Kuruca Bükü Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Kuruca Bay, Aktur Bay, Kurdere Buku
Kuruca Bükü is a small, lightly-used bay 4nm southwest of Datça town, used primarily as an overflow anchorage when the Datça harbour is full or when sailors prefer to be away from the town. The tiny nearby settlement of Aktur provides very basic provisions. The bay name means 'dry bay' in Turkish — it can feel exposed compared to the more enclosed inlets further west. Simple and functional rather than scenic.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°41.0'N 27°41.0'E
Depth
5–8m
Bottom
sand, weed
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NW
Exposed To
S, SE
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m for normal swing. A quiet overflow anchorage — useful when Datça harbour is full but conditions are settled. Southerly exposure means this is not a reliable overnight in unstable weather.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Sand and weed bottom in a small bay SW of Datça town. Good holding in sandy patches. Hillside provides moderate shelter from N/NW but bay opens to S/SE. Best used when Datça harbour is full.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Kuruca Bükü 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 5–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Kuruca Bükü are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m for normal swing. A quiet overflow anchorage — useful when Datça harbour is full but conditions are settled. Southerly exposure means this is not a reliable overnight in unstable weather.
May–October. Very lightly used — its proximity to Datça town means it serves mainly as overflow.
Navigation Hazards
- S/SE exposure — avoid in southerly weather
- Limited facilities — near self-sufficiency required
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: SEPA area — anchor in sand, avoid seagrass.
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 (4nm)
- Restaurant: One small restaurant in Aktur village
- Provisions: None on site — Datça town (4nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Use when Datça town harbour is full — quieter and free
- Datça town is 4nm by sea — dinghy or walk for provisions
- A simple, no-frills stop best used as a last resort or for crews who prefer anchoring over harbour berthing
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 Kuruca Bükü
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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