The Marina
The marina is the main attraction of Puerto Calero. It’s popular with sailors and day visitors who are looking for a change from the beaches in Puerto del Carmen. Before the recession, the marina was often referred to as Millionaire’s Harbour. While there were some rather swishy yachts around when I was in Puerto Calero, I never got the impressions that it’s an exclusive place. The people who visited while I stayed on a boat in the marina came from all walks of life.
Facilities
The facilities and amenities of the marina are located in a number of buildings. There’s the old marina building where you’ll find the more practical facilities such as toilets (both public and for visiting sailors) and showers, a launderette, a bank and a cash machine, a post box and a public telephone. This is where you’ll find the supermarket, it is open from 8am to 8pm every day. The art gallery, the whale and dolphin museum, the shoe shop and the souvenir shop are also located there.
In the newer buildings west of the older building, you will find the majority of bars, cafés and restaurants as well as shops and upscale boutiques. The former are facing the marina and the sea beyond the marina walls. The shops and designer boutiques are located in a second row of buildings behind the seaside promenade.
The marina office caters for all kinds of needs visiting sailing crew might have: There’s a four-day weather forecast, a fuel berth and a boat yard. You can also ask for WiFi access or use a free computer in the marina tower for occasional internet access.
Sailing
If you’re planning a sailing trip around the Canary Islands, the marina of Puerto Calero should be on your list. With 420 berths available for sailboats and motor yachts up to a length of 75m, there’s plenty of room for visitors. Visiting yachts need to moor on the Visitors Dock first and register with the marina office.
For those who are interested in improving their sailing skills, there are at least two RYA-approved sailing schools based in Puerto Calero.