- Shelter
- NW, N, NE, W
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
Anchorage off the small island of Tatihou at the entrance to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, Cotentin, sand bottom, sheltered from winds from NW through N and NE to W.
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Approach from the south, leaving the Île de Tatihou and its Vauban tower to port. Drying rocks extend northward off the island. The main channel into Saint-Vaast runs to the west of Tatihou, marked by buoys. Strong tidal streams across the bay, up to 3 knots at springs.
Practical
Anchorage for the day only. Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue marina lies 0.5 nm west with 755 berths, accessible through a sill open around high water. Full services, fuel berth, boatyard. Village and oyster beds famous for the Saint-Vaast oyster.
Ashore
Tatihou island reached by amphibious boat from Saint-Vaast, or on foot at low water on spring tides. Vauban tower of 1694 listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 2008 together with the twin tower at La Hougue. Maritime museum, bird reserve on the northern half of the island, botanical garden.
History
Tatihou was fortified by Vauban after the French naval defeat at the battle of La Hougue in 1692, when 15 French ships were burned by the Anglo-Dutch fleet. The island served as a quarantine station in the 18th century and as a youth reformatory from 1887 to 1937.
Story
The Traversées Tatihou music festival takes place each August, with audiences walking across the foreshore at low water to reach the island.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 49.58650, -1.25139 (49°35.19'N 1°15.08'W)
- Country
- France
- Shelter
- Sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west winds
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Boaters' rating
- 4.5/5
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Île Tatihou lies at 49°35.19'N 1°15.08'W, that is 49.58650, -1.25139 in decimal degrees.
Boaters' reviews
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Île Tatihou sheltered from?
Île Tatihou is sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, west winds.
Can you anchor at Île Tatihou?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Île Tatihou.
How do boaters rate Île Tatihou?
Île Tatihou is rated 4.5/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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