Porto Heli Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Porto Heli has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Porto Heli is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
2. Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds.
4. Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Spade, Delta, CQR.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Porto Heli are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night. 75m covers normal swing in 4–8m on excellent mud in the main lagoon. The landlocked bay means zero sea state — only windage applies. In calm conditions, 55m is ample. The W anchorage in deeper water needs 80m. With ferry and speedboat wash present, ensure anchor is properly set before reducing the alarm radius.

Porto Heli is viable year-round as a harbour of refuge given its landlocked nature. The sailing season runs May–October; the bay is particularly lively in July–August with the Saronic flotilla and day-trippers from Athens. May, June, and September offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds. October is excellent — quiet, warm, and the light is beautiful.

Navigation Hazards

• Heavy speedboat and water taxi traffic July–August causing significant wash in the anchorage — ensure anchor is well set
• Ferry/hydrofoil quay on N shore must be kept clear — fast Flying Dolphins approach with little warning
• Archaeological zone on S shore: submerged remains of ancient Halieis; diving without permit is illegal
• Very crowded in July–August: anchor space becomes very tight; arrive before 13:00 or book marina in advance
• Depth shoals near the NW and SW margins — keep well off the edges when anchoring in stronger winds

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free (anchorage); marina berths at Porto Heli Marina available with fees
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required for all yachts over 7m. Keep clear of the ferry and hydrofoil quay on the N shore. Archaeological zone on the S shore (ancient Halieis) — diving without permit prohibited. Marina berths: contact VHF Ch 09.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Wide range of waterfront tavernas and restaurants; good selection of cafes and bars. Full provisioning available at the village supermarkets.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. The best all-weather bolt-hole in the Argolid — if a summer thunderstorm or unexpected NW squall is forecast, Porto Heli is the place to be
2. Anchor in the W part of the lagoon for the quietest conditions: less speedboat wash and more swinging room than the town quay area
3. Marina contact on VHF Ch 09 — worth calling ahead in July–August as berths fill fast
4. Good provisioning base before heading south to Methoni or the Mani: good supermarkets, chandlery, and fuel available