La Linea de la Conception, Marina Alcaidesa: Reports from Cruisers
Reports going back a number of years about the facilities at La Linea.
Published 7 years ago, updated 6 years ago
Editor’s Note: Marina Alcaidesa boatyard customers have the choice of working on their own boat or to contract either the services of the onsite workshop tenants Elias Blanco or subcontracting out to a company of their choice who will be required to pay an entrance fee of 50€ per day to the boatyard.
Report posted as a comment on the port page – July 2017 – by a boat berthed in this marina for 2 years.
Report posted 23 April, 2014
Marina Alcaidese / La Linea / Gibraltar
Time of Visit: March 2014
* Location: Immediately North of Gibraltar
* Approach: Easy; Sail past “The Rock”, once you are past the Airport, turn to Port. Well protected behind large breakwaters you will see the conspicuous white tower of the Office.
* Upon entering tie up to the reception pier right in front of the office at the gas station. (You’ll be needing your fenders on StB.)
* Plenty of free berths at comfortable finger-pontoons, Water & Electricity (Standard Plugs) available at each berth.
* Ample depth even for our 3m draft
* Great rates – we did pay € 22.00/day W&E included – but they offer even cheaper ones that do not yet have W&E supply at the jetty.
* Very friendly staff and manager (Tony) – all speak excellent English. Professional marineros to help you with docking.
* No infrastructure worth mentioning in the marina (fast stretches of space still laying undeveloped). One small Café/Restaurant on site – about the size of a container but food is acceptable and it’s the meeting point for the yachties staying there.
* Very nice and clean facilities – but only one unit for the entire Marina – so I guess it can get congested in Summer.
* Coin Laundry on site (at the facilities) with washer and dryer.
* Boatyard with Travel-Lift – I would guess to be for up to 40 Tons; However they do not allow you to work on your own boat (see Editor’s Note at top of report as this statement is not correct), onsite labor supposedly is very expensive and in order to bring in outside help such (and consequently you!) have to pay a high fee to the yard to be allowed to work there.
* There is a South African Professional by the name of Eric living on his own boat “Control C” right next to the facilities. He is friendly, good with Electrics and Electronics, but is very kind and helpful and will either help you with whatever need you have or point you in the right direction.
* Various Supermarkets in the town of “La Linea” – including a huge “Carrefour” and a German “Lidl”.
* Easy walk to Gibraltar; Border is right outside Marina Gates.
Summary: Absolutely great alternative for a stop at Gibraltar! Marinas in Gibraltar are heavily crowded, space hard to find – so better go to Marina Alcaidesa right away.
Plus: Don’t be fooled by Gibraltar prices!
(a) They are being stated in LBP so they often enough only “look less” and
(b) by the time you have your Euros converted you’ll find that most you could have purchased cheaper on the other side of the border.
But: Visiting Gibraltar is definitely worth the experience and the view from “the Rock” is breathtaking.
However: The bay of Algeciras most probably is one of the ugliest places in all of Spain – but, if you do make a stop, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the medieval town of “Ronda” some 80km to the North.
Peter – 786GlobalTour
Please always check our youtube-channel for our videos also from many/most Marinas visited:
https://www.youtube.com/user/786GlobalTour
Report posted 03 October, 2012
Update to La Linea
If you come to La Linea, firstly remember that diesel is a lot cheaper in Gibraltar, just a mile away, and you do not need to clear customs to fill up. Quite a few cruisers that I have bumped into here have made the mistake of filing up at the marina and then realising that it is about 0.5 euro more expensive here.
If you do go to the marina they are very friendly and a lot cheaper than Gibraltar, so wintering here is a better deal. Shipping to the marina office is also a whole bunch cheaper than shipping to Gibraltar and you can wait on the anchorage outside till your goods arrive and then go in for a day to collect them.
The anchorage is well protected from all weather and there is a very nice little small boat marina next to the main marina that charges you 5 euros per day to park your dinghy and have access to their wifi and facilities. Don’t be tempted to use the little fishing pier on the way in as dinghies have been stolen from there in the past month.
If you do go into the marina and need some work done, be careful to check the prices carefully. There is a South African, Eric, living in the marina who does a wide range of repair work. Be sure to ask for a quote beforehand, as you would anywhere. Marco at the small boat marina is another good option as he charges local rates and does a good job. He doesn’t speak English but the receptionists are more than willing to help.
Peter Wells
Report posted 14 August, 2012
Subject: Dingy & Outboard theft La Linea
When anchoring in La Linea you can put your dingy at the marina club for 5 euros a day. Some cruisers opt to tie up on the fishing dock or launch ramp across from Alcaidesa Marina for free. The other day a 15hp outboard and dingy were stolen.
