Cape Arnaouti Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage off the northwestern tip of the Akamas Peninsula — the most remote point of the peninsula. Mixed sand and rock in 4–12m. Fair holding — snorkel to locate sand patches before anchoring. Protected from E, SE, and S by the bulk of the Akamas Peninsula; fully exposed to N, NW, and W across the open sea towards Greece (next landfall approximately 400nm NW). A dramatic, remote location used primarily by adventurous sailors circumnavigating the Akamas. Exceptional water clarity. Wild landscape — no facilities anywhere on the peninsula. Caution: the cape creates a tidal race in strong winds — increased sea state near the headland in any N/NW conditions. Day stop or overnight in settled weather only. 90m alarm radius for open water anchorage in mixed bottom.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Cape Arnaouti Anchorage is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention.

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 4–12m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 60m chain at 12m 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 Cape Arnaouti Anchorage are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NW 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 5–8m. Fair holding — mixed sand/rock; snorkel to verify. Full N/NW/W exposure to open sea. Tidal race near the headland in strong winds. Day stop or overnight in settled weather only.

May–October in settled conditions only. Best in high summer (June–September) when sea conditions are most reliably calm. Spring and autumn transitions can bring unexpected NW swell — monitor closely.

Navigation Hazards

• Full N/NW/W exposure to open sea — only approach in settled conditions with reliable N/NW-free forecast
• Tidal race near the headland in strong N/NW winds — stand well off
• Mixed sand/rock bottom — fair holding requires careful anchor placement
• Most remote anchorage in this region — 9nm to nearest harbour; be self-sufficient

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: Fair holding only — snorkel to verify sand patch. N/NW/W exposure — settled weather only. Tidal race near headland in strong winds — stand off in any N/NW conditions. Akamas National Park rules apply.
• 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: Latchi Harbour (9nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Latchi Harbour (9nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Latchi Harbour (9nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. A special destination for experienced sailors — one of the most dramatic points on the Cyprus coast
2. Circumnavigation of the Akamas Peninsula (Latchi — Blue Lagoon — Lara — Arnaouti — back to Latchi) is one of the finest day sails in Cyprus
3. Water clarity is exceptional — bring snorkelling equipment
4. Check 48-hour forecast before committing — conditions can change rapidly at an exposed headland