Blue Lagoon (Chamili Bay) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The Blue Lagoon is the most spectacular natural anchorage in Cyprus and one of the finest in the eastern Mediterranean — a near-circular cove of extraordinary turquoise water within Akamas National Park. Sand bottom in 3–8m. Good holding in sand — snorkel to verify clear sandy patch, as some Posidonia is present in the outer section. Protected from E, SE, S, and NE by the surrounding Akamas headlands; exposed to N, NW, and W — the main approach direction. The Blue Lagoon is accessible ONLY by sea or on foot via long walking trails — no road access. Day-trip boat excursions from Latchi and Paphos arrive daily in peak season (June–September) — can be crowded by 10:00. Anchoring within Akamas National Park swimming zone is prohibited. No anchoring June–September within 200m of Lara or Toxeftra turtle beaches (both close by). No overnight camping on the beach. 85m alarm radius in the cove.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Blue Lagoon (Chamili Bay) is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Check for Posidonia seagrass — Posidonia meadows are extensive throughout Chrysochou Bay and the Akamas coast. Snorkel to verify a clear sand patch before dropping anchor. EU-protected; fines apply for damage.
2. Observe turtle beach restrictions — if anchoring near Lara Bay or Toxeftra Beach in June–September, maintain a 200m exclusion zone from the beach. No deck lights toward the beach at night.
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.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Blue Lagoon (Chamili Bay) are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to N and NW and W winds. On the Akamas coast, you are far from assistance — typically 5–12nm from the nearest harbour. The afternoon westerly sea breeze builds daily from midday throughout summer, reaching F3–5 by afternoon. Plan arrivals for the morning calm.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 85m radius before going below. 85m radius in 4–6m sand. Good holding. N/NW/W exposure — exposed to afternoon westerly sea breeze; arrive early. Akamas National Park — anchor in sand patches only; do not disturb Posidonia. Turtle nesting beaches nearby — observe seasonal restrictions.

April–October. July–August peak season — crowded during the day with excursion boats; mornings before 09:00 are the magic time. May, June, and September–October offer the best balance of accessible weather and reasonable crowd levels. Exceptional in spring (April–May) when the park wildflowers are in bloom and the anchorage is empty.

Navigation Hazards

• Day-trip boat excursions from Latchi and Paphos arrive by 10:00 in peak season — anchoring space fills quickly
• N/NW/W exposure — afternoon westerly can make the cove uncomfortable; arrive by 09:00 to leave before conditions build
• Turtle nesting beaches (Lara, Toxeftra) nearby — observe 200m exclusion zone June–September
• Posidonia meadows in outer section — snorkel to find and verify sand patch

Rules & Regulations

• EU member (not Schengen) — Paphos is the nearest port of entry: Paphos Harbour is the nearest 24/7 customs and immigration point for this region (22–28nm south). Non-EU boats must clear here first before anchoring in Chrysochou Bay or Akamas waters. Fly yellow Q flag.
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: No anchoring in swimming zones (marked buoys). Anchor in sand patches only — Posidonia EU-protected. No overnight camping on beach. No anchoring within 200m of Lara or Toxeftra turtle beaches June–September.
• Akamas National Park: Anchoring near turtle nesting beaches (Lara Bay, Toxeftra Beach) is prohibited within 200m June–September. No deck lights toward beach at night. No overnight camping on beaches. Posidonia EU-protected throughout — anchor in sand patches only.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Latchi Harbour (5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Latchi Harbour (5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Latchi Harbour (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 08:00 in July–August — by 10:00 day-trip boats have filled the cove
2. Water clarity is extraordinary — bring snorkelling equipment and float toys
3. May and October are ideal — warm enough, far fewer day-trip boats, and more anchorage space
4. Accessible only by boat — no road access to the beach means the evenings (after day boats leave) are completely serene