Limnara Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Small bay east of Agia Napa Marina in 3–6m over clean sand. Good holding — firm sand with no weed in most of the bay. Protected from N, NW, and W; exposed to S, SE, and E. The bay is small — limited swinging room, especially in peak season when local motorboats may be present. One of the closest anchorages to Agia Napa Marina, making it convenient for provisioning runs by dinghy. Crystal-clear water. Shallow at the beach head (under 2m within 30m of the beach) — anchor further out in confirmed depth. 70m alarm radius for the small bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Limnara 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 3–6m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 30m chain at 6m 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 Limnara 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 70m radius before going below. 70m radius in 3–5m sand. Good holding. S/SE/E exposure. Small bay — limited swinging room; confirm space before anchoring. Shoals to under 2m close inshore.

May–October. Best as a calm-weather day or overnight stop. Not suitable in any southerly or easterly swell. September–October is ideal — warm water and minimal visitors.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SE/E exposure — any swell from south or east makes the small bay uncomfortable quickly
• Limited swinging room — small bay; check for other vessels and motorboats before anchoring
• Shoal area close to beach — anchor in verified 3m+ depth; echosounder essential

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: Limited swinging room — small bay. Anchor in 3m+ depth to avoid shoal at beach head. Fair-weather only — S/SE/E exposure.

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 Marina (1nm)
• Restaurant: Small beach taverna at Limnara Beach. Agia Napa Marina (1nm W) has full services including fuel, water, and provisions.
• Provisions: None on site — Agia Napa Marina (1nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Convenient day stop near Agia Napa Marina — easy dinghy trip to marina for fuel and provisions
2. Crystal-clear water makes it ideal for snorkelling in calm morning conditions
3. Move to Agia Napa Marina if any SE or southerly is forecast