Explore: Porto (Oporto)
General Info
There is now an attractive alternative to berthing in Leixoes, just north of the UNESCO city of Oporto, with the development of a new marina situated just inside the mouth of the River Douro (2012).
The sandbar which used to exist at the entrance to the River Douro has now been removed and two new breakwaters have been built making the entrance to the River Douro much safer, the entrance being closed much less frequently than in the past.
The new Douro Marina is on the southern banks of the river close to the historic city of Gaia, home of the port wine lodges. From here the city of Oporto can be walked to or easily accessed by the excellent metro/tram system in the city.
Yachts can navigate at least 90km inland up the River Douro – see notes below.
Position 41° 08.58’N, 08° 40.78’W (entrance to the Douro River).
Docking
The deep water channel is on the north side of the river.
The floating pontoon in Gaia on the south bank of the Douro River no longer exists. Just to the east of Porto, on the north bank and past the Via de Cintura Interna road bridge is the Marina do Freixo, run by the Sport Club do Porto. It may be possible to find a berth there.
The Douro Marina (photo courtesy of Kieran Higgs) is located on the south bank of the river. It does, unfortunately, suffer from swell from passing tour boats.
Call ahead to reserve a berth – the staff speak excellent English. You will be met close to the marina entrance and guided to your berth where staff will be waiting to take lines.
See Leixoes for information on local repair facilities.
Last updated June 2017.
Douro River Sailing
The river Douro and its valley is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and is navigable 208km to the Spanish border thanks to 5 dams with locks.
There are height restrictions (7.2m), however, removing the mast is worth it if you intend to take time to explore this wonderful river. The marina at Povoa de Varzim has the necessary facility to have the mast removed at a low cost.
After two locks, 90km upriver at Régua, depth in the locks reduces to 2m, so this may be as far as most will manage.
The river (or Canal as it’s referred to in Portuguese) has over 50 different docks and many marinas.
The Dam Locks have daily timetables that can be obtained from the port authority on arrival at Oporto.
Procedures:
1. Request by phone (+351) 254 320 022 permission to pass a lock and timetable (English spoken). You can book just one lock, or book a series of locks. Note, in a few months this procedure should change so that booking is possible online or by e-mail and no phone call required.
2. Confirm by email: [email protected] or fax: 254 320 023 the time of passage that was previously agreed and send a copy of the boat registration by 12h30 (1 working day before).
3. Pay at an ATM NIB: 0781 0112 0000000 6264 97
or by bank transfer: IBAN: PT 50 0781 0112 0000000 6264 97 SWIFT CODE: IGCPPTPL
4. Send a copy of the receipt to [email protected] or fax 254 320 023 with Name, Contact Details and Name and Registration of your vessel.
Lock Tax:
Length 6m: €6.14
Length 6-12m: €12.28
Length +12m: €24.54
Use of the lock outside the scheduled timetable costs €122.70.
If a boat is late for a scheduled lock booking, the lock will wait a limited amount of time depending on traffic. If you call they will wait longer (traffic depending) or you will have to re-book.
Any extra information or request refer to the canal authority, they are friendly and accommodating and have a department focused on developing recreational sailing in the river.
Website:
The website is in Portuguese, however, an English and French version are coming.
Last updated February 2017.
