Yedi Adalar Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Seven Islands, Sehir Adaları
Yedi Adalar — the Seven Islands — is an archipelago of pine-clad islets scattered across the southern Gokova shore, each with its own anchorage and character. The main coves include Küfre Koyu (all-round shelter with a floating restaurant), Uzun Liman (quiet, good sand holding), Babuş Bükü, Bekar Liman, and Çamaltı. Together they offer a multi-day cruising destination: anchor in a different cove each night, snorkel the crystal water between the islands, and use the floating restaurant as a social hub. The islands sit within a protected zone, keeping development minimal — no roads reach any of the anchorages.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°55.0'N, 28°04.0'E (~approx)
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
GoodProtected 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; floating restaurant buoys ₺100–200
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
At 6m depth in Küfre Koyu: 7:1 scope = 42m chain, swing radius ~55m. Recommend 70m. Küfre provides all-round shelter — minimal movement. Other coves (Uzun Liman, Babuş Bükü) use 65m.
Küfre Koyu: 70m recommended — All-round shelter in 5–8m.
Uzun Liman: 65m recommended — Long narrow bay with good sand holding at 4–7m.
Anchoring Zones
Yedi Adalar 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: Küfre Koyu
- Depth: 5–8m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 70m
All-round shelter in 5–8m. Floating restaurant operates in season. Calm in almost all weather. Anchor and take a stern line to the restaurant buoy or shore.
Zone 2: Uzun Liman
- Depth: 4–7m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good
- Protected from: N, NW, W, SW, S
- Exposed to: E, NE
- Recommended alarm radius: 65m
Long narrow bay with good sand holding at 4–7m. Quiet alternative to Küfre Koyu. Exposed to east/northeast.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Yedi Adalar is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- 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).
- 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 Yedi Adalar are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.At 6m depth in Küfre Koyu: 7:1 scope = 42m chain, swing radius ~55m. Recommend 70m. Küfre provides all-round shelter — minimal movement. Other coves (Uzun Liman, Babuş Bükü) use 65m.
The seven islands and their surrounding coves offer some of the best swimming and snorkelling in Gokova. Never overcrowded — many coves remain quiet even in August. Excellent for a multi-day stay exploring different anchorages.
Navigation Hazards
- Multiple islands — chart awareness critical; do not cut between islands without verifying depth
- SEPA / national park zone — strict no-litter and no-discharge rules
- Floating restaurant lines can foul anchor chain — maintain clearance
- GPS coordinates approximate — verify with current Turkish charts before approach
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Free; floating restaurant buoys ₺100–200
- Mooring buoys: Available — fee may apply
- Restrictions: National park / SEPA zone — no discharging, no litter. Mooring buoys attached to the floating restaurant in Küfre.
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: Marmaris (22nm)
- Restaurant: Floating restaurant in Küfre Koyu (season only). Serves basic mezes and fish.
- Provisions: None on site — Marmaris (22nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Plan to spend two or three nights exploring multiple coves — each has a different character
- Küfre Koyu is the most sheltered and most social; Uzun Liman for solitude
- Chart the islands carefully before entering — shoal water exists between some of the islets
- Bring all provisions from Marmaris (22nm) — nothing available ashore except the floating restaurant
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 Yedi Adalar
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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