Torba Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sand/mud with good holding throughout most of the bay. Fishing harbour on NW side has 3–4m by the mole. Main weakness: the Meltemi funnels down the Gulf of Gulluk from the NW and creates swell in the anchorage. Not a comfortable overnight in strong summer Meltemi.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Torba 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 5–10m, 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, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius before going below for the night.100m radius reflects the SW-W-NW exposure to Meltemi swell in this Gulf of Gulluk bay. Good holding in sand/mud partially compensates but the swell can cause unexpected swing. Larger radius recommended for overnight in July–August.

April–June and September–October best for overnight stays. July–August: comfortable only in light winds; treat as a lunch/dinner stop and reposition for overnight if Meltemi builds.

Navigation Hazards

• NW Meltemi swell penetrates in strong conditions — not a comfortable overnight in July–August above F4
• Resort hotel water sports (jet skis, banana boats) operate in the inner bay during daylight
• Excursion boat traffic to Bodrum castle and Kos throughout the day
• Voyage Torba all-inclusive resort creates noise on the east shore

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Harbour berths stern-to mole available for a fee; bay anchoring is free. Resort-operated buoys exist in some areas — check before anchoring.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Bodrum town (4nm)
• Restaurant: Excellent waterfront seafood restaurants and upmarket dining; candle-lit atmosphere in evenings
• Provisions: None on site — Bodrum town (4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use Torba as a lunch stop or early-evening dinner anchor — the restaurants are excellent and it is 4nm from Bodrum Marina
2. For overnight in July–August, anchor on the NE side of the bay for maximum shelter from the NW Meltemi swell
3. Ideal for crew provisioning runs: dinghy to the small village, then return to the boat; Bodrum is 30 minutes by dolmuş
4. May, June, and September are the best overnight months when Meltemi is lighter