Ammoudia Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Ammoudia 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 Ammoudia 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 3–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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: CQR, Delta, Rocna. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.80m radius for the outer anchorage in 3–5m sand. If crossing the bar and anchoring inside, reduce to 50m — excellent protection inside the river mouth. CRITICAL: Do NOT attempt bar crossing without first confirming current depth with local fishermen on VHF 16. Minimum draft clearance required. Approach only at mid-to-high flood tide. If significant swell is running over the bar, do not enter under any circumstances.

May–October. Bar conditions are generally calmest in June–August. September can bring increased swell from early autumn weather systems — check carefully. The Acheron river swimming is best in midsummer when the water is warm.

Navigation Hazards

• CRITICAL — Shallow bar: do NOT cross without confirming depth on VHF 16 and at mid-to-high tide only
• Bar crossing impossible in any significant swell — approach outer anchorage only
• Outer anchorage exposed to S/SW — check forecasts before anchoring overnight
• River current can be deceptive — ensure anchor is firmly set before going ashore
• Unlit river mouth — approach and bar crossing in daylight only

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Bar crossing ONLY at mid-to-high tide. Do not attempt in swell. Maximum draft for bar crossing approximately 1.5m at high tide (verify locally). The river channel is narrow — be prepared to manoeuvre under power only.

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: Ammoudia village (0nm)
• Restaurant: Small fish tavernas in Ammoudia village (seasonal)
• Provisions: None on site — Ammoudia village (0nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Call local fishermen on VHF 16 before approaching to get current bar depth — it varies week to week depending on sand movement.
2. Time the bar crossing for mid-flood tide — never ebb tide, and never in swell above 0.5m.
3. If bar crossing is not possible, the outer anchorage is a perfectly good stop and the village is accessible by dinghy to the beach.
4. Take the dinghy upriver to the Acheron springs — the crystal clear water swimming in the mythological river of the underworld is an unforgettable experience.