Larnaca Marina Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Fully enclosed dredged marina basin with pontoon berths for visiting yachts. 450 berths within the main breakwater structure — all-weather protection from all directions. Maximum depth 3m throughout the basin. Deep-keel boats (2.8m+) must confirm berth depth allocation before arrival as some sections shoal toward the inner end. Tidal range negligible (<30cm) — no tidal adjustment required. 24/7 customs and immigration — the ONLY port in Cyprus with round-the-clock clearance. Non-EU boats fly yellow Q flag and clear here before proceeding anywhere else in Cyprus. EES biometric registration for non-EU crew since October 2025 — handled by marina immigration officers. Call VHF Ch 16 or Ch 11 prior to arrival for berth allocation. 30m alarm radius appropriate for pontoon berth in enclosed basin.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Larnaca Marina is primarily sand and mud 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 1.5–3m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm). Deploy 15m chain at 3m 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 Larnaca Marina are excellent — the enclosed marina provides complete all-weather protection. 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 30m radius before going below. 30m radius for pontoon berth in fully enclosed marina basin. Tidal range <30cm — negligible impact on alarm radius. Deep-keel boats (2.8m+) must confirm berth depth before arrival.

Open and operational year-round. Peak season June–September — berths fill quickly, call ahead. Off-season October–May offers excellent value and the marina is at its quietest; January–February is the preferred live-aboard winter base period for crews waiting for spring weather. The marina is the starting point for all Cyprus cruising regardless of season.

Navigation Hazards

• Shallow depth — maximum 3m throughout; deep-keel boats (2.8m+) must confirm berth depth with marina office before arrival
• Mandatory port of entry for non-EU boats — do not bypass Larnaca for any other Cypriot anchorage; heavy fines apply
• EES biometric registration required for all non-EU crew since October 2025 — allow extra time on arrival
• Summer westerly builds 15–25kt from midday — approach and departure best before 09:00

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): Maximum depth 3m — deep-keel vessels (2.8m+) must confirm berth depth allocation before arrival. Non-EU boats: mandatory port of entry; fly Q flag and clear customs/immigration before any other stop in Cyprus. Marina speed limit 3kt in basin. 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: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Full marina services: fuel dock, water, shore power (220V/380V), wi-fi, showers, laundry, heated pool, and clubhouse. Chandlery on site. Restaurants, bars, and cafés directly on the marina waterfront and within 5-minute walk along the promenade. Larnaca city centre (supermarkets, hardware, banks) is 10-minute walk. International airport 6km.
• Provisions: Available
• Wi-Fi: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Call VHF Ch 16 or Ch 11 on approach for berth allocation — marina can be busy May–October
2. Best winter base in Cyprus: 16°C January, 6+ sunshine hours in December–January, heated pool and full facilities
3. International airport 6km — ideal for crew changes
4. Non-EU boats: fly yellow Q flag from entry; customs and immigration available 24/7 — unique in Cyprus
5. EES biometric checks for non-EU crew on arrival — handled efficiently by marina immigration officers