Bedri Rahmi Koyu Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Bedri Rahmi Bay, Painter's Bay
Bedri Rahmi Koyu is one of the most culturally distinctive anchorages on the Turkish coast. The bay is named for Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, one of Turkey's most celebrated post-Republican intellectuals and artists, who carved a monumental fish into the rockface in 1974 — a work that has become a pilgrimage site for Turkish sailors. The anchorage itself is a quiet, well-sheltered cove northwest of Taşyaka Island in Skopea Limani, with mud holding at 10–15m and mooring cleats on the eastern shore for stern lines. Above the fish painting, ancient Lycian rock tombs overlook the bay. Freshwater is available ashore. Combined with the artistic and archaeological heritage, it makes for a remarkable overnight stop.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°40.0'N, 28°52.9'E (~approx)
Depth
10–15m
Bottom
mud
Holding
GoodProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
None (all-weather)
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Smart buoy fee — reserve 48h ahead
Permit Required
No
SEPA Smart Mooring — Reservation Required
This bay is within the Fethiye-Göcek SEPA. Book your mooring buoy via the TÜÇA mobile app at least 48 hours in advance. Maximum stay: 3 days per bay, 11 days total in Göcek bays. No discharging. Speed limit 6 knots. Fines doubled in SEPA.
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
At 12m depth: 7:1 scope = 84m chain. Recommend 75m. All-round shelter and mooring cleats ashore keep the boat steady. If using mooring cleats stern-to-shore, reduce alarm to 50m.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Sheltered cove NW of Taşyaka Island. 10–15m over mud. Mooring cleats on the starboard (eastern) side. Freshwater source ashore. Famous for the Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu fish painting (1974) carved into the rock.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Bedri Rahmi Koyu is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 10–15m, 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, Mantus, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Bedri Rahmi Koyu are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.At 12m depth: 7:1 scope = 84m chain. Recommend 75m. All-round shelter and mooring cleats ashore keep the boat steady. If using mooring cleats stern-to-shore, reduce alarm to 50m.
A must-visit for sailors who appreciate the intersection of sailing culture and art. The bay is tranquil and well-sheltered. The painting is best viewed in morning light when there is no glare on the rock face.
Navigation Hazards
- Deep (10–15m) — ensure 90m+ chain for adequate scope
- Freshwater source location changes seasonally — confirm ashore
- SEPA: mandatory buoy reservation; no discharging
- GPS coordinates approximate — verify with current charts
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Smart buoy fee — reserve 48h ahead
- Mooring buoys: Available — Smart buoy fee via TÜÇA app (mandatory 2026)
- Maximum stay: 3 days per bay
- Restrictions: Mandatory smart mooring reservation (2026). SEPA: no discharging. Bedri Rahmi's rock painting is a protected cultural artefact — no touching or defacing.
For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Göcek town (8nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Göcek town (8nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Göcek town (8nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Book smart buoy via TÜÇA app 48h ahead — mandatory 2026
- View the Bedri Rahmi fish painting by dinghy in the morning light
- Take a stern line to the mooring cleats on the starboard side to reduce swinging
- The Lycian royal tombs above the painting are worth the short scramble ashore
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. The Fethiye-Göcek SEPA mooring rules and fees change annually — verify current requirements via the TÜÇA app and ÇEYAŞ authority before departure. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Bedri Rahmi 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.
Download Free for iOS