Yalıkavak Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Mud/sand bottom with reliable holding — one of the better holding grounds on the north coast. Free anchoring south and east of the Palmarina breakwater. Do not anchor in the marina approach channel or basin. NW Meltemi exposure is the main limitation.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–8m, 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 85m radius before going below for the night.85m for the outer bay. Mud/sand holding is good and partially offsets the Meltemi exposure; the anchor tends to dig in well. 85m gives comfortable clearance in moderate conditions; increase to 100m+ in strong Meltemi.

Year-round provisioning stop; April–October for anchoring. Overnight best in May–June and September when Meltemi is lighter. July–August: use as day stop and service call; reposition to south coast for overnight if conditions are strong.

Navigation Hazards

• Göçük Burnu (SW headland) has rocks extending offshore — give wide berth on approach from the south
• Do not anchor in marina approach channel or basin
• High traffic: superyacht tenders, excursion boats, and water taxis operating constantly throughout the day
• NW Meltemi swell affects outer bay — not a calm overnight in strong conditions
• Marina entrance marked by buoys — give clearance to commercial vessel traffic

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Do not anchor within the Palmarina basin or approach channel. Marina berths available at commercial rates (among the highest in Turkey). Göçük Burnu rocks on SW approach — give wide berth.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Palmarina waterfront restaurants; Yalıkavak town restaurants; high-end provisioning market in marina
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Use Yalıkavak primarily as a fuel and provisioning stop — the Palmarina has the best chandlery on the peninsula
2. Anchor in the outer bay south of the Palmarina breakwater; this is free and well-separated from marina traffic
3. Approach from the south or east, giving Göçük Burnu a wide berth (rocks extend further than they look)
4. Palmarina fuel dock is accessible by dinghy for jerry cans, or take the boat alongside for a full fill
5. Town market in Yalıkavak (Tuesday market is excellent) for fresh produce