Sığacık Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Sigacik, Sıgacık Marina, Teos Marina
Sığacık is one of the finest small marinas on the northern Aegean Turkish coast — a fully enclosed harbour built inside a spectacular restored Ottoman castle dating to the 16th century. The marina offers all facilities including fuel, water, electricity, and WiFi, with a cluster of excellent restaurants and a Sunday farmer's market famous throughout the region. The marina is also the closest access point to the ancient Greek city of Teos, whose impressive ruins lie just 1.5km inland. A flotilla favourite, Sığacık books up fast in peak season — reserve well in advance.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°11.5'N 26°47.0'E
Depth
3–12m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
None (all-weather)
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free in outer bay; marina berthing fees apply
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
30m if secured in the marina — all-round protection. 65m if anchoring in the outer bay. The marina is the preferred choice here — it offers fuel, water, electricity, restaurants, and easy access to the ancient city of Teos. Reserve ahead for summer.
Marina berth: 30m recommended — Sığacık Marina is a fully enclosed marina inside the Ottoman-era castle walls.
Bay anchorage (outside marina): 65m recommended — Free anchorage in the outer bay south of the marina entrance.
Anchoring Zones
Sığacık 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.
Zone 1: Marina berth
- Depth: 3–5m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 30m
Sığacık Marina is a fully enclosed marina inside the Ottoman-era castle walls. Finger berths, electricity, water, fuel. One of the best-maintained small marinas in the northern Aegean. Reserve in advance for July–August.
Zone 2: Bay anchorage (outside marina)
- Depth: 5–12m
- Bottom: sand
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE
- Exposed to: W, SW
- Recommended alarm radius: 65m
Free anchorage in the outer bay south of the marina entrance. Sand bottom with good holding. Exposed to W/SW — use the marina in any unsettled conditions. Crowded with flotilla boats in peak season.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Sığacık is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–12m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m depth).
- 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.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- 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 Sığacık are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 30m radius before going below for the night.30m if secured in the marina — all-round protection. 65m if anchoring in the outer bay. The marina is the preferred choice here — it offers fuel, water, electricity, restaurants, and easy access to the ancient city of Teos. Reserve ahead for summer.
May–October. Summer July–August is very busy with flotillas and charter boats. May–June and September–October offer a calmer atmosphere. The Sunday market runs year-round and draws visitors from İzmir.
Navigation Hazards
- Outer bay exposed to W/SW — anchor only in settled conditions overnight; the marina is the safe choice
- Marina fully booked July–August — call ahead on VHF 16 or by phone before arrival
- Flotilla boat traffic in peak season — restricted manoeuvring space in the marina approach
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Free in outer bay; marina berthing fees apply
- Restrictions: Marina reservations required July–August. No anchoring in the marina approach channel. Respect restaurant pontoon areas.
For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: Multiple excellent restaurants and cafes within the castle walls and marina perimeter
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Reserve the marina by telephone or VHF 16 in advance for July and August — it fills completely
- The Sunday farmer's market in Sığacık village is famous for fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and local handicrafts
- Teos ancient city ruins are 1.5km by foot — wear sturdy shoes and go early before the heat builds
- Fuel is available on the marina fuel dock — fill up here before heading south toward Bodrum
- The castle walls at sunset are one of the most photogenic views on the entire Turkish coast
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Sığacık
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy the anchorage.
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