Sami Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Σάμη, Cephalonia Sami port
Sami is Kefalonia's main ferry port on the E coast, sitting in a wide bay opposite the island of Ithaka. While not as picturesque as Fiskardo, it has excellent practical facilities and is one of the few ports where you can clear customs (port of entry). The wide harbour has good mud holding and reasonable protection from the prevailing NW/N winds. The vulnerability is to S and SW winds — the bay is open in those quadrants. The Maistro barely reaches inside the quay. The town has a pleasant waterfront, good tavernas, supermarkets, and a pharmacy. The Melissani Cave (spectacular underground lake) is a 20-minute taxi ride inland. Base camp for provisioning before heading to Fiskardo or Lefkada.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°15.2'N 20°38.9'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, NW
Exposed To
S, SW, W
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m for stern-to the main quay in 2.5–4m mud. Sami is primarily a ferry port — ferry wash is the main concern rather than wind-driven surge. In strong S winds, the harbour becomes uncomfortable; increase to 70m and prepare to relocate to Fiskardo (N, 15 nm) or Agia Efimia (10 nm N) if the S blow strengthens.
Main west quay (anchor and stern-to): 45m recommended — Up to 25 yachts stern-to the main W quay in 2.
Sami Bay anchorage (free swing in the bay): 80m recommended — In settled conditions anchor anywhere along the S shores of Sami Bay in suitable depths.
Anchoring Zones
Sami has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.
Zone 1: Main west quay (anchor and stern-to)
- Depth: 2–4m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, NW
- Exposed to: S, SW, W
- Recommended alarm radius: 45m
Up to 25 yachts stern-to the main W quay in 2.5–3.5m. Holding is good in mud. Shelter good in all but strong S or SW winds — when a chop develops across the harbour. Strong W winds can send swell through the entrance. Keep clear of ferry berths at the N end.
Zone 2: Sami Bay anchorage (free swing in the bay)
- Depth: 5–15m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E
- Exposed to: S, SW, W
- Recommended alarm radius: 80m
In settled conditions anchor anywhere along the S shores of Sami Bay in suitable depths. Wide bay — good mud holding anywhere. Best in the bay's SE quadrant near the town for easier dinghy access. Fully open to S and W — only appropriate in calm settled conditions or the prevailing NE morning wind scenario does not apply here.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Sami is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 2–4m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (28m chain at 4m depth).
- 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.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- 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: CQR, Delta, Rocna, Bruce. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Sami are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 50m radius before going below for the night.50m for stern-to the main quay in 2.5–4m mud. Sami is primarily a ferry port — ferry wash is the main concern rather than wind-driven surge. In strong S winds, the harbour becomes uncomfortable; increase to 70m and prepare to relocate to Fiskardo (N, 15 nm) or Agia Efimia (10 nm N) if the S blow strengthens.
Good May–September. Practical rather than atmospheric. The ferries make it an active, working harbour that never fully quietens. Use it as a base for inland exploration or provisioning.
Navigation Hazards
- Ferry wash — Sami–Ithaka ferries operate regularly and create significant wash; ensure mooring lines have adequate slack
- Open to S and SW — in southerly conditions the harbour becomes choppy; plan for early departure if S wind forecast
- Strong W winds push swell through the entrance — uncomfortable but rarely dangerous in summer
- Ferry berth area at N quay — give it a wide berth; do not anchor in the ferry approach lane
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: Ferry berths at the N end of quay are strictly reserved; do not use them even briefly. Port of entry — customs and harbourmaster present.
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; better value than Fiskardo
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Sami is an excellent provisioning stop before the run up to Fiskardo and Lefkada. Supermarkets are well-stocked and the fuel dock is convenient.
- The Melissani Cave inland and the Drogarati Cave are outstanding natural attractions — worth a half-day ashore.
- Morning is the best time for the passage to Ithaka or Fiskardo — the Maistro hasn't built yet and the channel is calm.
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Sami
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy the Ionian anchorage.
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