Dekeleia Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open bay anchorage in 4–8m over sand between Larnaca Marina and the Dekeleia British Sovereign Base Area (SBA) boundary. Good sand holding throughout. Protected from W, NW, N, and SW; exposed to E, NE, and SE across the open coast. CRITICAL: Stay well clear of the Dekeleia SBA marked restricted zones on the chart. British military territory begins at the SBA boundary — no anchoring within restricted zones. The SBA boundary is clearly marked on Admiralty and Imray charts. Anchor in the western section of the bay (nearer to Larnaca) to maintain safe distance from the SBA. Used primarily by yachts as an overnight stop before clearing at Larnaca, or as a quiet anchorage close to the city. Salt Lake (Aliki) visible inland — a Ramsar wetland site famous for flamingos in winter. 100m alarm radius for wide open bay with E/NE/SE exposure.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Dekeleia 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 4–8m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 40m chain at 8m 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 Dekeleia Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to E and NE and SE 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 100m radius before going below. 100m radius in 5–7m sand. Good holding. E/NE/SE exposure — open coast; swell builds in easterly and SE conditions. Stay clear of Dekeleia SBA restricted zones to the NE.

Best April–October in settled W/NW conditions. The anchorage is genuinely quiet — almost never crowded — which makes it attractive as an alternative when Larnaca Bay anchorage is busy in peak season. Winter flamingos on the salt lake make November–January visits interesting for birdwatchers if a weather window allows, though Larnaca Marina is preferable as a winter base.

Navigation Hazards

• Dekeleia SBA restricted zones to the NE — British military territory; respect marked boundaries on Admiralty/Imray charts at all times
• E/NE/SE exposure — open coastline; easterly swell can develop to uncomfortable levels; Larnaca Marina (5nm W) is the refuge
• Summer westerly 15–25kt from midday — anchorage is protected but a short chop can develop; consider this for dinghy operations
• Military activity in Dekeleia SBA may occasionally generate restricted zone extensions — monitor VHF Ch 16

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 fee: Free
• Restrictions: MANDATORY: Stay clear of Dekeleia SBA restricted zones — marked on Admiralty and Imray charts; British military territory. Fair-weather anchorage — E/NE/SE exposure. Leave for Larnaca Marina (5nm W) if easterly or SE conditions develop.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Larnaca city centre (5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Larnaca city centre (5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Larnaca city centre (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the quietest anchorages near Larnaca — few yachts use it and the holding is reliable
2. Good position for overnight before early-morning customs clearance at Larnaca Marina (5nm W)
3. Larnaca Salt Lake (Aliki) visible inland — spectacular flamingo flocks in winter (November–February); worth binoculars
4. Check Admiralty or Imray chart for current SBA boundary position before anchoring — ensure you are well outside the restricted zone