Varna South Bay — Galata
Галата · Galata anchorage · Varna South Roads
43°09.5'N 27°59.9'E
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
110m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
110m
110m for good holding on mud/sand in 5–12m. Deeper water requires generous scope. Sheltered from north — the opposite exposure to the north roadstead, making it useful when NW or W winds are expected.
About This Anchorage
The Galata suburb anchorage south of Varna's main harbour entrance provides an alternative to the main roadstead, with different protection characteristics useful depending on wind direction. Galata is a residential seaside suburb of Varna, known primarily for a Bulgarian Navy coastal battery museum — the Soviet-era coastal artillery installations here have been preserved and opened to visitors, offering a glimpse into Cold War Black Sea naval strategy. The bay catches NW–W winds on the water but is sheltered from northerlies by the Varna harbour breakwater structure. Depth ranges are greater here than the inner harbour, requiring generous scope. The anchorage suits sailors who have already completed entry formalities at Varna and want a quieter overnight position than the busy port area.
Protected From
N · NW · W
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Military coastal zone awareness — Galata has naval facilities; follow port authority guidance. Active commercial approaches to Varna harbour — maintain watch.
Hazards
- !Open to S, SE, E — uncomfortable in southerly conditions
- !Commercial port approaches — Varna is a major port; maintain AIS watch
- !Military zone proximity — follow port authority VHF instructions
Skipper's Tips
- →Good alternative to north roadstead when W winds are forecast
- →Galata Navy Museum is unusual — Soviet coastal artillery preserved in situ
- →Dinghy to Varna Yacht Club for fuel, water, and full facilities
- →Complete entry formalities at Varna proper before using this anchorage
Facilities
Restaurants in Galata suburb. Varna city (4nm north) for full provisioning and fuel at Varna Yacht Club.
Nearest provisions: Varna city (4nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Secondary anchorage near Varna — use when wind direction favours south bay shelter.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 110m
On the Black Sea, NE winds and seiches can drag a poorly set anchor. Complete your entry formalities at Varna and then let Safety Anchor Alarm monitor your GPS position continuously while you rest.
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