Guides
🦢 Protected areas
Where nature protection limits navigation: closed zones and access rules from the Baltic and Wadden Sea to the Mediterranean — with map, current status and official sources.
Approximate area markers — coral: closed year-round · gold: seasonal/zoned · blue: new 2026 (rules pending). Chart and regulation plans prevail.
🆕 New since March 2026
Schleswig-Holstein has designated three new marine nature reserves (southern Hohwacht Bight, Gelting Bight to Schlei mouth incl. Flensburg Fjord, sea area west of Fehmarn — together approx. 23,800 ha). Little changes for sailors for now: transit, sailing, motorboating, swimming and harbour calls remain permitted. A navigation regulation has been requested — under discussion are speed limits for motor craft (Apr–Oct), winter resting rules for all craft (Nov–Mar) and an anchoring ban in seagrass meadows. Once it arrives, you will find it here and in our fairway notices.
As of 12 August 2026 — official notices prevail.
🗺️ Areas & rules at a glance
Baltic Sea
Dassower See / Buchhorst / Graswerder
Restricted zone closed year-round; access to Dassow harbour max. 8 km/h.
Restricted zone closed year-round; access to Dassow harbour max. 8 km/h.
Halbinsel Holnis (Flensburger Förde)
Restricted zone closed year-round (exception: human-powered craft).
Restricted zone closed year-round (exception: human-powered craft).
Geltinger Birk
Restricted zone closed year-round (exception: human-powered craft).
Restricted zone closed year-round (exception: human-powered craft).
Schleimündung
Zones 1+2 closed year-round; zone 3 (shallow Baltic strip) closed 1 Nov–31 Mar for motorboats, PWC and kite/windsurfing; sailing dinghies up to 7.20 m exempt.
Zones 1+2 closed year-round; zone 3 (shallow Baltic strip) closed 1 Nov–31 Mar for motorboats, PWC and kite/windsurfing; sailing dinghies up to 7.20 m exempt.
Schwansener See
Restricted zone closed 1 Apr–30 Sep (breeding season).
Restricted zone closed 1 Apr–30 Sep (breeding season).
Bottsand (Kieler Bucht)
Restricted zone closed year-round.
Restricted zone closed year-round.
Sehlendorfer Binnensee
Restricted zone closed year-round.
Restricted zone closed year-round.
Graswarder / Heiligenhafen
Restricted zone closed year-round.
Restricted zone closed year-round.
Krummsteert-Sulsdorfer Wiek (Fehmarn SW)
Restricted zone closed year-round.
Restricted zone closed year-round.
Grüner Brink (Fehmarn N)
Restricted zone closed year-round.
Restricted zone closed year-round.
NSG Südliche Hohwachter Bucht (NEU 2026)
Fishing (except from shore) already prohibited. Transit, sailing & motorboating currently permitted, harbours reachable; navigation regulation in preparation (speed limits, no-anchoring in seagrass, winter resting zones).
Fishing (except from shore) already prohibited. Transit, sailing & motorboating currently permitted, harbours reachable; navigation regulation in preparation (speed limits, no-anchoring in seagrass, winter resting zones).
NSG Geltinger Bucht–Schleimündung / Flensburger Förde (NEU 2026)
Fishing already prohibited; transit currently permitted; navigation regulation in preparation — watch for updates.
Fishing already prohibited; transit currently permitted; navigation regulation in preparation — watch for updates.
NSG Seegebiet westlich Fehmarn (NEU 2026)
Fishing already prohibited; transit currently permitted; navigation regulation in preparation — watch for updates.
Fishing already prohibited; transit currently permitted; navigation regulation in preparation — watch for updates.
Nationalpark Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft
Restricted and protection areas (incl. Darßer Ort, wind flats), lagoons partly fairway-only — observe zones per chart/regulation.
Restricted and protection areas (incl. Darßer Ort, wind flats), lagoons partly fairway-only — observe zones per chart/regulation.
Nationalpark Jasmund (Rügen)
Navigation rules per NPBefVMVK — observe near-shore protection areas.
