Azores, Flores Island: Landfall Advice and Guide for Visiting Yachts

Flores Guidance – May 2026

This is an update to the previous report received from Jorge in March 2026.

New Rules for Arriving from Outside Schengen

Regarding the latest press reports about restrictions to landing on Flores Island:

• No vessel is prohibited to anchor or dock in a space assigned by the dockmaster, restrictions only apply to crew movement ashore.
• All crews and vessels coming from the Schengen Zone are free to circulate on the island
• Vessels and crews arriving from outside the Schengen Zone must not disembark without reporting to the Guarda Nacional Republicana [GNR] ( 00351 961196141 ) who will determine the authorizations given.
• Since Flores is not an official port of entry and has no border post, crews have been allowed ashore in the past as an exception. This exception is no longer being freely given by the GNR, the law enforcement agency responsible.

We stress that this a process that doesn’t involve any sort of payment (since we have had inquiries regarding the possibility of paying for the authorization). We understand where most people are coming from, but offering a bribe is a crime in Portugal.

We deeply regret this inconvenience , we are hoping to have a seasonal border post installed and will update as the situation evolves.

Docking/Anchoring Conditions

In October 2019, hurricane Lorenzo destroyed the pier of the port of Flores, the island’s only commercial port, which was again affected, in December 2022, due to the passage of storm Efrain. Reconstruction of the port and associated marina is on-going and not expected to be completed until 2028. This means docking and anchoring space is very limited.

Unfortunately conditions will be even worse than last year, technically the harbour is closed until further notice.

• The inner harbour is closed to traffic until further notice.
• Anchorage is allowed, subject to directions for specific spots, depending on dredging work being carried out and the quantity of commercial traffic.
• There will be 3 mooring buoys suitable for yachts up to 10 tons on the north side of the jetty, belonging to the Clube Naval and for rent.
• Depending on the work being carried out in the inner harbour, there may be a chance to come alongside for a brief period of time to get fuel, water and supplies. This docking must be scheduled with the dockmaster.

We keep watch on VHF 12/16 from 08:00 to 18:00 and can be reached via Whatsapp text message through 00351 913956619.

We thank everyone for their patience.

Jorge Ventura
Assistant Harbourmaster

Flores Island Landfall Advice and Guide for Yachts

Flores, the most western and the most beautiful of the Azores islands, has little in the way of yachting facilities. If you require comforts like shore power or services like important repairs, refits or specialist chandlery, give it a miss.

Please avoid making arrangements like booking air travel or island tours before you are ashore. This should be common knowledge. Having commitments when you are at sea will place undue pressure on you. Your plan should be to arrive safely and take it from there.

If you arrive in fresh easterly winds, consider anchoring in Fajã Grande Bay on the West side of the island, you cannot clear in there but it will be more comfortable and safer until you get to Lajes Harbour or you move on. Keep in mind that Lajes Harbour is not well protected from easterly winds and swells.

Being low on diesel is not an emergency or distress situation unless you are a power driven vessel. Assistance may be rendered at full commercial rates.

First Come – First Served

Do not call the harbour or the harbourmaster in advance asking about berth/anchoring/mooring availability. There are no reservations, we work on a first come first served basis and availability changes daily in the season.

Keep watch on VHF Channel 16/12. You can call Lajes Harbour on 16/12 as soon as you have visual contact . You may also be hailed by the harbour.

The harbour does not work 24/7.  If you arrive at night, anchor in the bay, the depth is between 12 and 15m and the bottom is sand. You can anchor on either side of the new pier, giving it as much clearance as possible, commercial shipping manouvers in the basin and ties up there.

Be aware of the strong likelihood of having to anchor and prepare accordingly. An ocean going vessel is expected to have proper ground tackle and a working tender.

Fly the Q flag. Flying the Courtesy flag will also be appreciated.

Don’t Wander Off Please!

If you arrive not having spoken with the harbour staff and being assigned a spot, stay onboard until you are informed that you can stay on that spot. We know you want to stretch your legs, but please do not arrive and wander off.

There are plans to start charging a fee to visiting yachts again this year, but there is still no confirmation of this.

We wish you a safe and uneventful crossing and hope to meet in Flores this year!

Jorge Ventura
Assistant Harbour Master
Lajes das flores
Azores

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