- Maximum length
- 65 ft
- VHF channel
- 9
- Maximum draught
- 6 ft
Tidal harbour of around 400 berths on the Ria d'Étel, south Morbihan, entered across a shifting sand bar.
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Bar crossing only within daylight and around high water, guided by the semaphore at Pointe du Vieux Passage on VHF 13; check its watch hours before arriving as they are limited. Bar channel shifts with swell and tide. The run in to the berths is tight and can be sporty against the current, which reaches 4 to 6 knots on springs inside the ria. VHF 9 for the harbour office.
Practical
Around 400 berths, visitor berths outside the pontoons, max draught 2 metres. New sanitary block with spacious showers, plus a laundry. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Around 19 euros a night for an 8.5 metre boat in 2023. The Carrefour City in town is dear and there is no other food shop, so a car helps for fuller provisioning. Fishing fleet still active, so keep the trawler quay clear.
Ashore
Musée des Thoniers on the main quay documents the tuna fleet that worked out of Étel until the 1960s. Sentier côtier along the ria towards the chapel on the Île de Saint-Cado at 4 km, and the restaurant Madame Mouette across the bridge beyond a strong tidal current. Weekly market Tuesday morning place de la Libération, and a tuna festival on the last weekend of July.
History
Étel was one of the main French tuna fishing ports from the late 19th century until the decline of the fleet after 1960. The bar has caused repeated shipwrecks, including the 1958 rescue disaster that cost nine lives and led to reform of French sea rescue.
Key facts
- Type
- Harbour
- Coordinates
- 47.65885, -3.20722 (47°39.53'N 3°12.43'W)
- Town
- Etel
- Country
- France
- Maximum draught
- 6 ft
- Maximum length
- 65 ft
- VHF channel
- 9
- Phone
- +33 2 97 55 46 62
- Boaters' rating
- 4.4/5
- Updated
- October 15, 2026
Getting there
Étel lies at 47°39.53'N 3°12.43'W, that is 47.65885, -3.20722 in decimal degrees. Call the harbour on VHF channel 9 before entering.
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
What boat length does Étel accept?
Étel accepts boats up to 65 ft.
Which VHF channel for Étel?
Étel answers on VHF channel 9.
How do boaters rate Étel?
Étel is rated 4.4/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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