Maden Adası Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Salt Mine Island, Maden Koyu
Maden Adası (Salt Mine Island) is a historically significant island in the SW section of the Ayvalık archipelago — the name reflects the Ottoman-era salt extraction works whose ruins are still visible on the eastern shore. The island is uninhabited today, part of the national park area, and visited primarily by fishing boats and a small number of sailing yachts exploring the outer archipelago. The anchorage on sand and mud in the NE bay provides good protection from the summer meltemi. Clear water, interesting ruins to explore by dinghy, and the typically quiet character of the outer Ayvalık islands make this a rewarding stop for sailors willing to navigate the shallow inter-island approach.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
39°17.8'N 26°37.0'E
Depth
5–14m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NW, W, SW
Exposed To
E, NE
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m in the NE bay. Good NW/W meltemi protection. The E/NE (Poyraz) exposure is the weakness — in spring when Poyraz builds to 25–30+ knots, this anchorage becomes uncomfortable. Summer meltemi season (July–August) is generally comfortable. Navigate the approach using electronic charts.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
The NE bay of Maden Adası offers good shelter from the dominant W/NW winds. Sand and mud bottom. Historic salt extraction ruins visible on the shoreline. Exposed to E/NE (Poyraz direction) — suitable for meltemi season but uncomfortable in spring Poyraz conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Maden Adası is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–14m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (98m chain at 14m depth).
- 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.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Maden Adası are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E and NE winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m in the NE bay. Good NW/W meltemi protection. The E/NE (Poyraz) exposure is the weakness — in spring when Poyraz builds to 25–30+ knots, this anchorage becomes uncomfortable. Summer meltemi season (July–August) is generally comfortable. Navigate the approach using electronic charts.
May–September. Best in summer meltemi season when the NW/W dominates and the bay is sheltered. Avoid in spring when Poyraz can be strong from the NE. A remote and rewarding anchorage for experienced crews.
Navigation Hazards
- Shoal approach channels in the outer archipelago — electronic charts and slow speed mandatory
- E/NE Poyraz exposure — avoid overnight in spring when Poyraz is forecast 20+ knots
- No facilities — full self-sufficiency required; provision in Ayvalık before entering the outer islands
- Historic ruins on the shoreline are unstable — take care when exploring ashore
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: National park area — no collection of historical artefacts from the salt extraction ruins. Navigate approach at slow speed with electronic charts.
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: Ayvalık town market (4nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Ayvalık town market (4nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Ayvalık town market (4nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Explore the old salt extraction ruins by dinghy — accessible from the NE bay in calm conditions
- Excellent snorkelling around the island's rocky edges where the architecture meets the sea
- Combine with a visit to Patrica Adası (1.5nm SW) for a full outer-archipelago day
- Always use electronic charts in the Ayvalık inter-island channels — the shoals are numerous
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Maden Adası
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy the anchorage.
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