Explore: Lajes das Flores
View on Map
General Info
ALERT: The Flores port is closed for 2022 and possibly beyond.
A new harbour is under construction and there have been no facilities, or safe harbour, for visiting yachts for the last 3 years. The main breakwater construction has not started. For the forseeable future the Port of Lajes is closed.
Description:
Flores is the westernmost 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. The locals here are reported to be very friendly and helpful.
Lajes is located on the southeast coast of the island and is the administrative center. There is very small marina here, however, this is NOT a good refuge in any conditions involving strong E-NE winds as the little marina becomes very turbulent and it is difficult to manoeuver inside. During the winter of 2017/18, there was a lot of damage to the marina pontoons and space is now very restricted.
It is recommended to speak with officials on arrival to find out weather conditions for the duration of your stay in order to determine how long you should spend here.
Position:
39° 22.78’N, 31°10.15’W (Marina)
Clearance
COVID-19 coronavirus: New restrictions in place for arriving yachts – see Biosecurity for details.
This is not an “official” port of entry, however, few yachts visit Santa Cruz (the official POE) as it offers poor shelter. It is accepted that formal clearance into the country is deferred until a yacht check in to one of the official ports of entry.
Clearance into the port is undertaken at the marina office, which is located in the large grey building at the root of the outer breakwater. Customs and Immigration are co-located in the same building but the marina office staff undertake all the paperwork. The office is open on weekdays, yachts arriving on the weekend are permitted to check on the following Monday.
If a vessel arrives during a weekend and plans to leave on that same weekend, contact the harbormaster over the phone at (+351) 910001889.
Last updated: October 2018.
Docking
- With permission from Portos dos Acores.
ALERT: Following Hurricane Lorenzo which passed over the Azores at the beginning of October 2019, this port has been closed. A new harbour is under construction and there have been no facilities, or safe harbour, for visiting yachts for the last 3 years. The main breakwater construction has not started. For the forseeable future the Port of Lajes is closed. See image of how the marina will look when finished.
OLD PORT INFORMATION:
Marina
- The entrance to Lajes Marina is easy enough in calm daylight conditions, but a different story at night with a heavy swell running.
- There is a Red flashing light at the end of the Marina Breakwater. Calling ahead on the VHF is not necessary here.
- Space is tight and available berths are limited.
- Limited space can be found alongside at the quay as well, however, quayside mooring is only permitted when a ship is not expected.
Anchoring
The anchorage inside the jetty is sheltered and quite comfortable, however, the outer anchorage is very exposed and uncomfortable in strong N/NE winds.
To anchor inside the harbor costs 50% of the marina fee, so if you like to anchor for free go to Fajã Grande instead. Many of the marinas in the Azores are now charging yachts to anchor.
The marina permits yachts at anchor to enter the marina for a shortstop to fill up with water or pick up provisions. There is a floating pontoon for dinghies.
The municipal building (single story) on the quayside just up from the steps, houses cold water showers and toilets which are also open to the public and used by local fishermen. Facilities are basic. There is no diesel available in port and it’s a 10-minute walk up the hill for provisioning, restaurants etc. in the town.
Space inside the marina is very limited, so boats bigger than 15m, or catamarans, are likely to not have space inside the marina. The advice is that these boats should go to the anchorage and speak to the Harbour Master about available space.
Last updated: March 2022
Related Businesses
Marina Lajes das Flores
Address: Pua do Porto, Lajes das Flores, Flores, Azores, 9960-438
This marina suffered damage during Hurricane Lorenzo at the start of October 2019. Contact the marina in advance for an update on repair/opening.Small basic marina,... Read More
Courtesy Flag
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.com