Kaleköy Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Kaleköy 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 Kaleköy 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 3–8m, 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 35m radius before going below for the night.35m on a restaurant mooring buoy; 55m free-swinging east of the buoys. S/SE exposure is the main weather risk — the Kekova Island blocks SW swell but SE can enter. If SE winds are forecast, the buoy field (more westerly) is preferable to the open anchorage to the east.

April–October. July–August is extraordinarily busy — water taxis and day boats create constant movement. May, June, and September–October are calmer and more pleasant. The village is at its most magical in the early morning before the day boats arrive.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SE exposure — buoy field and anchorage open to south and southeast; uncomfortable in southerly weather
• Heavily visited by day-trip boats and water taxis from Üçağız and tour operators — arrive before 11:00 or after 16:00 for peace
• Rocky bottom under buoys — if your buoy line fails, anchor may drag on rock; always monitor overnight
• Shallow ledge close inshore — do not approach the beach in keelboats

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free (east of buoy field)
• Mooring buoys: Available — Restaurant-operated mooring buoys — fee applies (typically includes expectation of dining). Paid directly to the restaurant.
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: No vehicle access — everything arrives by boat. Archaeological site: Lycian sarcophagi in the water and on shore — do not disturb or touch ruins. Respect village residents and keep noise to a minimum after 22:00.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Üçağız village (2nm)
• Restaurant: Several restaurants on the waterfront — seafood, mezes, local cuisine. Dining on the mooring buoys is the norm.
• Provisions: None on site — Üçağız village (2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive early (before 10:00) or in the late afternoon to secure a buoy — the field fills fast in July and August
2. Walk up to the Simena castle for one of the finest views in the Mediterranean — the Kekova channel, island, and surrounding mountains are breathtaking
3. Lycian sarcophagi standing in the water at the village edge make for extraordinary snorkelling
4. Dinghy west to Kekova Roads for a quiet swim away from the day-boat crowds
5. Call the restaurant on VHF 16 when approaching — they can direct you to a buoy