Porto Heli Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Î ÏÏÏο ΧÎλι, Portocheli, Port Cheli
Porto Heli is one of the best all-weather anchorages in the Saronic Gulf — a near-landlocked lagoon formed by a low-lying headland on the Argolid coast of the Peloponnese. The narrow entrance dramatically reduces swell and wind chop from all directions, creating a remarkably calm surface even in conditions that make other Saronic anchorages uncomfortable. The sticky mud bottom provides exceptional holding for all anchor types. A small resort town lines the N shore with restaurants, supermarkets, and provisioning facilities. A popular base for flotillas and bareboat charterers, Porto Heli becomes very busy in peak season. The ancient sunken city of Halieis is visible (but not accessible without permit) just off the bay — fragments of walls can be seen snorkelling in the shallows on the S shore.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
37°19.8'N 23°09.3'E
Depth
4–9m
Bottom
mud, sand
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
None (all-weather)
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free (anchorage); marina berths available at Porto Heli marina with fees
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m in the inner lagoon reflects the restricted swinging room in a busy summer anchorage rather than any weather concern. The mud bottom grips so well that drag is extremely rare. In the inner lagoon the fetch is minimal from all directions — the alarm is primarily a position-drift detector rather than a safety net against dragging in bad conditions. In JulyâAugust the lagoon fills tightly — consider reducing to 50m if neighbours are close to allow everyone adequate swing space.
Inner lagoon anchorage (free swinging): 65m recommended — Excellent all-round shelter from the near-landlocked lagoon shape.
Outer bay (near the narrows): 80m recommended — Outer anchorage in 7â12m just inside the entrance narrows.
Anchoring Zones
Porto Heli 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: Inner lagoon anchorage (free swinging)
- Depth: 4–9m
- Bottom: mud, sand
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 65m
Excellent all-round shelter from the near-landlocked lagoon shape. Anchor in 4â7m on soft mud and sand — holding is superb in the sticky mud. The bay mouth is narrow enough to reduce swell from all directions to virtually zero. Water surface remains flat in all but the most extreme conditions. Excellent mud bottom grips all anchor types immediately. Busy in summer — anchor well clear of ferry quay on the N shore.
Zone 2: Outer bay (near the narrows)
- Depth: 5–12m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, W, NW
- Exposed to: S, SE
- Recommended alarm radius: 80m
Outer anchorage in 7â12m just inside the entrance narrows. More room but some swell can penetrate from the S through the entrance in strong southerly conditions. Mud bottom gives excellent holding. Used as overflow in JulyâAugust when the inner lagoon is full. Good VHF coverage from this position.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Porto Heli is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- 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).
- 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, Bruce, Delta, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Porto Heli are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m in the inner lagoon reflects the restricted swinging room in a busy summer anchorage rather than any weather concern. The mud bottom grips so well that drag is extremely rare. In the inner lagoon the fetch is minimal from all directions — the alarm is primarily a position-drift detector rather than a safety net against dragging in bad conditions. In JulyâAugust the lagoon fills tightly — consider reducing to 50m if neighbours are close to allow everyone adequate swing space.
Works year-round — the most weather-secure anchorage in the Saronic Gulf. Peak season (JulyâAugust) sees the lagoon at near-capacity every afternoon. Spring (MayâJune) and autumn (SeptemberâOctober) offer relaxed conditions with full services still available. A reliable winter layover option for yachts on the Argolid coast.
Navigation Hazards
- Very busy in JulyâAugust — the inner lagoon fills completely; arriving after 15:00 may leave no swinging room; anchor promptly and allow adequate scope for neighbours
- Ferry and hydrofoil traffic (Spetses, Athens): give the quay area a wide berth; wash from departing ferries can rock anchored yachts
- Shoal water on the S shore (ancient city ruins): stay in the charted deeper water; depth drops quickly near the shore
- Mud bottom can clog anchor chain — use a chain hook for retrieval and have a deck brush ready
- Very light SW summer wind can occasionally push a residual swell through the entrance — rare but worth monitoring after thunderstorms
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free (anchorage); marina berths available at Porto Heli marina with fees
- Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Keep clear of the ferry/hydrofoil quay on the N shore. Ancient submerged city of Halieis on the S shore — diving without archaeological permit prohibited. Marina berths available (Porto Heli Marina) — 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: Several restaurants and tavernas along the N waterfront; good range of options from taverna-style to smarter resort dining
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Porto Heli is the best all-weather bolt-hole on the Saronic circuit — if a thunderstorm is forecast, this is where you want to be
- Arrive before 14:00 in JulyâAugust for a good spot in the inner lagoon; the anchorage fills from bow to stern and swinging room is tight by afternoon
- Provisioning here is the easiest in the southern Saronic — supermarkets within 100m of the quay, fuel available, and good restaurants in the town
- The underwater city of Halieis (3rd century BC) is visible snorkelling in 1â3m on the S shore — a unique attraction, but treat it with care and take nothing
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 Porto Heli
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 Saronic anchorage.
Download Free for iOS