Patrica Adası Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Isolated sandy bay on the eastern side of Patrica Adası. Clean sand throughout with reliable holding. Protected from the NW by the island mass. Exposed to E/SE — check forecast before overnight. Very few other boats in season.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Patrica Adası 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 4–10m, 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, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m in the island bay. One of the quietest anchorages in the Ayvalık archipelago — rarely visited by charter boats. The NW/W protection is good for meltemi; the E/SE exposure is the overnight risk. In a settled NW summer meltemi pattern this is an excellent secluded overnight. Navigate the approach carefully — shoals exist around all the Ayvalık islands.

May–September. Best in July–August when the dominant meltemi is from the NW and the bay is calm. Spring Poyraz (NE) reduces the protection. A true escape anchorage for experienced crews who know the archipelago.

Navigation Hazards

• Shoals throughout the approach channels — use electronic charts and proceed at low speed
• E/SE exposure — bay opens east; check forecast for any easterly swell before committing overnight
• No facilities whatsoever — complete self-sufficiency required
• Remote national park location — no shore assistance available

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Ayvalık Archipelago islands — national park area. No collection of marine organisms or archaeological items. Navigate the approach at slow speed with electronic charts.

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: Ayvalık town market (5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Ayvalık town market (5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Ayvalık town market (5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Navigate the inter-island channels at slow speed in the morning when sea conditions are flattest
2. Carry all provisions from Ayvalık or Cunda before heading into the outer archipelago
3. Excellent snorkelling around the rocky edges of the island — crystal clear water away from the sandy bay
4. If E/SE forecast arrives, retreat to the sheltered Ayvalık inner bay (slug: ayvalik-inner-bay) which offers all-round protection