Kamari Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Clean sandy bottom south of the small mole; firm sand, anchor sets immediately. The Kefalos promontory and Kastri headland block the NW Meltemi. Castellan islet (Kastri/Agios Stefanos) at the NW entrance has a fringing reef — give a wide berth. Bay shoals rapidly in the N sector (under 3m) — anchor in the central or S section only.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Kamari Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.

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

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Kamari Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m for the main anchorage south of the mole. Clean sand bottom gives confident holding; 65m is comfortable in moderate southerly swell. In settled Meltemi conditions a tighter radius is possible. Keep clear of the northern shallows (<3m) and the Kastri islet fringing reef.

May–October. Good in July–August thanks to the Meltemi shelter. Avoid in any southerly forecast. The bay is at its best in June and September when winds are settled and crowds moderate.

Navigation Hazards

• Bay shoals rapidly in the N sector — depths under 3m; anchor only in the central or S section
• Kastri islet (Agios Stefanos) at the NW entrance has a fringing reef — give the NW corner a wide berth on approach
• Exposed to S/SE/SW: any southerly swell penetrates and the anchorage becomes uncomfortable
• Depth drops abruptly ('it gets deep very fast') south of the mole — set scope generously
• Windsurfing school on E beach edge mornings — keep clear of windsurfer crossing area

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Small mole berths may attract a municipal fee of ~€5–10/night. Windsurfing school operates on the E beach edge in the mornings — keep clear.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Kefalos village (1nm)
• Restaurant: Several tavernas along the waterfront; excellent fresh fish from local fishermen
• Provisions: None on site — Kefalos village (1nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Approach from the SW, clearing Kastri islet to the west — do not cut between the islet and the main shore
2. Anchor south of the mole in 5–8m; this is the deepest and cleanest sand in the bay
3. Combine with a visit to the Kastri islet basilica ruins and a hike to the Kefalos castle above the village
4. June and September offer the best combination of shelter, beauty, and uncrowded conditions
5. Kos Town (14nm) is the main hub for DEKPA, fuel, and full provisioning