Aspat Koyu Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Central bay is predominantly sand; rocky outcrops on bay margins. Some posidonia on the eastern edges — anchor in the sandy centre. Day boats depart by 17:00–18:00; overnight anchorage becomes calmer. Shore restaurants play music until late.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Aspat Koyu is primarily sand and rock with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–10m, 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, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Aspat Koyu are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m is sufficient in this well-sheltered bay. Rocky margins reduce swing range toward the edges. Anchor firmly in the sandy centre and 65m gives comfortable clearance. In strong Meltemi the shelter is excellent — this bay is specifically noted as a historic pirate refuge due to its NW protection.

May–October. Particularly valuable July–August when Meltemi shelter is most needed. Daytime congestion is the main downside; evenings and nights are calm.

Navigation Hazards

• Rocky margins of the bay — do not anchor too close to the headlands
• Loud music from shore restaurants until late evening; anchor in outer bay for quieter nights
• Day boat congestion 10:00–17:00 in July–August
• Some posidonia on eastern edges — locate sandy patches before dropping anchor

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: No mooring buoys. Rocky margins — anchor firmly in sandy centre. Avoid posidonia patches on eastern edges.

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: Turgutreis (6nm)
• Restaurant: Several restaurants with terraces on the hillside; music until late evening
• Provisions: None on site — Turgutreis (6nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive after 17:00 when day boats depart — the anchorage transforms into a calm evening spot
2. Anchor in the centre of the bay, not near the restaurant terraces, for the best holding and quieter nights
3. The Meltemi shelter here is superior to Karaincir and Akyarlar in strong NW conditions — use this bay when other anchorages are uncomfortable
4. Outer bay (10m) is less exposed to music; use if noise is a concern