Alakışla Bükü Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Alakisla Buku, Alakışla Bay
Alakışla Bükü earns the rare designation of a true all-weather anchorage: 360-degree protection from a surrounding hillscape that channels no wind effectively into the bay. It is the refuge that local Turkish fishing vessels make for when the meltemi howls or a southerly churns the Aegean approaches. For cruising yachts, it doubles as one of the most tranquil overnight spots on the Bodrum coast — completely enclosed, reliably flat, with excellent holding in mud at 4–7m. Two restaurants operate waterfront pontoons, of which Hassan's offers free moorings for dinner guests. Arrive provisioned but the restaurants serve fresh fish suppers. The alarm radius here can be set tighter than most bays — the enclosed nature means the boat barely moves even in strong wind.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
37°05.2'N, 27°13.8'E
Depth
4–7m
Bottom
mud, sand
Holding
ExcellentProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
None (all-weather)
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free (own anchor); ₺200 for restaurant mooring
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
360-degree protection means minimal boat movement. At 5m depth: 7:1 scope = 35m chain. Recommend 65m alarm radius — tight enough to alert on any genuine dragging but wide enough to allow normal swing in the completely enclosed bay.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
360-degree protection makes this a genuine storm refuge used by local vessels in severe weather. Excellent holding in mud at 4–7m. One restaurant (Hassan's) offers free moorings with dinner; another charges ₺200 for a mooring.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Alakışla Bükü is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m 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, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Alakışla Bükü are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.360-degree protection means minimal boat movement. At 5m depth: 7:1 scope = 35m chain. Recommend 65m alarm radius — tight enough to alert on any genuine dragging but wide enough to allow normal swing in the completely enclosed bay.
A true all-weather anchorage — the go-to refuge when the meltemi or a southerly makes the outer anchorages untenable. Local fishing vessels shelter here in storms. Equally pleasant in calm conditions for its tranquil, enclosed character.
Navigation Hazards
- Mooring lines from restaurant pontoons can cross anchor chains — maintain awareness of other boats' rode orientation
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Free (own anchor); ₺200 for restaurant mooring
- Mooring buoys: Available — fee may apply
- Restrictions: Restaurant mooring at Hassan's is free with dinner. Anchoring independently in the bay is unrestricted.
For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Bodrum Marina (11nm)
- Restaurant: Hassan's restaurant: free mooring with dinner. Second restaurant: ₺200 mooring fee. Water available from the restaurants.
- Provisions: None on site — Bodrum Marina (11nm)
Skipper's Tips
- This is your safe harbour when conditions deteriorate — if meltemi is building and you're not happy with your current anchorage, Alakışla is the answer
- Mud bottom means excellent holding but chain and anchor come up black and smelly — have a deck brush ready
- The tightest alarm radius on this list (65m) is appropriate here given the 360-degree protection
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. Conditions at anchor can deteriorate quickly, especially with the summer meltemi. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Alakışla Bükü
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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