Protaras Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open bay off the Protaras resort coast in 3–9m over sand with good holding. Protected from W, SW, NW, and N; exposed to E and SE across Levantine Sea. The bay is wide with a long sandy beach and the Protaras resort town behind. Multiple small coves punctuate the coastline north and south of the main bay. Anchor in the northern section of the main bay away from the main beach swim zone. Good holding throughout — sand is firm and consistent. Light traffic from Protaras water sport operators in the day (8am–6pm in peak season). Tavernas and shops ashore within 200m walk from beach. Tidal range <30cm. Ferry route Limassol–Beirut visible in the distance SE — no direct impact on anchorage.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Protaras Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Verify Cape Greco MPA boundaries before anchoring — if within the Natura 2000 core zone, use the yellow mooring buoys provided. Anchoring is strictly prohibited in the MPA core area (€500+ fines).
2. Check for Posidonia seagrass — snorkel to verify a sand patch before dropping anchor. EU-protected; fines apply for damage.
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, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Protaras Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to E and SE winds. The primary overnight hazard on the southeast coast is easterly swell from the open Levantine Basin (Lebanon/Israel direction) — develops rapidly in E/NE winds. The Limassol–Beirut ferry route passes SE of Cape Greco — maintain a watch on VHF Ch 16 and keep clear of commercial traffic at night.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius before going below. 100m radius in 5–8m sand. Good holding. E/SE exposure to Levantine Sea. Wide bay with good swinging room. Swim zones and water sports area close inshore — maintain distance.

Best April–October. Peak season July–August is busy with resort activity. April–June and September–October are most pleasant — fewer visitors and comfortable temperatures. Winter visits inadvisable due to E/SE exposure.

Navigation Hazards

• E/SE exposure to Levantine Sea — swell can develop in easterly conditions; monitor forecast
• Water sports area close inshore — jet skis and speed boats active 8am–6pm in peak season
• Beach swim zones — maintain clear distance from buoyed areas
• Peak season July–August: resort boat traffic makes the bay lively during daylight hours

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): Cyprus is an EU member state but NOT part of the Schengen Area. Passport controls apply to all nationalities. Non-EU boats must clear customs at Larnaca Marina (24/7) or Agia Napa Marina before anchoring in Cyprus waters.
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Stay clear of beach swim zones and water sports areas (marked with buoys). Anchor in northern section away from main beach.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Protaras town (0.2nm)
• Restaurant: Protaras resort town directly behind beach — full range of restaurants, bars, supermarkets, pharmacies within 200m walk. Fuel available at filling stations in town.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Excellent provisioning access — Protaras supermarkets and restaurants are within easy walking distance of the beach
2. Anchor in the northern section of the bay for more space and distance from the main beach activity
3. Good staging point before continuing south to Cape Greco or north along the coast
4. Arrive in the morning for calmer conditions — afternoon westerly can create a mild chop