Dirsekbükü Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

A quiet, pine-forested inlet with reliable deep-mud holding and strong protection from the prevailing northeast and southerly winds. The 'elbow' shape (dirsek = elbow in Turkish) of the bay provides natural shelter. One or two seasonal restaurants operate from the shore. Significantly less busy than the adjacent Keçi Bükü — preferred by sailors seeking a quieter alternative.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Dirsekbükü is primarily mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–15m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (105m chain at 15m 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, Delta, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Dirsekbükü are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to W and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 75m radius before going below for the night.At 8m depth: 7:1 scope = 56m chain. 75m recommended for adequate swing in the bay while maintaining distance from other anchored boats. If a westerly fills in overnight (unusual but possible in shoulder seasons), the bay becomes exposed on that side — set a tighter alarm if forecast shows W/SW.

An excellent alternative to the crowded Keçi Bükü just 2nm west. May–June and September–October bring settled conditions and manageable numbers. In peak July–August it remains noticeably quieter than neighbouring bays. The pine forest provides shade to the anchorage in afternoon heat.

Navigation Hazards

• Bay entrance has shallowing on the south side — approach on the centreline
• Westerly afternoon breeze can reach F3 in the bay — unusual but worth monitoring
• Pine tree branches overhang the shoreline — do not take stern lines to trees (illegal in Turkish protected zones)

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 11 days

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 (13nm)
• Restaurant: 1–2 seasonal restaurants (open May–October, varies by year)
• Provisions: None on site — Marmaris (13nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. A perfect stop if Keçi Bükü (Orhaniye) is overcrowded — similar shelter, far fewer boats
2. Arrive from the east, keeping to the centre of the entrance to avoid the shallows on the south side
3. Bring your own provisions — the restaurants here are not always open; do not rely on them
4. The forest path along the north shore leads to a viewpoint over the entire gulf — worth the 30-minute walk