Green Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Small cove between Cape Greco and Agia Napa in 3–8m. Mixed sand and rock bottom — holding is fair; set anchor carefully in a sandy patch and snorkel to verify before trusting overnight. Protected from N, NW, and W; exposed to S, SE, and E. The cove is often used as a day anchorage by dive boats and day-trippers. Crystal-clear water ideal for snorkelling and diving. Smaller and more intimate than the main Cape Greco area. Approach from the N or NW carefully — shallow rocky ledges extend from the cove edges. Confirm clear sand patch before anchoring. 75m alarm radius for the confined cove.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Green Bay is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention.

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.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Green Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to S and SE 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 75m radius before going below. 75m radius in 4–6m. Fair holding — mixed sand/rock; snorkel to verify sand patch before anchoring overnight. S/SE/E exposure. Small cove — rocky ledges at edges.

May–October only. Best as a morning day stop in calm settled weather. Not suitable for overnight in any unsettled conditions. September and October offer the clearest water and fewest visitors.

Navigation Hazards

• Mixed sand/rock bottom — fair holding only; must snorkel to verify sand patch before anchoring
• S/SE/E exposure — any swell from south or east makes the cove uncomfortable quickly
• Rocky ledges at cove edges — approach carefully from N or NW; shallow water extends from cliffs
• Day-trip dive boats in the area — watch for dive flag (Alpha flag) and stay clear of dive sites

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: Snorkel to verify sand patch — rocky bottom makes anchor placement critical. Fair-weather only — S/SE/E exposure. Day anchorage recommended; overnight only in settled conditions with reliable N/NW forecast.

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 (2.5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Agia Napa (2.5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Agia Napa (2.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Excellent for daytime diving and snorkelling — use as day stop rather than overnight
2. Snorkel to find sand patches before anchoring — the effort is worth it for the holding security
3. Agia Napa Marina (2nm NW) offers secure overnight berthing if conditions are uncertain
4. Morning visit ideal — calm water for snorkelling before afternoon westerly builds