Gündoğan Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Gündoğan has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Gündoğan 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 4–6m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Gündoğan are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m in the sheltered SW bight. This is the preferred overnight position; the main bay requires 90m due to Meltemi swell exposure. The cooperative harbour provides an alternative to anchoring for those preferring a berth.

May–October. Moderate crowds make it a pleasant alternative to the busier north coast bays. Use the SW bight for overnight in July–August Meltemi.

Navigation Hazards

• Reef patches extending from Karaca Burnu (western headland) — maintain 50m clearance when rounding on approach from the west
• Main bay is open to N/NE; Meltemi swell runs in strongly during peak summer afternoons
• Cooperative harbour (20–30 boats) fills quickly in July–August — arrive early for a berth
• Meltemi can accelerate around the headlands; check wind before entering

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Cooperative harbour charges a fee for berths. Bay anchoring is free. Küçük Bük jetty: 3-boat capacity, fee for water.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Gündoğan village (0nm)
• Restaurant: Village fishmonger, restaurants, and market in Gündoğan; more authentic than Göltürkbükü
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Anchor in the SW bight (not the main open bay) for overnight protection from the Meltemi
2. Approach from the east to avoid the Karaca Burnu reef patches on the western headland
3. Küçük Bük has a jetty with water and WiFi — useful for top-up if the cooperative harbour is full
4. Gündoğan village has a good fishmonger and market — better provisioning than most north coast bays