Los Cristianos Marina Canary Islands photos

Los Cristianos Marina Canary Islands, Tenerife

Los Cristianos Marina Canary Islands, Tenerife

Los Cristianos was originally a small fishing and ferry port with a village that lies in a sheltered bay in the south of the island. In recent times the town has grown and developed into a thriving tourist resort with the port also being enlarged to accommodate the high speed and conventional ferries that run to the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro, Gran Canaria and La Palma. The port is very much a working harbour and home to the local fishing fleet, as well as the usual tourist craft. Over the past ten to twelve years a whale watching business has developed and now more than 30 boats take tourist out to offer an educational and fun day out. The marina is quite small and mainly for local craft with little room for visiting yachts. The marina does have good repair facilities.

The port used to be a popular departure point for Atlantic crossings until in the early 90's when the harbour was closed to visiting yachts. Now the situation is unclear as yachts are allowed to enter and wait for repairs or lifting at the boat yard, but usually a few dozen could be anchored or on moorings not, seemingly, making use of the boatyard facilities. (This relaxed attitude by officials could change suddenly though). Anchorage is permitted outside of the port.

Road communications are good and well maintained and as mentioned above the ferry connections are regular. One of the islands two airports Reina Sofia (Tenerife South) is just 15km to the east of the town. Buses provide frequent services to most destinations including the airport and the capital and they are clean, safe and efficient. Taxis can be found on the quay especially when ferries are due in, and there are several car hire firms. Coaches offer various tours to visit the islands natural parks attractions.

As you would expect of a town catering to the tourist market there are numerous bars and restaurants many of which are around the harbour area. But as well as tourism the town is a vibrant commercial centre and manages to maintain a very Spanish feel and its links to its fishing origins are still very apparent. To the west is the major tourist town of Playa de las Americas.

Fresh, frozen and canned provisions are readily available from the many supermarkets and local shops. A local market is held every Sunday. 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.

Medical and dental facilities can be found in the town and close by in Playa de las Americas. There are several pharmacies which are well stocked. The main hospitals can be found in the capital Santa Cruz.

The island has many yacht charter companies and chartering a boat is a popular holiday.

Anchorage

The inner part of the harbour is used by local craft and visiting yachts are instructed to anchor in the southeast part of the harbour where the protection and holding is poorest. Be aware of wash from the ferries. Holding is variable over rock with sand patches. There is at present no charge for anchoring.

Two anchorages are designated outside the port one to the southeast of the starboard hand buoy and another just off about halfway along the main breakwater.

The Approach

The approach is without hazards as long as you aim to pass between the end of the breakwater and the starboard hand buoy to the southeast. Further to the southeast are several marine farms which are best given a wide berth. The main cause for concern to the arriving yacht at the marna is the departing high speed ferries and the numerous tourist boats taking tourist on whale watching trips.

As mentioned in the port description visiting yachts are discouraged unless making use of the repair and lift facilities. All berths and moorings are usually taken up by local craft. A line of yellow buoys and floats marks the limit for vessels to protect the beaches and bathing areas.

Formalities

The Marina and harbour office is situated on the first floor of the passenger terminal building on the breakwater. When we visited we could find nobody to help and enquiries were greeted with a shrug of the shoulder! If departing Spain from here and requiring an exit stamp it may be worth while calling in at San Sebastian de la Gomera marina a short distance across the strait, or trying Puerto Colon or Los Gigantes marinas. (Telephone first to enquire about entry and if an exit stamp is possible)

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