Azores - Fees

Azores Fees for Yachts

Anchoring & Berthing: Horta Marina now charges an anchoring fee of 50% of the berthing rate. A rate sheet will be supplied on arrival. Other Azores marinas may well start doing the same. Approx. costs Horta 2025:

• Marina fee for a 42' boat: 21.42€/day plus tax
• Anchoring fee for the same: 10.71€/day plus tax
• There is also a small garbage fee
• Shower 3€
• Laundry 6€  for 5 kg

Lighthouse Tax (Taxa de Farolagem e Balizagem):

All local and foreign vessels using national ports are required to pay beaconing and buoyage charges annually.

Payable at the local Capitania at the first port of entry.

70€ for the first 6 months – irrespective of size of yacht and cruising area.

If staying longer than 6 months, the tax is then paid annually at the local rate:

• 10€ – if remaining within a radius of 6 miles from port
• 15€ – if sailing in one local island group (western, eastern or central)
• 35€ – if sailing in all of the Azores
• 70€ – if sailing all Portuguese waters

 If cruising for longer than 6 months in Portugal, this can be paid on the annual rate which works out cheaper.

Online payment is possible only if you have a Portuguese tax number.

More details on the government website.

This is not controlled by marinas, so not a document that skippers need to provide upon checking in into subsequent Portuguese marinas, but will be monitored by the Maritime Police if there are any random checks while at sea.

Circulation Tax (Imposto Unico de Circulacao):

Only payable by yachts that remain in Portugal for more than 183 days in any 365 day period (whether afloat or ashore, foreign-registered or local). Calculated according to engine capacity.

Vessels registered before 1986 or with an engine size of less than 26.8hp (20kW) are exempt.

Payment should be made at the local Financas office by 31 January and you will need to show passport and boat papers. Your local marina can assist with details.

The rate for private recreational yachts with a power of 20kW or more is 2.95/kW.

The rate increases exponentially as the year progresses.

Last updated:  April 2025