Anchorage

Baie de Port Man

3.9FranceVar

Shelter: NW, W, SW, S, SE
Seabed: sand, rock, algae
Anchoring: Allowed

Deep bay on the north-east tip of Port-Cros, inside the national park and one of the most sheltered anchorages on the island.

Pontoon
Beach
Seagrass

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Enter between Pointe de Port-Man and Pointe de la Galère, on a heading of about 220 degrees. Bottom is sand with rock and Posidonia patches, so anchor on sand only, or pick up a park ecological mooring buoy when laid in season. The bay is deep, commonly 10 to 20 metres, and the inshore edges are closed off, so plan to anchor in about 12 to 15 metres and lay 40 to 50 metres of chain. Well sheltered from W through S to SE, open to N and NE winds.

Practical

No services in the bay. Anchoring is now barred to boats over 12 metres and the limit is enforced, with park wardens and the gendarmerie turning larger craft away and fining boats that anchor on Posidonia, around 136 euros. Use a seabed-mapping app to find the sand. Diving and fishing are regulated by the park with a no-take zone. Closest harbour is Port-Cros village 1.5 nm to the W with a small pontoon and limited berths, L'Ayguade du Levant 0.9 nm to the E.

Ashore

A small jetty at the foot of the cliff below the fort makes a handy landing for the walk. Coastal path loops around the bay and climbs to Fort de Port-Man, a 17th century coastal battery overlooking the entrance. Trail to the village of Port-Cros across the island, about one hour on foot, passing Fort de l'Estissac.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 43.01273, 6.41500 (43°0.76'N 6°24.90'E)
Country: France
Shelter: Sheltered from north-west, west, south-west, south, south-east winds
Seabed: sand, rock, algae
Anchoring: Allowed
Services: Pontoon, Beach, Seagrass
Boaters' rating: 3.9/5
Updated: October 15, 2026