Gemiler Adası Anchorage Guide
Also known as: St. Nicholas Island, Boat Island, Gemiler Island
Gemiler Adası — Boat Island — is one of the most extraordinary anchorages on the Turkish Riviera: a small Byzantine island covered in ruins of churches, fortified walls, and vaulted passages that date from the 4th to 7th centuries AD. The island is believed by many scholars and local tradition to have been the original burial place of St. Nicholas of Myra — the historical figure behind Father Christmas — making it a place of genuine pilgrimage. The north channel between the island and the mainland provides all-round shelter, used by local vessels even in severe storms. The holding over weed, sand, and rock is fair rather than excellent — snorkel your anchor. Approach from Fethiye or Ölüdeniz and arrive before the day-tripper flotillas.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°33.0'N, 29°03.0'E (~approx)
Depth
10–20m
Bottom
weed, sand, rock
Holding
Fair — verify anchor setProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
None (all-weather)
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
At 15m depth: 7:1 scope = 105m chain. Recommend 90m — the all-round shelter means minimal boat movement, but the mixed weed/sand/rock bottom makes holding less reliable. Snorkel anchor placement before leaving unattended.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Enclosed north channel between the island and mainland. 10–20m over weed/sand/rock — tricky holding. Ease chain slowly as you go in to keep it clear of bottom features. All-round shelter; used in worst storms by local vessels. Byzantine ruins visible on the hillside.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Gemiler Adası is primarily weed and sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 10–20m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (140m chain at 20m 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.
- Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in weed, not resting on sand or rock.
Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Gemiler Adası are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below for the night.At 15m depth: 7:1 scope = 105m chain. Recommend 90m — the all-round shelter means minimal boat movement, but the mixed weed/sand/rock bottom makes holding less reliable. Snorkel anchor placement before leaving unattended.
A remarkable overnight stop combining all-round shelter with extraordinary Byzantine heritage. The island is believed by many to hold the original tomb of St. Nicholas of Myra (Father Christmas), making it a significant pilgrimage site. Day trippers visit from Ölüdeniz; overnight is the island at its quietest.
Navigation Hazards
- Mixed weed/sand/rock bottom — holding is fair; snorkel to verify anchor placement
- Deep (15–20m) — requires 100m+ chain at 7:1 scope
- Day-tripper boats from Ölüdeniz visit during daytime hours
- Archaeological site — no disturbing ruins or collecting artefacts
- GPS coordinates approximate — verify with current charts
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: Byzantine and early Christian archaeological site — no disturbance of ruins or artefacts. No overnight camping or fires on the island. Archaeological protection zone.
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: Fethiye (8nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Fethiye (8nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Fethiye (8nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Snorkel your anchor — the mixed weed/sand/rock bottom requires visual confirmation of set
- Arrive before 10:00 to explore the ruins before day-tripper boats from Ölüdeniz arrive
- Bring a torch (flashlight) — the Byzantine vaulted passages are partially enclosed
- Provision fully in Fethiye; nothing available on the island
- The north channel provides all-round shelter — this is where to go if conditions elsewhere are difficult
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 Gemiler Adası
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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