Navigation rules per NPBefVMVK — observe near-shore protection areas.
Biosphärenreservat Südost-Rügen
Protection zones I and II with navigation rules per NPBefVMVK.
Protection zones I and II with navigation rules per NPBefVMVK.
Wismarbucht (freiwillige Vereinbarung)
Voluntary protection zones for water sports (resting/breeding areas) — see the agreement chart.
Voluntary protection zones for water sports (resting/breeding areas) — see the agreement chart.
North Sea · Wadden Sea
Nationalpark Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer
Germany's largest national park; navigation governed by the NordSBefV. Zone 1 (rest zone) and special protection areas (seal/bird banks) outside the fairways are closed 15 Apr–1 Oct or year-round; max. 12 kn in fairways. Drying out/anchoring only at designated spots. Kite/windsurfing only in dedicated zones; jet skis prohibited.
Germany's largest national park; navigation governed by the NordSBefV. Zone 1 (rest zone) and special protection areas (seal/bird banks) outside the fairways are closed 15 Apr–1 Oct or year-round; max. 12 kn in fairways. Drying out/anchoring only at designated spots. Kite/windsurfing only in dedicated zones; jet skis prohibited.
Nationalpark Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer
Navigation per NordSBefV. Zone 1 (rest zone, the largest) only on designated paths/fairways; special protection areas outside fairways closed 15 Apr–1 Oct. Speed 12 kn (16 kn in fairways), 8 kn in special areas outside fairways. ~30 kite/wingfoil spots with time windows; keep 500 m from seal banks.
Navigation per NordSBefV. Zone 1 (rest zone, the largest) only on designated paths/fairways; special protection areas outside fairways closed 15 Apr–1 Oct. Speed 12 kn (16 kn in fairways), 8 kn in special areas outside fairways. ~30 kite/wingfoil spots with time windows; keep 500 m from seal banks.
Nationalpark Hamburgisches Wattenmeer
Germany's smallest national park around Neuwerk, Scharhörn and Nigehörn. Zone I covers >90 % of the area (entry only with permit/guided tour). Navigation per NordSBefV with speed limits and seasonal closures for seal banks, resting and moulting areas.
Germany's smallest national park around Neuwerk, Scharhörn and Nigehörn. Zone I covers >90 % of the area (entry only with permit/guided tour). Navigation per NordSBefV with speed limits and seasonal closures for seal banks, resting and moulting areas.
Trischen (Vogelinsel)
Migrating dune island in strictly protected Zone 1; entry only for the resident bird warden. Surrounding flats closed in the breeding/resting season — keep your distance.
Migrating dune island in strictly protected Zone 1; entry only for the resident bird warden. Surrounding flats closed in the breeding/resting season — keep your distance.
Jordsand (Vogelschutz)
Bird-sanctuary sandbank in the northern SH Wadden Sea (Zone 1); entering/approaching not permitted. Verify exact position/closure boundary on the nautical chart.
Bird-sanctuary sandbank in the northern SH Wadden Sea (Zone 1); entering/approaching not permitted. Verify exact position/closure boundary on the nautical chart.
Großer Knechtsand (Robbenbank)
Large sandbank and important harbour/grey seal haul-out between Elbe and Weser; special protection area, closed outside fairways. Keep at least 500 m from hauled-out seals.
Large sandbank and important harbour/grey seal haul-out between Elbe and Weser; special protection area, closed outside fairways. Keep at least 500 m from hauled-out seals.
Scharhörn & Nigehörn (Wildnisinseln)
Two wilderness/dune islands in Zone I of the Hamburg Wadden Sea; important bird resting and breeding sites. Entry only with special permission; surrounding areas closed/speed-restricted.
Two wilderness/dune islands in Zone I of the Hamburg Wadden Sea; important bird resting and breeding sites. Entry only with special permission; surrounding areas closed/speed-restricted.
Minsener Oog (Vogelinsel)
Uninhabited bird-sanctuary island in Zone 1; entry prohibited, surrounding flats/seal banks closed. Note the "Blaue Balje" tidal fairway route near Wangerooge.
