Samos Strait North Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage on the Turkish (Mykale) side of the Samos Strait. Sand over rock bottom with fair holding — set carefully. The ancient Heraion sanctuary (temple of Hera) is visible on Samos across the strait. Greek coast guard patrols the southern half; Turkish coast guard the northern. Do NOT cross the maritime boundary.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–15m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (105m chain at 15m 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. 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, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Samos Strait North are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m — generous margin given the fair holding on sand/rock and the maritime border context. This is a sensitive anchoring location given the proximity to the Greece/Turkey maritime border. Stay clearly on the Turkish side. S/SE/E exposure makes this anchorage dependent on settled northwesterly or calm conditions. Do NOT drift toward Greek waters during the night.

Best May–June and September–October in settled northerly conditions. July–August meltemi can be strong in the strait. S/SE exposure makes this a fair-weather anchorage. Always monitor weather carefully.

Navigation Hazards

• CRITICAL — Maritime border: do not cross into Greek waters (Samos); Turkish coast guard enforcement is active in the Samos Strait
• S/SE/E exposure — vulnerable to swell from the open Aegean; fair-weather anchorage only
• Fair holding on sand/rock — snorkel to verify anchor set
• Remote location — nearest services at Kuşadası (18nm north)
• Anchor drift risk at night — set the alarm generously and monitor position

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: MARITIME BORDER: Stay on the Turkish side of the Samos Strait. Do NOT cross into Greek waters without prior formal Greek entry at a designated port of entry. Turkish coast guard patrols are regular. No fires. Respect any fishing gear buoys.

For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Kuşadası (18nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Kuşadası (18nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Kuşadası (18nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The view of Samos, the Heraion coast, and Mount Mykale at sunset is extraordinary
2. Ancient Miletos is 20km north by road — visit if you have a dinghy and transport access
3. Stay clearly within Turkish waters — the border runs through the middle of the strait
4. Best in settled summer conditions when the northerly meltemi keeps the anchorage calm
5. One of the most historically significant anchorages in the Aegean — worth the remote approach