Explore: Djibouti
General Info
This large commercial port is a crossroads for sea base commerce. However, political unrest in this area and the activity of pirates around the Horn of Africa, make this area a security concern so appropriate precautions should be taken.
Many yachts stop here to top up on fuel and re-provision before heading north.
Position: 11°35’57” N, 043°07’56” E (anchorage)
Clearance
See Noonsite/Djibouti/Formalities page for the full details.
It is a long dinghy ride to the other side of the port to check in visas etc. The office is close to the coal terminal where you should ask for the Port Authority (Djibouti Capitanerie).
Fees for visas and other documentation are reasonable and no agent is required. You may find someone loitering around the anchorage offering to do the work of an agent.
Last updated: October 2019
Docking
Arriving at Night
If arriving here at night, anchor 6NM outside the port at the islands and proceed into the port at daylight. There are a number of unlit moorings that are difficult to see at night on the approaches to the port.
The Djibouti Navy operates on VHF Channel. 16.
Port Control operates on VHF Channel 12 and are efficient.
Anchoring Options
It may be possible to anchor inside the Port (see photo above courtesy of SY Alytes who visited in 2016). Good holding in mud at about 4.5m (N 11°35,953 043°07,908).
Alternatively, you may be directed to anchor between the old “Yacht Club” building and the Port de Peche. The Yacht Club of Djibouti is now closed and the building is used by the Guard Nationale.
There is an anchorage next to the fish market near ot the Djibouti SAR center.
There is a charge to anchor here (see Related User Comments).
Getting Ashore
On request, dinghies can be safely left at the red and white Coast Guard dock on the north-western end of the fishing harbour. If you leave your dinghy in the fishing harbour itself, tie it up near the concrete ramp. A local guy sleeps under one of the boats stored there and will keep an eye on it for a fee.
Last updated: February 2019