Uninhabited bird-sanctuary island in Zone 1; entry prohibited, surrounding flats/seal banks closed. Note the "Blaue Balje" tidal fairway route near Wangerooge.
Mellum (Vogelinsel)
Uninhabited bird-sanctuary island in Zone 1 between the Weser and Jade estuaries; entry prohibited, surrounding seal/resting areas closed.
Uninhabited bird-sanctuary island in Zone 1 between the Weser and Jade estuaries; entry prohibited, surrounding seal/resting areas closed.
Memmert & Kachelotplate (Robben-/Vogelbank)
Bird-sanctuary island Memmert and the young Kachelotplate sandbank southwest of Juist; Zone 1 with major seal banks. Entry prohibited, keep at least 500 m from seals.
Bird-sanctuary island Memmert and the young Kachelotplate sandbank southwest of Juist; Zone 1 with major seal banks. Entry prohibited, keep at least 500 m from seals.
Netherlands
Voordelta (NL)
Five rest areas (incl. Slikken van Voorne, Bollen van de Ooster) protecting seals and birds — mostly seasonal, larger in winter (reduced 1 Apr–1 Nov). Transit partly only along marked corridors at max. 7 kn; anchoring/landing prohibited in the core zones. Exact limits per management plan/chart.
Five rest areas (incl. Slikken van Voorne, Bollen van de Ooster) protecting seals and birds — mostly seasonal, larger in winter (reduced 1 Apr–1 Nov). Transit partly only along marked corridors at max. 7 kn; anchoring/landing prohibited in the core zones. Exact limits per management plan/chart.
Vlakte van de Raan (NL)
Natura 2000 sandbank area off the Westerschelde mouth with access restrictions (Article 20 decree). Sub-areas closed to entry/bottom-touching fishing; for leisure craft mainly respect resting seals/birds. Exact closure limits per regulation/chart (to be verified).
Natura 2000 sandbank area off the Westerschelde mouth with access restrictions (Article 20 decree). Sub-areas closed to entry/bottom-touching fishing; for leisure craft mainly respect resting seals/birds. Exact closure limits per regulation/chart (to be verified).
Noordzeekustzone (NL)
Near-shore Natura 2000 strip along the barrier islands; the management plan designates rest areas — some closed year-round, others seasonally. Anchoring generally allowed outside closed zones; inside rest areas keep clear/entry restricted. Limits per regulation/chart.
Near-shore Natura 2000 strip along the barrier islands; the management plan designates rest areas — some closed year-round, others seasonally. Anchoring generally allowed outside closed zones; inside rest areas keep clear/entry restricted. Limits per regulation/chart.
Waddenzee — Sperrgebiete (NL)
Many areas are closed seasonally or year-round as Article 20 zones (seals, breeding/resting birds). Speed generally max. 20 km/h; fast cruising only in buoyed channels, the North Sea and outer deltas (otherwise max. 15 km/h). Drying out allowed wherever you may sail (plus 200 m either side of buoyed channels), not in closed areas.
Many areas are closed seasonally or year-round as Article 20 zones (seals, breeding/resting birds). Speed generally max. 20 km/h; fast cruising only in buoyed channels, the North Sea and outer deltas (otherwise max. 15 km/h). Drying out allowed wherever you may sail (plus 200 m either side of buoyed channels), not in closed areas.
Rottum (NL, Vogelinseln)
Uninhabited bird islands (Rottumeroog/Rottumerplaat) at the eastern edge of the Dutch Wadden Sea; entry/approach closed year-round (Article 20). Surrounding flats are important seal and bird resting areas — keep your distance.
Uninhabited bird islands (Rottumeroog/Rottumerplaat) at the eastern edge of the Dutch Wadden Sea; entry/approach closed year-round (Article 20). Surrounding flats are important seal and bird resting areas — keep your distance.
Boschplaat (NL, Terschelling)
Eastern tip of Terschelling; large parts closed in the breeding season — depending on sub-area 15 Mar–1 Sep or 15 Mar–1 Nov (Article 20). Landing/entry then prohibited, limited afterwards. Limits per map annex.
