Marina Rubicon Marina Canary Islands photos

Marina Rubicon Marina Canary Islands, Lanzarote

Marina Rubicon Marina Canary Islands, Lanzarote

Marina Rubicon is part of a new development, Castillo del  Aguila, which also has luxury housing and a 5 star hotel. The marina opened in May 2003 and provides 500 berths for boats up to 70m in length, which, normally, about half are for visiting yachts. Because of its size some of the outer berths present a long walk to shore side services but with these facilities offering free use of a swimming pool and paddle and tennis court maybe the walk can be forgiven. There is also a dive centre and various water sport activity centres.

With Marina Rubicon being so new many services have still to be opened but the picturesque old harbour of Puerto del Playa Blanca is just a couple of minutes drive away. All berths in Rubicon Marina are supplied with water, electricity, and phone connections. Most marina services can be found here such as Chandlers, lifting cranes, engineers, sail repairs, fuel etc. Yacht charter can be found in the marina and chartering a yacht to sail around the island is a popular holiday.

Communications are excellent both between the islands and the rest of Europe. The main airport on Lanzarote is just 30 minutes away by car and all the islands are connected by ferries from the major ports. The road infrastructure is good and well maintained as is the public transport system which is clean, safe and efficient. Two regular ferries from Playa Blanca, a couple kilometres, away also operate to nearby Fuerteventura  which is just a 30 minute journey from Lanzarote and inexpensive. Ferry operators Fred Olsen and Armas

Fresh, frozen and canned provisions are available from the well stocked supermarket and the few local shops. Larger supermarkets can be found in Puerto del Carmen and there is a hypermarket near the airport. As with the other islands, here is a great opportunity to replenish bonded goods because of the generous tax laws. The same tax laws also means that refuelling is a lot cheaper than in many Northern European countries. There are also several banks with cash dispensing machines close to the harbour.

Medical needs are met by a first aid centre or a doctor in Playa Blanca, with the main hospital being in the capital Arrecife. There are bars and restaurants to choose from, many being located close to the marina area or in the 5 star hotel.

The Approach

Marina Rubicon lies about 2M northwest of Punta Papagayo across the bay from Playa Blanca. The most distinctive landmark is the tall lighthouse on Punta Pechiguera about 3M to the west. When approaching the northwest facing entrance depth shoal gradually and there are no known hazards. Night time arrivals can prove tricky when trying to pick out navigation lights against the backdrop of the shore lights.

The Entrance

The entrance is well protected and deep, minimum 5-6m. There were a few unlit buoys just to the north of the entrance but these don't seem to have any significance more than marking bathing/pedalo areas.

The Rubicon marina reception berth lies to port beyond the boat yard and lift out point just in front of the stone tower. There are 500 berths and finding a space is usually no problem. Despite the narrow protected entrance a swell can sometime find its way into the marina.

Formalities

Report to the Rubicon Marina office on arrival with the usual paperwork plus proof of insurance, telephone 928 519 012 for berth rates and availability. The office staff speak English and are very helpful. Berthing charges are quite high but discounts are available for longer stays.

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