Lajes das Flores - Docking
Docking in Lajes das Flores
In October 2019, hurricane Lorenzo destroyed the pier of the port of Flores, the island’s only commercial port, which was again affected, in December 2022, due to the passage of storm Efrain. Reconstruction of the port is on-going and not expected to be completed until 2028 (see news item here for more details).
This means marina and anchoring space is very limited.
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.
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.
Marina Facilities:
- 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 (see image below).
- Contact the marina staff on VHF Channel 16 as you approach.
- Space is tight and available berths are limited. Currently visiting yachts are berthed on the inside of the concrete breakwater where there are 3 to 4 spots alongside. Rafting out is permitted to accommodate up to 9 or 10 yachts at any one time. See pic below.
- 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.
Anchoring in Lajes das Flores:
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 short stop to fill up with water or pick up provisions. There is a floating pontoon for dinghies.
Ashore:
The municipal building (single story) on the quayside just up from the steps, houses 4 free cold water showers and toilets which are also open to the public and used by local fishermen. There is also a self-service laundry next door. 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.
Last updated: March 2024
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Related to following destinations: Azores, Flores, Lajes das Flores
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It is now possible to pay at the marina with credit cards, Mastercard and Visa accepted. Multi Banco as well. And of course cash. There is a bar that overlooks the harbor, also has a small deli service. Good wifi in the bar. There are hot showers (3 for men and 3 for ladies, free for marina customers) as well as clean toilets. There is one washing machine (4 euro per load) and one drier (I forgot how much it was) both onsite.
Two supermarkets up the street. All paperwork is done in the port, look for the grey building in the sea-can area of the port, English is spoken. I really liked Flores, plenty of nice short hikes.
Update on Lajes, Flores. The last 5 meters of the inside pier has collapsed, leaning towards the entrance channel into the marina. This will have to be broken and redone, no schedule has been set for it yet.
The longest pier that usually took 3 1/2 boats of 50 feet was damaged in this past winter and was taken out.
This leaves only one space for a 50-foot boat in an almost 50-foot boat space. The only alternative 6-meter finger piers, 4 or 5 of them. Since construction, there is still no allocated bathrooms for the marina. You must share a public bathroom that is also used by fisherman, and port goers. No hot water.
Still no diesel available in port. The restaurant that served refreshments to the sailors is closing the end of May.
Now a 10-minute walk up the hill is required for lunch and supermarkets.
First thing when you arrive and check in at this marina, ask the nice gentleman at immigration for a weather report compared to the shelter this port. He knows the particulars of the shelter (or lack thereof) vis-a-vis the weather in a way that larger weather forecasts cannot assess. He will tell you if it’s safe to stay off if you should push on to a safer port.