Eastern tip of Terschelling; large parts closed in the breeding season — depending on sub-area 15 Mar–1 Sep or 15 Mar–1 Nov (Article 20). Landing/entry then prohibited, limited afterwards. Limits per map annex.
Engelsmanplaat / Het Rif (NL)
Uninhabited sand flat between Ameland and Schiermonnikoog; reachable at low water, but parts are dynamically closed in the breeding season (Article 20). Surrounding flats (Rif, Simonszand) are important seal haul-outs — keep your distance. Exact closure windows per current notice.
Uninhabited sand flat between Ameland and Schiermonnikoog; reachable at low water, but parts are dynamically closed in the breeding season (Article 20). Surrounding flats (Rif, Simonszand) are important seal haul-outs — keep your distance. Exact closure windows per current notice.
Atlantic
Parc naturel marin d’Iroise (FR)
Large marine park off Brittany. Wild anchoring is pushed back in favour of organised mooring zones (ZMEL); avoid seagrass/sensitive areas. Jet skis prohibited in the Molène archipelago (exception: access to Molène via the Chenal des Laz, 300 m corridor). Individual islets closed by prefectural order Apr–Jul for bird breeding — heed notices.
Large marine park off Brittany. Wild anchoring is pushed back in favour of organised mooring zones (ZMEL); avoid seagrass/sensitive areas. Jet skis prohibited in the Molène archipelago (exception: access to Molène via the Chenal des Laz, 300 m corridor). Individual islets closed by prefectural order Apr–Jul for bird breeding — heed notices.
Réserve naturelle Banc d’Arguin (FR)
Migrating sandbank at the entrance of the Arcachon basin; anchoring only in the annually re-defined mooring zone — limits shift with the bank (summer 1 Apr–31 Oct larger, winter smaller). In the reinforced zone anchoring is banned sunset to sunrise; in the southern conche anchoring is banned to protect seagrass. Carry the current prefectural map!
Migrating sandbank at the entrance of the Arcachon basin; anchoring only in the annually re-defined mooring zone — limits shift with the bank (summer 1 Apr–31 Oct larger, winter smaller). In the reinforced zone anchoring is banned sunset to sunrise; in the southern conche anchoring is banned to protect seagrass. Carry the current prefectural map!
Golfe du Morbihan (FR)
One of the most tightly regulated areas on the Atlantic coast. A "sea-use map" marks no-anchoring zones, biotope sectors and regulated channels; avoid anchoring on seagrass. Within 300 m of shore max. 5 kn, beyond up to 10 kn. Moorings only by contract/permit from the municipalities (e.g. Séné, max. 12 m).
One of the most tightly regulated areas on the Atlantic coast. A "sea-use map" marks no-anchoring zones, biotope sectors and regulated channels; avoid anchoring on seagrass. Within 300 m of shore max. 5 kn, beyond up to 10 kn. Moorings only by contract/permit from the municipalities (e.g. Séné, max. 12 m).
Parque Nacional Illas Atlánticas de Galicia (ES)
Written authorisation is mandatory for both navigating AND anchoring (Law 15/2002); apply for both online via iatlanticas.es — the multi-year navigation permit is a prerequisite for the day-by-day anchoring permit. Anchoring only in designated areas, with daily quotas (Cíes most limited — verify figures with the park). Cíes/Ons in high season also need Xunta clearance.
Written authorisation is mandatory for both navigating AND anchoring (Law 15/2002); apply for both online via iatlanticas.es — the multi-year navigation permit is a prerequisite for the day-by-day anchoring permit. Anchoring only in designated areas, with daily quotas (Cíes most limited — verify figures with the park). Cíes/Ons in high season also need Xunta clearance.
Reserva Natural das Berlengas (PT)
Archipelago ~5.5 nm off Peniche; major seabird breeding site. Leisure craft may anchor only with authorisation from the Capitania and the reserve management (ICNF). Observe protection zones per the management plan (integral/partial reserves); exact anchorages/buoys to be verified.
