Turkey Sailing Guide 2025
- to Boat Life
- Jun 8
- 9 min read
Planning a Boating Holiday in Turkey in 2025?
This guide offers up-to-date information and suggestions for sailors and yacht holiday enthusiasts. In 2025, we will cover details such as the new marina and mooring rules that come into force, anchoring distances to be considered and coast guard practices. We will also take a look at the hidden bays recommended by local captains, prices in the new season and must-see routes. A comprehensive and practical guide for anyone planning a holiday by boat along the Turkish coast awaits you.
2025 Turkey Boat Mooring and Anchoring Rules
With the new maritime regulations that entered into force in Turkey as of 2025, some mooring and anchoring rules have been amended. Especially in the summer season, it is necessary to pay attention to these new rules, which are implemented both to regulate maritime traffic and to increase safety:
Anchoring Distances: Anchoring closer than 100 metres to swimming areas is prohibited. Especially in virgin bays, although the areas where the public swim are not official beaches, this distance should be observed in heavily used areas.
Shore Mooring: The traditional longline mooring method is still allowed, but according to the new rule, boats moored to the shore must be at most 40 metres from the shore. It is now forbidden to go too far into the bay and moor to the shore with long lines. In addition, the ropes must not obstruct the manoeuvres of other boats.
Speed Limits: Speed limits for speedboats and jetskis are strictly controlled at the entrances of the bay and near the swimming areas. Cruising at 5 knots and below is mandatory.
With these new regulations, security and comfort in bays and marinas will increase, while boats will be positioned more regularly and swimming areas will be protected. Especially in popular areas such as Göcek, Marmaris and Kekova, inspections will become more frequent. It is useful to check the Coast Guard and harbour master announcements before making your mooring plan.
Cleopatra Hamam Bay (Gocek)
📍 Check it on the map [ N36°38.458' E28°51.305' ]
Cleopatra Hamam Bay, one of the most iconic bays of the Gulf of Göcek, is a unique anchorage point that stands out with its nature and history. It is a Mediterranean classic with its turquoise coloured, crystal clear water and a view surrounded by pine forests.
Holding:
The bottom is predominantly sand and in some places seagrass. It is quite suitable for anchoring at a depth of 6-12 metres. When you catch the sand area, your anchor will hold firmly.
Protection:
The bay is quite sheltered against north and west winds. Especially when you anchor close to the west side, it is also safe against the light breeze that starts after sunset. In strong southerly weather, the bay can get waves from time to time, so it should not be preferred in such conditions.
Anchoring Tips:
Longline anchoring is still common in Göcek and Cleopatra Hamam Bay is ideal for this. You can drop your anchor 8-10 metres in the middle and throw a longline to the strong pine trees or rock connections on the shore. During the summer season, especially in the afternoons, day boats and charter yachts fill the bay. So it is advisable to anchor early in the morning to get a good spot. In the evening, most of the day boats leave and a calmer environment is created for the night.
Extra Info:
Just on the shore of the bay, there is the ruins of an ancient bath submerged in the water. According to the rumour, Cleopatra is said to have bathed here. You can see these ruins by snorkelling and go to the tiny beaches on the east side of the bay. There are no shops or restaurants, but mobile market boats departing from Göcek sell fresh bread, fruit and ice from time to time.
Fees:
As of the 2025 season, there is no official fee for entry or mooring in the bay. However, there may be paid vaults in the parts connected to some private businesses.
Notes:
With the new regulation in Göcek region, it is forbidden to tie a longline more than 100 metres from swimming areas and maximum 40 metres from the shore. It is important to keep this distance while dropping your anchor and mooring to the shore.
Bozukkale Bay (Marmaris)
📍 Check it on the map [ N36°34.106' E28°01.137' ]
Bozukkale Bay, located on the southern part of the Bozburun peninsula, southwest of Marmaris, is one of the hidden paradises of the Mediterranean with its historical ruins, crystal clear water and sheltered structure even in windy weather.. It takes its name from the fact that the ancient castle walls on the shore are missing (broken). It is a favourite spot for history, nature and sea lovers.
