Sea Caves (Agios Georgios) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in the sea caves area northwest of Paphos (Agios Georgios headland) in 4–8m over a mixed rock and sand bottom. Holding is fair — rocky outcrops are present and the anchor must be placed carefully in sandy pockets between the rocks. Protected from E, SE, and NE; exposed to W, SW, and NW. Day anchorage only — no shelter from the dominant afternoon westerly sea breeze and the residual westerly swell makes overnight stays uncomfortable and potentially unsafe in W or NW conditions. The sea cave formations in the limestone cliffs are dramatic and accessible by tender; snorkelling around the caves is outstanding. The small church and Byzantine ruins of Agios Georgios are ashore via tender landing. A scenic waypoint en route from Paphos to the Akamas and Latsi. 100m alarm radius reflects the rocky, mixed-bottom position and exposed western quadrant — use a trip line on the anchor to avoid rock snagging.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Sea Caves (Agios Georgios) is primarily rock and sand with variable holding that requires extra attention.

1. Check for Posidonia seagrass before dropping the anchor — snorkel or use a waterproof camera to verify a sand patch. Posidonia is EU-protected throughout Cypriot waters; fines apply for damage.
2. Anchor in 4–8m. Cyprus tidal range is negligible (<30cm) — no tidal correction needed. Wind-driven sea level variation up to 0.5m possible in strong onshore conditions.
3. Deploy at least 5:1 scope (40m chain at 8m depth). Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle.
4. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Sea Caves (Agios Georgios) are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to W and SW and NW winds. The key overnight consideration on the Paphos west coast is the afternoon westerly sea breeze — builds 15–20kt from midday, creating swell at west-facing anchorages.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius before going below. 100m radius in 5–7m rock/sand mix. Fair holding — use trip line; rocky outcrops throughout. Day anchorage only; exposed W/SW/NW. Depart before afternoon westerly builds.

Best April–October as a day stop. April and October offer the most comfortable conditions — the sea breeze is less reliable and the anchorage is calm for longer. May, June, and September are excellent for the morning calm window. July–August the afternoon westerly arrives promptly and reliably — this is a morning-only stop in peak summer; be anchored by 08:00 and departing by 11:00–12:00. The sea caves are most spectacular in the morning light when the low sun angle illuminates the formations. Not suitable for overnight use at any season.

Navigation Hazards

• Rocky bottom — trip line essential to avoid anchor snagging; anchor carefully in sand pockets between outcrops
• Exposed W/SW/NW — afternoon westerly sea breeze 15–25kt; day anchorage only; depart before conditions build from midday
• Residual westerly swell — even in light conditions the W/SW swell can make the anchorage uncomfortable; verify forecast before considering overnight
• Tender required for cave exploration — rough tender landing in any W swell; do not attempt landing in onshore wind conditions

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen): No customs for EU boats from EU ports. Non-EU boats: Paphos is a port of entry (check hours); Larnaca Marina is the preferred 24/7 entry. Fly yellow Q flag. EES biometric for non-EU crew since October 2025.
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Day anchorage only — no overnight shelter in W or NW conditions. Use trip line — rocky bottom. Exposed W/SW/NW; depart before afternoon westerly builds to 15–25kt. No landing at the cave formations directly — approach by tender only.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Paphos (10nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Paphos (10nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Paphos (10nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Trip line essential — rocky bottom with significant snagging risk; use a buoyed trip line on every occasion
2. Arrive before 09:00 for calm conditions and best light in the sea caves
3. Tender exploration of the caves is the highlight — snorkelling in and around the cave formations is exceptional
4. Agios Georgios Byzantine ruins ashore are worth the tender trip
5. Useful waypoint on the Paphos–Latsi coastal route; anchor for 2–3 hours before continuing north