Agios Georgios Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Bay anchorage off Agios Georgios village on the south approach to the Akamas Peninsula, in 3–8m over sand with good holding. Protected from N, NE, and E; exposed to S, SW, and W. A useful waypoint for vessels heading from Paphos to Latchi — approximately halfway between the two. Small harbour with fishing boats — not suitable for yachts to berth but the anchorage outside is calm in E/NE conditions. Clear sand bottom in much of the bay. Near Cape Drepano (the headland SW of the Akamas Peninsula). Ancient Christian ruins ashore (5th–6th century basilica). Good provisioning stop by dinghy before continuing north. Tidal range <30cm. 90m alarm radius for the open bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Agios Georgios Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Check for Posidonia seagrass — Posidonia meadows are extensive throughout Chrysochou Bay and the Akamas coast. Snorkel to verify a clear sand patch before dropping anchor. EU-protected; fines apply for damage.
2. Observe turtle beach restrictions — if anchoring near Lara Bay or Toxeftra Beach in June–September, maintain a 200m exclusion zone from the beach. No deck lights toward the beach at night.
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 Agios Georgios Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds. On the Akamas coast, you are far from assistance — typically 5–12nm from the nearest harbour. The afternoon westerly sea breeze builds daily from midday throughout summer, reaching F3–5 by afternoon. Plan arrivals for the morning calm.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below. 90m radius in 4–6m sand. Good holding. S/SW/W exposure — afternoon westerly sea breeze blows directly into bay. Waypoint anchorage between Paphos and Latchi.

April–October. Best as a day stop or short overnight on the passage north. Morning conditions calm before the afternoon westerly builds. Not suitable in W or SW conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SW/W exposure — afternoon westerly blows directly into bay; fair-weather only in settled conditions
• Small fishing harbour approach — keep clear of harbour entrance
• Cape Drepano headland to the SW can create confused sea state in strong SW conditions

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen) — Paphos is the nearest port of entry: Paphos Harbour is the nearest 24/7 customs and immigration point for this region (22–28nm south). Non-EU boats must clear here first before anchoring in Chrysochou Bay or Akamas waters. Fly yellow Q flag.
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Anchor clear of the small fishing harbour approach. S/SW/W exposure — fair-weather anchorage.
• Akamas National Park: Anchoring near turtle nesting beaches (Lara Bay, Toxeftra Beach) is prohibited within 200m June–September. No deck lights toward beach at night. No overnight camping on beaches. Posidonia EU-protected throughout — anchor in sand patches only.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Paphos city (12nm)
• Restaurant: Small seasonal fish taverna at Agios Georgios village. Limited provisions at the small village shop. Paphos (12nm S by sea) has full provisioning.
• Provisions: None on site — Paphos city (12nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Good lunch stop on the Paphos–Latchi passage — anchor for an hour, swim, and continue north
2. Ancient Byzantine basilica ruins ashore are worth a quick dinghy trip to explore
3. The small village fish taverna serves excellent grilled fish in season
4. Coral Bay (10nm S, near Paphos) is an alternative stopover — busier but with more facilities