Mersincik Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Mersincik Koyu, Mersincik Cove
Mersincik sits on the north coast of the Datça Peninsula at the western entrance to the Gulf of Gokova — a stopping point for boats rounding the Bodrum-Knidos-Datça route. Two anchorages offer different exposure profiles: the narrow northwest cove with pine-covered slopes at 8–10m over sand, and the larger south bay at 10–17m with a small hamlet of farmhouses on the western shore. Neither provides all-round shelter — the NW cove is open to northerlies while the south bay is vulnerable to southerlies. In settled weather both are very attractive, surrounded by dense forest of pines and olive trees. Provision thoroughly before departure from Bodrum as the village is minimal.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°45.1'N, 27°28.6'E
Depth
8–17m
Bottom
sand
Holding
GoodProtected From
E, SE, S
Exposed To
N, NW, W
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
At 10m depth: 7:1 scope = 70m chain, swing radius ~83m. Recommend 80m in NW cove, 90m in main south bay. Deep anchorage — boats with limited chain should use the shallower NW cove.
Northwest Cove: 80m recommended — Narrow NW cove.
Main South Bay: 90m recommended — Larger south bay at 10–17m.
Anchoring Zones
Mersincik 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: Northwest Cove
- Depth: 8–10m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good
- Protected from: E, SE, S, SW
- Exposed to: N, NW, W
- Recommended alarm radius: 80m
Narrow NW cove. Popular with gulets. 8–10m sand. Best to take a stern line to a tree. Open to N and NW.
Zone 2: Main South Bay
- Depth: 10–17m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good
- Protected from: N, NE, E
- Exposed to: S, SW, W
- Recommended alarm radius: 90m
Larger south bay at 10–17m. Anchor and take a stern line to the west shore. Good holding but deep — ensure 90m+ chain. Small hamlet of farmhouses on the western shore. Breeze may cause swell in calm weather.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Mersincik 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 8–17m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (119m chain at 17m 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 Mersincik are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to N and NW and W winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.At 10m depth: 7:1 scope = 70m chain, swing radius ~83m. Recommend 80m in NW cove, 90m in main south bay. Deep anchorage — boats with limited chain should use the shallower NW cove.
Located at the western end of Gokova on the north Datça coast — a transition anchorage between the Bodrum area and the deeper Gokova circuit. Attracts sailors exploring the Knidos peninsula. Surrounded by dense forest and olive trees.
Navigation Hazards
- Deep south bay (10–17m) requires 90m+ chain for adequate scope at 7:1
- NW cove exposed to N/NW — avoid if northerly meltemi is forecast
- Main south bay exposed to S/SW — avoid if southerly forecast
- Swell may enter in calm conditions from passing vessels
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 (18nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Bodrum Marina (18nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Bodrum Marina (18nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Check forecast carefully — choose NW cove for protection from south, south bay for protection from north
- Deep south bay requires adequate chain — 90m minimum at 7:1 scope
- Take a stern line to the western shore to reduce swing
- Good waypoint for boats rounding Cape Knidos, approximately 2nm from the Knidos anchorage
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 Mersincik
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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