Ria de Vigo and Baiona

General Info

The Ria de Vigo is the most southern of the Galician Rias, benefitting from a slightly better climate because of its location. Protected across its entrance by the Islas Cies (part of the Atlantic Islands National Park), it provides a safe, sheltered harbor. It lies about 6nm from the entrance.

The Port of Vigo is ideally positioned and has, for many years, been the leading seafood port in Galicia. Vigo, which was first settled as a small fishing village, has become Galicia´s most populous city with successive areas of land having been reclaimed from the sea. Its origin as a fishing port has left the old town with an interesting maritime atmosphere.

Vigo is one of the top locations in Galicia for solving problems with a boat. All marine services are available here. The best way to find expertise is through the marinas who will have good knowledge of the most suitable people around. This is a good place to consider over-wintering your boat.

Baiona lies on the southern shore at the entrance to the Ria, about 4nm due south of the Islas Cies.

Position 42° 10.13’N, 08° 52.93’W (entrance to Ria de Vigo)

Position 42° 07.5’N, 08° 50.35’W (Baiona)

Clearance

This is a Port of Entry.

See the Noonsite/Spain/Formalities page for details of how to clear into and out of the country.

Docking

The Ria is busy and industrial, however still has its quieter areas.

Marinas – Vigo

Vigo City on the south shore has 4 large marinas with visitors berths, however, the trade-off for being close to amenities is that all are located in busy commercial areas.

The Real Club Nautico de Vigo (shown right) partly isolates you in the marina whilst being the closest marina to the centre of the city, but some people prefer to be based elsewhere and visit Vigo using the many transport links available.

Surrounding Vigo within the Ria is several other marinas to consider. Many are private (and we have not listed these), however, the small marinas at Cangas (Vigo´s beach town), Moana and San Adrian de Cobres on the north shore can host visiting yachts. All are accessible by ferry from Vigo.

Marinas – Baiona

Baiona is one of the best and most picturesque harbours for visiting yachts and is a delightful Medieval town close to the Ria entrance.

There are two marinas here (see photo left taken by Kieran Higgs). On rounding the harbour breakwater is the Monte Real Clube de Yates (MRCY) and to port is the Puerto Deportivo de Baiona.

The Puerto Deportivo de Baiona marina tends to be where most visitors are directed on arrival and is the cheaper option for a pontoon berth (although prices are still high for this part of Spain). However, the facilities are not as good as at the MRCY and there is no security. Taking a mooring at the MRCY is a cheaper option.

Anchorages

There are numerous anchorages, the most attractive being near the entrance, especially on the east side of Islas Cies (see below). Barra and Limens also offer pretty anchorages with white sandy beaches.

The large bay at the N end of the Ria, Ensenada de San Simon, is a haven of peace in a rural setting, sheltered from all winds. It is, however, a tidal lagoon, very shallow and therefore a good survey with a tide table in hand is necessary to find enough water. It is also a good 12m from the Ria entrance. The best time to explore here is close to neap tides. There are moorings available here at Puerto Deportivo San Adrian de Cobres. The area around the marina and fishing quay at San Adrian is probably the best location in the bay for anchoring, at least 4m deep in mud.

Atlantic Islands National Park

Known as the “Galicia Caribbean” these Islands offer wonderful white sand, turquoise waters, and great hiking, flora, and fauna.

To visit the Islands (Cies, Salvora, and Ons) in this national park, you have to first apply for a Navigation Permit which can be obtained online. You also have to apply for daily anchoring permits. See Restrictions for more details.

Alternatively, you can catch a ferry to Cies and Ons between April and October from Baiona, Vigo, and Cangas, and make a day visit by foot, or overnight at one of the campsites.

It is possible to anchor here without an advance permit, in case of emergency or bad weather.

Port Control – Vigo Practicos: VHF Channel 14

Harbour Master Vigo – Tel: +34 986 224001, Fax: +34 986 4348

Harbour Master Baiona – Tel:+34 986 355234, VHF Channel 16, 06

Last updated September 2017.

The marina at Monte Real Club de Yates, Baiona, taken by Kieran Higgs.