Holding:
The inside of the bay is mostly a mixture of sand and stones. It is possible to anchor at a depth of 6-15 metres. The grip is strong in sandy areas, but care should be taken in stony areas. Make sure your anchor has a good grip.
Protection:
Bozukkale is extremely sheltered against south and west winds. Although winds blowing from the east can be felt offshore, they do not reach much into the bay. In summer, the typical Mediterranean breeze (west) comes in the afternoon, but the eastern side of the bay remains completely calm.
Anchoring Tips:
It is standard practice here to drop your anchor between 8-12 metres and longline to shore. There are rock anchor points and trees in the area close to the castle walls. Since it is quite popular in the summer season, it is recommended to enter the bay before noon to find a place. It is especially famous for its view after sunset. Watching the sunset from the top of the castle is a ritual for those who come down to the shore from the boat.
Extra Info:
There are three small restaurants in the bay: Ali Baba, Sailor's House and Loryma. All of them offer pier facilities. In the evenings, tables are set up on the piers and you can enjoy a candlelit dinner on the sea. It is also very suitable for diving, snorkelling and paddleboarding. If you want to connect to a small pier or shore in the bay, it is better to contact in advance.
Fees:
If you moor with your own anchor and longline, there is no charge. However, if you use the piers of the restaurants, a meal reservation is required and the vault fees vary between 500-700 TL per person (for summer 2025).
Note
In the 2025 season, the mooring rules in Turkey tightened. In Bozukkale, it is necessary to anchor 100 metres from the swimming areas and maximum 40-50 metres from the shore and moor to the shore. In restaurant piers, the vault system is used, anchoring with its own anchor is not allowed.
Bozukkale | Marmaris
Dirsek Bükü Bay (Bozburun)
📍 Check it on the map [ N36°41.125' E27°58.855' ]
Dirsek Bükü, one of the most well-known and popular bays of Hisarönü Bay, is an isolated and quiet bay in the middle of nature, accessible only by sea. With its deep blue, clear water and quiet atmosphere where the stars are reflected in the sea at night, it is a favourite especially for overnight yachtsmen.
Holding:
The bottom is a mixture of sand and gravel. Anchor holding is very good at a depth of 6-12 metres. The water is like glass even in shallow areas. Diving with mask and flippers to check your anchor is a pleasant ritual here.
Protection:
The bay is completely closed to north and west winds. South winds rarely affect it. In summer, the breeze increases in the evening, but the bay remains like a sheet.
Anchoring Tips:
The most ideal anchoring technique in Elbow Bend: Dropping your anchor at a depth of 7-10 metres and throwing a long mooring to the shore. Especially along the west wall of the bay, you can tie to rocks or trees. Day boats are busy during the daytime, so after sunset in the evening, both the bay empties and the water takes on a completely different beauty.
Additional Information:
There is only one restaurant in the bay: Dirsekbuku Restaurant. It is possible to connect from the pier with a vault. It is very famous for its fish, calamari and appetisers. The tradition of eating under the stars in the evening and lighting a fire on the shore continues.
Fees:
Anchoring with your own anchor and mooring to the shore is free. If you use the restaurant pier, there is a dinner reservation and a 500-750 TL vault fee per person (current price in summer 2025). Those who only want to buy drinks are also asked for a vault fee.
Note
In the 2025 season, coastal long mooring rules have been clarified in Turkey. In Dirsek Bükü, long mooring can be done by anchoring at a maximum distance of 50 metres from the shore. It is forbidden to leave the anchor in the water at the vaulted piers.
