Kaş Harbour Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Kaş Harbour 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 Kaş Harbour is primarily rock and sand with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–18m, 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. Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in rock, not resting on sand.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Kaş Harbour are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 50m radius before going below for the night.50m in the off-quay anchorage; 40m stern-to at the quay. Rocky bottom requires careful setting. SW exposure means Kaş Harbour is not a comfortable overnight if any south or southwest is in the forecast — move to Kekova Roads or Gökkaya Bay for real protection.

April–November. Best April–June and September–November. July–August is very busy with charter traffic and the anchorage fills early. Winter (December–March) sees increased SW Lodos risk — not recommended.

Navigation Hazards

• Rocky bottom — anchor holding is unreliable; always snorkel to verify if staying overnight
• SW/S exposure — Lodos (SW storm) or southerly swell makes the anchorage untenable; depart early
• Coast guard DEKPA checks are frequent — ensure all documentation is current before arriving
• Ferry and water-taxi traffic creates wash throughout the day
• Shoal extends east from the harbour breakwater — approach from W, give the breakwater end 100m clearance

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free (off-quay). Quay: harbour dues apply.
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: DEKPA transit log required and regularly checked by coast guard. No anchoring in the commercial ferry lane or within 50m of the quay face. Lycian rock tomb area: no dinghy landing on cliff face.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Full range of restaurants, cafes, and bars in Kaş town — excellent provisioning
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Kaş is best used as a provisioning stop, not an overnight anchorage — the rocky bottom and SW exposure make it less than ideal for sleeping
2. For a comfortable overnight, continue 5nm E to Kekova Roads or Üçağız
3. The Lycian rock tomb above the town is spectacular at sunset — row the dinghy in and walk up
4. Friday market in Kaş town: excellent fresh produce, olives, and local honey
5. Greek island of Kastellorizo (Meis) is 3nm SW — day trip possible but requires Türkgücü border clearance
6. Fuel dock is on the main quay — call harbour master on VHF 16 for availability