Anchoring Zones

Çökertme 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: Restaurant Pontoon Zone (West)

Depth: 2–5m
Bottom: sand, weed
Holding: Fair — verify anchor set
Protected from: N, NE, E
Exposed to: S, SW
Recommended alarm radius: 60m

Anchor and take a stern line to one of the three restaurant pontoons. Free moorings with dinner. Holding can be poor in weed — confirm set. With an onshore southerly, waves make the pontoons uncomfortable; move to the western cove instead.

Zone 2: Western Cove

Depth: 5–10m
Bottom: sand
Holding: Good
Protected from: N, NE, E, S
Exposed to: W, SW
Recommended alarm radius: 75m

Better holding in sand at 5–10m. Preferred in southerly conditions when the main pontoon area becomes uncomfortable. More swinging room away from the restaurants.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Çökertme Bay is primarily sand and weed with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:

Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 2–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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.
Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand, not resting on weed.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Fortress (in weed). See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Çökertme Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.At typical 5m depth: 7:1 scope = 35m chain, swing radius ~48m. Recommend 65m to allow for wind oscillation and proximity to restaurant pontoons. Verify anchor set carefully — bottom weed can cause poor holding; 75m if using the western cove.

Popular all season but never overwhelmed. The authentic village atmosphere — a genuine working fishing community rather than a resort — makes it a favourite with experienced sailors. Stunning sunrises from the eastern shore.

Navigation Hazards

Holding poor in weed patches near the pontoons — snorkel to verify anchor is in sand, not sitting on weed
Southerly wind creates uncomfortable swell at the restaurant pontoons; relocate to western cove if southerly is forecast
Shallow entry near the pontoons — approach slowly and watch your depth sounder in the inner areas

Rules & Regulations

Permit: Not required
Anchoring fee: Free
Restrictions: Restaurant pontoon moorings are free but linked to dinner at the restaurant (minimum spend ₺500–800). Free anchoring in western cove with no obligation.

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 (6nm)
Restaurant: Three waterfront fish restaurants on the pontoons; dinner with fresh mezze and seafood. Water available from the restaurants.
Provisions: None on site — Bodrum Marina (6nm)

Skipper's Tips

Snorkel your anchor before leaving unattended — the weed patches look like sand from the surface but provide very poor holding
If taking a restaurant mooring, confirm the terms on approach; most require dinner at minimum
With any southerly in the forecast, opt for the western cove rather than the pontoon zone
Set your alarm before going below for dinner — even modest wind shifts cause significant movement in shallow water

Çökertme Bay Anchorage Guide

Quick Reference