Culatra Anchorage, Algarve, Portugal.

This page is intended as basic information for would-be yachting visitors to the area.
I write this September 2011, and the information to the best of my knowledge is at this time is correct.
Please contact me if you have anything further to add or suggest I alter.

Anchorage Off Olhão, Near the Island of Culatra.

Entrance and Anchorages off Culatra:

Take care to follow the channel as there are many sand banks that change over time.

The channel in through the harbour entrance is clearly marked with buoys to Olhão or to the anchorage near to Faro. To reach the Culatra anchorage follow the channel ( less well marked but still OK to follow).

There are two anchorages – one directly opposite the island of Culatra and the other, a little further down, towards the island of Armona.

The anchorages are well protected from the ocean yet occasional strong winds pass through. The seabed is sand and provides a fairly good hold for most good anchors.

Culatra:

A small fishing island with several restaurants, cafes, bars, a community centre, a couple of small supermarkets and a multi-bank machine!

The best restaurant by far, at time of writing, is called ” Rui’s” and faces the fishing marina. This has really fabulous fresh fish and clams for a fairly reasonable price.

The cafe / bar “Jenoca” is popular with locals, tourists and yachties alike. Cheap and cheerful!

There is a clothes washing service on the island for the yachties run by an English guy which appeared to be reasonably priced.

You can happily leave your dingy in the fishing marina at the ends of the pontoons or under the bridge. ( Where in the early morning you can still buy fabulous fresh fish from the local fishermen if lucky).

There is a walkway leading to the other side of the island and to the ocean. A beautiful, unpopulated beach. Without beach bars though.

The small supermarkets, or “mini-mercados” stock the basics and are open six days a week, closing between 1 and 3, as is usual in Portugal, for lunch.

The ferry from Culatra leaves several times throughout the day, depending on the season, and runs between Olhão – Culatra – Farol – Olhão, as well as Olhão – Farol – Culatra – Olhão. The tickets, at time of writing, was 1,70 euros each way.

River taxis operate between the island and Olhão, any time of day and night. The fare is 25 euros a trip, for up to 5 people, any more than 5 people and then each extra person pays an extra 5 euros. They can take you and pick you up from your boat.

Olhão:

A busy fishing town, with several marinas – including a fishing boat marina, a small crafts marina and a marina for larger vessels – though this marina has a massive waiting list and at time of writing was full ( and will be for years, apparently)…. There are also two cheap boat yards at the far end of the town. We stayed in one and were very pleased with the service ( and price!). See my blog for more details.

The town contains many shops, restaurants and amenities which I believe would cover most things.

Within walking distance there is a fairly large “Pingo Doce” supermarket – located in the streets behind the market.

A chemist sits at the far West end of the main esplanade facing the water, with the GNR ( police) building close by.

There is a post-box located opposite the market.

There are several good seafood shops and the huge and well-worth-a-visit farmer’s market which is held every weekend; within the two market buildings and on the esplanade, facing the water.. You can buy a great variety of fish, meats, fruits, vegetables,  breads, cheeses and a whole wealth of local produce as well as enjoying  a welcome refreshment in one of the cafes.

You can fill up your boat with water from the GNO ( Grupo Nautico Olhão) really cheaply, or you can order a water boat that delivers water straight to your boat ( more expensively of course).

There are various boat supply shops and chandlers – there is a fishing tackle shop opposite the market on the main esplanade that stocks a great deal of boat equipment and the best in town is a chandlers called ” Nautica” (which is also the official Yamaha dealer, if that is of interest) which is located opposite the fishing boat marina.

We found everyone here very friendly and helpful, and there is always someone that speaks English if your Portuguese is not so good!