Fig Tree Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open sandy bay north of Cape Greco in 3–8m over good holding sand. Protected from W, SW, and NW; exposed to E and NE across the open Levantine Sea. One of the longest sandy beaches on the Cyprus east coast. Anchor beyond the swim zone (yellow buoys close inshore — maintain 50m minimum clearance). Morning conditions typically calm in summer; afternoon W sea breeze leaves this bay sheltered. Reliable overnight anchorage in W/NW conditions. Set anchor well in 5–6m. Posidonia meadows possible in some sections — snorkel to verify sand patch. Beach facilities and tavernas ashore. 95m alarm radius for wide bay with swinging room.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Fig Tree Bay is primarily 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 3–8m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 40m chain at 8m 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, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Fig Tree Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to E and NE 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 95m radius before going below. 95m radius in 5–7m sand. Good holding. E/NE exposure to Levantine Sea — swell builds in easterly conditions. Swim zone marked close inshore — maintain 50m clearance.

Best April–October. July–August is peak tourist season — arrive early. April–June and September–October offer excellent conditions with fewer visitors. Winter visits inadvisable due to E/NE exposure.

Navigation Hazards

• E/NE exposure — easterly swell from Levantine Sea develops quickly; monitor forecast and leave if conditions change
• Swim zone — beach crowded with swimmers in peak season; maintain 50m from yellow buoys
• Peak season July–August: one of the busiest tourist beaches in Cyprus — jet skis and day boats in area
• Posidonia meadows possible in some sections — snorkel before dropping anchor

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 fee: Free
• Restrictions: Anchor outside swim zone (yellow buoys inshore — minimum 50m clearance). Snorkel to verify sand patch — Posidonia may be present.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Protaras (1.5nm)
• Restaurant: Seasonal beach bars and tavernas at Fig Tree Beach (June–September). Protaras town (1.5nm N) has full provisions, restaurants, and pharmacies.
• Provisions: None on site — Protaras (1.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Excellent overnight in W/NW conditions — wide bay, good holding, and amenities ashore
2. Arrive before 09:00 in peak season to secure a quiet position
3. Snorkel first — sand quality near reef edges is excellent
4. Protaras town 1.5nm north has excellent fish tavernas and full provisioning