Didim Marina Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Altınkum Marina, Didim Yat Limanı, Altinkum Marina
Didim Marina (Altınkum) is the main commercial marina serving the Didim/Altınkum area, providing all-weather berths and full services for visiting yachts. Didim is famous for the ancient Oracle Temple of Apollo at Didyma (Didim), 5km inland — one of the best-preserved ancient temples in the world. The marina has fuel, repairs, chandlery, and good provisioning nearby. It serves as the base for exploring the Gulf of Gökova to the south and is a natural stop on the northbound/southbound passage along the Turkish coast.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
37°22.2'N 27°16.2'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Exposed To
None (all-weather)
Best Months
May, June, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free in approach anchorage. Marina berth fees apply.
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
25m in the marina berth (all-weather shelter). 55m if anchoring in the marina approach area. The marina provides complete shelter in all conditions. The approach anchorage is exposed to S/SW — use the marina if overnight weather is uncertain.
Didim Marina (full berths): 25m recommended — Full-service commercial marina with all-weather protection.
Marina approach anchorage: 55m recommended — Anchorage off the marina approach in 4–8m on sand and mud.
Anchoring Zones
Didim Marina 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: Didim Marina (full berths)
- Depth: 3–7m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Recommended alarm radius: 25m
Full-service commercial marina with all-weather protection. Floating pontoon berths with water, electricity, WiFi, and fuel. Repair facilities and chandlery on site. Reserve in advance July–August. VHF Channel 16 for berthing instructions.
Zone 2: Marina approach anchorage
- Depth: 4–8m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Good Holding
- Protected from: N, NE, NW
- Exposed to: S, SW
- Recommended alarm radius: 55m
Anchorage off the marina approach in 4–8m on sand and mud. Good holding in the NE corner. S/SW exposure — monitor weather. Useful if marina is full or you prefer free anchoring close to town.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Didim Marina 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 3–7m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (49m chain at 7m 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, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Didim Marina are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 25m radius before going below for the night.25m in the marina berth (all-weather shelter). 55m if anchoring in the marina approach area. The marina provides complete shelter in all conditions. The approach anchorage is exposed to S/SW — use the marina if overnight weather is uncertain.
May–October for marina services. July–August is busy with both local and international charter boats. May–June and September–October are more relaxed with better prices and availability.
Navigation Hazards
- S/SW exposure in the approach anchorage — the marina is a safer overnight option
- Marina approach channel: follow buoys carefully; silting can occur — check latest depths
- Heavy tourist boat traffic in Altınkum bay area July–August
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Free in approach anchorage. Marina berth fees apply.
- Maximum stay: 30 days
- Restrictions: Marina berth requires reservation July–August. VHF Ch 16 for berthing arrangements.
For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: Marina restaurant plus full range of Altınkum resort facilities within walking distance
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- The Oracle Temple at Didyma is 5km by road — a must-visit; one of the largest ancient temples ever built
- Didim Marina is the last fuel opportunity before the Gulf of Gökova — top up here
- Good provisioning options in Altınkum town — supermarkets, markets, chandlery
- VHF Ch 16 for marina berth allocation — call ahead if arriving in July–August
- Lake Bafa (ancient Latmos) is 45km north by road — an extraordinary inland sea worth a day trip
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 Didim Marina
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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