Moudros Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Moudros is one of the largest naturally enclosed bays in the Mediterranean — approximately 160 square kilometres of virtually landlocked water, accessible through a narrow entrance channel. The entire bay is in 4–8m on thick mud with exceptional holding. In practice, this is an all-weather anchorage: the narrow entrance limits fetch and swell from every direction, and the internal bay size creates a calm surface even in strong external conditions. The WW1 Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery at Moudros village commemorates the Allied base used during the Gallipoli campaign (1915). A profound and moving historical site.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Moudros Bay is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, CQR, Bruce. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Moudros Bay are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.80m for the vast bay in 4–8m on thick mud with excellent holding. The bay is so large that there is effectively unlimited swinging room — the 80m alarm is set conservatively to account for the soft mud allowing some drag before holding fully. Once firmly set, 65m is adequate. This is arguably the safest overnight anchorage in the Northern Aegean — the narrow entrance blocks all swell from outside.

Year-round anchorage. The bay is genuinely all-weather — the only anchorage in the North Aegean where you can anchor confidently in any wind direction and strength. Autumn and spring are particularly atmospheric. July–August sees almost no visiting yachts despite being peak season — extraordinary historical remoteness.

Navigation Hazards

• Entrance channel shoals — approach through the marked entrance channel carefully; depth over the bar is approximately 5–6m but shoals exist on both sides; proceed at slow speed with depth sounder active
• No yacht facilities — no fuel, no water, no chandlery; carry everything you need
• Fog possible in early morning in autumn — the large enclosed bay traps cold air; navigate with care

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Entrance channel to the bay: follow the marked channel carefully; shoals exist on either side. No facilities in the bay beyond the village of Moudros — provision fully from Myrina.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Myrina (15nm)
• Restaurant: One or two small tavernas in Moudros village. Very basic provisions at the village mini-market. No yacht facilities. Bring everything from Myrina.
• Provisions: None on site — Myrina (15nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The WW1 Commonwealth Cemetery at Moudros village is a deeply moving place and should not be missed — dinghy ashore and walk 10 minutes from the village quay
2. This is one of the safest anchorages in the North Aegean in any weather — if a major storm is forecast, run for Moudros; once inside, you can anchor anywhere in complete safety
3. Birdwatching: the shallow areas at the bay head attract flamingos, herons, and in spring/autumn, rare migratory species; bring binoculars
4. The Armistice of Mudros (30 October 1918) ended WW1 in the Middle East — the bay where that history happened is now one of the quietest anchorages in Greece