Orak Island Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Orak Island 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.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Orak Island is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–8m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (56m chain at 8m depth).
2. 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.
3. Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
4. 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, Bruce. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Orak Island are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to NW and N winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before going below for the night.At typical 6m depth: 7:1 scope = 42m chain, giving a swing radius of ~55m. We recommend 90m to account for the afternoon NW meltemi shifting your position by 20–30m, plus spacing from neighbouring boats. If anchoring in the quieter NW bight, 70m is sufficient.

May–June and September–October offer the best combination of settled weather and manageable crowds. July–August is peak charter season — arrive before 09:30 to secure a berth before the day-boat flotillas arrive from Bodrum. Day boats depart by 17:00, leaving the anchorage beautifully quiet for the night.

Navigation Hazards

• Submerged rocks on western shore — approach from east or north only; do not attempt to pass between Orak Island and the mainland coastline to the west
• Afternoon NW meltemi builds predictably after 14:00 in July–August; ensure anchor is firmly set before the wind fills in
• Heavy day-boat and gulet traffic from 10:00–17:00 — watch for wash and boats swinging at anchor as new arrivals squeeze in
• Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle) nesting habitat near the rocky southern tip — do not anchor over rocky areas in this zone
• Holding can be patchy where sand gives way to mud or rock; reverse to full load to confirm set before leaving unattended

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: Maximum 11-day stay limit applies across Turkish anchorages during peak season. No anchoring on the rocky western shore. Avoid anchoring on Posidonia or seagrass patches visible from the surface.

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 (4.5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Bodrum Marina (4.5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Bodrum Marina (4.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive before 09:30 in July and August — by 10:30 the main bay fills with day-charter gulets that depart by 17:00, leaving the anchorage far quieter for overnight boats
2. Use the NW bight if afternoon westerlies are forecast and you prefer a more sheltered overnight position with fewer neighbours
3. Snorkel your anchor after setting in the main bay — the bottom transitions from clean sand to mixed mud and rock in places; confirm the anchor is buried in sand
4. Set your alarm radius to 90m in the main bay; reduce to 70m if you are in the more sheltered NW bight with fewer boats around you
5. Do not anchor on the western shore — submerged rocks extend further than the surface suggests; approach from the east only
6. Bring your own water, food, and fuel — Bodrum marina is 45–60 minutes away; Çökertme Bay (6nm east) has waterfront restaurants if you need a meal stop