Okluk Koyu Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Okluk Bay, Okluk Cove
Okluk Koyu is the main service sub-cove within the Değirmen Bükü complex and the first choice for boats wanting facilities in this part of Gokova. All-round enclosed by forested hillsides, the anchorage sits in 7–12m of excellent-holding mud with two restaurant pontoons offering water, electricity, and the option of a stern-to mooring with dinner. Completely flat even when meltemi blows, it draws charter fleets from Marmaris and Bodrum — meaning peak season requires an early arrival. The mud holding is exceptional: once set, boats do not move. The trade-off is the characteristic black anchor and chain on retrieval.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°55.1'N, 28°10.2'E
Depth
7–12m
Bottom
mud
Holding
ExcellentProtected 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 (own anchor); restaurant pontoon ₺150–250
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
At 9m depth: 7:1 scope = 63m chain. Recommend 75m. All-round shelter means minimal movement, but the busy anchorage requires awareness of neighbouring boats.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
All-round enclosed anchorage with excellent mud holding at 7–12m. Two restaurants with floating pontoons. Water and electricity connections available. Laundry service available. Busy by midday in peak season.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Okluk Koyu is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 7–12m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m 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, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Okluk Koyu are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.At 9m depth: 7:1 scope = 63m chain. Recommend 75m. All-round shelter means minimal movement, but the busy anchorage requires awareness of neighbouring boats.
Very popular with charter boats and gulets in July–August. Shoulder season (May–June, September–October) offers a more peaceful experience with the same excellent shelter.
Navigation Hazards
- SEPA zone — no discharging
- Peak season sees 50+ boats; arrive before 15:00 to secure a position
- Mud bottom — chain and anchor will come up black; have deck brush ready
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Free (own anchor); restaurant pontoon ₺150–250
- Restrictions: SEPA zone — no discharging. Restaurant mooring includes dinner expectation.
For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Karacasöğüt (3nm)
- Restaurant: Two restaurants with floating pontoons. Water and electricity hookup available. Laundry service on request.
- Provisions: None on site — Karacasöğüt (3nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Arrive before 14:00 in July–August — the anchorage fills completely by late afternoon
- Take a restaurant mooring for the convenience of water and electricity hookup
- Mud bottom: anchor chain comes up black — have bucket and brush ready
- If full, move to the quieter Çanak sub-cove 500m to the southeast
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 Okluk Koyu
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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