Katalako Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

A quiet bay on the east coast of Limnos, far from the main ports and tourist routes. Depth 4–7m on mud and sand with good holding. The NE meltemi is the main exposure direction — the bay is open to the E and NE. Best in settled weather or when S or SW winds provide shelter. Very remote with no facilities. One of the quietest anchorages in the North Aegean.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m 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, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Katalako Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E and NE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m for a free-swinging anchorage in 4–7m on mud and sand. Good holding throughout. Exposed to E and NE — the dominant NE meltemi makes this a fair-weather or settled-spell anchorage. Use 80m and set an anchor watch if any NE is forecast overnight. Move to Moudros Bay (15nm S through the bay entrance) for all-weather safety.

June–September in settled conditions only. Best in the brief calm spells between meltemi periods. Not suitable in NE meltemi — the exposure is significant. A rewarding anchorage for those willing to accept the remoteness.

Navigation Hazards

• NE meltemi exposure — this bay is open to the dominant summer wind; only anchor here in settled conditions with no NE forecast
• Extremely remote — nearest assistance at Myrina (18nm); carry full safety equipment and provisions
• Distance from Myrina requires a full half-day passage in either direction — plan passage timing carefully around the meltemi

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Remote location — carry full provisions, water, and fuel for 48 hours of self-sufficiency.

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: Myrina (18nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Myrina (18nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Myrina (18nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Ideal for sailors seeking total solitude — you will likely have this anchorage completely to yourself
2. Good passage stop when sailing from Limnos toward the Turkish coast or Samothrace — use as an intermediate overnight in settled weather