Vathy (Port Rina) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Near-total all-round protection from the sheer limestone walls of the fjord. Posidonia patches throughout the fjord floor — take time to locate sandy patches before setting hook. A stern line ashore (to rocks or rings) is standard practice and strongly recommended. NE funnel gusts can occur in strong Meltemi despite the sheltered water.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Vathy (Port Rina) is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–6m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Vathy (Port Rina) are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 50m radius before going below for the night.50m in this compact fjord. The tight space and stern-line-to-shore practice means the alarm radius can be set tight. NE funnel gusts in strong Meltemi can cause unexpected loading on the anchor — ensure it is well set on a sandy patch before setting the alarm.

May–October. Best in May–June and September when crowds are manageable. July–August is very busy and requires early arrival; the shelter is exceptional year-round.

Navigation Hazards

• Very limited space: 15–20 yachts maximum; the fjord is narrow and maneuvering is tight in peak season
• Posidonia meadows across most of the fjord floor — seek and verify sandy patches before setting anchor
• NE funnel gusts in strong Meltemi can be powerful despite sheltered water — lay out extra chain
• Shoaling at the very head of the fjord (under 2m) — anchor 100m or more from the end wall
• No ferry traffic in the fjord (ferry serves Pothia, 8nm)

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Stern line to shore may attract a €5–10 charge from quay/taverna operators for use of their mooring rings. Anchor on sandy patches only — posidonia covers much of the fjord floor.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Pothia (Kalymnos Town) (8nm)
• Restaurant: 3–4 tavernas; outstanding fresh octopus and local citrus produce
• Provisions: None on site — Pothia (Kalymnos Town) (8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 14:00 in July–August to secure a spot — this is one of the most popular anchorages in the Dodecanese
2. Snorkel along the fjord floor to find sandy patches before dropping anchor — the posidonia is dense in places
3. Take a stern line ashore to rocks or mooring rings on the N shore — this is standard practice in the fjord
4. The taverna owners can often help with mooring line retrieval if you ask on VHF or by waving
5. Walk into the valley beyond the tavernas — the orange and lemon groves and the silence are remarkable