Çiftlik Koyu Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Ciftlik Bay, Ciftlik Cove, Aktur Bay
Çiftlik Koyu is the classic first overnight stop westbound from Marmaris, 14nm from the marina and tucked below the southern slopes of the Bozburun Peninsula. Four restaurant jetties with mooring lines, water, and electricity offer more comfort than the open anchorage area. Valley gusts funnel down from the hills above — always check that the anchor is firmly set. A resort hotel (Aktur) and small marina are visible ashore. More useful as a facilities stop than a wild anchorage.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°42.9'N 28°14.5'E
Depth
7–15m
Bottom
sand, weed
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NE, NW
Exposed To
S, SW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free (anchoring); jetty fees apply at restaurant berths
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m for free anchoring at the N end; reduce to 50m when stern-to at a restaurant jetty. The bay is exposed to southerly swell — tying to a jetty avoids the rolling that can make the free-swing area uncomfortable overnight.
N end (free anchorage): 65m recommended — Anchor at the northern end in 7–10m for the best free-swinging room.
Restaurant jetties (stern-to): 50m recommended — Multiple restaurant jetties with mooring lines, water, and electricity.
Anchoring Zones
Çiftlik Koyu has 2 distinct anchoring zones, each with different depth, holding, and exposure characteristics. Choose the zone that matches your boat size and the expected overnight conditions.
Zone 1: N end (free anchorage)
- Depth: 7–15m
- Bottom: sand, weed
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW
- Exposed to: S, SW
- Recommended alarm radius: 65m
Anchor at the northern end in 7–10m for the best free-swinging room. Sand/weed bottom gives good holding when anchor is set in a clean patch. Some swell regularly affects this area from the open S.
Zone 2: Restaurant jetties (stern-to)
- Depth: 5–10m
- Bottom: sand, weed
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NE
- Exposed to: S, SW
- Recommended alarm radius: 50m
Multiple restaurant jetties with mooring lines, water, and electricity. Tying stern-to a jetty is more comfortable than the open anchorage area — less swell exposure and no swinging. Dining at the restaurant is expected.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Çiftlik Koyu is primarily sand and weed with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 7–15m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (105m chain at 15m depth).
- 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.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- 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, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Çiftlik Koyu are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m for free anchoring at the N end; reduce to 50m when stern-to at a restaurant jetty. The bay is exposed to southerly swell — tying to a jetty avoids the rolling that can make the free-swing area uncomfortable overnight.
May–October. Very busy in July–August as a first stop from Marmaris. More peaceful in May–June and September–October. The valley gusts are year-round.
Navigation Hazards
- Katabatic valley gusts — sudden strong gusts funnel down from the hills above; always verify holding after anchoring
- Swell enters from S/SW — the free-anchoring area can be rolly; restaurant jetty mooring is more comfortable
- Popular first-night charter anchorage — can be very crowded and noisy in July–August
- Seagrass patches — anchor in sand
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Free (anchoring); jetty fees apply at restaurant berths
- Maximum stay: 11 days
- Restrictions: Valley gusts can be sudden — ensure holding is secure before going below. Seagrass patches present — anchor in clean sand.
For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Aktur/Çiftlik village (0.3nm)
- Restaurant: Multiple waterfront restaurants with jetties; Turkish seafood and meze
- Provisions: None on site — Aktur/Çiftlik village (0.3nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Tying stern-to at a restaurant jetty is significantly more comfortable than anchoring in the main bay — the jetty blocks most of the swell
- Good provisioning and resupply stop before heading west into the more remote bays
- Arrive by 15:00 in July–August to secure a jetty berth; the four restaurants fill quickly
- The Aktur resort has ATMs and a small supermarket — useful for topping up provisions before the longer passages west
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Çiftlik Koyu
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy the anchorage.
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