Hayıtbükü Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Shallow bay between two green headlands that provide natural meltemi shelter. Sand with seagrass patches — anchor carefully in clean sand. Very calm in typical summer conditions. Small seasonal restaurant and sea-kayak rental. No road access.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–6m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Hayıtbükü are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 40m radius before going below for the night.40m in the inner cove. Shallow bay — minimum chain deployment. The twin headlands create a remarkably calm zone in normal summer conditions, but any southerly wind removes all shelter immediately. Do not stay overnight if S is forecast.

June–September. The café/restaurant is seasonal. Most spectacular in June and early September when day boats are fewer and the water is at its warmest and clearest.

Navigation Hazards

• Very shallow — do not approach the beach area with a deep-draught vessel; use the dinghy for the final approach
• S/SW exposure — cannot be used overnight in any southerly weather
• Rocky headlands on both sides of the entrance — approach dead centre at slow speed
• No road access and no assistance ashore
• Day boats arrive 11:00–15:00; arrives early for morning solitude

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free (swinging); buoy fee if using buoys
• Mooring buoys: Available — Small fee — seasonal buoys laid by local boat
• Restrictions: Very shallow bay — maximum draught approximately 1.5m for close approach. No road access means total sea-borne self-sufficiency. SEPA area — anchor in sand only.

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: Palamut Bükü (3nm)
• Restaurant: One small seasonal café/restaurant at beach; open June–September only
• Provisions: None on site — Palamut Bükü (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The best morning stop on the south-coast passage to Knidos — arrive at 09:00 before day boats and enjoy the crystal calm water alone
2. Sea kayaking from the beach restaurant is a highlight — paddle around both headlands in the morning calm
3. Too shallow for large vessels — take a mooring buoy or anchor in the outer area and use the dinghy
4. Move to Palamut Bükü or Bencik for the night if any southerly is in the forecast
5. 3nm west of Palamut Bükü — easy hop in the morning calm before the meltemi builds