Los Cristianos : Profile

Clearance

Approaches are straightforward although the harbour is very busy with the Gomera ferries and hydrofoil plying between the two islands. There are now extensive fish farms to the SE of the harbour entrance.

Visiting skippers are required to report on arrival at the port office, which has a yellow door and is located on the first floor inside the ferry terminal building. The port office (Tel. 922 790827, Fax 922 797863) is open 0800-1430 seven days a week, but depending on ferry and hydrofoil movements; if the officials are not in the office, they will be somewhere in the port.

Docking

The resort of Los Cristianos used to be one of the favourite ports among cruising sailors. In recent times however, the situation has changed and visiting yachts are made distinctly unwelcome by the authorities. The port has become a thriving whale watching centre and there about several boats which go out regularly to watch whales, so space in the port for visitors is limited.

The port office (open 0800-1430) is located on the first floor in the ferry terminal.

The situation has not improved with recent reports of increases in theft of dinghies and from yachts at anchor, as well as from those in the boatyard. Facilities are minimal and showers can only be had on the public beach.

Anchoring has been prohibited inside the harbour since 1998 and a port launch will visit any yacht anchored and ask them to anchor further out. The designated yacht anchorage is to the SE of the green starboard buoy marking the entrance into the harbour. This is both a long dinghy ride away and also prone to swell, so few yachts remain here longer than absolutely necessary. The limited dock space is all taken up by local boats, while on the main quay the sightseeing and day charter boats are rafted up three and four deep. Dinghies can be landed by the fishermen's cooperative quay, on the inside, by the fuel dock.

Los Cristianos continues to be a convenient stop for short periods but it can longer be recommended except to those who may wish to have their boat hauled out here.

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