Santa Cruz de la Palma

1. Santa Cruz de La Palma punto de embarque de prácticos Pilot boards28°40.2′N 017°45.8′W

Size limits

Max LOA 323.59m, beam 38.6m, draught 8.6m and 23,573DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Range 2.4m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The bay is entered between Punta de San Carlos and Punta Santa Catalina, 1.5nm N. The port is protected by a breakwater which extends 800m SSE from a point fronting the town, approx 0.5nm SW of Punta Santa Catalina.

Anchorages

Anchorage can be obtained 0.5nm NNW of Punta de San Carlos, 0.25nm offshore, in depths of approx 30m. Care should be taken to avoid the submarine cable which is located near the group of oil tanks.

Bahia de Santa Cruz de la Palma, although limited in space is the best anchorage of the island and is one of the best in the Canary Islands, it affords shelter from winds S, through W to N.

Restrictions

It is understood that a considerable surge may be experienced when sea conditions off the NW extremity of the La Palma induce heavy swells to sweep into the harbour from the SE.

A sudden W'ly wind of hurricane force (El Caldereto) may occur when winds veer from SW to NW. It is believed that a particularly overcast NW'ly sky can signal the approach of El Caldereto.

Lighted buoys mark an area in which submarine obstructions exist. The area lies along the shore in the SW part of the harbour.

Tugs

None.

Charts and publications

BA 1858, 1869. Admiralty Pilot NP1.

Port State Control here: Paris MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Puertos del Estado (Ministerio de Fomento)

Title: Coordinador de Proteccion Portuaria

Address: Av de la Marina, 3, 15001, A Coruna, Spain

Tel: +34 98 121 9618

Fax: +34 98 121 9607

Mob: +34 630 957875

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

A slipway is located within the Fishing Dock and is available for small craft. A straddle crane lies adjacent and supports repairs for small craft.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available (MGO, VLSFO, HSFO, IFO’s VLSFO, GO’s and LNG).

Stores: Provisions are available.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Atensa Centro Medico (1.45km) and Hospital General De La Palma (2.12km).

Transport

Nearest airport: La Palma Airport (6.2km).

Nearest highway: The port has direct access to Carretera del Norte de La Palma (LP-1).

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Santa Cruz de La Palma.

Working hours

Mon-Fri, worked in three shifts from 0800-0200hrs, Sat 0800-2000hrs and Sun 0800-1400hrs.

Where it is

Santa Cruz de la Palma lies between Punta Santa Catalina, 4.5nm SSW of Punta Llana and Punta de San Carlos (28°39.7'N., 017°45.6'W) a low rocky point 1.5nm further S.

The port

The Port of Santa Cruz de la Palma, situated on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, serves as a crucial maritime gateway, characterised by its strategic location and diverse operational capabilities. The port is supported by five main berths, which are primarily designed to accommodate cruise vessels, making it a favoured stop for international cruise lines.

In addition to its cruise operations, the port is equipped to handle a variety of cargo types, including containers, cement, liquid cargo, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This versatility ensures that the port plays a significant role in the supply chain, facilitating the import and export of essential goods to and from the island.

The Port of Santa Cruz de la Palma also features specialised facilities for Ro-Ro cargo, which includes both freight and Ro-Pax services. This capability enhances the port's functionality, allowing for the efficient transport of vehicles and passengers, thereby supporting both commercial and tourism-related activities.

Moreover, the harbour is home to several fishing docks and a marina available for private pleasure vessels.

Traffic

Approx 900,000t of cargo, 19,000TEU, 1,400 vessels and 650,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Santa Cruz de la Palma?

The pilot boards at Santa Cruz de La Palma punto de embarque de prácticos, 28°40.2′N 017°45.8′W.

What time zone is Santa Cruz de la Palma in?

Local time at Santa Cruz de la Palma is UTC+0. Clocks go to UTC+1 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+0 on 31 Oct 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Santa Cruz de la Palma?

The deepest berth listed is at Santa Cruz de la Palma: 8.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Santa Cruz de la Palma?

1025.

Which load line zone is Santa Cruz de la Palma in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Santa Cruz de la Palma?

Port State Control at Santa Cruz de la Palma: Paris MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Santa Cruz de la Palma?

The UN/LOCODE of Santa Cruz de la Palma is ESSPC.

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