Horta - Docking

Docking in Horta

The waterfront underwent extensive re-modelling in 2021-2022 and the new buildings at the southern end of the marina house the showers, toilets and laundry facilities. These are situated immediately below Peter’s Café Sport, so are easy to locate but note that it is an eight minute walk from the northern end of the marina to the shower block.

Marina Information

When contacting the marina, it may be difficult to get a response via email. Telephoning is the best method of communication.

The marina does not prebook berths, its strictly first come first served, excluding any emergencies.

The reception and fuel dock quay has at least 3.5m water depth at low tide.

Although the marina at Horta officially has "300 berths", this includes raft-ups.  Along the jetty wall, yachts may have to raft up to three deep in busy season.

There are two marina basins, north and south. The majority of yachts must expect to raft up against the marina wall in the northern basin, however pontoon berths will be allocated if possible. Due to the turnover of yacht traffic, new places on the pontoons become available daily, so expect to move during your stay. Long mooring lines are useful when rafted out.

Anchoring

Anchoring is necessary here during the busy season, particularly for multihulls. The bottom has a few sandy patches, but is mainly rocks with a great deal of debris, so holding tends to be poor.

Horta Marina charges boats at anchor a fee of 50% of the berthing rate. This includes unlimited water from the marina (either from the reception quay or by jerry can), use of the toilets, showers, launderette and dinghy berthing. A rate sheet will be supplied on arrival.

It is forbidden for boats, local or visiting, to anchor at Porto Pim (south of Horta) and off Praia da Boca da Ribeira, NE of the ferry and cruise ship terminal, due to undersea cables and a nature reserve.

Last updated: April 2025