Boating and anchoring rules in Maro-Cerro Gordo and Punta de la Mona
A summary of the official rules for leisure boating from Marina del Este: anchoring zones, speed limits, distances and prohibitions, with an interactive map and a PDF guide.
Map of protected areas and anchoring zones
Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Site (Paraje Natural)Punta de la Mona ZECFree anchoring zonesMarina del Este
Only anchor in the free anchoring zones. There are three in Maro-Cerro Gordo (Cantarriján, El Cañuelo and El Pino) and two at Punta de la Mona (east and west). In Maro-Cerro Gordo, daytime only, from sunrise to sunset.
Maximum 6 knots at Punta de la Mona. This is the limit for motorboats throughout the ZEC, which starts right as you leave Marina del Este harbour.
Keep away from beaches and cliffs. In Maro-Cerro Gordo, motorboats may not come within 200 metres of the beaches or within 50 metres of the rest of the coast. You also can't take the boat onto beaches, coves or cliffs.
Never over Posidonia. Anchoring on Posidonia or Cymodocea seagrass meadows is prohibited throughout the Spanish Mediterranean. Look for a sandy bottom and make sure the chain doesn't touch them as the boat swings.
No fishing. In Maro-Cerro Gordo, recreational fishing of any kind is prohibited. At Punta de la Mona, fishing from boats and spearfishing are prohibited.
The buoys aren't for you. The Junta de Andalucía buoys are only for boats supporting authorised diving. Don't moor to them.
No jet skis, no discharges. Jet skis are banned in both protected areas, as is any discharge from the boat.
Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Site (Paraje Natural)
Twelve kilometres of cliffs between La Herradura and Nerja, protected as a Natural Site (Paraje Natural), Special Area of Conservation (ES6170002), ZEPA (Special Protection Area for birds) and ZEPIM (Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance). The marine area extends up to one nautical mile from the coast. Its rules apply directly.
You can navigate freely beyond 200 metres from the beaches and 50 metres from the rest of the coast. Within that strip, leisure navigation, motorboats, jet skis and towed devices are prohibited.
Motorboats may not access beaches, coves or cliffs from the sea.
Anchoring or drifting is only allowed within the three free anchoring zones, and only from sunrise to sunset (in daylight).
Recreational fishing of any kind (from the shore, from a boat and spearfishing) and shellfish gathering are prohibited.
Jet skis are prohibited, as is mooring to the buoys unless the boat is supporting authorised diving.
Scuba diving, whale and dolphin watching from boats and sporting events require authorisation.
Free anchoring zone
Centre (lat, lon)
Area
CantarrijánOff Cantarriján beach, the end closest to La Herradura
Punta de la Mona Cliffs and Seabed ZEC (Acantilados y Fondos Marinos de la Punta de la Mona)
The protected area around Punta de la Mona, between La Herradura bay and Almuñécar (ES6140016). It starts as you leave Marina del Este harbour, so you cross it every time you go out.
Maximum speed of 6 knots for motorboats within the ZEC.
Anchoring outside the two free anchoring zones is prohibited.
Accessing cliffs and rocky shores from the sea is prohibited, as is the use of jet skis.
Recreational fishing from boats and spearfishing are prohibited.
Kayaks and similar craft need authorisation when in groups of more than 5.
Any discharge from boats is prohibited.
Free anchoring zone
Centre (lat, lon)
Area
Punta de la Mona eastOff Los Berengueles beach and Punta del Vapor
Posidonia. Since 2 April 2026, anchoring on Posidonia or Cymodocea seagrass meadows is prohibited, as is anchoring on nearby sand if the chain or the boat's swing could affect them. (Royal Decree 191/2026 (BOE no. 64, 13/03/2026))
Regional Office for Sustainability and the Environment in Granada: 958 14 52 00
Public helpline of the Regional Ministry for Sustainability: 954 544 438
Frequently asked questions
Where can you anchor in Maro-Cerro Gordo?
Only in the three free anchoring zones: Cantarriján, El Cañuelo and El Pino, and only during the day. You anchor with the boat's own anchor on sand, never on Posidonia seagrass. There's no need to book or pay.
Can you see the Maro waterfall from the boat?
Yes, from the sea, keeping the minimum distance from the coast: 50 metres along the cliffs and 200 metres off the beaches. In a motorboat you can't approach the shore or go ashore.
What speed can you go when leaving Marina del Este?
A maximum of 3 knots inside the harbour and in buoyed channels, and a maximum of 6 knots throughout the Punta de la Mona ZEC, which starts as you leave the harbour.
Can you fish from the boat?
No. In Maro-Cerro Gordo, recreational fishing of any kind is prohibited, and at Punta de la Mona fishing from boats is prohibited.
Can I moor to a buoy?
No. The buoys installed by the Junta de Andalucía are only for boats supporting authorised dives.
An information summary based on the published regulations, reviewed on 1 October 2026. In case of doubt, the official text of the BOJA and the BOE prevails. The authorities may change the rules or issue seasonal notices.