Anchorage

Le Mimbeau

Shelter: SW, W, NW
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Sand-spit anchorage at the tip of Cap Ferret, inside the Bassin d'Arcachon, with sand holding and shelter from W, NW and SW winds.

Mooring buoys
Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Enter through the passes of the Bassin d'Arcachon on a rising tide, following the annual buoyage. The Mimbeau lagoon lies on the east side of Cap Ferret, exposed to the S and SE across the basin. Tidal streams run 2 to 3 knots in the main channel. Keep clear of oyster parks marked by stakes.

Practical

Anchorage only, no services on the spit. Port de la Vigne is 2.4 nm north with water and a small chandlery. Le Canon village is 3.8 nm north with a boulangerie and a shellfish market.

Ashore

The Mimbeau dune faces the Dune du Pilat 2 nm across the basin, the highest sand dune in Europe at 106 metres. The Cap Ferret lighthouse stands 1 km west of the anchorage, open to visitors with a view from 52 metres over the pass. The Atlantic surf beaches lie 800 m on the ocean side of the peninsula.