According to the police, it’s been happening a bit as there is a syndicate or something of that sort stealing dingys to smuggle cigarettes over from Gibraltar.
So if you’re anchoring out may want to consider the 5 euros, which includes the free wifi for the day.
Merlin
Report posted 08 August, 2012
This was our first visit to La Linea & Marina Alcaidesa. We would use the marina next time but equally the anchorage was very good for our overnight stay. It is a useful stop when passing through and we found staff helpful, rates affordable, the marina clean & secure. The anchorage had about 12 boats anchored there & we were not bothered by Guardia civil or customs.
However a warning to cruisers to leave dingies & cars WITHIN the security of the marina, there is a reason the security is so tight.
Friends were visiting us, while we were anchored outside the marina behind the breakwater. We picked them up on the other breakwater to the north of the marina where small local craft is moored, they left their car there.
Within minutes of leaving the car (& luckily we saw what was happening & returned immediately to move the car into the marina), kids were checking contents & removing the caps from tyres, we suspect to let the air out rendering you helpless on your return, with perhaps more damage & theft being committed – I think we were lucky. A day parking in the marina costs 2€
Provisioning on this occasion was made easy with the help of our friend’s car, but it is a fair distance away if you have to walk. There is nothing in the marina itself. Access & getting into the marina with a vehicle is also a bit of a nightmare & something they need to address. People in cars queuing to go into Gibraltar, will simply not let allow you to pass or cut through – patience, manners & common sense required!
We wish them well.
Henk & Liz
Crew Uisge Beatha
Report posted 22 February, 2012
We just spent two nights in the new marina at La Linea de la Conception to do some sightseeing in Gibraltar and some final provisioning before going to the Canaries. The two remaining marinas in Gibraltar were not able to receive us.
The marina was one of the few to promptly respond to email inquiries, including complete and correct tariff to be applied for our boat. The marine price is reasonable at around 14 EUR per night at winter season, double that for high season, that is for a 41ft catamaran. Electricity and water are metered but water is only a tenth of the price in Gibraltar, and water quality was good enough to drink after filtering. Both office staff and marineros were friendly and helpful. The marina happily & reliably handled a number of DHL packages for us, some of them waiting for weeks as we were later than expected.
Berthing is mostly with floating finger pontoons, security is good with card locked gates everywhere and a 24/7 guard at the only entrance. It’s a very large and widespread marina operating at maybe 30% capacity. But they seem to berth the yachts in transit together and near the entrance of the marina so it’s not too bad. Everybody on our pontoon was preparing to go somewhere whereas all other pontoons were basically deserted.
The fueling station is a bit exposed to westerly winds, with some chop and strong gusts making the normal approach a bit stressful. Better to go around the corner in front of the marina office and use their long hose.
The walk from the marina entrance to the office can take 15 minutes, also 10-15 minutes from the marina entrance to the first few shops outside the marina. The good thing is, it’s also only 10 minutes to Gibraltar, plus a short bus ride from the Gibraltar airport into the city center.
In contrary to the situation in Gibraltar there are good provisioning sources in La Linea, there is a large Lidl and a Carrefour although a long walk. Renting a car is dead cheap from Gibraltar airport during offseason, around 14 EUR per day. Cigarettes and booze are also quite cheap in Gibraltar, as is diesel (but Canaries are cheaper still).
La Linea itself does not offer much besides the marina and shops, or maybe we have been unable to find the nice places (we did not look too hard). But Gibraltar is a nice visit, with a good and free bus service (the line to/from the airport costs an EUR or so but you can walk as it’s just 10 minutes). Gibraltar has lots to see, just go in the tourist information near the bus station where they give you a charming welcome and lots of information (they don’t sell you stuff like many other so-called “tourist information”). If you have smaller kids there are a few nice playgrounds, especially the one beside the botanic garden. Don’t miss the ride with the cable car to the top of the rock, where you have a beautiful 360 view and will see the monkeys (keep your bags close to your body or they will grab them).
Rainer
SY JaJa
Posted 28 October 2011, by Suzie O’Hagan
We have recently used this new marina as a base for 3 months.
Boats should be aware that some of the fingers are completely open to the north-west, and with winds from that direction a significant swell can build up. Boats under 12 metres should insist on being given a berth in the inner part of the marina, which is behind a second breakwater and therefore well protected. Boats in the range 12-15 metres are not allowed to access the fingers behind this second breakwater as these fingers have not yet been commissioned.
In most conditions, there is nothing to worry about, but in one blow we observed snapped mooring lines, burst fenders and bruised topsides when boats rolled from gunnel to gunnel in the outer marina.
La Linea is a new, and clean facility and it is a shame that the breakwater arrangements are not much better (if at all) than those in the marinas in Gibraltar.
