Mandraki Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Mandraki 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.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Mandraki is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–9m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (63m chain at 9m 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, Spade, Delta, Bügelanker. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Mandraki are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.75m in the main bay covers typical swing in 4–7m on excellent sand holding. The clean sand means drag is unusual, but the open S/SW exposure is the critical vulnerability — any building southerly swell should trigger consideration of a move to Hydra Town harbour or departure. The inner eastern cove alarm can be set to 55m. In settled summer NE conditions, the main bay alarm can be reduced to 60m. Note: Mandraki is the recommended anchorage for visiting Hydra — far better holding than the town quay with excellent sand and a pleasant sandy beach.

May–June and September–October: uncrowded, settled NE conditions, and the taverna is open. July–August: busy but manageable with a mooring buoy — the experienced Saronic sailor books Mandraki as a base for 2–3 nights while exploring Hydra and sailing day trips to Dokos. The NE sea breeze makes the 1nm sail from Hydra Town to Mandraki a pleasant reach each evening.

Navigation Hazards

• Open S, SW, and W: southerly swell penetrates directly and makes the anchorage uncomfortable; monitor forecasts overnight and have a departure plan for Hydra harbour
• Mooring buoy lines can be worn — inspect carefully before accepting and confirm buoy is properly moored; never moor overnight on an unknown buoy without inspection
• Water-taxi and local boat traffic from Hydra Town passes through the bay mouth — anchor clear of the approach channel
• Busy in July–August: bay fills by afternoon with multiple moored yachts; conservatively set alarm radius to avoid swinging into neighbours
• Katabatic gusts from the Hydra hills can funnel into the bay on occasion in strong NW conditions — rare but can be sudden

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free (free-swinging anchor)
• Mooring buoys: Available — ~€12–18/night (mooring buoys, seasonal operator)
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Free swinging permitted — do not anchor on mooring buoy lines if buoys are occupied. Mooring buoy lines can be worn — check before using. Water taxis operate between Mandraki and Hydra Town (short trip, ~€5–8 per person).

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 (water-taxi, 1nm) (1nm)
• Restaurant: Small seasonal taverna on the N shore (June–September) — accessible by dinghy; simple Greek food and cold drinks. Hydra Town restaurants accessible by water-taxi (1nm).
• Provisions: None on site — Hydra Town (water-taxi, 1nm) (1nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Mandraki is the correct anchorage for a Hydra visit — anchor here, dinghy into Hydra Town for the evening, and return to a quiet, secure anchorage for the night
2. Book a mooring buoy from the operator (often contactable via a boat that comes out to meet you) in July–August — free-swinging room becomes tight when the bay fills
3. The eastern inner cove is the best spot for settled NE conditions — sheltered, clean sand, and quieter than the main bay
4. Water-taxi to Hydra Town takes 5 minutes and runs regularly in summer — inquire at the beach taverna; approximately €5–8 per person each way
5. The sand at Mandraki is exceptional — snorkelling around the rocks gives visibility of 15–20m in good conditions