Guide to anchoring in Paloma Beach

Only 20 minutes sailing time from Beaulieu, the Paloma Beach anchorage is undoubtedly the most famous anchorage in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. Thanks to its translucent waters, its famous villas, and a view of Eze and Monaco, Paloma Beach is the anchorage to be in.

The seaZen Academy offers a complete set of solar navigation guides. This guide a Level 3 Beaulieu's Boat Club.

Map

Access map to Paloma Beach

Navigation tips

Leave the port of Beaulieu by the South West pass and pass successively in front of the Beaulieu Yacht Club, La Réserve, then the Villa Kerylos. Stay at least 100 m away from the coast, because in case of swell, the rocky plateau can form waves. Cross the harbour of Saint-Hospice directly by aiming at the bell tower of La Chapelle with the same name. You will sail at a solar autonomy speed of maximum 4 knots depending on the weather conditions.

Once you arrive nearby, you will pass in front of the magnificent Villa Fiorentina.

Villa FiorentinaVilla Fiorentina, © seaZen 2018

Beware, at this point you are close to Cap Saint-Hospice. You're always in more turmoil because of the current or the passage of powerful motorboats. Slow down your speed.

Go up a few cables west to Paloma Beach.

Paloma beach seen from the seaPaloma Beach, © seaZen 2018

Approach reasonably while maintaining at least 2 metres from sea bottom and at least 100 metres from shore. In the summer, yellow buoys protect the bathing area. Be careful to avoid the anchors of other boats and drop you anchor according to the wind direction. Of course, avoid the Posidonia meadows by trying to anchor on the sand.

Highlights

Suggested Navigation Program

1) A private "beach" for short sailing

This program is particularly suitable if you're looking for :

  • a shelter from the tails of Mistral.
  • one of the most famous anchorages on the coast...

2) Sight-seeing navigation

This anchorage is very easy to spot for visual navigation, without using your GPS.

Once out of the port of Beaulieu you take about twenty minutes by cutting directly in a straight line, and at solar speed. There is no point in going fast in such a sumptuous setting. You can tour around the main yachts in the bay on the outward journey, then follow the customs officers' path on the return journey.

This variant of the walk takes between 1 and 2 hours and you enjoy the remaining time at the anchorage of Paloma.

Quiz level 3