Büyük Çatı Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Shallow but completely enclosed west cove. 4–5m depth — stern line ashore recommended. All-round shelter. BEWARE rocks on the western shore — approach from east/south only. Fresh water from a well ashore. Persistent bees in warm weather.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Büyük Çatı 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 4–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Büyük Çatı are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.At 4.5m depth: 7:1 scope = 31m chain. Recommend 60m in the shallow all-round enclosed cove. Stern line to shore reduces swing and lets you tighten the alarm radius further.

Very quiet anchorage favoured by boats wanting genuine solitude. Bring all provisions. Spring and autumn are best for avoiding the bee nuisance from hillside hives.

Navigation Hazards

• ROCKS on the western shore — approach from east or south only; do not cut into the western arm
• Very shallow (4–5m) — stern line to shore essential to prevent swing
• BEES from hillside hives can be persistent, especially in warm weather; cover drinks and fresh water
• No facilities — arrive fully provisioned
• GPS coordinates approximate — verify with current Turkish charts before approach

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: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Marmaris (20nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Marmaris (20nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Marmaris (20nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Take a stern line to shore — the shallow depth limits anchor scope; a stern line stabilises the boat
2. Cover drinks and water containers if bees become a nuisance
3. Rocks on the western shore — enter from the east or south only; hug the eastern shore on approach
4. Pair with Küçük Çatı next door for a two-night exploration of these quiet southern coves