
Port de Plaisance d'Hendaye
A vibrant tidal marina with floating pontoons, offering easy cross-border access to Spain via a scenic shuttle boat.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier access

Port de Plaisance d'Hendaye
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier access

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant tidal marina with floating pontoons, offering easy cross-border access to Spain via a scenic shuttle boat.
"The shuttle boat to Spain is a highlight, offering a quick and cheap way to enjoy tapas!"

Book Ahead for Stays
This is a busy tidal marina. Phone well in advance if you need to dock your boat.
Easy Spain Trip
Take the shuttle boat to Hondarribia for tapas! It's cheap and quick.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Floating Pontoons
Throughout the marina
Extensive network of floating pontoons, creating a bustling nautical atmosphere.

Shuttle Boat to Spain
Marina ferry terminal
Quick and scenic ferry ride to Hondarribia, Spain, for tapas and exploration.

Marina Promenade
Along the marina edges
Pleasant walkways for strolling, jogging, and enjoying the marina views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tidal Marina & Advance Booking
Cross-Border Convenience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Stays
This is a busy tidal marina. Phone well in advance if you need to dock your boat.
Easy Spain Trip
Take the shuttle boat to Hondarribia for tapas! It's cheap and quick.
Explore the Walkways
Enjoy a stroll or jog around the marina; it's well-planned with nice paths.
Deposit Hassles
Be aware that deposit refunds might require specific staff presence.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Stays
This is a busy tidal marina. Phone well in advance if you need to dock your boat.
Easy Spain Trip
Take the shuttle boat to Hondarribia for tapas! It's cheap and quick.
Explore the Walkways
Enjoy a stroll or jog around the marina; it's well-planned with nice paths.
Deposit Hassles
Be aware that deposit refunds might require specific staff presence.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Port de Plaisance d'Hendaye for its convenient location, especially the easy and affordable shuttle boat service to Spain. The marina's layout with floating pontoons and walkways is also a plus for leisurely exploration. However, some guests have encountered issues with unprofessional staff and difficulties retrieving deposits, with language barriers sometimes exacerbating these problems.
"We only walked by but noticed it's a tidal marina with floating pontoons lots of them but busy place so would phone well in advance if you need to stay"
Steven Clark
"I'm not a professional user of this Marina. It seems well planned with alleys and bike lanes for visitors to roam and jog around ."
eric leroy
"I love it there...."
marek sna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The marina is easily accessible by car and is located in Hendaye, France. For those arriving from Spain, the shuttle boat from Hondarribia offers a convenient and scenic route directly to the marina.
Local buses serve Hendaye, and the marina is within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the town center. The shuttle boat is also a form of public transport connecting to Spain.
Yes, the marina has well-planned alleys and bike lanes, making it pleasant for walking and jogging.
From Hendaye train station, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the Port de Plaisance d'Hendaye. It's also a walkable distance for those who enjoy a stroll.
The marina is located near the Grande Plage of Hendaye, making it a short walk to access the beach area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the marina itself is generally free for visitors to walk around. However, if you plan to use the shuttle boat to Spain, there will be a small fee.
The marina is operational year-round, but specific services like the shuttle boat and administrative offices have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official schedule.
The shuttle boat to Hondarribia, Spain, is very affordable, often costing around two euros for a round trip.
Yes, it's a functioning marina with floating pontoons. However, it's a tidal marina and can be busy, so advance booking is highly recommended.
There is a deposit system for boat docking. Be aware that retrieving your deposit may require specific staff to be present, which can sometimes cause delays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a walk along the promenades, admire the boats, take the shuttle to Spain for tapas, or dine at one of the restaurants located within the marina.
Absolutely! The marina is designed with walkways and bike lanes, making it a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll with views of the boats.
Yes, there are restaurants located at the marina, offering dining options with views of the boats. La Vinotek is one such establishment.
You'll see a variety of pleasure boats, from small sailing dinghies to larger yachts, docked along the extensive floating pontoons.
The marina offers picturesque views of boats, water, and the surrounding landscape, making it a good spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available directly at the Port de Plaisance d'Hendaye. La Vinotek is a restaurant situated conveniently within the marina.
You can find various cuisines, from local French dishes to Spanish tapas if you take the short ferry ride to Hondarribia.
Many visitors enjoy the convenience and ambiance of dining at the marina restaurants, especially for their views.
While specific cafes aren't detailed, the presence of restaurants suggests options for snacks and coffee are likely available.
A popular tip is to take the shuttle boat to Hondarribia, Spain, for authentic tapas.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rows of boats on the floating pontoons, the shuttle boat in action, and the scenic views of the bay. Sunset can offer beautiful light.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds. Sunset can provide dramatic colors over the water.
Yes, the shuttle boat is a popular subject. You can get great shots of it departing or arriving, or with the Spanish coastline in the background.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. Be mindful of private vessels and individuals if photographing closely.
A standard zoom lens is versatile. For wider shots of the marina, a wide-angle lens can be useful. A telephoto lens can capture details on distant boats.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds mentioned, the open spaces and the novelty of a busy marina provide ample entertainment. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options might be more geared towards adults, though casual eateries are usually available. The proximity to Hendaye's Grande Plage also means a beach visit can easily be combined with a marina stop.
💰 Budget Travelers
Walking and exploring the marina itself is free, offering pleasant views and a chance to enjoy the atmosphere without spending money. For dining, consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the water, or look for more casual eateries in Hendaye town rather than the marina restaurants if you're on a tight budget.
couples
Enjoying a meal at one of the marina's restaurants, like La Vinotek, can also be a lovely experience with views of the boats. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon or evening outing. Consider timing your visit to coincide with the shuttle boat for a dual-country experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tidal Marina
Due to its popularity and tidal nature, booking a berth in advance is strongly advised, especially during peak seasons. The marina can get busy, and securing a spot requires planning. Travelers have noted that while the marina is well-planned with ample pontoons, it's crucial to contact the marina management well ahead of time to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.
While the marina itself is a functional hub for boaters, its charm also lies in its accessibility and the surrounding environment. The presence of walkways and bike lanes allows visitors to explore the area comfortably, enjoying the maritime atmosphere.
The Hendaye-Hondarribia Connection
The journey itself is quick and affordable, often costing just a couple of euros, making it an attractive option for a day trip or an evening out. Travelers frequently highlight this connection as a major perk, using it to explore the charming town of Hondarribia, known for its picturesque old town and delicious tapas.
This cross-border accessibility transforms the marina from just a docking point into a gateway. It provides a unique opportunity to combine a visit to the French Basque Country with a taste of the Spanish Basque Country, all within a short travel time. The shuttle is a testament to the close relationship between these neighboring communities.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
For dining, the marina hosts restaurants, such as La Vinotek, offering convenient options for visitors to enjoy a meal with a view of the boats. This adds to the overall experience, allowing people to spend more time soaking in the maritime atmosphere. However, some visitors have reported negative experiences with staff, citing communication difficulties and unprofessional conduct, particularly concerning deposit refunds.
While the marina is a functional boating facility, it also serves as a pleasant recreational area. The ease of access to both local amenities and the cross-border shuttle contributes to its appeal for a diverse range of visitors.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit