Kargı Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Kargı Koyu
Kargı Bay is a pleasant mid-distance stop between Bodrum and the deeper Gokova anchorages. The main bay is shallow (4–6m) and faces northwest, with the headlands providing reasonable shelter from the dominant northerlies and easterlies. The catch is the bottom — sand over rock in patches, which requires attention to anchor placement. A beach restaurant and watersports facilities operate in season. Best used as a lunch stop or early-season overnight in calm conditions rather than a primary overnight berth.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°56.8'N, 27°20.2'E
Depth
4–6m
Bottom
sand, rock
Holding
Fair — verify anchor setProtected From
N, NE, E, SE
Exposed To
S, SW, W
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
At 5m depth: 7:1 scope = 35m chain, swing radius ~48m. Recommend 70m given the patchy holding — anchor drag risk is higher here than in sand-only bays, so extra buffer matters.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Holding is patchy — sand over rock in places. Snorkel to verify anchor is buried. Good protection from the north and northeast but exposed to southwesterlies. Beach restaurant and watersports facilities ashore.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Kargı Bay is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–6m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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 rock.
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 Kargı Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.At 5m depth: 7:1 scope = 35m chain, swing radius ~48m. Recommend 70m given the patchy holding — anchor drag risk is higher here than in sand-only bays, so extra buffer matters.
Best in shoulder season when the beach facilities are open but crowds are manageable. Exposed southwesterly position makes it unsuitable in unsettled weather.
Navigation Hazards
- Patchy holding over rock — always snorkel to verify anchor set
- Exposed to southwesterlies; avoid if SW wind is forecast
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: Bodrum Marina (8.5nm)
- Restaurant: Beach restaurant with watersports rental.
- Provisions: None on site — Bodrum Marina (8.5nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Snorkel your anchor after setting — this is non-negotiable here given the patchy rock bottom
- Don't commit to overnight if there's any southwest in the forecast
- Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends
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 Kargı Bay
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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