Anchoring Zones

Ormos Spetsopoula 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: N channel anchorage (between Spetses and Spetsopoula)

Depth: 8–18m
Bottom: sand, rock
Holding: Fair Holding
Protected from: N, NE, E
Exposed to: S, SW, W
Recommended alarm radius: 90m

Anchorage in the strait between Spetses island and the private Spetsopoula islet. Good shelter from NE/N in the northern passage. Depths are significant (8â18m) and the bottom is mixed sand and rock — holding is only fair in some areas. Use at least 60m of chain with 5:1 scope minimum. Best in settled conditions as the strait funnels any wind. The island of Spetsopoula is private property (formerly Niarchos family estate) — DO NOT land. Approach strictly from the Spetses side.

Zone 2: S anchorage (outer, open bay approach)

Depth: 5–10m
Bottom: sand
Holding: Good Holding
Protected from: N, NW, NE
Exposed to: S, SE, W
Recommended alarm radius: 80m

The south-facing approach to the Spetsopoula channel offers a sandy-bottomed anchorage in 5â8m with good holding. Open to the S/SE — any southerly swell makes this uncomfortable. The NE-protected position in the northern bight is calmer. Very scenic — the wooded slopes of both islands frame the view beautifully. Rarely visited.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ormos Spetsopoula is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:

Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 8–18m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (126m chain at 18m 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.
Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand, not resting on rock.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below for the night.90m alarm radius reflects the significant anchoring depths (8â18m in the main channel position) requiring generous chain scope, combined with fair holding on the mixed sand/rock bottom. At 15m anchoring depth, 5:1 scope = 75m chain, so a 90m alarm radius is the practical minimum. The S anchorage in shallower water (5â8m) can use 80m. This is not an anchorage for short chain; have 80m+ ready to deploy. If the anchor does not set cleanly on the first drop (possible on rock patches), re-anchor 30â40m away to find a sandy patch.

Best in MayâJune and SeptemberâOctober when the NE is light and settled, making the deep-water anchoring comfortable. JulyâAugust is viable but the afternoon thermal through the strait can be stronger than expected. Never suitable in southerly conditions. A good start to the season anchorage — when more famous spots are still uncrowded, Spetsopoula has almost no traffic whatsoever.

Navigation Hazards

CRITICAL: Spetsopoula is private property — DO NOT land under any circumstances; the island is actively managed and trespassers will be removed by private security
Deep anchoring (8â18m in the channel): requires minimum 60m of chain and 5:1 scope; under-scoped anchoring in this depth will drag; check scope calculation carefully
Mixed sand/rock bottom: anchor may skate on rock — re-anchor if the first drop does not set cleanly; a trip line is strongly recommended
Open S/SW: any southerly swell funnels into the strait uncomfortably; the anchorage is not suitable in any southerly conditions
Wind acceleration in the strait: the channel between the two islands can accelerate afternoon thermal winds — gusts may be stronger than the surrounding forecast

Rules & Regulations

Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
Anchoring fee: Free
Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required. Spetsopoula island is PRIVATE PROPERTY — landing is strictly prohibited. Observe the island's boundary (signposted from the water). Anchorage in the strait is permitted but must not impede any vessel movements around the island. Depths require generous chain scope — minimum 60m chain recommended for this anchorage.

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: Spetses Town (Dapia) (3nm)
Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Spetses Town (Dapia) (3nm)
Provisions: None on site — Spetses Town (Dapia) (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

A remarkable and rarely visited anchorage — the wooded strait gives an almost tropical feel; well worth the extra effort of deep anchoring if conditions are settled
Deploy at least 60m of chain regardless of water depth — the mixed bottom requires extra scope to ensure a proper set
Use a trip line: rock patches in the bottom can trap anchors; a trip line makes retrieval straightforward and avoids the need to dive
Morning light hits the Spetsopoula shoreline from the E and creates exceptional photography conditions; the pine-covered hillsides glow at dawn
Combine with Zogeria Bay (4nm N) for a Spetses overnight circuit — Zogeria for the first night, Spetsopoula channel for a quieter second night

Ormos Spetsopoula Anchorage Guide

Quick Reference