Chrysochou Bay East Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open bay on the eastern side of Chrysochou Bay in 4–10m over sand with good holding. Protected from W, NW, N, and NE by the bay topography; exposed to S, SE, and E. Seldom visited by foreign yachts — one of the quietest stretches of sailing coastline in Cyprus. Wide bay with ample swinging room. Small seasonal fishing activity in the area. Snorkel to verify sand patch — Posidonia meadows are extensive in Chrysochou Bay. Access to Polis town by dinghy landing on the nearby beach followed by a short walk. 105m alarm radius for wide open bay. Asprokremmos Reservoir dam visible inland — the largest reservoir in Cyprus. Good position for passage east or west along the north coast towards Paphos.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Chrysochou Bay East 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 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, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Chrysochou Bay East are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E 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 105m radius before going below. 105m radius in 6–9m sand. Good holding. S/SE/E exposure across open sea. Wide bay — ample swinging room. Snorkel to verify sand patch (Posidonia present in Chrysochou Bay).

April–October. Outstanding value in the shoulder seasons (April–June, September–October) when the weather is pleasant and the anchorage is invariably empty. Not recommended in southerlies — monitor forecasts.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SE/E exposure — monitor forecasts carefully; leave for Latchi harbour or Polis anchorage if southerly develops
• Posidonia meadows throughout Chrysochou Bay — snorkel to verify sand patch before anchoring
• Not a port of entry — non-EU boats must clear Paphos first

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: Snorkel to verify sand patch — Posidonia meadows extensive throughout Chrysochou Bay. Fair-weather anchorage — S/SE/E exposure. Not a port of entry for non-EU boats.
• 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: Polis town (2nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Polis town (2nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Polis town (2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the most uncrowded anchorages in Cyprus — genuine solitude on a beautiful coast
2. Polis town (one of Cyprus's most authentic towns) accessible by dinghy and short walk
3. The inland Asprokremmos Reservoir is visible — a reminder of Cyprus's water management challenges
4. Good staging anchorage on the passage between Paphos and Latchi