Ölüdeniz Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

ONLY permitted anchoring area — the outer cove to the west of the lagoon entrance. 10–18m over sand/mud. Limited space; fits a handful of yachts and smaller gulets. Fee of approx. €25 (~₺850)/night collected by patrol boat. Inner lagoon is strictly prohibited.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Ölüdeniz is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 10–18m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (126m chain at 18m 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 Ölüdeniz are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and SW and S winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 85m radius before going below for the night.At 12m depth: 7:1 scope = 84m chain. Recommend 85m. The outer cove is exposed to W/SW/S — if westerly or southerly is forecast, this is not a safe overnight position. Move to Gemiler Adası (north channel) for all-round shelter.

July–August: extreme crowds of beach tourism (paragliders from Babadağ, beach clubs, boat excursions). The outer cove is particularly exposed and uncomfortable with heavy day-boat traffic. Shoulder season (May–June, September–October) the setting is world-class and the anchoring tranquil.

Navigation Hazards

• INNER LAGOON STRICTLY PROHIBITED — entry by yacht is illegal and enforced by patrol boat
• Outer cove exposed to W/SW/S — do NOT anchor here if westerly or southerly is forecast
• Fee patrol boat visits all anchored vessels — have cash or card ready
• Extreme day tourism: paragliders, jet skis, boat excursions create wash and noise
• Limited anchoring space — do not block the lagoon entrance channel

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Approx. €25 (~₺850) per night — collected by patrol boat
• Restrictions: INNER LAGOON: STRICTLY PROHIBITED for all vessels except pedalos and paddleboards. Outer cove (west of lagoon entrance) only. National nature reserve (Category 1 since 1995). Construction prohibited by law. No overnight camping on beaches. Environmental law prohibits permanent anchoring in protected areas.

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: Ölüdeniz resort village (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: Multiple restaurants and beach bars along the shore (10-minute walk or dinghy ride). Beach resort services available.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. NEVER enter the inner lagoon — it is strictly prohibited and actively enforced
2. Outer cove only — anchor west of the lagoon entrance channel
3. Have €25 (~₺850) ready for the patrol boat that collects overnight fees
4. If W or SW wind is forecast, do not anchor here — use Gemiler Adası (8nm NW) instead
5. Arrive after 17:00 to avoid the worst of the day-trip boat traffic
6. Best visited in May–June or September–October to avoid peak tourist season