Bördübet Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Remote SE corner of Gokova. Fishing and beekeeping village. River and pine forest at the head. Depth 3–7m — check depth carefully on approach. Anchor in the eastern section of the bay for best holding.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m 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 Bördübet are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to NW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.At 5m depth: 7:1 scope = 35m chain. Recommend 70m. Bay is open to the NW — if strong NW meltemi is forecast, Bördübet can become uncomfortable; proceed west to Büyük or Küçük Çatı.

Very remote — the furthest southeast anchorage on the south coast of Gokova. A deliberate destination for sailors wanting genuine wilderness. Bring all provisions. Pine forest walking from the beach.

Navigation Hazards

• Remote location — 25nm from Marmaris; ensure adequate provisions and fuel before departing
• Open to NW — in strong meltemi, can develop uncomfortable swell
• Shallow (3–7m) — approach slowly and monitor depth sounder
• In strong meltemi, it may not be possible to beat out of Bördübet against the wind — plan your exit

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free

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: Marmaris (25nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Marmaris (25nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Marmaris (25nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Check meltemi forecast carefully — if NW wind above 20 knots is predicted, use Büyük or Küçük Çatı instead
2. Take the forest walk to the river head — one of the best nature walks on the Gokova circuit
3. Fuel and provisions must come from Marmaris; Bördübet has nothing for sale
4. If unable to beat out against the meltemi, wait for the wind to ease in the late afternoon