Larnaca Bay (North Anchorage) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Free anchorage in the northern section of Larnaca Bay, outside and north of the marina breakwater. Sand bottom in 3–7m with good holding throughout. Protected from W, NW, SW, and N by the curvature of the bay and the limestone hinterland; exposed to E and NE across open Larnaca Bay. Moderate E/NE swell can develop in easterly conditions — uncomfortable but not dangerous in up to 15kt. Used primarily by larger yachts awaiting a marina berth, live-aboards, and boats on passage. Mackenzie Beach and the Larnaca waterfront promenade (the Finikoudes palm promenade) are within easy dinghy distance or a 15-minute walk from the beach. Tidal range <30cm — negligible for anchoring. 95m alarm radius provides adequate swinging room on full scope at 5–6m depth.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Larnaca Bay (North Anchorage) 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 3–7m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 35m chain at 7m 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 Larnaca Bay (North Anchorage) 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 5–6m sand. Good holding. E/NE exposure to open Larnaca Bay — swell can develop in easterly conditions. Tidal range <30cm.

Best April–October in settled W/NW conditions. Summer is the most reliable period — afternoon westerly is predictable and the bay anchorage is sheltered from it. Spring and autumn transitions (April–May, October) can bring occasional easterlies — monitor 48-hour forecasts. Winter is possible but the marina is a more comfortable all-weather option for extended stays.

Navigation Hazards

• E/NE exposure to open Larnaca Bay — swell builds quickly in easterly conditions; monitor forecast and be prepared to move to marina
• Summer westerly 15–25kt from midday — anchorage is protected from W but afternoon chop can make dinghy landing on beach uncomfortable
• Non-EU boats: must clear at Larnaca Marina first — do not use this as first stop in Cyprus
• Shoaling toward inner beach — verify depth before anchoring close to Mackenzie Beach

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: Fair-weather anchorage — E/NE exposure across open bay; leave for marina if easterly swell builds. Non-EU boats must clear customs at Larnaca Marina before anchoring here.

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 (0.8nm)
• Restaurant: No dockside services at the anchorage. Larnaca waterfront restaurants, bars, and cafés accessible by dinghy to beach or 15-minute walk from Mackenzie Beach. Full provisioning (supermarkets, chandlery, ATMs) in Larnaca city centre. Marina Larnaca (1.5nm S) has full marine services including fuel and water.
• Provisions: None on site — Larnaca city centre (0.8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Good alternative to the marina for larger yachts (3m+ draft) that cannot fit in the 3m-max marina basin
2. Mackenzie Beach and Larnaca promenade (Finikoudes) easily accessible — excellent restaurants and nightlife
3. Settled W/NW conditions can be very comfortable overnight; depart or move at first sign of easterly forecast
4. Larnaca Fort and the Church of St. Lazarus visible from the anchorage — worth the walk ashore