Archipelago ~5.5 nm off Peniche; major seabird breeding site. Leisure craft may anchor only with authorisation from the Capitania and the reserve management (ICNF). Observe protection zones per the management plan (integral/partial reserves); exact anchorages/buoys to be verified.
Parque Marinho Prof. Luiz Saldanha / Arrábida (PT)
Marine park on the southern Setúbal peninsula with three protection levels (total/partial/complementary). Anchoring only at designated moorings/zones; in total-protection zones navigation and anchoring are prohibited. Recreational fishing banned throughout. Verify detailed per-zone rules in the POPNA regulation (sources partly contradictory).
Marine park on the southern Setúbal peninsula with three protection levels (total/partial/complementary). Anchoring only at designated moorings/zones; in total-protection zones navigation and anchoring are prohibited. Recreational fishing banned throughout. Verify detailed per-zone rules in the POPNA regulation (sources partly contradictory).
Mediterranean
Nationalpark Kornati (HR)
Boat entrance ticket mandatory (priced by length, cheaper online). Anchoring in Posidonia meadows prohibited year-round; overnighting only in ~16–19 designated bays (Lojena, Levrnaka, Piškera) at colour-coded buoys. Strict-protection zones closed.
Boat entrance ticket mandatory (priced by length, cheaper online). Anchoring in Posidonia meadows prohibited year-round; overnighting only in ~16–19 designated bays (Lojena, Levrnaka, Piškera) at colour-coded buoys. Strict-protection zones closed.
Nationalpark Mljet (HR)
Navigation permit + entrance ticket required; sea area split into three zones. Anchoring banned in zone IIc and many bays, avoid Posidonia; permitted anchoring/mooring mainly in Polače and Pomena. Speed max. 5 kn in the Soline channel, Veliko jezero and within 150 m of shore.
Navigation permit + entrance ticket required; sea area split into three zones. Anchoring banned in zone IIc and many bays, avoid Posidonia; permitted anchoring/mooring mainly in Polače and Pomena. Speed max. 5 kn in the Soline channel, Veliko jezero and within 150 m of shore.
Nationalpark Brijuni (HR)
Free anchoring or stopping between the islands is prohibited; only berthing in the port of Veli Brijun (up to 55 m) or anchoring/buoys in the designated Mikula bay zone by prior arrangement. Registration mandatory; port fees via Pula Port Authority (VHF 9).
Free anchoring or stopping between the islands is prohibited; only berthing in the port of Veli Brijun (up to 55 m) or anchoring/buoys in the designated Mikula bay zone by prior arrangement. Registration mandatory; port fees via Pula Port Authority (VHF 9).
Naturpark Telašćica (HR)
Anchoring and buoys only at authorised, marked spots; outside prohibited without special permission. Paid boat ticket by length, buoy free once ticket paid; speed 10 kn in the gulf, 5 kn in anchorage bays.
Anchoring and buoys only at authorised, marked spots; outside prohibited without special permission. Paid boat ticket by length, buoy free once ticket paid; speed 10 kn in the gulf, 5 kn in anchorage bays.
Naturpark Lastovo-Inseln (HR)
In the buoy fields (Saplun, Skrivena Luka, Zaklopatica, Vejo Lago) moor only to buoys — free anchoring prevented there; leave buoys when wind exceeds 20 m/s. Boat entrance ticket by length plus a separate mooring fee to the ranger.
In the buoy fields (Saplun, Skrivena Luka, Zaklopatica, Vejo Lago) moor only to buoys — free anchoring prevented there; leave buoys when wind exceeds 20 m/s. Boat entrance ticket by length plus a separate mooring fee to the ranger.
Parc national de Port-Cros & Porquerolles (FR)
Anchoring on Posidonia prohibited, only on sand; yachts over 24 m banned from anchoring across the marine core zone and the Hyères roadstead (since 15 Dec 2020). Within 300 m of shore max. 5 kn. Porquerolles buoy field (~343 buoys) only planned (~2028).
Anchoring on Posidonia prohibited, only on sand; yachts over 24 m banned from anchoring across the marine core zone and the Hyères roadstead (since 15 Dec 2020). Within 300 m of shore max. 5 kn. Porquerolles buoy field (~343 buoys) only planned (~2028).
