Karaincir Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sandy/mud mix throughout the central anchoring area; muddier on eastern edge. Aspat Hill to the west and Koca Point to the east create a wind buffer that gives better Meltemi shelter than the open south-coast position suggests.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Karaincir is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m for the central bay. Hill topography gives meaningful Meltemi deflection, reducing swing in NW winds. Maintain 70m as a conservative radius; in settled conditions 50m may be sufficient.

One of the more reliable all-season anchorages on the south coast. April–October viable. July–August is busy but the hill shelter makes it tolerable in moderate Meltemi.

Navigation Hazards

• Shallow approach close to beach head — keep to the central channel at 5–8m
• Strong Meltemi (F5+) still generates swell wrap despite hill shelter — anchorage can develop an uncomfortable surge
• S, SW, SE exposure: any unseasonable southerly swell penetrates directly (rare in summer)

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Beach sunbed concession may charge tourists ashore; anchoring in bay is free.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Turgutreis (4nm)
• Restaurant: Several restaurants along the 500m beach; fresh fish and meze
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Anchor in the central section of the bay for the best holding and most Meltemi deflection
2. Combined day plan: anchor Karaincir for lunch, then Akyarlar or Aspat for overnight
3. Market and provisions ashore make this a good top-up stop before heading west toward Datça