Dirsekbükü | Bozburun
Bencik Bay (Hisaronu Gulf)
📍 Check it on the map [ N36°46.722' E28°02.420' ]
Bencik Bay, in the innermost part of Hisarönü Bay, is famous for its narrow passage resembling a river mouth. At the entrance of the bay, the two sides come very close to each other, and in the past there was even the idea of opening a canal here. As you go inland, it's like an expanding natural pool - surrounded by pine forests and the sea is like glass in the morning.
Holding:
The bottom is usually a mixture of sand and seagrass. The anchor holds well at depths between 5-10 metres. Be careful to choose a sandy bottom away from seagrass areas.
Protection:
Completely closed to north and west winds. South and south-easterly breezes may cause slight fluctuations but it is quite stable inside the bay. Not affected by summer breeze.
Anchoring Tips:
There is a very large anchorage area. You can drop your anchor at 6-8 metres and throw a long mooring to the shore. On the east side of the bay, you can tie to the rocks and trees. Especially in the evening, it is wonderful to watch the famous purple sunset of Hisarönü here.
Extra Information:
There are no restaurants or facilities in the bay. It is completely alone with nature. It is ideal for those who like camping on the boat and those who like to swim at night under the starry sky. Fishermen can sell fresh fish in the morning.
Fees:
Anchoring with your own anchor and long mooring is completely free of charge.
Note
According to the 2025 season Turkish coastal regulations, the maximum distance of throwing moorings to the shore is limited to 50 metres. This distance is easily achieved in Bencik Bay. It is a very safe overnight spot that complies with the new rules.
Bencik Bay | Hisaronu
Gokkaya Bay (Kekova)
📍 Check it on the map [ N36°12.680' E29°53.470' ]
Gökkaya Bay is one of the most popular and largest bays in the Kekova region. Surrounded by natural rock formations, it is a mooring point famous for its indented and protruding shore and night boat parties. It is one of the frequented places especially for gulets doing Kekova Tour. It is perfect for those who want both quiet bay corners and a lively night route.
Holding:
The bottom structure is generally sand and seagrass. The anchor holds very well at a depth of 6-12 metres. There are large sandy areas especially on the west side, where your anchor grips well.
Protection:
Protected against southerly and easterly winds. The inland parts of the bay provide sufficient shelter to the westerly breezes. Generally calm in summer.
Anchoring Tips:
It is advisable to drop your anchor at 6-10 metres and preferably take a mooring ashore. There are a few small restaurant piers in the bay - it is also possible to tie up in front of the restaurant if you can reserve a place. Especially the night bar known as Smugglers Inn makes the nights in the bay very lively.
Extra Info:
Gökkaya Bay is famous for its ancient ruins and underwater caves. You can explore the caves by pedalo or paddleboard during the day and watch the magnificent Kekova sunset in the evening.
Fees:
Restaurant jetties are chargeable in season (usually with catering), while the free mooring areas of the bay are free of charge. According to 2025 regulations, the maximum mooring distance of 50 metres should be observed.
Note
New Turkish coastal safety regulations prohibit anchoring within 100 metres of swimming areas. Gökkaya's popular swimming spots and jetties are signposted during peak season - keep an eye out.
Gökkaya | Kekova
One Last Note: It’s Time for Your Blue Voyage!
Now is the perfect moment to discover the most unspoiled coves of Turkey’s Turkish Riviera, where turquoise waters hide within pine forests and you can watch the sunset in complete peace, surrounded only by the sea. Every cove has its own story, every anchorage its own ritual. From the ancient ruins of Cleopatra Bath in Göcek, to the historic walls of Bozukkale, the starry nights at Dirsek Bükü, and the calm, serene waters of Kekova Gökkaya, they’re all waiting for you.
Don’t forget to follow our Instagram account @toboatlife for more blue voyage routes, hidden bays, and real stories from the sea!
And if you’re dreaming of planning your own sailing holiday this summer — to drop anchor at these coves and watch the sunset over the water — get in touch with us or check out our ready-made routes and charter packages
