Taşlıca Adaları Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage in the channel between the Taşlıca islands and the Bozburun Peninsula mainland. Sandy bottom between the rocky patches; holding is good where sand predominates but requires care to avoid rocky bottom. Clear turquoise water with excellent visibility — snorkelling around the island bases is exceptional. Protected from the Hisarönü's prevailing north winds but exposed to south.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Taşlıca Adaları is primarily sand and rock with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. 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).
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 Taşlıca Adaları are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.Sandy patches between rocks — snorkel to verify the anchor is in sand, not resting on rock. At 5m depth with sandy holding: 7:1 scope = 35m chain. 65m recommended to account for the anchor finding solid purchase and the potential for a southerly overnight. In good holding conditions, 50m is often adequate.

A beautiful day anchorage or short overnight stop, best used en route between Selimiye and Bozburun. The clear water and rocky island scenery are at their finest in May–June and September–October when visibility is exceptional. In July–August it is a popular lunchtime stop for gulets — arrive early for the best position. No facilities: bring all supplies.

Navigation Hazards

• Rocky bottom between sandy patches — snorkel to verify anchor in sand before leaving the boat
• Exposed to south and southeast — not suitable for overnight stay if southerly swell is running
• Clear water makes depth appear shallower than it is — check depth sounder carefully on approach
• Small rocks and shoals around the island perimeters — approach from the north in the main channel

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: Sandy patches only — avoid anchoring on rock or Posidonia seagrass visible through the clear water. Snorkel verification of anchor set is strongly recommended here.

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: Selimiye (2.5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Selimiye (2.5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Selimiye (2.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Snorkel before dropping the hook to identify the sandy patches between rocks — essential here
2. The eastern channel between the largest island and the Bozburun shore has the most consistent sandy bottom
3. Day-trip gulets use this bay as a lunchtime swimming stop — arrive by 10:30 or after 15:00 for the best position
4. Bring all water, food, and provisions — there is nothing ashore
5. The rocks on the eastern island's south face provide exceptional snorkelling with large grouper and octopus