Selimiye Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Selimiye 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 Selimiye 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 8–20m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (140m chain at 20m 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, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 80m radius before going below for the night.In the main bay at 10m depth: 7:1 scope = 70m chain. 80m alarm radius recommended to account for wind shifts overnight and spacing from quay-moored boats. If on the quay with lazy lines, 50m is sufficient as the boat is constrained by the mooring.

Selimiye is the most consistently pleasant village anchorage in the Hisarönü gulf — a slightly longer season than the remote bays, with the restaurants open from April through November. May–June and September–October are the finest months. July–August is busy but manages well; gulets and charter yachts pack the quay while independent sailors anchor out in the bay.

Navigation Hazards

• Depths increase rapidly from the quay to 20m+ — use ample scope when anchoring in the outer bay
• Southwest swell occasionally enters the bay — if forecast shows SW overnight, take a quay berth with lazy lines rather than anchoring out
• Gulet wake during arrivals and departures (07:00–10:00, 16:00–19:00) — ensure anchor is firmly set
• Village street runs along the waterfront; dinghy dock is shared with local boats — leave space

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free (anchor); quay stern-to via restaurant arrangement, typically €5–10/night or meal purchase
• Maximum stay: 11 days

For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Several excellent waterfront restaurants on the quay. Known for fresh fish and the village's relaxed atmosphere. Selimiye's restaurants are consistently rated among the best in the Hisarönü gulf.
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Anchor in the outer bay (8–15m mud) and dinghy ashore rather than taking a quay berth — you get a better night's sleep away from the restaurant music, and the bay is quieter
2. The village bakery opens at 07:00 — dinghy ashore early for fresh simit and gözleme before the day heats up
3. Diesel is available by road tanker — ask at the quay-side restaurant the evening before; they will arrange it for the morning
4. The lighthouse hill walk (30 minutes up) offers the finest view of the entire Hisarönü gulf
5. Selimiye's restaurants offer fresh fish from the local fishermen — ask what was caught that morning rather than ordering from the menu