Fig Tree Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open sandy bay north of Cape Greco in 3–8m over good sand. Well-protected from W, SW, and NW; exposed to E and NE across the open Levantine Sea. One of the longest sandy beaches on the Cyprus east coast. Anchor beyond the swim zone (marked with yellow buoys close inshore — stay at least 50m clear). Morning conditions typically calm in summer; afternoon E sea breeze can develop in unsettled periods but the predominant westerly leaves this bay protected and comfortable on most summer afternoons. One of the best overnight anchorages on the east coast when winds are W or NW. Sand holding is reliable — set well in 5–6m. Tidal range <30cm. Beach facilities and tavernas ashore. 95m alarm radius allows adequate swinging room in the wide bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Fig Tree 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 3–8m. 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 Fig Tree Bay are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to E and NE 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 95m radius before going below. 95m radius in 5–7m sand. Good holding. E/NE exposure to Levantine Sea — swell builds in easterly conditions. Swim zone marked close inshore — maintain 50m+ clearance.

Best April–October. July–August is peak tourist season — the beach is at maximum capacity and the anchorage has the most visitor boat traffic; early arrival essential. April–June and September–October offer excellent conditions with fewer visitors, warm water, and reliable morning calm. The bay is exposed enough to make winter visits inadvisable; Larnaca Marina is the recommended base from November onwards.

Navigation Hazards

• E/NE exposure — easterly swell from the Levantine Sea can develop quickly; leave or re-anchor further into the bay if forecast changes
• Swim zone — beach crowded with swimmers in peak season; maintain 50m+ from yellow swim zone buoys at all times
• Peak season July–August: beach is one of the busiest tourist beaches in Cyprus — many day-trip motorboats and jet skis in the area; keep a watch
• Posidonia meadows possible in some sections — snorkel to verify sand patch before dropping anchor

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: Anchor outside the swim zone (yellow buoys close inshore — maintain 50m minimum clearance). Snorkel to verify sand patch before anchoring — Posidonia meadows may be present in some sections of the bay.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Protaras (1.5nm)
• Restaurant: Seasonal beach bars and tavernas at Fig Tree Beach (open June–September) — meals, cold drinks, sun lounger hire. No marine services. Protaras town (1.5nm N) has full provisions, restaurants, and pharmacies. Larnaca Marina (24nm SW) for full marine services.
• Provisions: None on site — Protaras (1.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the best overnight anchorages on the east coast in W/NW conditions — wide bay, good holding, and amenities ashore
2. Arrive before 09:00 in peak season to secure a quiet position before the beach fills
3. Snorkel first — the sand quality close to the reef edges is exceptional
4. Protaras town 1.5nm north has excellent fish tavernas and full provisioning for passage east