Tuzla Koyu Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Tuzla Bay, Tuzla
Tuzla Koyu is one of the larger anchorages on the southern shore of the Gulf of Gokova — a wide bay nearly 2 nautical miles across with excellent mud holding at 7–9m. The main bay faces east with good protection from the north, east, and south, but is open to westerlies and the meltemi. Within the main bay, the Fener Koyu sub-inlet provides all-round shelter in 5–8m over mud. The village of Tuzla has a loyal following of Istanbul weekenders and retired sailors — restaurants serve fresh fish, and basic provisions are available in the village. The anchorage sits within the Gökova SEPA zone.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°59.0'N, 28°13.0'E (~approx)
Depth
7–9m
Bottom
mud
Holding
ExcellentProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S
Exposed To
W, NW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
At 8m depth: 7:1 scope = 56m chain, swing radius ~70m. Recommend 80m in the main bay. For Fener Koyu (all-round shelter), 65m is adequate.
Main Bay: 80m recommended — Large 2nm-wide bay with excellent mud holding at 7–9m.
Fener Koyu: 65m recommended — Inner sub-bay with all-round protection.
Anchoring Zones
Tuzla Koyu 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: Main Bay
- Depth: 7–9m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Excellent
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S
- Exposed to: W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 80m
Large 2nm-wide bay with excellent mud holding at 7–9m. Protected from north, east, and south. Open to W/NW meltemi — in strong conditions move to Fener Koyu sub-bay.
Zone 2: Fener Koyu
- Depth: 5–8m
- Bottom: mud
- Holding: Excellent
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 65m
Inner sub-bay with all-round protection. 4 sub-coves. Completely sheltered even in meltemi. Preferred overnight spot in strong NW conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Tuzla 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 7–9m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (63m chain at 9m 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 Tuzla Koyu are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and NW winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.At 8m depth: 7:1 scope = 56m chain, swing radius ~70m. Recommend 80m in the main bay. For Fener Koyu (all-round shelter), 65m is adequate.
A popular summer anchorage with excellent holding throughout. The smaller Fener Koyu offers complete shelter for boats wanting all-round protection. Village restaurants are a good reason to stay the night.
Navigation Hazards
- Main bay open to W/NW meltemi — if forecast above 20 knots, use Fener Koyu sub-bay
- Shallow entrance to Fener Koyu — check depth on approach with depth sounder
- SEPA zone — no discharging
- 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: Tuzla village (0.5nm)
- Restaurant: Waterfront fish restaurants in the main bay (season only). Fresh seafood served.
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- In meltemi conditions, move into Fener Koyu for complete shelter
- Tuzla village has better provisions than most Gokova anchorages
- Set alarm at 80m in the main bay; reduce to 65m in Fener Koyu
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 Tuzla 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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