Karacasöğüt Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Deep, all-round sheltered natural harbour. 12–14m over excellent-holding mud. Full shore facilities. Gökova SEPA marine protected area — no discharging, no washing up or grey water overboard.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 12–14m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (98m chain at 14m 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, CQR, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.At 13m depth: 7:1 scope = 91m chain — set alarm at 70m to account for swinging in the sheltered harbour. All-round protection means minimal boat movement, but the deep depth requires adequate chain.

One of the few year-round anchorages in Gokova — used as a winter layover port by many blue-water cruisers. The all-round shelter and full facilities make it a resupply hub. Busy in summer but well-managed.

Navigation Hazards

• SEPA zone: no discharging into the water — use holding tanks
• Depths of 12–14m require long chain for proper scope; ensure 90m+ of chain before entering
• Popular with gulets in peak season; arrival by 15:00 recommended

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Gökova SEPA (Special Environmental Protection Area) regulations: no discharging of bilge water, grey water, or rubbish into the sea. No anchoring on seagrass beds.

For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Waterfront restaurant with fresh fish. Full marina-style facilities at the pontoons.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. If you need fuel, water, and provisions in one stop on the Gokova circuit, this is it
2. Carry long chain — 12–14m depth requires 90m+ at 7:1 scope; short-chain boats will need stern lines to shore
3. SEPA zone: keep bilge pumps off, use holding tanks, no soap in the water
4. Arrive before 15:00 in July–August to secure a pontoon berth