If you’re renting a boat for the first time or just looking to refresh your skills, knowing how to anchor a boat near the beach is one of the most important parts of your trip.
Whether you’re making a short swimming stop or staying longer at a hidden cove, anchoring properly keeps you, your boat, and nearby swimmers safe.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through an easy, proven method for safe beach anchoring, how to lift your anchor correctly, and a more advanced method for docking at a pier. This is especially useful if you’re renting one of our no-license boats from Chania Boat, or planning to explore beaches like Glyka Nera or Domata.
This method is ideal for beginners and is the recommended approach for day trips and swimming stops.
1. Before You Depart
- Check that your boat has an anchor, chain, and rope onboard
- Make sure everything is untangled and ready to deploy
2. Approach Slowly
- When you find a good spot, stop completely about 15 meters before the beach or pier
- Make sure the depth is no more than 3 meters
- Avoid rocks, other anchors, chains, or underwater obstacles
3. Drop the Anchor
- Drop the anchor from the front (bow) of the boat
- Let the chain and rope fall freely until they stop
- Then release an extra 6 meters of rope and tie it securely to the boat
4. Wait and Check
- Let the boat settle for around 5 minutes
- Make sure it is not drifting
- Once stable, turn off the engine and enjoy your swim or stop
For more about how anchors work, you can also visit Wikipedia – Anchor.
Tying a Boat to a Pier with an Anchor (Advanced Method)
This method is more difficult and is only recommended if you have a second person to assist.
How It Works:
- Approximately 100 meters before reaching the pier, bring the boat to a complete stop. Drop the anchor along with 20 meters of chain and rope from the rear-right side of the boat (starboard side, behind the driver).
- Slowly start moving straight toward the pier. About 15 meters away from it (roughly three times the length of your boat), the driver should release the anchor freely into the water without holding the rope, while continuing to move at minimum speed.
- Meanwhile, the second person should take hold of the front rope. When the boat is approximately 20 cm from the pier, they should carefully step off the boat onto the pier, leaving 2 meters of slack in the front rope before tying it securely to a docking point.
- Simultaneously, the driver puts the engine in neutral and begins pulling the rear rope connected to the anchor until it becomes taut and the anchor is firmly set on the seabed.
- Then, in coordination with the person on the pier, adjust only the rear rope to ensure the boat remains stable and maintains a distance of 20 cm from the pier, preventing contact and potential damage.
Once everything is secure, you can safely disembark one at a time, assisted by the person already on the pier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anchoring a Boat
Do I need to anchor if I just want to swim for a few minutes?
Yes. Even a quick stop requires anchoring to prevent the boat from drifting into swimmers or other boats.
What kind of seabed is best for anchoring?
Sand or mud is ideal. Avoid rocky areas or places with heavy vegetation, as the anchor won’t hold well.
How deep should the water be for beach anchoring?
Ideally 2 to 3 meters. Any deeper and the anchor may not hold securely unless you release significantly more rope.
Final Tips for Safe Anchoring
- Always check the weather before you depart
- Never pull the anchor without the engine running
- Keep the rope clean, untangled, and dry when possible
- Only attempt pier docking with help and if you’re confident in the process
Ready to Try Anchoring Yourself?
Practice your anchoring skills with one of our no-license boats and explore Crete’s coast at your own pace. Choose your starting point from Chania Old Harbour or Loutro, and enjoy a safe, unforgettable day on the water.
