Lara Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open bay anchorage off Lara Beach — Cyprus's most important sea turtle nesting site (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas). SEASONAL RESTRICTION: June–September — no anchoring within 200m of the beach; no landing on the beach without permission from the Lara Conservation Station. No lights shining on the beach at night (disorients hatchlings) — turn off all deck lights after dark. Outside the nesting season (October–May), anchoring in the bay is permitted; sand bottom with good holding in 3–9m. Protected from E, SE, and NE by headlands; exposed to W, NW, and SW. Accessible only by sea or a long 4WD track from Paphos direction. The beach is a profoundly wild and beautiful location. No facilities of any kind — completely self-sufficient required. 90m alarm radius for the open bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Lara 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 3–9m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 45m chain at 9m 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 Lara Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to W and NW and SW 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 5–7m sand. Good holding. W/NW/SW exposure. CRITICAL: No anchoring within 200m of the beach June–September (turtle nesting season). No deck lights shining toward beach at night. Land only with conservation station permission in season.

Best April–May and October (outside turtle nesting season). June–September visits must respect the 200m beach exclusion. W/NW/SW exposure means only settled-weather visits are appropriate. A special, remote location that rewards careful timing.

Navigation Hazards

• SEASONAL RESTRICTION: June–September — no anchoring within 200m of beach; turtle nesting season
• W/NW/SW exposure — exposed to Atlantic westerly swell in unsettled conditions; fair-weather anchorage only
• No facilities whatsoever — fully self-sufficient required; carry all water, food, and fuel
• Remote location — no rescue or services within 7nm; reliable VHF and safety equipment essential

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: CRITICAL: June–September — no anchoring within 200m of beach, no landing without conservation station permission, no lights shining on beach at night. October–May: anchor freely in sand but still respect the beach and conservation area.
• 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 (7nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Latchi Harbour (7nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Latchi Harbour (7nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. April–May and October are the ideal visits — turtles are not yet nesting (or have completed nesting), weather is excellent, and the beach is pristine
2. If visiting in season (June–September), anchor beyond the 200m exclusion zone and observe from the boat
3. Turn off all deck lights after sunset to protect disorienting any hatchlings
4. One of the most wild and remote overnight anchorages in Cyprus — a genuine wilderness experience