila |
| Electricity | In the Club Nautico, Marina Punta, Liceo Maritimo, Marina Davila |
| Toilets | In the Club Nautico, Marina Punta, Liceo Maritimo, Marina Davila |
| Showers | In the Club Nautico, Marina Punta, Liceo Maritimo, Marina Davila |
| Laundry | Several in the city (details from the marinas) |
| Garbage | Bin around the harbor and marinas |
| Supplies | |
| Fuel | Fuel stattion in the Club Nautico and Marina Punta |
| Bottled gas | ? |
| Chandlers |
|
| Services | |
| Repairs | In Marina Davila |
| Internet | WiFi in the Club Nautico, Marina Punta, Liceo Maritimo, Marina Davila |
| Mobile connectivity | ? |
| Vehicle rentals | Numerous rental outlets in the city |
Provisioning
Several supermarkets and provisions shops in the city.
Eating out
Numerous restaurants in the city and near the marinas.
Transportation
- Local bus service to Bayona and Pontevedra.
- Train service to Santiago de Compostela
- Domestic airport at Vigo and international airport at Santiago de Compostela (65 kms)
Tourism
History
Give a short history of the port.
Places to Visit
The old centre of Vigo, the Casco Vello, is very enjoyable to explore, with its narrow streets and traditional craft shops exuding character. Vigo also boasts several good museums, including an important Museum of Contemporary Art and a Museum of the Sea. The 17th century Castro fortress 500 metres inland from the commercial harbour is worth a detour to explore its ramparts and peaceful gardens, especially towards sunset.
Most visiting yachts sooner or later make a beeline for the magical Islas Cies at the W of Ria de Vigo, 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.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
- Cruiser Log moderator Nausikaa (Stephen) is currently living and working in Vigo. Visiting yachts are welcome to contact Stephen, using the messaging facility on the Cruiser Log site, who will be glad to offer any assistance he can.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Vigo at the Wikipedia
- Vigo at the Wikivoyage
- National Park website
- Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park at the 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.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to 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 |
|---|
|
Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
