İçmeler Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in the NE corner for the best protection from W/SW swell. Clean sand throughout the bay. Keep well clear of the swimming zone buoys that line the beach to the south.

Setting Your Anchor

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

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 8–15m, 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, Delta, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 70m radius before going below for the night.70m in the main NE anchorage. Plenty of space in the bay, but the swimming zones limit where you can anchor. Set early (before 15:00) in summer to secure a good position. Shares Marmaris Bay's SW Lodos vulnerability.

May–October. July–August is very crowded and noisy; May, June, and September–October are significantly calmer and more enjoyable.

Navigation Hazards

• SW Lodos squalls share Marmaris Bay's exposure vulnerability — can make the bay untenable
• Heavy tour-boat and water-taxi wash from 10:00–16:00 daily in July–August
• Swimming zones restrict available anchoring area — check buoy positions before anchoring
• Night noise from resort bars and clubs in July–August

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: No anchoring within 100m of designated swimming zones (marked by yellow buoys along the beach).

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Not available on site
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: İçmeler village (0.3nm)
• Restaurant: Full resort amenities — many restaurants, cafes, and bars of all cuisines
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Better used as a lunch/swim stop rather than a peaceful overnight — the resort environment is lively
2. The Wednesday local market in the village is an excellent stop for fresh produce
3. Dolmuş (minibus) to Marmaris runs frequently — useful for provisioning without moving the boat
4. For a quieter overnight, continue south to Değirmen Bükü, Turunc, or Kumlubük
5. NE corner is the best overnight position — most protected from the W/SW and furthest from the ferry lanes