Küçük Çatı Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Kucuk Cati, Small Çatı
Küçük Çatı (Small Çatı) is the quieter, slightly larger sibling of Büyük Çatı, lying one bay to the east on the southern Gokova shore. The sheltered western bight offers 5–6m over sand and mud with complete all-round protection — a quality anchor spot in a completely wild setting. The cove holds perhaps 4–6 boats before becoming crowded, which happens rarely. No facilities, no restaurant, no road access: Küçük Çatı is for sailors who want the Gokova experience without the crowds.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°51.0'N, 28°05.0'E (~approx)
Depth
5–6m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
GoodProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
None (all-weather)
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
At 5.5m depth: 7:1 scope = 38m chain. Recommend 60m. All-round shelter and limited boat numbers means a tight alarm is appropriate.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
All-round sheltered bight at 5–6m. Popular with boats seeking quiet. Limited capacity — typically 4–6 boats maximum. Stern line ashore recommended.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Küçük Çatı is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–6m, 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.
- 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 Küçük 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 5.5m depth: 7:1 scope = 38m chain. Recommend 60m. All-round shelter and limited boat numbers means a tight alarm is appropriate.
Quiet and off the main charter routes. Suitable for all seasons with excellent all-round shelter. Never more than a handful of boats.
Navigation Hazards
- Very limited swinging room — stern line to shore essential
- 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: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Marmaris (19nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Marmaris (19nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Marmaris (19nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Combine with Büyük Çatı (1nm west) for a quiet two-night section of the Gokova circuit
- Arrive fully provisioned — nothing available ashore
- Use a stern line to shore to reduce swing in the limited space
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 Küçük Çatı
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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