Kumlubük Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Kumlubük 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.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Kumlubük 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 6–10m, 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, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Kumlubük are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m for free anchoring in the main bay. If on a yacht club mooring buoy, 30m is adequate. Watch the sky to the E/SE — easterly chop can build quickly in the open bay.

May–October; yacht club open April 1 to mid-November. Best May–June and September–October. Summer is active but the mountain backdrop provides afternoon shade.

Navigation Hazards

• 2m sandbank close to shore — approach from NW at low speed with eyes on depth sounder; do not approach the beach directly
• E/SE exposure — bay opens to E; easterly winds and chop can make the anchorage uncomfortable or untenable
• Day-trip gulets visit regularly 11:00–15:00 in high season
• Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) occasionally sighted — idle speed in shallow areas

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free in main bay; yacht club buoys are charged
• Mooring buoys: Available — Charged by Kumlubükü Yacht Club — includes power and water on the buoy
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: 2m sandbank near shore — approach from NW at slow speed watching depth sounder. Swimming zone buoys mark anchoring limit.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Turunc village (3nm)
• Restaurant: Kumlubükü Yacht Club restaurant (since 1981) — Turkish cuisine and sushi bar
• Provisions: None on site — Turunc village (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Approach from the NW at low speed — the 2m sandbank is the key hazard when entering
2. Climb to the ruins of ancient Amos (30 minutes uphill) for panoramic views of Marmaris Bay and the Bozburun Peninsula
3. The yacht club restaurant is one of the longest-running in the area — good traditional fish dishes and friendly staff
4. Snorkelling around the bay's rocky edges is excellent — clear water away from the sandy beach
5. If E winds are forecast, use a yacht club buoy for added security, or relocate to Turunc for better E shelter