Polis Bay Anchorage Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open bay anchorage off Polis town (Polis Chrysochous) in 3–8m over sand. Good holding throughout — firm sand with reliable grip. Protected from E, NE, N, and NW by the Chrysochou Bay topography and the Akamas Peninsula to the W/NW; exposed to S, SW, and W across the open sea towards Paphos. Wide bay with ample swinging room. Municipal beach of Polis at the head of the anchorage — access by dinghy to the beach landing area. Polis town (one of Cyprus's quietest, most authentic towns) is a 10-minute walk from the beach. Extensive Posidonia meadows possible in parts of the bay — snorkel to verify sand patch before anchoring. 100m alarm radius for the wide open bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Polis Bay Anchorage 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, Delta.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Polis Bay Anchorage are best in settled conditions — the anchorage is exposed to S and SW 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 100m radius before going below. 100m radius in 5–7m sand. Good holding. S/SW/W exposure — afternoon westerly sea breeze blows directly into bay from Paphos direction. Wide bay with good swinging room.

April–October. Exceptionally quiet compared to the east coast anchorages — rarely crowded. May and October are ideal. S/SW exposure means westerly summer afternoons can be slightly uncomfortable — plan for early anchoring and consider moving to Latchi harbour for the night if W winds are forecast.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SW/W exposure — afternoon westerly sea breeze can make the bay uncomfortable in stronger conditions (F4+)
• Posidonia meadows — snorkel to verify sand patch before anchoring throughout the bay
• Not a port of entry — non-EU boats must clear Paphos first
• Shoaling possible near the inner beach area — anchor in confirmed depth

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: Snorkel to verify sand patch — Posidonia meadows EU-protected. S/SW/W exposure — fair-weather anchorage in settled conditions.
• 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: Polis town (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: Polis town (10-minute walk from beach) has excellent traditional Cypriot restaurants, bars, ATM, pharmacy, and a well-stocked supermarket. One of the most authentic small towns in Cyprus.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Polis town is the most authentic, un-touristy town in Cyprus — excellent traditional food and genuine local character
2. One of the quietest anchorages in Cyprus — very few yachts use this bay
3. Latchi harbour (3nm W) is the nearest fuel and water
4. Ideal base for exploring inland — Akamas gorges, Cedar Valley, Aphrodite Hills are all within reach