Kamares Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in the NE corner of the bay in 3–5m. Bottom is sand and weed — holding can be unreliable; use generous scope and spring lines. The quay is a lee shore in the SW prevailing winds; do not moor stern-to without good anchor set. Space for 3–6 visiting yachts alongside the pier. The ferry port operates regularly: ferry wash and movement is significant — ensure anchor is well set and fenders are out.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Kamares is primarily sand and weed with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand, not resting on weed.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Kamares are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to SW and W and S winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m in this busy ferry port due to unreliable holding in sand/weed and significant ferry wash. Use abundant spring lines if mooring alongside the quay. Do not enter the bay under sail — the quay is a potential lee shore in SW winds. Increase alarm radius to 90m if ferry operations are active overnight.

Operational year-round as the main ferry port. Best as a transit/logistics stop rather than overnight destination. May–June and September are the most pleasant times to use it as a base.

Navigation Hazards

• Ferry wash: Piraeus ferries call regularly; wash is significant — ensure anchor is deeply set and fenders are deployed if alongside the quay
• Quay is a lee shore in SW/W winds — avoid mooring stern-to the main quay if SW wind is forecast
• Unreliable holding: sand/weed bottom; use generous scope and test under power before leaving the boat
• Do not enter the bay under sail — the quay is the lee shore in prevailing conditions
• Night ferry arrivals create significant wash that can disturb an anchor set in marginal holding

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free (anchorage); small harbour fee may apply for quay berths
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Do not enter under sail. Ferry has right of way at all times — keep clear of the ferry approach lane. The quay berths (3–6 yachts) are allocated by the port police. Water and fuel available with charge.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Good selection of waterfront tavernas; Kamares village has a pleasant strip of restaurants
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Use Kamares for provisioning and fuelling, then move to Vathi (5nm south) for the overnight — Vathi has far better holding and shelter with tavernas too
2. Arrival early morning before the midday ferry gives the calmest conditions for mooring alongside the quay
3. Water and fuel available with charge — confirm with the port authority on approach via VHF Ch 12 or phone
4. Platis Gialos (4nm south) is another good anchorage option; ask locally about current conditions