Peniche - Docking

Docking in Peniche

This harbour has all-weather access [although listen to advice from the local fishermen when deciding to depart in heavy weather], but often has an uncomfortable swell inside.

Marina

The marina is inside the port on the south side of the peninsula (photo courtesy of Kieran Higgs). 

• The marina has a visitors' pontoon (the long outer pontoon).
• If this is full just find a space where you can, possibly on the inside or berthing alongside someone.
• Rafting up is best avoided in a heavy swell, however, there is limited space for visitors so be prepared to have to tie up alongside another yacht.
• Passing fishing boats give out wash, prepare well with fenders.
• Electric points are available on the visitors pontoon - some sharing may be required. The supply is easily overloaded and faults regularly.
• The fuel berth is close to the pontoons, in front of the lifeboat station. Access limited by draft.

More marina info. including contact details, under Related Businesses below.

It is possible to moor against the wall on the opposite side of the harbour. However, because of the tidal range and amount of wash from the ferries and fishing boats, care is needed. It can be bumpy here.

Anchoring

It is no longer possible to anchor inside the harbour. There is an anchorage on the north side of the peninsula.

Ilha Berlenga

This island is a nature reserve just 7 km west of the Peniche Peninsula. There is an anchorage on the SE side, below the lighthouse, which has moorings used by day tripper boats that are available to use for overnight. A bar/restaurant, a simple shop and fort used as a hostel is all that is here. The clear water is particularly good for diving and snorkelling, however, this is only suitable for overnight if conditions are settled.

Alternatively there are ferries from Peniche harbour which take 45 minutes and cost 20 Euros a return ticket.

Ashore

There are three small roads that together run parallel into the heart of the town from the marina. The busiest is the Avenhida do Mar, following the course of the river upstream to a bridge where you’ll find the best restaurants. If you follow any one of these roads you’ll find yourself in the town centre, by the banks, tourist office and shops.

There is a small mini-market in the north basin of the marina that's open every day and a much larger Pingo Doce supermarket 1km away. This is a 15 minute walk down Avenhida do Mar, across the bridge and in to the “Zona Central de Peniche”. Carry straight on across the first roundabout and it is on your left-hand side. There is also an Intermarche a 20 minute walk from the marina on Avenida Monsenhor Bastos (near the city gate). The central fresh produce/meat/fish market in town is open mornings week days and well worth a visit.

Last updated:  March 2025