Cunda (Alibey Adası) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor northeast of the island in 5–10m on sand and mud. The causeway connecting Cunda to Ayvalık blocks the S approach. Protected from W/NW/SW by the island mass. Exposed to E/NE — the Poyraz direction. Anchor well clear of the island's own jetties and the causeway.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Cunda (Alibey Adası) 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 4–12m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (84m chain at 12m 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, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Cunda (Alibey Adası) are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E and NE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m northeast of the island. Protected well from the W/NW but exposed to the E/NE Poyraz. In spring when Poyraz runs 25–30+ knots, this anchorage can be uncomfortable — consider the more sheltered Ayvalık inner bay (slug: ayvalik-inner-bay) instead. In the calmer summer months it is an excellent overnight.

May–October. Summer July–August the island is very popular with Turkish domestic tourists — restaurants book up fast. May, June, and September are ideal. Poyraz can be strong in April–May.

Navigation Hazards

• E/NE Poyraz exposure — can build to 25–30 knots in spring; uncomfortable overnight when Poyraz is running
• Numerous shoals in the Ayvalık archipelago channels — use electronic charts; depths change around the islands
• Causeway bridge has limited clearance — do not attempt to pass under it with a mast

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Keep clear of the causeway approach and any gulet mooring areas on the S side. No anchoring under the causeway bridge span.

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: Cunda waterfront and Ayvalık market (0.5nm)
• Restaurant: Outstanding seafood restaurants along the Cunda waterfront — among the best in the region
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. The waterfront restaurants on Cunda are routinely rated among the best fish restaurants in Turkey — reserve a table on summer evenings
2. The Taxiarches church museum is well worth visiting — the frescoes and architecture are extraordinary
3. Walk the hilltop Greek ruins at sunset — spectacular views over the archipelago toward Lesbos
4. Combine Cunda with a morning visit to the Ayvalık fish market — an easy walk or short dinghy ride via the causeway