Anchoring Zones

Adaköy 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: W Anchorage (free swinging)

Depth: 8–14m
Bottom: sand, weed
Holding: Good Holding
Protected from: N, NE, NW
Exposed to: SW, S
Recommended alarm radius: 60m

Main free-swinging anchorage west of Adaköy Marina. Sand/weed bottom gives good holding in light to moderate conditions. Exposed to SW Lodos — monitor weather forecasts carefully at all times.

Zone 2: N shore of Nimara (Lodos refuge)

Depth: 6–12m
Bottom: sand
Holding: Good Holding
Protected from: N, NE, E, SW
Exposed to: NW, W
Recommended alarm radius: 50m

The northern shore of the Nimara Peninsula provides the best protection when Lodos (SW squalls) is threatening. Local captains regard this as the safest spot in Marmaris Bay in SW conditions.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Adaköy is primarily sand and weed with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 8–14m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (98m chain at 14m 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, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Adaköy are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m covers normal swing in the western free anchorage. Reduce to 50m on the N Nimara shore. If Lodos (SW squalls) is forecast, relocate immediately to the N Nimara shore or Marmaris Marina — Yalancı Boğaz can funnel squalls to 50+ knots with very little warning.

May–October. Best in May–June and September–October when Lodos risk is lower. July–August is manageable but monitor weather daily. November–April sees increased Lodos frequency.

Navigation Hazards

Yalancı Boğaz (Fake Strait) funnels SW Lodos squalls to 50+ knots with very little warning — have an escape plan at all times and monitor Marmaris Bay forecasts
Heavy ferry and water-taxi wash throughout the day (07:00–22:00 in peak season)
Posidonia seagrass patches on the bay floor — anchor in clear sand where possible
Crowded anchorage in July–August — boats on different cable lengths can swing into each other

Rules & Regulations

Permit: Not required
Anchoring fee: Free
Maximum stay: 11 days
Restrictions: No anchoring within 100m of swimming zones. Keep clear of Adaköy Marina approach channel and ferry routes.

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

Facilities

Fresh water: Available
Fuel: Not available — nearest: Adaköy Marina (0.3nm)
Restaurant: Multiple restaurants and cafes on the Nimara Peninsula and at Adaköy Marina
Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

Monitor weather continuously — if Lodos (SW) is forecast, relocate to the N shore of Nimara or Marmaris Marina before conditions deteriorate
The N side of Nimara is considered the most Lodos-protected spot in Marmaris Bay by local captains
Water taxi to Marmaris town takes 20–25 minutes and runs until midnight in season — ideal for an evening ashore
Adaköy Marina is the nearest full-service option if you need electricity, WiFi, or security overnight
Cennet Beach is accessible by dinghy — a popular first-day swim stop for Marmaris-based charters

Adaköy Anchorage Guide

Quick Reference