- Maximum length
- 20 m
- VHF channel
- 9
- Maximum draught
- 2 m
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, subject to a signalled semaphore at Pointe du Vieux Passage. Bar channel shifts with swell and tide. Inside the ria, currents run 4 to 6 knots on springs. Call the semaphore before approach. VHF 9 for the harbour office.
Practical
Around 400 berths, visitor pontoon on the west side, max draught 2 metres. Water, electricity, showers and WC. 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 Saint-Cado chapel at 4 km. Weekly market Tuesday morning place de la Libération.
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
- 2 m
- Maximum length
- 20 m
- VHF channel
- 9
- Phone
- +33 2 97 55 46 62
- Boaters' rating
- 4.7/5
- Updated
- July 7, 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 20 m.
Which VHF channel for Étel?
Étel answers on VHF channel 9.
How do boaters rate Étel?
Étel is rated 4.7/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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