Gerence Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Gerence Körfezi, Gerence Koyu, Körfez Gerence
Gerence Bay is a large, well-protected natural bay on the inner (east) side of the Karaburun Peninsula, offering some of the finest anchorage conditions on this stretch of coast. The bay is wide, deep enough for most boats, and has excellent holding on sand and mud throughout. Surrounded by hills on three sides, it provides reliable shelter from the dominant NW meltemi. A northern arm offers even better all-round protection for those who want the quietest possible anchorage. The area is undeveloped and largely unspoiled — a genuine find for sailors willing to make the passage.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
38°28.0'N 26°35.0'E
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Excellent HoldingProtected From
N, NW, W, SW, S
Exposed To
E
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m in the main inner bay; reduce to 50m in the northern arm. This is one of the finest large protected anchorages on the northern Turkish Aegean — excellent holding, multiple zones, and protection from nearly every direction. E exposure is the only limitation and easterlies are uncommon in summer.
Inner bay (main anchorage): 60m recommended — Large protected bay on the inside of the Karaburun Peninsula.
Northern arm (maximum shelter): 50m recommended — The northern arm of Gerence Bay offers even better all-round shelter.
Anchoring Zones
Gerence Bay 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.
Zone 1: Inner bay (main anchorage)
- Depth: 5–15m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NW, W, SW, S
- Exposed to: E
- Recommended alarm radius: 60m
Large protected bay on the inside of the Karaburun Peninsula. Excellent holding on sand and mud in 5–12m. The bay is wide enough for multiple boats with comfortable swinging room. Surrounded on three sides by hills providing excellent protection. E exposure is the only vulnerability.
Zone 2: Northern arm (maximum shelter)
- Depth: 4–10m
- Bottom: sand, mud
- Holding: Excellent Holding
- Protected from: N, NW, W, SW, S, SE
- Exposed to: NE
- Recommended alarm radius: 50m
The northern arm of Gerence Bay offers even better all-round shelter. Anchor in 4–8m on excellent sand/mud. Very few visiting yachts penetrate this far into the bay. Good for boats wanting maximum peace and quiet.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Gerence Bay is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–15m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (105m chain at 15m depth).
- 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.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- 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 Gerence Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to E winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m in the main inner bay; reduce to 50m in the northern arm. This is one of the finest large protected anchorages on the northern Turkish Aegean — excellent holding, multiple zones, and protection from nearly every direction. E exposure is the only limitation and easterlies are uncommon in summer.
May–October. One of the quietest and best-protected anchorages on the Karaburun Peninsula — very few visiting yachts make it this far. Excellent throughout the summer season.
Navigation Hazards
- E exposure in the main bay — uncommon in summer but if easterlies are forecast, use the northern arm for better protection
- Fish farm buoys in some areas — check chart and keep a lookout when approaching
- No facilities whatsoever — complete self-sufficiency required
- Remote location — nearest services at Mordoğan (10nm north) or Çeşme (30nm)
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: No significant restrictions. Check for fish farm buoys in some areas of the bay — give them adequate clearance.
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: Mordoğan (10nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Mordoğan (10nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Mordoğan (10nm)
Skipper's Tips
- One of the best large-bay anchorages on the northern Turkish Aegean — exceptional holding and protection
- The northern arm is even calmer — worth the extra 15 minutes of motoring for maximum peace
- Stock up completely in Mordoğan or Çeşme before heading here — nothing is available in the bay
- Excellent snorkelling and diving in the clear water — far from the tourist crowds
- Ideal passage stop when heading to or from İzmir on a northbound or southbound route
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Gerence Bay
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy the anchorage.
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