In addition, the Guardia Civil has recently taken to approaching yachts in the La Linea anchorage, telling them to move, preferably into the marina. There is a feeling amongst yachts that this is a thinly veiled ploy to increase numbers in the marina, which continues to have many vacancies.
A travel lift is planned for the marina, and work is underway but it is doubtful if this will be operating in the near future. The marina area subsequently suffers from dust created by the daily building operations and additionally, a fine black dust comes with NW winds from the refinery in Algericas.
All this aside, the staff in La Linea marina are pleasant and the facilities are new and therefore clean and (mostly) there is hot water in the showers. It is a long walk to access these from the fingers for boats over 15 metres, however. There is absolutely nothing in the marina excepting the marina itself, and as the fingers are independently locked it is difficult to meet fellow yachtspersons from other fingers, excepting in the shower.
Security in the marina is excellent; CCTV is evident, as are guards. The marineros are pleasant but do not expect to be greeted when you arrive; mostly it is assumed you will tie up to the fuel dock and go into the office.
Finally, this marina charges a daily access fee for water and electricity whether you want it or not; consumption is paid for additionally. Be prepared to walk a fair way on dusty, busy roads to access any shops, restaurants, and social life.
Posted 11 October 2011, by Ted Devey of SY Edesia
Nice and empty marina with a very safe and good anchorage just outside out of the way of any channel.
The water area for both (the marina and the anchorage) is under the control of the Algeciras Harbour Authority to whom the Marina pays a fee for their bit (from which they make money) and nothing for the anchorage, from which they don’t. However, while the Harbour authority seems totally unbothered about yachts anchoring in the anchorage, the Guardia Civil (the Civil Police) arrive quite frequently and clear the anchorage, either saying “Go the harbour authority for permission” or “Anchor outside a line from the breakwater outer green light”. ( Do the latter and they don’t disturb you again.)
BUT – when I asked who instructed them to move us I was told it was because the Marina Management calls the Harbour Authority every time they see boats at anchor and try to have them moved! They presumably think they will force people into their marina – when of course the result is precisely the opposite (they all up-anchor and go either straight round to Gibraltar or go and anchor elsewhere and don’t return).
Since I have been here 6 weeks, half in the marina and half out at anchor, I had a discussion with the marina deputy manager. He said that Yes, he does try to get boats cleared, he wants to see the anchorage empty, he doesn’t care where they go! When pointed out that some of us spend half our time paying him money in his marina and “Would he rather have 50% of something or 100% of nothing?” his response was that “we are a pittance and he’s not bothered”.
Strange approach to marketing his marina in my view. No wonder after a year it is still less than a quarter full.
Lest one think this is just “me”; a colleague with a Hunter 45 and another acquaintance with a Bowman 40 have had the same “discussion” with the same response.
Perhaps other cruisers might be aware of this should they be contemplating staying or overwintering there.
Related to following destinations: Spain
Arrived here Dec. 25th 2019. Marinas in Gibraltar were all left and closed, so we choosed to go to La Linea. A good decision! Provisioning here is easier, better and cheaper. The marina is a good and safe place. Eating out here is definitely better and much cheaper. If one likes to visit Gibraltar its a 15 minutes walk to town… if… these ridiculous passport controls for pedestrians (!) do not take too long. Absurde in 2019. But well, that’s that.
ps: do not go by car to Gibraltar if you like to visit. The border control on a normal day takes at least one hour.
May 2018: Paid €31 per night for 12.5m monohull inc. Water and metered Electricity. Fuel/reception quay very dangerous in westerly blow due to exposure to swell – we tried to dock there.
Splintered our rub rail because the large rubber buffers got under it and barely escaped without injury to crew. Don’t try it in a strong westerly. Safely docked at a finger on pontoon 10 instead.
Long walk to the office and they were about to close, thus perhaps their ill-advised insistence on us docking on the reception quay.
Westerly swell enters the marina, especially the SE quadrant. Good facilities, French chandlery and Volvo dealer in the boatyard, little café with high prices, not much else nearby. Many liveaboards.
Town is a bit so-so, with some dodgy characters hanging around the border and shopping streets.
Access to Gibraltar on foot is easy and no problems at the border, mostly waved through, once a peek into shopping bag. More chandleries in Gibraltar, all in walking distance.
We stayed at the marina in La Linea during August of 2017. The marina office is quite a walk from where we docked, as is the town, but it was a nice marina. They had floating finger slips with electric and water outlets.
The showers were clean and well cared for, they had two washing machines and one dryer, and the marina was fairly quiet. Occasionally, the water would stir up a bit, but it was never bad while we were there.
