Tomb Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sandy seafloor at 10–15m. Multiple restaurants with wooden jetties accommodating 40+ yachts. Named for the Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs above — both temple-style and pigeon-hole types. Take stern line to restaurant jetty.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Tomb Bay 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 10–15m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (105m chain at 15m 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 Tomb Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to 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. Bay is open to southerlies — if S wind forecast, set a tight stern line and increase alarm to 100m.

A popular charter flotilla destination thanks to the restaurants, jetty capacity, and archaeological spectacle above. The Lycian tombs are carved directly into the red cliffs and are best viewed in the late afternoon light.

Navigation Hazards

• Open to southerlies — if S wind forecast, monitor carefully
• SEPA: mandatory buoy reservation; no discharging
• Lycian rock tombs: protected site — no climbing on the cliff face
• 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
• Maximum stay: 3 days per bay
• Restrictions: Mandatory smart mooring reservation (2026). SEPA: no discharging. Ancient Lycian tombs are a protected archaeological site — no climbing or disturbance.

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 (12nm)
• Restaurant: Multiple restaurants on the shore with wooden jetties for 40+ yachts combined. Water available.
• Provisions: None on site — Göcek town (12nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Book smart buoy via TÜÇA app 48h ahead
2. Visit the Lycian tombs — wear sturdy shoes; the path to the upper tombs requires some scrambling
3. Best light on the tomb façades is late afternoon (golden hour)
4. Open to southerlies — if any S in the forecast, take a stern line to the jetty to stabilise