Söğüt Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

A beautifully sheltered bay in front of the tiny village of Söğüt — the deepest anchorage on the southern shore of the eastern Hisarönü gulf. Outstanding mud holding throughout 5–18m. Protected from almost all directions by surrounding hills except the southern opening. The bay is long and narrow, allowing adequate swinging room. Waterfront restaurant and a small market at the village.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Söğüt 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 5–18m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (126m chain at 18m 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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Söğüt are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.Excellent mud holding means the anchor bites reliably; 70m radius is conservative at typical anchoring depths of 8–12m. The bay opening faces south — set a tighter alarm (50m) if forecast shows southerly swell overnight, as this can cause uncomfortable rolling.

Söğüt is one of the most tranquil overnight anchorages in the eastern Hisarönü gulf — rarely crowded even in peak season due to its distance from Marmaris charter bases. A perfect lunch or overnight stop between Turgut and Kadırga. Fresh fruit and vegetables sometimes available from the village.

Navigation Hazards

• Bay opens to the south — southerly swell can enter and cause uncomfortable rolling at anchor; rare in summer but worth watching in May and October
• Depth increases quickly from the head of the bay — anchor at 8–12m in the inner portion for best shelter
• Small boat fishing nets may be laid near the village pier — approach and anchor away from the pier area

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: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Söğüt village (0nm)
• Restaurant: One village restaurant (seasonal) and a small market with basics
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. A perfect middle night on a Hisarönü loop: Marmaris → Turgut → Söğüt → Kadırga → Bozburun → Selimiye → Keçi Bükü → Marmaris
2. Anchor in the inner bay at 8–10m for the best protection from south swell
3. The village path leads up through olive groves to a ridge with views of both the Hisarönü and the outer Aegean
4. Small market has fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and occasional fresh bread — stock up here if provisioning between Turgut and Bozburun