Mordoğan Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor NW of the fishing harbour in 5–8m on sand and mud. Good shelter from NW/W meltemi from the hills on the north side of the bay. Keep clear of the fishing boat moorings. The small harbour has a concrete quay with limited berths for visiting yachts — check with local fishermen on VHF 16.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Mordoğan 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 5–10m, 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, Spade. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Mordoğan 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 anchorage NW of the harbour. Good meltemi shelter from the surrounding hills. E/SE exposure is less common in summer but monitor the forecast. The fishing harbour has quay space — ask local fishermen or the harbourmaster.

May–October. A quiet, traditional anchorage throughout the season. Good refuge in meltemi conditions. Much less visited than the main Çeşme anchorages.

Navigation Hazards

• E/SE exposure — if easterlies are forecast, the bay offers limited protection; consider Gerence Bay instead
• Fishing boat moorings — keep clear and do not obstruct working vessels
• Limited fuel availability — top up at Çeşme before heading south

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free in anchorage. Harbour quay berth fees may apply.
• Restrictions: Keep clear of fishing boat moorings. Coordinate with local fishermen regarding quay berth availability.

For a full overview of Turkish anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Mordoğan village (0.2nm)
• Restaurant: Local fish restaurants and cafes in Mordoğan village; excellent fresh fish
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Excellent fresh fish from the daily catch — eat at one of the quayside restaurants for an authentic local experience
2. Good provisioning stop for the Karaburun Peninsula passage
3. Ask at the harbour about the local fishing schedule — the morning return (06:00–08:00) is worth watching
4. Fuel is not available — top up at Çeşme (20nm north) before passage
5. Road connection to İzmir makes this a practical crew-change point if needed