Anchorage

Calanque Seynerolles

4.2FranceMarseille and the Calanques

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

Small rocky inlet on the eastern flank of La Ciotat bay, just south of the Port Vieux.

Beach
Seagrass

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the south, keeping clear of the rocky shore. The bottom drops away quickly to 12 to 16 m with little room, and it is mostly rock with thin sand and posidonia, so drop on a clear sand patch well offshore to protect the weed. Holding is uncertain and boats have dragged in 10 to 15 knots with current, so it suits small boats in calm weather. No lighting or buoyage, daylight only.

Practical

Busy and rolly by day from motorboats, it empties towards evening for a quieter night in settled weather, though mosquitoes come out after dark. Shelter from S, SW and W, exposed to easterlies and to swell from the open bay. Port Vieux de La Ciotat 1 NM NW and Nouveau Port 1.1 NM N if the wind turns.

Ashore

Ile Verte lies just offshore, with old forts and fortifications to explore, a landing stage served by shuttles and a restaurant by the jetty. The clear water over the rocks is good for snorkelling. Coastal path links the inlet to the old town of La Ciotat in about 25 minutes on foot, with the Plage de la Grande Mer and all shops around 1 NM to the NW.