Mesudiye (Ova Bükü) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor on the western side of the bay in 5–7m. Clean sand patches between Posidonia meadows — seek them out. Protected from the meltemi by surrounding mountain slopes. Mooring buoys available (fee). Open to southerly swell.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Mesudiye (Ova Bükü) 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 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, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Mesudiye (Ova Bükü) are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m for swinging in the western bay. If on a mooring buoy, reduce to 30m. Be alert to southerly swell building — it arrives quickly and can make the anchorage rolly or untenable.

Best May–June and September–October. July–August is excellent weather but the bay is at its most crowded. Water clarity is exceptional all season — the pebble-and-sand beach filters the water remarkably well.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SW exposure — southerly swell builds quickly and makes the bay rolly or untenable
• Extensive Posidonia seagrass — anchor only in sandy patches; probe with depth sounder for clear sand
• Day boats from Datça (7nm) arrive 11:00–15:00 in peak season — bay can become very crowded
• Shallow near shore — minimum 4m approach depth at the outer bay

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free (swinging); mooring buoys charged
• Mooring buoys: Available — Paid to village boat — includes overnight stay
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: SEPA area — extensive Posidonia seagrass meadows; anchor only in sand. Swimming zones mark the beach — no anchoring within 100m.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Mesudiye village (0.2nm)
• Restaurant: Several authentic village restaurants and tea gardens; fresh fish daily
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Anchor on the western side in 5–7m for best meltemi protection and access to the beach by dinghy
2. Arrive before 11:00 in July–August to anchor before the day-boat flotillas; the bay fills very quickly
3. The village has authentic pensions and restaurants — try the fresh fish at the waterfront tables
4. Snorkelling along the rocky headlands is excellent — the water clarity is outstanding
5. If southerly is forecast, move to Bencik (north coast, fully enclosed) for the night and return in the morning