Cape Greco Natura 2000 MPA (Mooring Buoy Zone) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

ANCHORING STRICTLY PROHIBITED — EU Natura 2000 Marine Protected Area protecting coralligenous reef communities and Posidonia oceanica meadows. Yellow mooring buoys provided by the Cyprus Dept. of Fisheries & Marine Research — available May–October. Use buoys only; do not anchor under any circumstances. Fines of €500 or more are imposed for non-compliance. The MPA encompasses Cyprus's finest underwater terrain: dramatic sea caves, rocky reefs, and exceptional water clarity. Access to sea caves by tender (not dinghy with outboard — paddle or row to avoid reef disturbance). Monitor mooring buoy condition on arrival — if buoy is damaged or fouled, report to Dept. of Fisheries on VHF Ch 16. Protected from W and SW by Cape Greco headland; exposed to N, NE, and E. 40m alarm radius on buoy.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Cape Greco Natura 2000 MPA (Mooring Buoy Zone) is primarily rock and 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 4–12m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 60m chain at 12m 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 Cape Greco Natura 2000 MPA (Mooring Buoy Zone) are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds. The primary overnight hazard on the east coast is easterly swell from the open Levantine Basin (Lebanon/Israel direction) — develops rapidly in E/NE winds. Larnaca Marina provides the only guaranteed all-weather shelter on the east coast.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 40m radius before going below. 40m radius on mooring buoy. ANCHORING PROHIBITED — Natura 2000 MPA. Use yellow Dept. of Fisheries mooring buoys only (available May–October). Fines €500+.

May–October only (mooring buoy season). Peak months are June–September when the sea is warmest (26–28°C) and visibility is at its best. May and October offer the quietest conditions with the fewest visitors and the most reliable morning calm. July–August is busiest — buoys can be fully occupied by 09:00; arrive at first light. No overnight stays possible outside the May–October buoy season as anchoring is prohibited.

Navigation Hazards

• ANCHORING STRICTLY PROHIBITED — Natura 2000 MPA; fines €500+; use mooring buoys only
• Mooring buoys available May–October only — no buoys outside this period; do not visit expecting to stay overnight outside the buoy season
• N/NE/E exposure — open to Levantine Sea swell from the east; uncomfortable or unsafe in easterly conditions; buoys should be vacated before easterly swell builds
• Sharav (hot SE Levantine wind) in spring can develop quickly — reduced visibility and warm confused swell; monitor closely

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen) — 24/7 entry at Larnaca: Larnaca Marina is the ONLY 24/7 customs and immigration point in Cyprus. Non-EU boats arriving from non-EU ports must clear here first. Fly yellow Q flag. EES biometric for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Anchoring prohibited (MPA): Anchoring prohibited — Natura 2000 MPA; use mooring buoys only. Fines €500+ for non-compliance. Mooring buoys available May–October only — do not visit outside this period expecting buoys. No underwater lights, spearfishing, or coral collection. Access to sea caves by tender only — paddle or row to avoid reef disturbance from propeller wash. Use mooring buoys provided by Dept. of Fisheries. Fines €500+.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Agia Napa (4nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Agia Napa (4nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Agia Napa (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive early morning before the afternoon westerly builds — morning conditions are calm and ideal for snorkelling and sea cave exploration
2. Underwater visibility regularly exceeds 30m — bring a mask and fins; the reef communities are exceptional
3. Sea caves accessible by tender from the mooring — paddle or row to avoid disturbing the reef with propeller wash
4. Report any damaged or fouled mooring buoys to Dept. of Fisheries on VHF Ch 16
5. Cape Greco headland visible from a long distance — a good landmark for approach from Larnaca or Agia Napa