This popular anchorage is now overcrowded to the point that there is simply no room for visitors most of the time. If you do decide to visit please note that the only really suitable area for anchoring is in the pool inside the entrance, which is sheltered and is a good passage anchorage.
Proceeding further up the channel is unwise without local knowledge, as the sands shift and the buoyage is not to be trusted.
While occasional spaces for anchoring might be available on the N. side of the channel as far up as the old broken pontoon, you cannot be sure you will find a spot so do not make plans based on the assumption that you will find somewhere to anchor – you may well not, and it is important to make sure you have enough tide to get back down the channel if there is no room to anchor.
It is also important to note that anchoring further East (nearer the town) is impossible as most of the boats there are on closely spaced moorings, and even if you don’t swing into them you may rip up a mooring anchor with your own anchor. Do not pick up a mooring without the owner’s permission – you have no idea if it has been serviced, what size of boat it is designed for or when the owner may be back.
If you do drop anchor on the North side of the channel West of the pontoon/villa please make sure that you are not going to swing or drag into your neighbours and check that you do not swing out into the channel, which is used constantly by tourist boats during the day and by the local fishermen day and night.
The lagoon is well sheltered from waves but exposed to strong winds. If putting out enough scope to deal with possible 25kt+ gusts is not an option then you should not be anchoring there. Several boats have found this out to their detriment when washed ashore.