Akçay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Clean sandy bay on the north shore of Edremit Gulf. Sand throughout with good holding. North shore position means exposure to the NE Poyraz — can become rough when Poyraz builds. In settled summer conditions the bay is calm and family-friendly. Busy with domestic tourism in July–August.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Akçay 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 3–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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, Delta, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m in the main resort anchorage. Akçay is on the north shore of Edremit Gulf — this means exposure to the Poyraz NE, which can build to 30+ knots in spring. In settled summer conditions the anchorage is pleasant. If Poyraz is forecast, cross to the south shore (Ören, slug: edremit-gulf-south) where conditions are considerably calmer.

May–September. Busy in July–August with domestic tourism. May, June, and September are significantly calmer. Spring Poyraz makes the north shore uncomfortable — south shore preferred in Poyraz conditions.

Navigation Hazards

• Poyraz NE exposure — north-shore position means the bay becomes rough when Poyraz builds 20+ knots; cross to the south shore in Poyraz conditions
• S/SW/W exposure: bay opens to south and west — avoid overnight in southerly weather
• Heavy beach tourism July–August — jet-ski and speedboat traffic during the day

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Swimming zone buoys along the beach — no anchoring within the marked zones. Keep clear of the fishing quay approach.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Akçay town centre supermarket (0.3nm)
• Restaurant: Full resort town — multiple restaurants, cafes, and fish restaurants along the beachfront
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Use Akçay as a provisioning stop — full supermarkets in town make stocking up easy
2. If Poyraz is forecast, cross the gulf to Ören on the south shore for better shelter
3. Kazdağı National Park (Ida Mountains) is accessible from Akçay by rental car — a spectacular day trip
4. The evening seafront promenade is very lively in summer — good for a shore walk and dinner