Palamut Bükü Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Palamut Bükü 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.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Palamut Bükü is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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 Palamut Bükü are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m for free-swinging in the NW corner. Reduce to 30m on a mooring buoy. The bay is well-sheltered from the meltemi by surrounding hills. Monitor S/SE — swell builds quickly in the open Aegean fetch and can make the anchorage rolly overnight.

Best May–June and September–October. July–August is popular but exposed south coast means some afternoon chop. The water clarity is exceptional all season thanks to the pebble beach.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SE exposure — southerly swell enters from the open Aegean fetch; can be uncomfortable overnight
• 15 mooring buoys fill early in high season — arrive before 12:00 or anchor free in the bay
• Pebble beach — dinghy landings can be awkward in even a small swell; use the quay steps
• Day excursion boats from Datça arrive at midday — bay becomes busy 11:00–16:00

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free (swinging in bay); mooring buoys charged
• Mooring buoys: Available — Charged by harbour attendant — includes water and electricity
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: SEPA area — anchor in sand only. Swimming zones along 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: Palamut village (0.2nm)
• Restaurant: Small village restaurants serving fresh fish; less developed than Mesudiye
• Provisions: None on site — Palamut village (0.2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The water clarity is genuinely extraordinary — 30m+ visibility is common here; snorkelling is among the best in Turkey
2. Arrive before 12:00 in July–August to secure a mooring buoy; the attendant usually appears at 08:00
3. The NW corner of the bay gives the best overnight shelter from the meltemi
4. Knidos is 7nm further west — Palamut makes an ideal lunch stop before rounding the cape in the morning calm
5. Watch the sunset from the anchor — the western horizon over the open Aegean is spectacular