Küdür Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Ada Boğazı, Kudur Koyu
Küdür Bay is the hidden gem of the Bodrum anchorages — consistently clear water, reliable sand holding in 5–8m, and a maximum capacity of around 8–10 boats that keeps it quieter than its famous neighbours. The bay faces north, with good protection from the southerly quadrant winds. The critical navigation note: an uncharted rock lurks at 36°59.1'N, 27°17.2'E with only 2m of water over it. Mark this as a waypoint before entering and do not attempt the tempting-looking passage between the island and the mainland. Approach from east or northeast only. Reward the caution and you'll find yourself in an anchorage that many overlook in favour of the busier Orak Island just a couple of miles away.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°59.2'N, 27°17.5'E
Depth
5–8m
Bottom
sand
Holding
GoodProtected From
S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
N, NE, E
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
At 6m depth: 7:1 scope = 42m chain, swing radius ~55m. Recommend 80m. This is a quieter bay (typically 8–10 boats maximum) so less crowding risk, but the uncharted rock makes maintaining position awareness important.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Good sand holding at 5–8m with excellent all-round protection from southerly quadrant. CAUTION: Uncharted rock at approximately 36°59.1'N, 27°17.2'E covered by only 2m — mark on chartplotter and avoid. Do not attempt the passage between Küdür Island and the mainland.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Küdür Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m 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, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Küdür Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NE and E winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.At 6m depth: 7:1 scope = 42m chain, swing radius ~55m. Recommend 80m. This is a quieter bay (typically 8–10 boats maximum) so less crowding risk, but the uncharted rock makes maintaining position awareness important.
Never crowded — maximum 8–10 boats even in peak season. Crystal clear water year-round. Good option when Orak or Akvaryum are full.
Navigation Hazards
- CRITICAL: Uncharted rock at 36°59.1'N, 27°17.2'E with only 2m clearance — mark this waypoint on your chartplotter before entering
- Do NOT attempt the passage between Küdür Island and the mainland coastline — shoal water and rocks
- Approach only from the east or northeast
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 (8nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Bodrum Marina (8nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Bodrum Marina (8nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Mark the uncharted rock at 36°59.1'N, 27°17.2'E as a danger waypoint BEFORE entering
- Approach from east or northeast only — never attempt the island-mainland passage
- A genuinely quiet alternative to Orak Island for overnight stays; worth the extra 30 minutes of sailing
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 Küdür 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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