The busy anchorage is used by more than a dozen local boats and mini-cruiser ships, most of which have permanent moorings on the south side of the bay.

Anchoring:

This is a very rolly and uncomfortable anchorage. There are two choices for anchoring:

A minor amount of protection can be gained anchoring close in along the SW shore, but this is also the main channel in and out the harbor and is where a great many tour boats anchor very closely together. Stern anchors are mandatory, and there will certainly be some proximity negotiations along the way.

The other option is to anchor more towards the middle of the harbor, basically just outside the 3 lines of bow and stern anchored boats. A stern anchor is not necessary and often it seems that the roll is no worse as long as the wind holds.  Holding in pure white sand is excellent once the anchor digs in.

Getting Ashore:

There is no beaches to leave a dinghy on.  You can only use your dinghy to go to and from the town dock and you are not allowed to leave dinghies on the dock, so most people use water taxis. All the water taxis carry life jackets or buoyancy aids for each person to use when aboard. The taxis run 24 hours a day and prices are per person per trip – about US$1 per person each way. Call on VHF Channel 14.

If you choose to use your dinghy, it is a  requirement to wear life jackets. The local maritime authority enforces this from to time.

A narrow unmarked channel, with a depth of approximately 7 feet (2.10 meters) at high tide, leads into a cove crowded with local boats. This small pool is fronted by two short concrete docks used for loading and unloading goods and passengers, the inner one being more suitable for dinghies. A better alternative is to take the dinghy to the small dock at the Port Captain’s office, in the northwest corner of the harbor. The shallow channel is marked with perches and outboard engines can only be used at high tide, while at low tide the area sometimes dries out completely.

There are public toilets opposite the pier.

Rubbish Disposal

There is an official barge (green in color) that will collect rubbish directly from your yacht. Pay in cash based on the amount of waste you have. Expect to spend around US$3 per bag of waste. Remember waste must be separated – see Biosecurity for details.

Most collections take place between 0700 and 0830 in the morning. Try calling on Channel 06.

Sea Lions:

There is a small colony of sea lions in Puerto Ayora so there is less likelihood of your yacht being boarded by them.  However, it is advisable to take precautionary measures if leaving your vessel such as putting out fenders, closing boarding lines or putting out some sort of material across your transoms. See photo below from SV Hawkeye.

Last updated:  February 2024

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