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Marine life in the southwestern Bay of Biscay

Marine life in the southwestern Bay of Biscay

Are you planning to sail in the southern Bay of Biscay, perhaps from Port Adhoc Bayonne Anglet? In this article, our team gives you an overview of the many marine animals you may encounter.
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Publication date: 23/09/2024

The southern Bay of Biscay, a renowned sailing area

It’s often a place of passage, for motorboats and sailing boats making their way from point A to point B, from France to Spain. But it’s also a place frequented by boaters simply for what it is: an area rich in charming ports of call and beautiful landscapes with, on land, a very special culture.

As a boater, the southern Bay of Biscay is a unique place to discover, whether you’re sailing for a few days or several weeks!

In France, the southern part of the Bay of Biscay corresponds to the south-western coastline of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. From Verdon-sur-Mer to the Spanish border, the Côte d’Argent and the Côte Basque together represent almost 250 kilometers of coastline overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, on this specific stretch of coastline we call the “South of the Bay of Biscay”.

On land, the seaside resorts of Arcachon and Biarritz, as well as the many water sports available, attract tourists from all over the world every year.

When it comes to sailing, the southern Bay of Biscay is notoriously difficult to navigate. Depending on the season, distance from the coast and weather conditions, sea outings can be more or less sporty, and in some cases, not recommended at all.

Like all other sailing areas, we believe it’s important to be very vigilant. Let’s not forget to sail with humility!

A number of marinas in south-west France provide access to the water. Within the Port Adhoc network, the dry port of Anglet, also known as the Bayonne Anglet dry port, is best located for discovering the area by boat.

An area populated by numerous marine species

Another reason why the southern part of the Bay of Biscay is so popular, apart from its scenic beauty, is its rich biodiversity. The area abounds in diverse marine species, and some boaters choose to sail here simply for the pleasure of admiring them.

The southern Bay of Biscay, for example, offers the opportunity to observe numerous marine mammals or cetaceans, more or less distant from the coast. In all, nearly thirty species have been recorded in the area, from common dolphins to rorqualssperm whalesorcas and blue and white dolphins!

Marine mammals are a relatively common sight when sailing, thanks in part to the species protection measures in place in the region.

A veritable playground for recreational anglers

As well as delighting those who love to observe marine life, the rich waters of the southern Bay of Biscay are often the delight of recreational anglers. In fact, the sailing area is home to numerous fish, which enthusiasts can catch in a variety of ways.

Bluefin or albacoretunasea bass or sea basspollack or saithesolewhitingmackerelsardinesanchovies… the diversity of species found along the Côte d’Argent and Côte Basque or further offshore, in the waters of the southern Bay of Biscay, means that fishermen can practice all their favorite fishing techniques.

If you’re a boat owner, do you prefer trolling or line fishinglures or livebaits? Or are you more accustomed to jigging?

As in many other sailing areas, in the southern Bay of Biscay, it is said that calm, sunny days are often the best for surface fishing. Conversely, cloudy days are better suited to deep-sea fishing

Are you interested in sea fishing in the southern Bay of Biscay?

In all cases, remember: to ensure you fish responsibly, you need to find out about the regulations in force before you leave.

Are you fully aware of the fishing seasons for the fish you want to catch? Do you know which fishing tackle is authorized and what the minimum catch size is? Are you aware of the fishing quotas to be respected?

When you’re out at sea, don’t forget to mark the fish you catch!

Sailing in the southern Bay of Biscay thanks to our infrastructure

Do you have a sailboat or motorboat and this article has inspired you to explore the waters of the southern Bay of Biscay, to observe the marine fauna or to go fishing? Then it’s time to find the right marina for you.

To discover this exceptional biodiversity for yourself, why not take advantage of the Port Adhoc group’s port facilities in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region?

On the banks of the River Adour, less than a mile from the Atlantic Ocean, Anglet’s dry port is ideally located. We offer 210 berths on racks and 30 berths for storing boats on cradles, for all types of boaters – whether nature lovers or fishing enthusiasts!

Conveniently located close to the harbour, we have a dedicated careening area and a professional technical center for boat maintenance, repair and sales. Parking lot is free, and our teams are available 7 days a week to launch your boat by appointment.

Would you like to find out more about our facilities in the southern Bay of Biscay and the dry port of Bayonne Anglet? Our team will be happy to answer all your questions!

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