Sarsala Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Sarsala Koyu, Büyük Sarsala
Sarsala Bay is the largest and arguably the most practical anchorage in Skopea Limani — broad, well-sheltered from the prevailing northerlies, and unusually well-equipped thanks to road access and a waterfront restaurant. Depths of 10–20m over sand and mud provide good holding throughout. A pontoon on the east shore leads to the restaurant, where fresh fish is served overlooking the bay. Unlike the more remote Skopea coves, Sarsala can receive provisions by road, making it a good reprovisioning stop mid-circuit. The southern alcove offers additional shelter when southwesterlies are expected.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°42.0'N, 28°55.0'E (~approx)
Depth
10–20m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
GoodProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, W, NW
Exposed To
S, SW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Smart buoy fee — book 48h in advance via TÜÇA app
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 typical 15m depth: 7:1 scope = 105m chain, swing radius ~120m. Recommend 90m — the large bay gives plenty of room, but depths require long chain. If anchoring in the southern alcove (more shelter), 80m is adequate.
Main Bay: 90m recommended — Largest and most popular bay in Skopea Limani.
South Alcove: 80m recommended — Sheltered alcove in the southern section of the bay.
Anchoring Zones
Sarsala Bay 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.
Zone 1: Main Bay
- Depth: 10–20m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, W, NW
- Exposed to: S, SW
- Recommended alarm radius: 90m
Largest and most popular bay in Skopea Limani. 10–20m over sand/mud. Pontoon leading to restaurant on the east shore. Pebble beach with municipal facilities. Road access. Space for large gulets.
Zone 2: South Alcove
- Depth: 15–20m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good
- Protected from: N, NE, E, S, SW, W, NW
- Exposed to: SE
- Recommended alarm radius: 80m
Sheltered alcove in the southern section of the bay. Slightly better shelter in southwesterly conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Sarsala Bay is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. 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.
- 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 Sarsala Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below for the night.At typical 15m depth: 7:1 scope = 105m chain, swing radius ~120m. Recommend 90m — the large bay gives plenty of room, but depths require long chain. If anchoring in the southern alcove (more shelter), 80m is adequate.
The largest bay in Skopea Limani and a perennial favourite for larger gulets and private yachts. Road access and a restaurant make it unusually well-provisioned for a Göcek bay. Busy all season but has space for many boats.
Navigation Hazards
- Deep (10–20m) — ensure adequate chain (105m+ at 7:1 for 15m depth)
- Open to southwesterlies; if SW wind forecast overnight, consider southern alcove
- SEPA: mandatory buoy reservation; no discharging
- GPS coordinates approximate — verify with current Turkish charts
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Smart buoy fee — book 48h in advance via TÜÇA app
- Mooring buoys: Available — Fee via TÜÇA app reservation
- Maximum stay: 3 days per bay
- Restrictions: Mandatory smart mooring buoy system (2026). Reserve 48 hours in advance. Max 3 days per bay, 11 total in Göcek. SEPA: no discharging, 6-knot limit, noise prohibited.
For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Sarsala restaurant (road access) (0nm)
- Restaurant: Restaurant on the east shore with pontoon. Fresh fish and mezes. Road access means provisions can arrive by vehicle. Water available at the pontoon.
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Book smart mooring buoy via TÜÇA app 48h ahead
- Long chain essential — 100m+ minimum for proper scope at 15m depth
- The restaurant's road access makes this the best bay for ordering provisions in advance
- Use the southern alcove if southwesterly wind is forecast overnight
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 Sarsala Bay
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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