Kargı Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

One of the few genuinely sandy bottoms on the peninsula's south coast. Anchor sets immediately. Approach from SW, giving Kargı Burnu rocks on the west headland a wide berth — do not approach from directly west.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Kargı Bay 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 6–10m, 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Kargı Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.75m is conservative for this good-holding sandy bay. In moderate Meltemi (15 knots) this radius is comfortable. Above 20 knots NW swell rolls in and swing increases — consider 90m in strong Meltemi.

May–October. Best on weekdays in July–August; weekend congestion and Meltemi swell above 20 knots make it uncomfortable. May, June, and September are ideal.

Navigation Hazards

• Rocks on Kargı Burnu (western headland) — approach from SW, not from directly west
• Day-boat congestion and noise on summer weekends 10:00–17:00
• NW Meltemi swell penetrates in winds above F4 — anchorage becomes uncomfortable
• Near beach depth drops to 3–4m — do not anchor too close to shore

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Beach facility concession may charge ~₺50 for sunbed access ashore; this does not apply to boats anchoring offshore.

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 (5nm)
• Restaurant: Beach-side restaurants and cafés operational May–October
• Provisions: None on site — Turgutreis (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Approach from the SW bearing, clearing the western headland by at least 100m
2. Arrive weekday evenings for the best experience — day boats depart and the bay calms
3. Sand holding is excellent — use standard scope 3:1 and the anchor will set quickly
4. Outer bay (10–12m) is useful in strong Meltemi for extra swing room