Bencik Koyu Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

The enclosed inlet provides near-total shelter from the meltemi. Muddy sand bottom gives superb holding. Take long lines ashore to pine trees on both sides for added security — standard practice here. Seek sandy patches and avoid Posidonia seagrass meadows.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Bencik Koyu 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 8–15m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (105m chain at 15m 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, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Bencik Koyu are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m in the main inner bay with stern lines ashore. Excellent holding means minimal anchor slip risk, but use the full scope to account for any wind funnelling through the inlet entrance. The bay is protected from virtually every direction — set once and sleep soundly.

May–October. Outstanding in July–August when its meltemi-proof position makes it the only comfortable night stop on this stretch of the north coast. Known and sought out by experienced cruisers; can fill completely in peak season.

Navigation Hazards

• Significant depths — use ample chain (7:1 scope minimum at 12m = 84m chain)
• Shallow ledges extend from the headland fingertips — stay in the main channel and off the points
• Very remote with no shore assistance — carry full safety kit
• In southerly conditions, the E-facing entrance loses some of its shelter
• Posidonia seagrass throughout the bay — seek sandy patches for anchoring

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: Datça-Bozburun SEPA — anchor in sand; avoid Posidonia seagrass meadows. Take long lines ashore to pine trees — essential technique here.

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: Datça town (13nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Datça town (13nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Datça town (13nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Take the longest stern lines you carry — 40–50m to the pine trees on both sides is ideal; it transforms the anchorage from a swing to a rock-solid hold
2. This is the classic first-night stop westbound from Marmaris (14nm) or east-bound from Datça town (13nm) — arrive by mid-afternoon in July–August to secure a spot
3. The historical significance is real: this 2km-wide isthmus is where Cnidian soldiers famously refused to cut a canal, choosing instead to fight the Persians at sea
4. Pine forest walks and complete darkness make this one of the best stargazing anchorages on the peninsula
5. Bring all provisions — nothing is available ashore