Vilamoura Marina Portugal, Algarve
Vilamoura is a thriving tourist centre with plenty to entertain the visiting yacht crews and the marina with its shops bars and promenades attracts many of the tourists. The marina, established in 1974, is Portugal’s oldest and best equipped and can provide berths for up to a 1000 yachts. The town started as a Roman resort and has much to offer the visitor.
Either side of the marina entrance are excellent safe beaches, there are 5 golf courses, a shooting club, a casino and a horse riding stables. If it’s the areas culture that interests you then there is a Roman archaeological site and museum, and a 200 hectare environmental park to protect the wetlands which are home to many bird species.
Fresh, frozen and canned provisions are readily available from the many supermarkets and local shops. Fresh fish can be obtained from the new fishing harbour.
There are plenty of good bars and restaurants in the town that can provide a lively night out and there also a number of bars around the marina front. There are several excellent hotels which can get busy at the height of the tourist season.
Road communication is good, and several car hire companies can be found in the town and taxis organised from the marina office or more conveniently found around the marina and town. Faro international airport is about a 20 minute car drive and there is a small airport in Vilamoura. A bus service which takes about 40 minutes connects the town to the airport. There is a main post office in the town.
Medical and dental needs can be attended to by clinics in the town; the nearest hospital is in Faro. There are numerous banks and cash points and a post office
The Approach
The Coast is low and the marina and its breakwaters can be difficult to pick out. The Marina is marked by its own major light for night approach but during the day visibility can be hazy in the strong sunlight. A large light pink hotel stands close to the entrance and is probably the most conspicuous landmark.
The approach to the port can be dangerous in strong southerly winds.
Care should be taken entering the harbour keeping a watch for jet skis and pleasure boats.
The Entrance
Entrance is between the 100m wide east and west breakwaters and is straight forward but silting does occur around the entrance which is dredged to 4m. Inside the breakwaters the channel and the marina is dredged to 3.3m shallowing to 2m at the north end of the basin. The breakwater heads are lit at night. Do not confuse the entrance with the fishing harbour just a few hundred metres further to the east. The reception berth is on the port side of the marina entrance which has a width of about 60m. Fuel can be found on this berth as well. There is a 3 knot speed limit in the marina.
The marina can take 1000 yachts and room for visitors is usually no problem. The majority of the berths are well maintained finger pontoons with water and electric. The maximum boat length is 50m. Head directly to the reception berth and the marina office to acquire a berth number, a member of the marina staff will assist with berthing if short crewed on request.
Formalities
The marina reception office houses the Police, Customs and the Port Captain. If coming from a Portuguese port it is necessary only to visit the reception desk to acquire a berth number