If you are staying for less than a month, check with the marina what the rate would be for a full month stay. For example, if you are going to stay for around 20 days, it could be much cheaper to book a month’s stay rather than pay the daily rate.
You have to book that in advance – they will not give you the cheaper rate at check out if you didn’t book it ahead of time. Security was good – each dock had a locking gate and you had to have a key to get on the dock.
There was always a security person driving a golf cart around the marina and keeping an eye on things. It is common for the Spanish police or guardian to show up at your boat and request to see your boat documents and your passports.
They do inspect your passport, checking exit and entry stamps and taking photos of passports. The little bar in the marina is nice to chat with other sailors, but if you want the best deal at happy hour, go to the main street in La Linea with all the shops and restaurants.
There is a little bar called “Rolling” that had happy hour every day from 5-6pm and no matter what your poison, it was two for the price of one. They had many different beers on tap, even German beers and Guinness.
There is a marine store in the boatyard near the marina and they were helpful there. There is another marine store called Lina Mar that is quite a distance away – better to have a rental car, taxi, or bicycle to go there – but they were also very nice and had a large selection (especially fishing gear).
Some things you can find for lower prices there, so definitely worth a visit. Gibraltar was not very far and we walked there several times during our stay. It’s best to go there and get back before dark just because of the party crowds at night, but there were never any issues for us.
We took a day trip to Tangiers from Tarifa on the fast ferry. It was a very long day, but an interesting way to see some of Morocco. Be careful of some of the scammers overcharging and hitting you up left and right for “special deals”.
While the tour was informative, at the end it seemed like the guide had made deals with his friends to lead us in their shops and pressure us to purchase items for far too much money. Skip the camel ride here – it’s far too short and not as good as the one in Lanzarote. If you are planning to sail to Morocco or fly there, I would skip the ferry.
Stopped La Linea for a couple of nights on my way into the Med in July. Access into the marina was easy and safe, but the fuel and visitor quay can be quite a challenge to get onto due to being a wall, and long legs were definitely an advantage, but that is my only gripe.
The marina staff were very helpful and spoke good English. There is a bar on the marina and a few restaurants nearby if you know where to look. Gibraltar border is only a 10-minute walk away with lots of places to eat and drink.
The marina is very secure and has finger berths rather than stern-to mooring. Very reasonable prices only cost me 15 euros per night for a 10m yacht in July.
Dear Noonsite,
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to clarify our policy in relation to delivery of parcels for our customers.
Alcaidesa Marina is happy to receive & store parcels for any customer who is either currently in the marina or has a berth reserved for a future date.
As I am sure you will understand we do NOT, however, receive parcels for yachts that do NOT have a berth/boatyard reservation.
We recently had an issue with a yacht that had sent a parcel to the Marina Office without having made a reservation or even having notified us that the parcel would be delivered, hence, we did not accept its receipt. This happened at the end of May & I assume it is the same person that has placed the complaint.
We would be happy for you to publish our policy on your site & thus help clarify the situation.
Thanks again for allowing us the opportunity to provide our view point on this matter.
Kind regards,
Tony
Alcaidesa Marina
One of the basic services I expect from a marina is to keep the parcels they receive in your yacht name until you arrive in the marina. At La Linéa they do not comply with what is common in many other places.
They do not even make any effort to call the sender to have more information before refusing a delivery which was worth 60€. My parcel was shipped from Monaco on May 23rd, it arrived at Marina La Linéa on the 26th where it was refused.
The secretary told me that they have been instructed by the manager to refuse any parcel which is to a boat which is not in the Marina. This parcel contained a replacement part for my satellite phone.
I sent the order to the supplier when I was sailing between Horta and Gibraltar. I could not receive any acknowledgement from my supplier as my phone was out.
I arrived myself in the Marina from Horta (Azores) on Monday 29th and I could not get my delivery back until June 2nd after having a struggle with TNT which was in charge of the shipment.
I had to stay in the Marina nearly a week waiting for a new delivery.
We have a 16m boat paid in the category 17,00 x 5,40m € 37.42 per day including all taxes without water and no electricity. June 2015
09/2014: The situation in La Linea is mostly as Peter reported it in March.
Although water and electricity are NOT included but billed separately. Both as a per day fix amount AND additionally metered use. Actually, Queensway would be somewhat cheaper – if you can get a place there.
WiFi is not free and the fees for it are expensive: 24 € per week, 50 € per month. You will do better with a Spanish prepaid SIM.
A word of caution: The waiting pontoon is pure concrete and higher than the usual floating pontoons they use elsewhere. So be sure to bring enough fenders.
The outer berths (pontoon 12 at the outside) are exposed to permanent swell from the bay in even light westerlies, so make sure you get a berth on the south side of that pontoon or, failing that, as close to the main quay at possible.