Puerto Deportivo Rota, Cadiz, Andalucia, Spain

John said on the 06/04/12 - "Wintered here (2010/2011) afloat and unoccupied. There are few liveaboards it is allowed. It is EPPA run and well maintained and has good security. Reasonably priced also particularly out of season. There are substantial limitations on carrying out work on the boat and lifting out to get work done is very restrictive. The marina appoints those it approves to carry out the various categories of work and the yachtsman has to insure the marina and boatyard staff against injury. You cannot help another boat owner to work on his/her boat. Office staff are friendly and helpful and several speak good English."

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General - Puerto Deportivo Rota lies on the N shore of Cadiz Bay on the Atlantic coast of Andalucia. It is one of a chain of marinas that is run by the Junta de Andalucia. The marina shares the harbour with the local fishing fleet. The marina staff are helpful and friendly, both in the office and boat yard. I've seen rubbish being removed from the water in the marina leaving it clean, not what you will always come across in a Spanish marina.

Open - All year round

Position - 36º 37' N 6º 21' W

Charts, Pilots & Cruising Guides - See the following link for Andalucia Charts

Tides -
Reference port - Cadiz
Mean time differences - HW: - 10 minutes ; LW: -15 minutes ± 5
Heights in metres -

	MHWS	MHWN	MLWN	MLWS
	3.1	2.4	1.1	0.4

Depths at MLW - Entrance - 2.5m. Fuel Dock - 2.5m. Pontoons - 2.5m.

Protection/Shelter - Good

Approach and Entrance -
From the W - Shoal patches of less than 2m extend 1 mile offshore between Punta Candor and Rota. Continue SE until the head of the S breakwater bears no more than 030º before altering course to round it.
From the S -SE - The breakwater head can be approached directly
Entrance - Between the breakwater heads, a narrow dogleg and some care is needed.

Berths & Moorings - Secure against the fuel pontoon and enquire at the office. Do not expect assistance with initial berthing as the marineros are not always in attendance. There are 509 berths. Reservations are preferred.

Maximum length - 32m

Formalities - Passports, Registration and Insurance documents should be presented to the office.

Contact ;
Tel -
Fax -
Email -
Web -
VHF Ch - 9
Call sign -

Water - On the pontoons.

Electric - On the pontoons.

Fuel - Gasoline & Diesel.

Weather forecast - At the marina office.

Security - Good, locking doors and gates with access by card plus a security patrol.

Internet Access - At the library, a two minute walk away. WiFi and free. The service is not that reliable with frequent downs.

Other Marina Facilities, Services & Supplies - Toilets. Showers. Laundry.

Boatyard Facilities & Services - Travel Hoist (32T). Engineers. Electronic Repairs. Radio repairs. Outboard Repairs. In early 2009, EPPA, the company that runs this facility, made some changes to regulations covering work in boatyards. The exact regulations are unclear and although we requested some clarification we did not receive a response from EPPA. Bottom line is you should assume you, the vessel owner, cannot work on your boat in the yard. Nor can you stay on board the vessel while on the hard. If you want to sub-contract any work to third party companies you should seek conformation from EPPA that the proposed company is approved to do work in the yard.

Shopping and Provisions - Most provisions can be obtained in Rota. There are several supermarkets that are some 20 minutes walk from the marina, however they will deliver to the boat. Fish market on site and a meat and produce market just across the road.

Bank - Several nearby.

Chandlers or Ships' Store - On site but a very limited range although they can order. There is a large industrial site in Rota with various workshops, ferreterias (hardware stores) etc and I found 2 pack paint there at about 50% of the price I had been quoted by a chandlery, so it is worth shopping around.
Shop Online for the Best Deals

Marine Electronics - The Top Deals are on the Web!

Scuba Diving Gear - Get Offers Here

Fishing Tackle - Not Known
Great Deals Online

Butane - In the town.

Ice - Not known.

Eating Out - There are a many restaurants near to Puerto Deportivo Rota.

Transport -
Bikes -
Bus Service - Local bus stops at the marina and links to the Bus Station. Services to several other cities and towns from there.
Taxis - In the town.
Car Rental - Great Deals Here!!!
Train Service -
Water Taxi -
Ferry Service - Rota to Cadiz, leaves from the marina
Airport(s) - Jerez, Seville, Gibraltar - 120 kms away.
Click here to Book Your Flights

Local Area -
Sporting & Recreational Facilities -
Sightseeing - Rota town is very Spanish, very lovely and a little gem in my opinion. The marina is set on the edge of the old town, with it's narrow streets, numerous archways and cobbled squares full of orange trees and cafes with outdoor tables. Plenty to do and see within a days travel. Cadiz at the S end of the bay. Take a bus or better still the ferry that leaves from the marina. Also on the bay, Puerto de Santa Maria, steeped in history, it was the port the Spanish used to export sherry. On the subject of sherry, Jerez, sherry capital of Spain, the town is about 20km away. Seville is a little further away but there is a good bus service and it could be crammed into a day. But since this is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, buy a guide book, get some overnight accommodation and spend a little time there. Or take the boat up the Rio Guadalquiver. 9 hours from the mouth on the flood and another 7 back down. Interesting if looking at muddy water for 16 hours is your thing but having done it I'll be taking the bus next time.
Museums and Cultural Attractions - Several old Churches
Marine Conservation -
Special Events -
Children's Stuff -
Other - Excellent beaches on either side of the harbour

Other reports on harbours, marinas and anchorages can be viewed in our marina guide