Harbor as Haven

• The inner harbor of the Port of Palma is well protected. According to local mariners, winds and waves do not necessitate protective measures within the harbor. A tall quay wall on Dique del Oeste provides ample shelter for moored vessels. 2-3 times a year, tall waves will crash over the quay wall, amplified at the wall corners.

• The anchorage is exposed to some of the conditions from which the inner harbor is sheltered. Southeasterly waves, both sea and swell, of 10 to 13 ft reach the anchorage about 7 days per year. Usually caused by Sirocco winds (locally called Xaloc), the event is difficult to predict. Southwesterly winds, locally called Vendaval, can generate waves which reach Punta de Cala Figuera (about 8 n mi southwest of the port) with heights of 10 to 13 ft, but the waves diminish somewhat before they reach the anchorage. It is a fierce weather event, but is short lived, and typically precedes a cold front. The anchorage has a good mud and sand bottom, with 90 to 100 fm of chain on a single anchor recommended. Local authorities cite 2 cases of ships dragging or breaking anchor due to bad weather over the last 20 years.