Değirmen Bükü Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Sheltered forested cove with sand and mud bottom. Several gulet restaurants offer stern-to mooring lines from simple wooden jetties. Anchor in 5–8m and take a line ashore if dining. Space is limited — arrive early or after 16:00.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Değirmen Bükü 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 4–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m 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, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 50m radius before going below for the night.50m in the inner cove; reduce to 40m if you take a stern line ashore. The cove is small — anchoring space is limited. Avoid overnight if strong southerlies are forecast.

May–October. Best in May–June and September–October when day boats are fewer. July–August is manageable if you arrive early or late.

Navigation Hazards

• Small cove with limited swinging space — anchor-and-stern-line is the standard technique
• Day boats from Marmaris arrive 11:00–15:00 and fill the bay; plan your arrival for early morning or after 16:00
• Exposed to S/SE — avoid overnight in southerly weather

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: Restaurant jetty mooring for patrons only. Limited swinging space — Mediterranean anchor-and-stern-line technique recommended.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: İçmeler (2nm)
• Restaurant: 2–3 gulet restaurants with waterfront jetties; seafood and mezes
• Provisions: None on site — İçmeler (2nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrive after 16:00 when day boats depart — the cove transforms from busy to tranquil within an hour
2. Good intermediate stop between İçmeler and Turunc on a southbound passage
3. Smaller and more intimate than its neighbours — a favourite of repeat visitors who know this stretch
4. Pine forest paths behind the restaurants are good for a morning walk before the heat builds