Cape Greco MPA (Mooring Buoys) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

ANCHORING STRICTLY PROHIBITED — EU Natura 2000 Marine Protected Area protecting coralligenous reef communities and Posidonia oceanica meadows. Yellow mooring buoys provided by Cyprus Dept. of Fisheries & Marine Research — available May–October. Use buoys only; do not anchor. Fines €500+ for non-compliance. Cyprus's finest underwater terrain: sea caves, rocky reefs, exceptional water clarity (25–35m visibility). Access to sea caves by tender only — paddle or row to avoid reef disturbance. Protected from W and SW by Cape Greco headland; exposed to N, NE, E. Also within Cape Greco National Forest Park boundary — no anchoring within park-marked marine zone. 40m alarm radius on buoy.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Cape Greco MPA (Mooring Buoys) is primarily rock and sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Verify Cape Greco MPA boundaries before anchoring — if within the Natura 2000 core zone, use the yellow mooring buoys provided. Anchoring is strictly prohibited in the MPA core area (€500+ fines).
2. Check for Posidonia seagrass — snorkel to verify a sand patch before dropping anchor. EU-protected; fines apply for damage.
3. Anchor in 4–12m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 60m chain at 12m depth (5:1 scope).
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Cape Greco MPA (Mooring Buoys) are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds. The primary overnight hazard on the southeast coast is easterly swell from the open Levantine Basin (Lebanon/Israel direction) — develops rapidly in E/NE winds. The Limassol–Beirut ferry route passes SE of Cape Greco — maintain a watch on VHF Ch 16 and keep clear of commercial traffic at night.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 40m radius before going below. 40m radius on mooring buoy. ANCHORING PROHIBITED — Natura 2000 MPA and Cape Greco National Forest Park. Use yellow Dept. of Fisheries mooring buoys only (May–October). Fines €500+.

May–October only (mooring buoy season). Peak months June–September — buoys can be fully occupied by 09:00 in July–August; arrive at first light. May and October are quietest. No overnight stays outside buoy season as anchoring is prohibited.

Navigation Hazards

• ANCHORING STRICTLY PROHIBITED — Natura 2000 MPA and National Forest Park; fines €500+; use mooring buoys only
• Mooring buoys available May–October only — no buoys outside this period
• N/NE/E exposure — open to Levantine Sea swell; vacate buoys before easterly swell builds
• Sharav (Levantine SE wind) in spring — reduced visibility and warm confused swell; monitor forecast

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): Cyprus is an EU member state but NOT part of the Schengen Area. Passport controls apply to all nationalities. Non-EU boats must clear customs at Larnaca Marina (24/7) or Agia Napa Marina before anchoring in Cyprus waters.
• Anchoring prohibited (MPA): Anchoring prohibited — Natura 2000 MPA and Cape Greco National Forest Park. Use mooring buoys only (May–October). Fines €500+. No spearfishing, underwater lights, or coral collection. Sea caves: paddle or row — no propeller wash near reef. Use mooring buoys provided by Dept. of Fisheries. Fines €500+.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Agia Napa (3nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Agia Napa (3nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Agia Napa (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive early morning before afternoon westerly builds — ideal for snorkelling and sea cave exploration
2. Underwater visibility regularly exceeds 30m — exceptional reef communities
3. Sea caves accessible by tender — paddle or row to avoid disturbing reef with propeller wash
4. Report damaged or fouled mooring buoys to Dept. of Fisheries on VHF Ch 16