Lajes das Flores - Docking
Docking in Lajes das Flores
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 small marina is on-going and not expected to be completed until 2028.
Advice from the Harbour Master re. approach and docking/anchoring here for 2025 can be found here.
Space for visiting yachts to dock and to anchor is very limited. The only options are trying up against the E section of the wall in the inner harbour or anchoring.
Do not call the harbour or the harbourmaster in advance asking about berth availability. There are no reservations, the port works on a first come first served basis and availability changes daily in the season.
This is NOT a good refuge in any conditions involving strong E-NE winds as the inner habour becomes very turbulent and it is difficult to manoeuver inside. If you arrive in fresh easterly winds, consider anchoring in Fajã Grande Bay on the West side of the island, which will be more comfortable and safer until you get to Lajes harbour or you move on.
It is recommended to speak with officials on arrival to find out weather conditions for the duration of your stay in order to determine how long you should spend here.
Anchoring in Lajes das Flores
If you arrive at night, do not enter the inner harbour, 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 tie up there.
Be aware of the strong likelihood of having to anchor (as there is no space in the marina) and prepare accordingly. Prepare your ground tackle and tender in advance.
The anchorage inside the jetty is sheltered and quite comfortable, however, the outer anchorage is very exposed and uncomfortable in strong N/NE winds.
There is normally a charge to anchor during high season, so if you like to anchor for free go to Fajã Grande instead.
Getting Ashore
There is a space to tie your dinghy with steps on one of the inner harbour walls. Normally during the season there is a small floating pontoon for dinghies.
Inner Harbour
- Yachts can tie up against the E section of the wall in the inner harbour, if there is space. Commonly yachts raft up to 3 deep, so be prepared for that.
- If you enter the inner harbour without an assigned berth, which you should avoid, and tie up in what looks like an available spot, please stay onboard until you you are informed that you can stay on that spot. Please do not tie up and wander off.
- Having long dock lines and plenty of strong fenders is recommended.
- There is limited space in the inner harbour as the harbour serves the fishermen and the local craft as well. Be aware that you may have to move from your berth or from your anchorage depending on the needs of the commercial shipping.
- The entrance to the inner harbour is easy enough in calm daylight conditions, but a different story at night with a heavy swell running.
- There is a Red flashing light at the end of the Breakwater (see image below).
- Contact the Harbour Master on VHF Channel 16 as you approach.
- Boats bigger than 15m, or catamarans, are likely to not have space inside the inner harbour and will have to anchor.
Ashore:
The municipal building (single story) on the quayside just up from the steps, houses 4 free cold water showers and toilets which are also open to the public and used by local fishermen. There is also a self-service laundry next door. Facilities are basic. There is no diesel available in port and it’s a 10-minute walk up the hill for provisioning, restaurants etc. in the town.
Last updated: March 2025
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Related to following destinations: Azores, Flores, Lajes das Flores
Port Navigation
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It is now possible to pay at the marina with credit cards, Mastercard and Visa accepted. Multi Banco as well. And of course cash. There is a bar that overlooks the harbor, also has a small deli service. Good wifi in the bar. There are hot showers (3 for men and 3 for ladies, free for marina customers) as well as clean toilets. There is one washing machine (4 euro per load) and one drier (I forgot how much it was) both onsite.
Two supermarkets up the street. All paperwork is done in the port, look for the grey building in the sea-can area of the port, English is spoken. I really liked Flores, plenty of nice short hikes.
Update on Lajes, Flores. The last 5 meters of the inside pier has collapsed, leaning towards the entrance channel into the marina. This will have to be broken and redone, no schedule has been set for it yet.
The longest pier that usually took 3 1/2 boats of 50 feet was damaged in this past winter and was taken out.
This leaves only one space for a 50-foot boat in an almost 50-foot boat space. The only alternative 6-meter finger piers, 4 or 5 of them. Since construction, there is still no allocated bathrooms for the marina. You must share a public bathroom that is also used by fisherman, and port goers. No hot water.
Still no diesel available in port. The restaurant that served refreshments to the sailors is closing the end of May.
Now a 10-minute walk up the hill is required for lunch and supermarkets.
First thing when you arrive and check in at this marina, ask the nice gentleman at immigration for a weather report compared to the shelter this port. He knows the particulars of the shelter (or lack thereof) vis-a-vis the weather in a way that larger weather forecasts cannot assess. He will tell you if it’s safe to stay off if you should push on to a safer port.