Turgut (Akçabük) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

A narrow, deeply-indented fjord-like inlet enclosed by pine-forested hills on all sides — the most completely sheltered anchorage in the Hisarönü Gulf. Depths increase rapidly from the head: 5m at the very head, 10–20m along the main body. Mud throughout with outstanding holding. Three or four restaurant-pontoon operations are built directly against the rock walls — boats moor stern-to cliff, bows out to anchor. Thermal hot springs (sulfur, approx. 40°C) emerge from the cliff face at water level — a remarkable feature visible from the anchorage.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Turgut (Akçabük) 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, Spade, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.Turgut is fully enclosed — the alarm radius is set conservatively at 60m to account for stern-to mooring lines (boats often moor to the cliff with a line), swinging on the anchor if the stern line releases, and the restricted waterway width. Do not set more than 60m or you may swing into the opposite cliff wall at night.

Turgut is unique among Hisarönü anchorages in being genuinely all-weather — the surrounding hillsides block every wind direction completely. Safe to remain in November conditions that would make other anchorages uncomfortable. Restaurants open May–October. The thermal springs flow year-round and are most enjoyable in cooler months.

Navigation Hazards

• Narrow entrance — one vessel at a time; approach slowly and check for oncoming traffic
• Depths increase rapidly: you can find yourself in 20m very quickly — set scope appropriately
• Stern line to cliff essential if anchoring near restaurants; loose anchor + no stern line in this confined space means risk of swinging into the cliff
• Thermal spring outflow slightly raises water temperature near cliff face — bubbling visible, completely natural
• Dinghy traffic from anchored boats to restaurant pontoons — watch for dinghies crossing your stern line

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free (anchor/stern-to cliff); restaurants charge for use of their lines and cleats
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: Inlet is narrow — passage for a single vessel only between cliffs at the entrance; wait at entrance for oncoming traffic. Thermal spring outflow area at cliff face — do not anchor directly on springs. Restaurants expect customers if using their mooring lines; it is courtesy to have at least drinks aboard.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Marmaris (19nm)
• Restaurant: 3–4 cliff-face pontoon restaurants (seasonal). Thermal sulfur springs accessible from the rock ledge — most restaurants allow swimming. Water from restaurant hoses available.
• Provisions: None on site — Marmaris (19nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Approach the entrance slowly — it looks impassable until you are very close; the gap between the cliffs is wider than it appears from 100m
2. Stern-to the rock using a line ashore, not a restaurant pontoon, if you prefer not to commit to eating — but the courtesy purchase (beer, meze) is expected and fair
3. The thermal springs are accessed from a rock ledge — bring shoes; the rocks are slippery with sulphur deposits
4. Anchor with plenty of scope (5:1 minimum given the rapidly increasing depth) then use a stern line to hold off the cliff — this stops the boat yawing in light breezes
5. Arrive by 14:00 in July–August as the best positions (closest to the springs) fill quickly