Reisdere Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Large, open bay with sand and weed bottom. Good meltemi shelter from the dominant NW/W winds. Anchor in 5–8m and seek out clear sand patches among the weed. The bay is large enough for several boats without crowding.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Reisdere is primarily sand and weed 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, Mantus, Delta. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Reisdere are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m for free swinging in the main bay. Weed patches can cause the anchor to skip — drag the anchor back along the bottom during the reverse-motor set to ensure it bites into the underlying sand. If holding feels soft, add scope or reset in a clearer patch.

May–October. Good meltemi shelter throughout the summer. Best in May–June and September–October when southerly risk is lower.

Navigation Hazards

• Seagrass (Posidonia) patches — anchor only in clear sand; drag test carefully before trusting the set
• S/SE exposure — uncommon in summer but if southerlies are forecast, move to Çiftlik Koyu or Çeşme Marina
• No facilities — complete self-sufficiency required

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Posidonia seagrass in some areas — anchor only in clear sand patches. No anchoring over protected seagrass.

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: Çeşme town (7nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Çeşme town (7nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Çeşme town (7nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Set the anchor carefully to penetrate the weed and bite into the sand underneath — reverse slowly and check for drag
2. Good intermediate stop between Çeşme and Mordoğan for a southbound passage along the Karaburun Peninsula
3. The bay is rarely crowded even in July–August — a genuinely peaceful overnight spot
4. Stock up in Çeşme before anchoring here — no provisions available