Anchoring Zones

Dokos Island has 3 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: North bay main anchorage (NW wind shelter)

Depth: 4–10m
Bottom: sand, mud
Holding: Excellent Holding
Protected from: NW, N, NE, W
Exposed to: SE, S, SW, E
Recommended alarm radius: 75m

Anchor in 4â8m in the centre of the bay on good sand and mud. Excellent holding — the mixed sand/mud bottom grips well. The rugged hills on the N and W sides provide outstanding shelter from NW winds. NW sector is fully protected. Open to S/SE/SW — any southern quadrant wind makes this bay uncomfortable. Perfect complement to the south bay which gives S protection.

Zone 2: South bay anchorage (S wind shelter)

Depth: 3–7m
Bottom: sand
Holding: Good Holding
Protected from: S, SE, SW
Exposed to: N, NE, NW
Recommended alarm radius: 65m

Alternative anchorage on the south coast of Dokos. Open to N/NW — use this when any northerly is forecast and the N bay is exposed. Sandy bottom with good holding in 3â5m. Smaller and more exposed overall, but provides complementary shelter when conditions dictate. Rarely busy.

Zone 3: MoraÃ¯tika cove (inner NW corner)

Depth: 2–4m
Bottom: sand
Holding: Excellent Holding
Protected from: N, NW, NE, W, E
Exposed to: S, SE
Recommended alarm radius: 45m

Small cove tucked into the NW corner of the north bay. Clean sand bottom in 2â4m. Very sheltered from NW. Space for 3â4 yachts only. Take a stern line to the rock if possible to limit swing. Excellent holding — snorkel confirms clean sand throughout. Best option for overnight in F4+ NW winds.

Setting Your Anchor

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

Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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, Spade, BÃ¼gelanker. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Dokos Island are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to SE and S and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.75m for the main N bay in typical anchoring depths of 4â8m. The sand/mud bottom gives excellent grip and drag is rare, but the open aspect to S/SE/SW means a sudden southerly squall (more common in spring and autumn) can create dangerous conditions quickly. The inner NW cove alarm can be set to 45m. Depth drops to 10m+ towards the bay centre — allow extra chain scope (minimum 5:1) in deeper anchorage.

Good from May through October — one of the few Saronic anchorages that works in all summer months without overcrowding. JulyâAugust sees more boats than shoulder season but rarely full. The N bay works best in NWâNE winds (typical summer conditions). Strong S winds are rare in summer but more common in May and October — have the south bay as your backup plan.

Navigation Hazards

Open S/SE/SW in the N bay: a developing southerly (more common May and October) makes the main anchorage quickly untenable — move to the S bay
Depth drops steeply to 10m+ in the centre of the N bay — allow minimum 5:1 scope on chain; 7:1 for deeper anchoring positions
No facilities or assistance available: the island is uninhabited; carry full fuel, water, and provisions
Archaeological protected zone: diving on the Bronze Age wreck site without permit is illegal and can result in significant fines
Isolated location: VHF range to Hydra coast radio is limited; ensure a reliable watch is maintained

Rules & Regulations

Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
Anchoring fee: Free
Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Uninhabited island — no facilities. Bronze Age shipwreck archaeological site protected under Greek Law: diving on or near the wreck site is prohibited without an official archaeological permit. DEKPA check by coastguard possible as anchorage is well-known to authorities.

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: Hydra Town (5nm)
Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Hydra Town (5nm)
Provisions: None on site — Hydra Town (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

One of the genuinely great Saronic anchorages — completely off the main ferry routes with excellent holding and dramatic scenery; the NW cove is the prize spot
The north bay is best for the NW afternoon breeze that develops in summer; the south bay is a useful emergency option if a southerly builds overnight
Carry at least 60m of chain — the deeper anchorage positions (8â10m) require a 5:1 minimum scope for reliable holding
Snorkelling is outstanding in the clear, unpolluted water around the island rocks — check the chart for the approximate wreck site location to avoid it
Pair Dokos with Hydra (5nm): pick up supplies and fuel in Hydra Town, then anchor overnight at Dokos for peace and quiet

Dokos Island Anchorage Guide

Quick Reference