Explore: Leixoes (nr Porto/Oporto)
General Info
Located 4nm north of the entrance to the Douro river, Leixoes is the artificial harbour that was built to serve Porto (Oporto). The marina is still operating here, however little or no maintenance is carried out anymore as it has been eclipsed by the new Douro Marina which has opened in Oporto – much closer to the city centre for exploring.
Position: 41° 10.24’N, 08° 42.27’W (harbour entrance)
Clearance
This is an official Port of Entry.
See the Noonsite/Portugal/Formalities page for full details of clearance.
If berthed in the marina, visit the marina office with passports, ships papers and insurance documents. Note marina office opening times below under docking.
Last updated: October 2018
Docking
This port is not easy to enter at night as the shore lights hide the identity of the navigation lights. If entering at night it’s advisable to anchor until daylight before entering the crowded marina. Early evening can be busy too when all the fishing boats are leaving. Note the opening times of the marina below.
There is a public anchorage just outside the marina inside the breakwater, which offers good shelter in a northerly blow. Depths of 5m or more with mud. Boats at anchor can arrange with the marina to leave their dinghies for a small charge.
Beware of anchored ships near the entrance and the traffic of fishing vessels morning and evening.
In strong westerlies, there can be a build up of swell at the entrance to the port, although once inside this calms.
The marina at Leixoes is in the NE corner of the commercial harbour, next to the beach and downwind of the oil terminal. It is run by an association of the three yacht clubs based there. In 2018 the marina was reported to be poorly maintained but the new Douro Marina is now well established and located in Oporto.
Last updated: September 2018
Yacht Clubs
The Yate Clube de Porto, the Clube Vela Atlantico and the Clube Naval de Leca all overlook the harbour and marina.
