Toxeftra Beach Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open bay anchorage north of Lara Bay off Toxeftra Beach — another key sea turtle nesting site within Akamas National Park. Sand bottom in 3–8m with good holding. Protected from E, NE, and SE; exposed to W, NW, and SW. SEASONAL RESTRICTION: June–September — no anchoring within 200m of the beach; no landing on the beach. No lights toward the beach at night. October–May: anchoring permitted outside any designated zones. Accessible only by sea or long walk from the Akamas trail network. Remote, wild beach with no facilities. The area just north of Lara Bay is equally pristine. Snorkel to verify sand patches before anchoring — Posidonia possible. 80m alarm radius for the bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Toxeftra Beach Anchorage 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 Toxeftra Beach Anchorage 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 80m radius before going below. 80m radius in 4–6m sand. Good holding. W/NW/SW exposure. SEASONAL RESTRICTION June–September: no anchoring within 200m of beach, no lights toward beach at night.

Best April–May and October outside nesting season. June–September visits must respect the 200m exclusion zone. Rarely visited — true wilderness anchorage in one of Cyprus's most protected areas.

Navigation Hazards

• SEASONAL RESTRICTION June–September — no anchoring within 200m of beach; turtle nesting season
• W/NW/SW exposure — westerly sea breeze blows directly onto beach; fair-weather only
• Completely remote — no facilities, no rescue within 6nm; fully self-sufficient required

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: June–September: no anchoring within 200m of beach, no lights on beach at night. October–May: anchor freely in sand outside any designated exclusion zones. Posidonia EU-protected — snorkel to verify sand patch.
• 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 (6nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Latchi Harbour (6nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Latchi Harbour (6nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. April–May and October are perfect — outside nesting season and weather is excellent
2. Combine with Lara Bay (0.5nm S) and Blue Lagoon (1nm NE) for a superb Akamas day or overnight
3. Turn off all deck lights after sunset in any season to respect the natural beach environment