Serçe Limanı Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Serçe Limanı 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 Serçe Limanı 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 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, Bruce. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Serçe Limanı are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 40m radius before going below for the night.40m with a long stern line ashore on the W side. True 360-degree shelter — one of the most protected anchorages on the entire Turkish coast. Set 30m if using an E-side restaurant mooring buoy.

Usable year-round as a bolt-hole — the protection is exceptional in any season. Summer May–October is when the restaurant is open. Winter visits require total self-sufficiency.

Navigation Hazards

• Invisible entrance: the narrow gap between the headlands cannot be seen from offshore — approach slowly using the chartplotter and look for the cliffs; it opens up only at close range
• Reef off W headland at entrance: extends ~10m — keep to the E (right-hand) side when entering
• Deep water (40m) at the entrance means anchoring there is impractical — proceed to the inner section
• Isolated location — no emergency services nearby; carry full medical and safety kit

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free (W side anchor + long line ashore)
• Mooring buoys: Available — Restaurant-operated buoys — informal dining expectation applies
• Restrictions: Reef off W headland at entrance extends ~10m — always favour the E side of the entrance passage. No anchoring directly at the entrance (very deep water, no holding).

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: Bozburun (Hisarönü region) (10nm)
• Restaurant: Single restaurant on E shore — excellent local fish; mooring buoys included with dinner
• Provisions: None on site — Bozburun (Hisarönü region) (10nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Approach from the SW, align with the cliffs, and trust your chartplotter — the entrance is nearly invisible from 0.5nm away
2. Once inside, keep right (E side) to clear the W headland reef
3. Signal the restaurant on VHF or wave as you enter — they will assist with mooring lines to the buoys
4. W side stern line: run the longest line you have to the rocks — 30–40m is not unusual
5. Ask the restaurant owner about the Byzantine shipwreck — the history of this anchorage is fascinating
6. Ideal departure: early morning heading W toward Datça or N toward Marmaris