Ksamil — East Island (Merkur) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The sheltered E cove of Merkur (the easternmost and largest of the Ksamil islands) in 3–6m over clean sand. The island itself provides genuine shelter from N, W, and NW — the cove is noticeably calmer than the open approach from the S in NW Maestral conditions. Sand holding is good throughout — set the anchor with engine reverse on the clean sandy bottom and confirm before swimming. The cove is small and intimate — 3–4 boats maximum before swing room becomes critical. The island has no permanent residents and is accessible only by water, ensuring a pristine atmosphere away from the main Ksamil tourist activity. Open to E and SE — day use in stable conditions; overnight only in settled weather with no E or SE forecast.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ksamil — East Island (Merkur) is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Check for posidonia before dropping — Ksamil waters have protected posidonia meadows. Confirm sand bottom on the depth sounder before anchoring. Use mooring buoys at Ksamil when available.
2. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–7m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m depth).
3. Drop into the wind and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
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 Ksamil — East Island (Merkur) are feasible in settled conditions but require vigilance — the anchorage is exposed to E and SE and S winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below. 60m for the E cove in 3–6m. The cove walls limit swing arc — reduce to 45m if another boat is anchored. The key consideration is the E and SE exposure: in settled Maestral (NW) conditions the cove is calm, but any E or SE component — which can develop as the Corfu Strait wind shifts at night — exposes the cove to open fetch from the Ionian. Monitor evening forecasts carefully and have Ksamil S buoy field (1nm W) as a fallback if conditions deteriorate overnight.

Usable May–September in settled conditions. May and June are optimal — least boat traffic, best light, calm mornings. July–August: the island is visited by water taxis but the E cove itself rarely fills; still a fine day stop. September: excellent as the tourist traffic drops and the water remains warm. Not suitable for overnight use in October or in any period when E or SE swell is possible.

Navigation Hazards

• E and SE exposure: the cove is open to E and SE — any easterly shift in wind or swell makes the position uncomfortable; the Corfu Strait can produce evening wind shifts toward S or SE; check forecasts before overnighting
• Small cove capacity: 3–4 boats maximum; late arrivals in July–August may find it occupied; the S buoy field (1nm W) is the obvious alternative
• Shallow approach from E: the approach to the E cove requires care due to shallow water extending from the island's NE and SE tips — approach from due E on echosounder at reduced speed
• No emergency refuge: Merkur island has no facilities and the nearest all-weather shelter is Sarandë port (8km N) or the Ksamil buoy field; do not anchor here in unsettled weather without a clear exit plan
• Excursion boats from Ksamil: water taxis and excursion RIBs from Ksamil village visit the island group including Merkur in summer; expect boat traffic in the morning and early afternoon

Rules & Regulations

• Albania entry — clearance agent mandatory: All foreign yachts must use a local clearance agent (~€100–150). Fly yellow Q flag. Present passports, registration, insurance, and crew list at the first port of entry.
• Anchoring fee: Free. No facilities.
• Maximum stay: 1 days
• Restrictions: The cove fits 3–4 boats maximum — if occupied, proceed to Ksamil S buoys or N channel. Day use strongly recommended — E and SE exposure makes overnight potentially unsafe if conditions change. Do not land on the island in a way that disturbs the natural environment; access by dinghy to the beach is fine.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Sarandë city centre (8km N) (4.2nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Sarandë city centre (8km N) (4.2nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Sarandë city centre (8km N) (4.2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The E cove of Merkur is at its best as an early morning stop — arrive by 08:00 before the water taxis from Ksamil begin operations, swim in the crystal clear water, and depart for the S buoys by 10:00
2. The island's W side beach (accessible by dinghy from the E cove in 10 minutes) is white sand and completely unspoiled — one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania; arrive by water rather than by land
3. In settled NW Maestral conditions the E cove is genuinely calm — the island mass creates a lee that makes this a comfortable lunch stop in the most common summer weather pattern
4. The combination of the E cove for a morning swim stop and the S buoy field for overnight is an excellent strategy — day at Merkur, overnight on a buoy; the sequence works perfectly with the typical daily pattern
5. Ksamil's turquoise water is at its most vivid in direct morning sunlight — photography from the E cove looking W toward the sand spit and mainland is outstanding before 10:00