Sivota Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Syvota Lefkada, Ormos Sivota, Σύβοτα Λευκάδας
Sivota on Lefkada's SE coast is a spectacular natural lagoon-style harbour, set among wooded hills with a picturesque village and outstanding facilities. The entrance is deceptively narrow from seaward — you almost pass it before it opens up. Inside, the bay is wide, well-sheltered, and lined with good tavernas offering pontoon berthing with lazy lines. A very popular charter destination — the bay fills rapidly in July–August. The bottom is mud and weed; allow the anchor to set properly before relaxing. Concrete mooring blocks in the water opposite the Family Cafe serve as informal mooring points (buoys may or may not be attached). The Maistro barely penetrates the lagoon. Evening atmosphere is among the best in the southern Ionian.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°37.4'N 20°41.0'E
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
mud, weed
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W
Exposed To
NW
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free for free-swing in the bay
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m in the free-swing zone in 5–12m mud/weed. The bay gives excellent shelter from all but the NW — and even NW gusts, while funnelled at the entrance, usually ease inside the bay. September–October thunderstorm risk: in a developing thunderstorm, use maximum scope (10:1 in 8–10m = 80–100m chain) and set a 100m alarm radius until conditions settle.
Main bay free-swing anchorage: 70m recommended — Anchor freely in the middle of the bay in 5–15m.
Town quay with lazy lines: 35m recommended — Pontoons outside the Ionion Taverna and along the quay have lazy lines — no anchor needed, just reverse in and pick up a lazy line or two for the bow.
Anchoring Zones
Sivota 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 bay free-swing anchorage
- Depth: 5–15m
- Bottom: mud, weed
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W
- Exposed to: NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 70m
Anchor freely in the middle of the bay in 5–15m. The bay drops off quickly in the centre — watch the depth sounder. Seabed is muddy and weedy; allow time for the anchor to set through weed into the mud before digging in hard. Holding is good once set. Bay has an inconspicuous entrance from the sea that can be difficult to spot until close. NW winds can be gusty at the entrance.
Zone 2: Town quay with lazy lines
- Depth: 2–5m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Good holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 35m
Pontoons outside the Ionion Taverna and along the quay have lazy lines — no anchor needed, just reverse in and pick up a lazy line or two for the bow. Most restaurants offer pontoon berths (possibly with a fee for water/electricity). Shallow water at some inner berths. Check depth before committing.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Sivota is primarily mud and weed with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–12m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m 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: Rocna, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Sivota are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to NW winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m in the free-swing zone in 5–12m mud/weed. The bay gives excellent shelter from all but the NW — and even NW gusts, while funnelled at the entrance, usually ease inside the bay. September–October thunderstorm risk: in a developing thunderstorm, use maximum scope (10:1 in 8–10m = 80–100m chain) and set a 100m alarm radius until conditions settle.
Busy May–September; some facilities operate Easter to October. Off-season (November–April) the village is very quiet. September is ideal — warm, less crowded, and the tavernas are still excellent.
Navigation Hazards
- Entrance is inconspicuous — difficult to identify from the sea until close; approach slowly, keep to the channel centre
- Depth drops off sharply in the middle of the bay — watch the sounder when anchoring
- NW gusts funnel through the entrance in the afternoon Maistro — can be stronger at the entrance than in the bay
- Weed patches in the mud bottom — allow ample time for the anchor to set; do not rush
- September–October thunderstorm risk — have a plan and ensure anchor is fully set before a storm develops
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free for free-swing in the bay
- Mooring buoys: Available — Small fee possible at restaurant pontoons (varies by establishment)
- Restrictions: None specific. Be considerate when swinging — the bay can become crowded.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Sivota village (quayside shops) (0nm)
- Restaurant: Outstanding tavernas including Ionion Taverna; seafood fresh daily
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Arrive by 11:00 in July–August for a free-swing spot in the main bay. By 15:00 it is full and you will be parking very close to neighbours.
- Take a lazy line at one of the restaurant pontoons for the easiest night — the tavernas are excellent and the hassle of anchoring in a crowded bay is avoided.
- The 5-minute dinghy ride around the bay to the 'Blue Lagoon' beach inside the entrance is worth the trip — crystal water and no facilities, just natural beauty.
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 Sivota
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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