Réserve naturelle de Scandola (FR, Korsika)
Diving, spearfishing, recreational fishing, swimming in the integral zone and overflight below 1000 m prohibited. Anchoring only by day, banned everywhere at night; in the integral zone (Gargalu–Punta Palazzu) anchoring banned day and night. Decree revision (seasonal closure/quotas) expected ~2027 — watch for updates.
Diving, spearfishing, recreational fishing, swimming in the integral zone and overflight below 1000 m prohibited. Anchoring only by day, banned everywhere at night; in the integral zone (Gargalu–Punta Palazzu) anchoring banned day and night. Decree revision (seasonal closure/quotas) expected ~2027 — watch for updates.
Bocche di Bonifacio / La Maddalena (IT)
Anchoring only on sand/mud; forbidden on Posidonia and in Zone A areas; mooring at buoy fields. Speed max. 7 kn within 500 m of shore, 10 kn to 1000 m. Ordinance 33/2026 (trial Jun–Sep) lifted the former overnight-anchoring ban; no-anchor corridors remain. French part has its own rules.
Anchoring only on sand/mud; forbidden on Posidonia and in Zone A areas; mooring at buoy fields. Speed max. 7 kn within 500 m of shore, 10 kn to 1000 m. Ordinance 33/2026 (trial Jun–Sep) lifted the former overnight-anchoring ban; no-anchor corridors remain. French part has its own rules.
Area Marina Protetta Cinque Terre (IT)
Zone A (integral reserve) closed: no navigation, no anchoring. Zones B and C displacement mode only, max. 5 kn. Anchoring only in Zone C in designated areas with prior authorization; mooring at white park buoys. Charter needs authorization.
Zone A (integral reserve) closed: no navigation, no anchoring. Zones B and C displacement mode only, max. 5 kn. Anchoring only in Zone C in designated areas with prior authorization; mooring at white park buoys. Charter needs authorization.
Area Marina Protetta Portofino (IT)
Zone A: navigation and anchoring/mooring prohibited. In Zones A and B mooring only at designated buoys (Cala degli Inglesi, San Fruttuoso). In Zone C anchoring permitted except in bathing/Posidonia zones. Speed max. 5 kn for motorboats in all zones.
Zone A: navigation and anchoring/mooring prohibited. In Zones A and B mooring only at designated buoys (Cala degli Inglesi, San Fruttuoso). In Zone C anchoring permitted except in bathing/Posidonia zones. Speed max. 5 kn for motorboats in all zones.
Parque Nacional de Cabrera (ES, Balearen)
Free anchoring prohibited; mooring only at ~50 buoys in the port of Cabrera, reservation required online via IBANAT (max. 50 boats/day). Stay max. 2 nights Jul/Aug, otherwise 7; buoy chargeable, plus a free navigation permit required; speed max. 10 kn.
Free anchoring prohibited; mooring only at ~50 buoys in the port of Cabrera, reservation required online via IBANAT (max. 50 boats/day). Stay max. 2 nights Jul/Aug, otherwise 7; buoy chargeable, plus a free navigation permit required; speed max. 10 kn.
Illes Medes (ES, Costa Brava)
Anchoring over Posidonia prohibited; around the islands moor only to marked buoys, chargeable. Core zone speed 3 kn, navigation only sunrise–sunset; overnight and landing prohibited. Diving only with a paid permit. Buoy fields April–October.
Anchoring over Posidonia prohibited; around the islands moor only to marked buoys, chargeable. Core zone speed 3 kn, navigation only sunrise–sunset; overnight and landing prohibited. Diving only with a paid permit. Buoy fields April–October.
Posidonia-Ankerverbot Balearen (ES)
Anchoring on Posidonia seagrass is generally prohibited across the entire Balearics (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera); allowed only on sand/clear of seagrass or at eco-buoys. Especially strict in Parc Natural de Ses Salines. Enforced via the "Posidonia Maps" app; violations carry fines.
