Lajes das Flores : Profile

Location

Flores is the western most island of the Azores, so named for its flowers. Miles and miles of hydrangeas, cannas and wild roses line the roads and the steep volcanic peaks are terraced by fields bordered by stone walls lined with yet more hydrangeas. The lakes of the interior are worth a visit, some with waterfalls.

Clearance

This is not an "official" port of entry, however few yachts visit Santa Cruz (the official POE) as it offers poor shelter, therefore the Maritime Police and National Guard check visiting yachts in as an accommodation.

Port officials visit the harbour several times a day to check on visiting yachts. Clearance is done with Police, Immigration and Customs.

The Maritime Police can be found next to the library, they may check passports and stamp a copy of the crew list, which then needs to be taken to Immigration (across the street and down a block). This office does not appear to be open very often.

Last updated September 2009.

Docking

Facilities are minimal. Cruising boats anchor as there is only limited space alongside at the quay, and quayside mooring is only permitted when a ship is not expected. The anchorage inside the jetty is sheltered and quite comfortable. A floating pontoon for dinghies and mooring buoys are planned, but nothing done as yet. For now dinghies tie up to the wharf steps by the boat ramp closest to town.
There are cold water showers and toilets in the single story building just up from the steps.

A small marina is under construction making stern too berthing impossible in the meantime. You must anchor off in good daylight to avoid the rock. There is good depth but it is very easy to drop an anchor on, or worse still, just on the wrong side of a 2 metre rock shelf.

Last updated September 2009.

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