Bozukkale (Loryma) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

One of the most completely enclosed natural harbours in the eastern Aegean — an ancient port that has sheltered ships since the Bronze Age. The entrance is narrow but deep (10m+); once inside, 360-degree protection from all weather. Ruins of the ancient Loryma fortress (4th century BC) crown the headland above. Sand and mud bottom with generally good holding; rocky patches near the cliff base — snorkel to verify set if anchoring near the walls. One or two seasonal restaurants at the head of the bay.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Bozukkale (Loryma) 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 5–12m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m 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, Spade, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Bozukkale (Loryma) are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.The bay is completely enclosed — set 70m as a precautionary radius for the tight swing room inside the harbour, not because conditions require it. The anchor is unlikely to drag in any wind here. Rocky patches near the cliff base — snorkel to verify the anchor is in sand, not resting on stone.

Bozukkale lies outside the main Hisarönü gulf — it requires rounding the southern tip of the Bozburun Peninsula from Bozburun (8nm of open sea). This passage is exposed to Aegean swell and Meltemi — plan carefully and check the forecast. Once inside, the anchorage is one of the most serene and historically significant in all of Turkey.

Navigation Hazards

• Approach requires rounding the Bozburun Peninsula tip — 8nm of open Aegean, exposed to Meltemi in July–August; check forecast before departing Bozburun
• Entrance channel appears blocked until the last moment — approach on 010° magnetic from the south; the gap opens up close-to
• Rocky patches near the ancient fortress walls on the eastern side of the bay — approach the wall area only under oars/engine at idle speed
• Archaeological site: anchor well away from the visible stone quay ruins on the west side
• No shelter from the open sea approach — if conditions outside are deteriorating, abort and return to Bozburun

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: Archaeological protected site — do not touch, remove, or disturb any stone, pottery, or structural remains. Walking up to the fortress is permitted; the ruins are unexcavated and largely intact.

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: Bozburun (8nm)
• Restaurant: 1–2 seasonal restaurants at the bay head (open May–October)
• Provisions: None on site — Bozburun (8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. The walk up to the Loryma fortress (45 minutes) is mandatory — the walls and towers are remarkably intact and the views over the Aegean and Hisarönü gulf are exceptional
2. Approach from the south on 010° magnetic — the entrance appears closed until you are almost upon it; commit to the approach confidently once you are aligned
3. Depart early morning (06:00–08:00) to round the peninsula before the Meltemi builds; the afternoon return passage can be rough
4. This is the southernmost practical anchorage on the Hisarönü circuit; from here it is open-sea passage to Datça or back north to Marmaris
5. Snorkel the ancient stone quay on the west side of the bay — the stone blocks and mooring rings used by ancient triremes are visible in 2–4m