Zogeria Bay Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Zogeria Bay 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 Zogeria Bay is primarily sand and weed with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Zogeria Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and NW and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m covers normal swing in 3–6m on a sand/weed bottom. The surrounding pine hills provide good NE–SE deflection, reducing effective fetch. If anchored in the eastern cove in clean sand, alarm can be reduced to 50m. The bay opens to the W and NW — if afternoon W thermal or a NW front builds, increase to 90m and verify holding.

May–June and September–October offer uncrowded conditions, reliable NE shelter, and the pine forest at its most fragrant. July–August sees heavy flotilla traffic — the bay fills completely most afternoons. The W afternoon thermal is strongest in June–August. October is underrated: warm, quiet, and the sea is still 24°C+.

Navigation Hazards

• Afternoon W–NW thermal (F3–4) can build from 14:00–18:00 and make the anchorage choppy — ensure anchor is well set before going ashore
• Very busy in July–August — flotilla groups arrive from Poros and Porto Heli; arrive by 13:00 for swinging room
• Light weed patches over sand: anchor may skate on weed before setting; snorkel to verify penetration into sand before leaving the boat
• Occasional ferry and speedboat wash from Spetses–Porto Heli water taxis passing the bay mouth
• No dinghy dock — swimmers and dinghies share the beach; keep a watch for swimmers near the stern

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: DEKPA and TEPAI required for all yachts over 7m. Posidonia patches around bay edges — anchor in the central sandy area. Do not land on the pine-forested slopes behind the beach — protected area. No motor vehicles on Spetses island.

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) (4nm)
• Restaurant: Small seasonal beach bar/taverna at the E end of the bay (June–September). Full facilities at Spetses Town (Dapia), 4nm.
• Provisions: None on site — Spetses Town (Dapia) (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The eastern cove offers the best holding and calmest conditions for overnight — shallower (2–4m) but cleaner sand and better shelter from afternoon W breeze
2. Arrive before 13:00 in July–August to secure a decent spot; by 15:00 the bay is at capacity
3. Zogeria is the perfect first-night stop on the Saronic circuit from Athens: 30nm from Piraeus, peaceful, beautiful, and well sheltered from the NE breeze
4. Dinghy ashore to the beach bar for a sunset drink — the pine-scented air at dusk is exceptional; no mosquitoes once the sea breeze picks up
5. Snorkel the anchor in clear water — visibility is typically 15–20m, making it easy to verify the anchor set from the surface