- Shelter
- E
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
Shifting sand bank at the mouth of Arcachon Bay, between the Cap Ferret spit and the Dune du Pilat.
- Beach
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Approach only on a rising tide, after having read the latest SHOM notice. The passes of the bay shift each winter and buoyage is moved by the maritime services. Stay well east of the surf line on the bank and keep clear of the Arguin pass in strong W swell.
Practical
Forain anchorage on sand, good holding in fair weather. No services on the bank. Closest refuge is the Port de Cazaux 4.2 NM to the SE via the inland canal, or the canal pontoon 4.6 NM SE.
Ashore
Landing is regulated inside the Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Banc d'Arguin since 1972. Walking is restricted to the marked foreshore zone to protect the sandwich tern colony. The Dune du Pilat rises 106 m high 2 NM to the E, reached by dinghy and a short walk.
History
Classified as a national nature reserve in 1972 to protect the nesting colony of sandwich terns, one of the largest in France.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 44.56448, -1.25411 (44°33.87'N 1°15.25'W)
- Country
- France
- Shelter
- Sheltered from east winds
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Services
- Beach
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Banc d'Arguin lies at 44°33.87'N 1°15.25'W, that is 44.56448, -1.25411 in decimal degrees.
Boaters' reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience of Banc d'Arguin.
Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Banc d'Arguin sheltered from?
Banc d'Arguin is sheltered from east winds.
Can you anchor at Banc d'Arguin?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Banc d'Arguin.
Explore the region
Nearby cities
L'app de navigation bateau, gratuite
Cartes marines officielles, météo marine, GPS et 50 000+ ports et mouillages avec avis. Tout en une seule app, prête à embarquer.