Anchoring on Posidonia seagrass is generally prohibited across the entire Balearics (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera); allowed only on sand/clear of seagrass or at eco-buoys. Especially strict in Parc Natural de Ses Salines. Enforced via the "Posidonia Maps" app; violations carry fines.
Meerespark Alonnisos-Nördliche Sporaden (GR)
Two zones. Zone A (northern islands) strictly protected, entry only with special permission (NECCA); anchoring only in designated bays of Kyra Panagia, Psathoura, Skantzoura. Approach Piperi only to 3 nm. Within 0.5 nm of shore speed 10 kn; spearfishing and open fire prohibited. Zone B (around Alonnisos) free.
Two zones. Zone A (northern islands) strictly protected, entry only with special permission (NECCA); anchoring only in designated bays of Kyra Panagia, Psathoura, Skantzoura. Approach Piperi only to 3 nm. Within 0.5 nm of shore speed 10 kn; spearfishing and open fire prohibited. Zone B (around Alonnisos) free.
Meerespark Zakynthos / Laganas-Bucht (GR)
Marine zones A/B/C (protection season 1 May–31 Oct). Zone A: absolute ban on entry, anchoring and mooring (yellow buoys). Zone B: entry allowed, max. 6 kn, no anchoring. Zone C: entry and anchoring allowed, max. 6 kn. Navigate slowly throughout (turtle protection), spearfishing prohibited; nesting beaches closed at night.
Marine zones A/B/C (protection season 1 May–31 Oct). Zone A: absolute ban on entry, anchoring and mooring (yellow buoys). Zone B: entry allowed, max. 6 kn, no anchoring. Zone C: entry and anchoring allowed, max. 6 kn. Navigate slowly throughout (turtle protection), spearfishing prohibited; nesting beaches closed at night.
Parc Natural de Cap de Creus (ES)
New marine management plan (PRUG) in force since 14 Aug 2025. Anchoring in the coves of the protected marine area is generally prohibited — moor at (currently being rolled out) buoy fields, chargeable and requiring online reservation. In free-anchoring zones no anchoring over Posidonia/Cymodocea. Jet skis prohibited; no-anchor sectors incl. Cala Murtra, Cala Jugadora, Cala Galladera. (Rules in transition.)
New marine management plan (PRUG) in force since 14 Aug 2025. Anchoring in the coves of the protected marine area is generally prohibited — moor at (currently being rolled out) buoy fields, chargeable and requiring online reservation. In free-anchoring zones no anchoring over Posidonia/Cymodocea. Jet skis prohibited; no-anchor sectors incl. Cala Murtra, Cala Jugadora, Cala Galladera. (Rules in transition.)
Reserva Marina Islas Columbretes (ES)
Free anchoring in the marine reserve is prohibited (except distress); mooring only at the ~16 mooring buoys (incl. Puerto Tofiño), permit required. Apply for access at least 48 h ahead; diving only from the designated buoys. Strict-protection core zones closed.
Free anchoring in the marine reserve is prohibited (except distress); mooring only at the ~16 mooring buoys (incl. Puerto Tofiño), permit required. Apply for access at least 48 h ahead; diving only from the designated buoys. Strict-protection core zones closed.
North Sea regime per NordSBefV (2023); Mediterranean key theme: Posidonia anchoring ban + mandatory buoys. Coordinates are approximate markers — chart and official regulation prevail.
🧭 In practice
Carry up-to-date charts (the 2026 areas are already included in new editions), respect restricted-zone buoyage, take particular care in shallow-water and wind-flat areas — and give resting birds a wide berth in winter, even outside formal zones (voluntary agreements, e.g. Wismar Bight). New navigation rules are published as notices to mariners — our Baltic fairway alerts report them automatically.
🔗 Official sources
- OstseeSHNSGBefV (Volltext)
- NordSBefV — Nordsee-Befahrensverordnung (Volltext)
- Nationalpark Wattenmeer — Befahrensregelung & Karte
- ELWIS — Befahrensregelungen See
- Balearen — Posidonia-Schutz (caib.es)
⚓ Not a substitute for official notices to mariners — the original sources prevail; no guarantee of completeness or timeliness.