Vrysoudia Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage on the SE side of the Cape Greco headland in 4–10m over mixed sand and rock. Fair holding — snorkel to find clear sand patches before anchoring. Protected from N, NW, W, and NE by the bulk of Cape Greco headland; exposed to S, SE, and E. The bay faces the open Levantine Sea and is directly on the Limassol–Beirut ferry route — monitor for commercial vessel traffic at night. Cape Greco National Forest Park cliffs visible to the north. Exceptional water clarity — one of the clearest spots in Cyprus (25m+ visibility). Used primarily by dive vessels. Avoid anchoring near the rocky reef sections — MPA boundary is very close; check chart for exact extent. Fair-weather day stop or overnight only in settled conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Vrysoudia 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 4–10m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 50m chain at 10m 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 Vrysoudia 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 80m radius before going below. 80m radius in 5–8m. Fair holding — mixed sand/rock; snorkel to verify. S/SE/E exposure to Levantine Sea. Limassol–Beirut ferry route passes nearby — watch for commercial traffic at night.

May–October. Primarily a day anchorage in calm settled weather. Overnight only in stable settled N/NW conditions with confirmed reliable forecast. September–October offers excellent visibility and fewer visitors.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SE/E exposure to open Levantine Sea — swell develops rapidly; fair-weather anchorage only
• Limassol–Beirut ferry route passes nearby — commercial traffic at night; monitor VHF Ch 16
• Cape Greco MPA boundary close to the N — verify chart position before anchoring
• Mixed sand/rock bottom — anchor placement requires snorkelling to verify holding

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 — fair holding on mixed bottom. Stay outside Cape Greco MPA core zone to the N/NW. Fair-weather only — S/SE/E exposure. Monitor for ferry and commercial vessel traffic at night.

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 (4nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Agia Napa (4nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Agia Napa (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Exceptional visibility — bring mask and fins for the best diving near Cape Greco
2. Morning visit is best — calm conditions for snorkelling before afternoon sea conditions develop
3. Check chart for exact Cape Greco MPA boundary — the line runs close to this anchorage
4. Agia Napa Marina (4nm NW) is a safe overnight alternative when conditions are uncertain