Tsarevo Bay
Царево · Michurin · Vasiliko
42°10.2'N 27°50.6'E
Depth
4–10m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
95m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
95m
95m for good holding on mud/sand in 4–10m. Tsarevo has harbour infrastructure that provides better protection than open anchorages further south. Entry/exit formalities can be completed here. In NE above F5, the harbour offers enclosed shelter.
About This Anchorage
Tsarevo is the southernmost substantial port on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast — the last proper town before the maritime border with Turkey at Rezovo. Known as 'Michurin' during the communist period (named after the Soviet agricultural scientist), it has reverted to its ancient name Tsarevo ('tsar's town'). The town sits above its bay on a hillside, giving it a picturesque coastal character. Tsarevo is the practical base for exploring the extreme south Bulgarian coast — Strandzha Nature Park rises immediately behind the town, its ancient forest of oak and beech covering the hills to the Turkish border. Entry/exit formalities for vessels crossing to or from Turkey can be completed here. The harbour master's office handles customs for both directions. The surrounding Strandzha coastline is wild and largely inaccessible by road — one of Bulgaria's last genuinely remote coastal landscapes.
Protected From
W · NW · N · SW
Exposed To
E · NE · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in bay; harbour berth fees BGN 20–35/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Entry/exit formalities for Turkey crossing — report to harbour master. Customs post at Tsarevo. Strandzha Nature Park border zone nearby — follow maritime authority guidance near Turkish border.
Hazards
- !Open to E and NE — uncomfortable in sustained NE
- !Near Turkish maritime border — do not approach border area without proper clearance
- !Strandzha border zone — follow maritime authority guidance
Skipper's Tips
- →Last provisioning port before Turkey — stock up well here
- →Strandzha Nature Park is extraordinary — hire a guide for a day trip into ancient forest
- →The Strandzha nestinarstvo (fire-walking) ritual is a unique Bulgarian cultural tradition
- →Harbour master helpful for Turkey crossing information and formalities
- →The hill above town has panoramic views of the southern Black Sea coast
Facilities
Town has supermarket, restaurants, fuel station. Fuel dock at harbour. Bank and ATM in town.
Nearest provisions: Tsarevo town (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. Key southern port for Bulgaria-Turkey passage. Full facilities make this the best provisioning base in the south.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 95m
In the remote south Bulgarian coast, far from marinas and assistance, an anchor alarm is essential. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position on the Black Sea continuously while you rest in the warm summer night.
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