Dokos Sailing Guide: Anchorages and Tips

For sailors cruising the Argo-Saronic Gulf, Dokos is one of the region’s last truly unspoilt islands. With no villages, tavernas, marinas, or tourist infrastructure, it offers a rare opportunity to experience a quieter side of Greek sailing. Most visiting yachts come for the island’s crystal-clear water, peaceful surroundings, and excellent natural anchorages.

Overview

Dokos (Δοκός) lies between Hydra, Ermioni, and Porto Cheli, forming an important landmark along many Argo-Saronic sailing routes. Although largely overlooked by land-based visitors, it is highly regarded by experienced sailors seeking a tranquil overnight stop away from the busier ports of Hydra and Spetses.

While inhabited since antiquity, the island is now almost deserted, with only two permanent residents remaining. Dry hills, old terraces, and small chapels create a landscape that feels remarkably untouched.

Dokos is also known for its archaeological significance. Off its coast lies the Dokos Shipwreck, generally regarded as the oldest known underwater shipwreck discovered anywhere in the world, dating to the Early Bronze Age around 2200 BC. The site has provided important evidence of early Aegean maritime trade and highlights the island’s strategic location along ancient sea routes. Due to the island’s rich archaeological heritage, the entire island has been designated an archaeological site, and new construction is prohibited.

Since Hydra Harbour is a skipper’s nightmare, many crews choose to leave their boat in Dokos and visit Hydra Town by sea taxi.

Sailing Conditions in Dokos

Dokos experiences the typical conditions of the Argo-Saronic Gulf.

• Prevailing wind: N to NW during summer
• Mornings: Usually light winds and calm seas
• Afternoons: Northerly sea breezes strengthen
• Evenings: Conditions often become calmer

Local effects can be significant due to the island’s steep terrain. Gusts may descend from the surrounding hills, particularly inside anchorages, while currents occasionally influence how boats lie at anchor.

The island has several well-protected coves, but no anchorage offers complete shelter in all conditions.

Dokos Sailing Itinerary Ideas

Popular routes that include Dokos:

• Athens → Agistri → Poros → Hydra → Dokos → Spetses → Aegina → Athens – classic Argolic & Saronic island route
• Dokos → Ermioni → Agios Emilianos → Hinitsa → Porto Heli – continuing into the Argolic Gulf.
• Dokos → Monemvasia – continuation towards the southern Peloponnese.

For more route ideas, see the detailed Argo-Saronic sailing itineraries guide, including maps and day-by-day routes.

Where to Anchor in Dokos (Quick Guide)

Choosing the right anchorage in Dokos depends largely on the wind direction and the type of stop you’re looking for.

• Wind from N: Choose either Agios Ioannis or Dokos Village Cove.
• Wind from E: Choose either Skindos Bay or Agios Ioannis.
• Wind from S: All three anchorages offer good protection.
• Wind from W: Choose either Skindos Bay or Dokos Village Cove.

The short distance between the three anchorages makes it easy to move between them if conditions change.

• Small scenic coves: Agios Ioannis and Dokos Village Cove.
• Plenty of space to anchor: Skindos Bay.
• Best swimming conditions: Agios Ioannis and Dokos Village Cove.

Note that there are no organised harbours, moorings, fuel stations, or yacht facilities anywhere on Dokos.

Dokos Sailing Map – Anchorages

Below is an interactive map of the three major anchorages in Dokos. Click any location to jump to the detailed guide below.

Locations

Skindos Bay

Type: Large bay anchorage
Best for: Overnight stays, swimming, seclusion

Skindos Bay (Σκίντος) is the main anchorage of Dokos and one of the largest natural anchorages in the Argo-Saronic Gulf. Surrounded by barren hills and crystal-clear water, it offers a peaceful and unspoilt setting with virtually no development ashore.

During the Greek War of Independence, the bay served as a winter anchorage for the fleet of Hydra. Today, despite its remote character, it is a popular stop for yachts sailing between Hydra, Ermioni, and Porto Cheli. Day boats and superyachts visit throughout the summer, although many depart before sunset.

The small chapel of Agios Nikolaos on the eastern shore is a prominent landmark and the starting point for several walking paths leading to viewpoints above the bay. The exceptionally clear water, excellent snorkelling, and frequent sightings of sea turtles are among the main attractions.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°20.460′ N, 23°20.277′ E
• Protection: Good, except from strong northerlies
• Holding: Good in sand
• Depths: 10–20 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible throughout most of the bay, although many yachts use stern lines to remain in shallower water close to shore.

• Seabed: Sand with some patches of weed.
• Holding: Good in clean sand.
• Depths: The seabed drops away rapidly from the shoreline.
• Shallower Areas: Better anchoring depths can be found close to:
  • The eastern shore, around 37°20.558′ N, 23°20.600′ E (the most popular area).
  • The southwestern shore, around 37°20.200′ N, 23°20.228′ E.
• Wind: Gusts may descend from the surrounding hills, while shifting winds and currents can cause boats to lie at different angles.
• Dinghy Landing: Possible along the shoreline and near the chapel.

Agios Ioannis Cove

Type: Small cove anchorage
Best for: Swimming, overnight stays, hiking

Agios Ioannis is one of the most attractive anchorages in Dokos, renowned for its crystal-clear water and dramatic scenery. Its sheltered, pool-like setting, combined with excellent swimming and walking opportunities, makes it a favourite stop for both day visits and overnight stays.

The cove is compact and scenic, surrounded by steep rocky slopes and featuring a small beach at its head. Several hiking trails start from the bay, including routes leading to the ruins of a Byzantine castle on the surrounding hilltops, which offer superb views over Dokos and the neighbouring anchorages.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°20.959′ N, 23°20.730′ E
• Protection: Good except W
• Seabed: Sand with some rock.
• Holding: Good in sand
• Depths: Around 10 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible in the deeper central part of the cove, although stern lines ashore are recommended and significantly increase the anchorage’s capacity.

• Depths: Exceed 40 metres near the entrance, becoming shallower towards the head of the bay.
• Best Area: The most suitable anchoring positions are found towards the inner part of the cove.
• Stern Lines: Recommended. Several rings can be found on the northern shore for securing lines.
• Capacity: Approximately 6–7 yachts can comfortably anchor using stern lines.
• Crowding: Large yachts occasionally occupy substantial parts of the cove, and during busy periods crossed anchors can become an issue.

Dokos Village Cove

Type: Small cove anchorage
Best for: Peaceful overnight stays, hiking, swimming

This beautiful cove on the northwestern side of Skindos Bay is one of the most attractive anchorages on Dokos. Crystal-clear water, an abandoned hamlet, small chapels, and the complete absence of modern development create a uniquely peaceful atmosphere.

The cove is particularly popular with sailors looking for a quiet overnight stop, straightforward stern-line mooring, excellent swimming and snorkelling, and easy access to short walks ashore. The tiny abandoned settlement above the bay, together with two small chapels, gives the anchorage a distinctive character and offers a fascinating glimpse into Dokos’ past.

⚓ Anchoring

• Approx. Pos.: 37°20.677′ N, 23°19.570′ E
• Protection: Good, except E
• Seabed: Sand with patches of weed.
• Holding: Good in sand
• Depths: 5–7 metres

How to Anchor

Free anchoring is possible in the centre of the cove, but its limited size makes stern lines ashore the preferred setup.

• Hazards: Several old chains and concrete blocks lie on the seabed near the centre of the cove.

Explore nearby Spetses, Hydra, Ermionida and Poros, in the full Argo-Saronic sailing guide.