Bördübet Körfezi Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Deeply enclosed inlet with 360-degree protection from surrounding pine-forested ridges. River delta at the head creates soft mud — excellent holding but keep 200m clear of the river mouth where silt banks form.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Bördübet Körfezi is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–15m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (105m chain at 15m 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, Bruce. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Bördübet Körfezi are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m in the main inner bay. All-round shelter means minimal swing. However, the meltemi-exit problem is critical: when the NW meltemi is blowing Force 4+, beating out of the inlet is extremely difficult — plan all departures for early morning before 10:00.

May–October. One of the most tranquil anchorages on the Turkish coast — very few sailors know about it. The combination of pine shade, freshwater river, and complete silence makes it a summer gem.

Navigation Hazards

• Meltemi exit trap: when NW meltemi is blowing Force 4–5+, the beat out of the inlet is extremely difficult; always plan departure before 10:00 while the wind is still light
• Silt banks at the head of the bay near the river delta — keep at least 200m from the river mouth
• Very limited provisions — bring everything you need before entering
• 27km by poor track from Marmaris; no emergency services nearby

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: Shallow silt banks near river delta — do not anchor within 200m of river mouth.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Marmaris (18nm)
• Restaurant: Small village restaurant with basic Turkish food and simple fish dishes
• Provisions: None on site — Marmaris (18nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Timing is everything: arrive in the late afternoon after the meltemi dies; depart early morning before it rebuilds
2. Swim at the river mouth where cool freshwater meets warm seawater — one of the best natural swimming spots on this coast
3. Pine forest offers shade even in August — bring hiking shoes for the undeveloped forest paths
4. Bördübet is the ultimate storm bolt-hole for the entire Marmaris/Hisarönü region — once inside, any wind is irrelevant
5. Self-sufficiency is essential — bring all provisions, water, and spares