Karaöz Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Well-protected inner section of Karaöz Bay. Sand bottom with excellent holding — one of the most reliable anchorages between Finike and the Kekova area. Good shelter from almost all directions. SW is the only significant exposure. The surrounding hillsides provide strong windbreak.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Karaöz Bay 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 4–12m, 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 Karaöz Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 50m radius before going below for the night.50m in the protected inner cove. Karaöz offers excellent all-round shelter except for the SW sector — the sand bottom and hill protection make this a very reliable overnight anchorage. One of the best quiet anchorages in the Finike approaches.

April–October. Quiet throughout the season — very few charter boats venture here. The protected sand bottom makes it a reliable overnight in any settled conditions. Best spring and autumn when the anchorage is completely deserted.

Navigation Hazards

• SW exposure — the only weather direction that can make this anchorage uncomfortable; monitor SW sector
• Local fishing gear (longlines) may be present in the bay — approach cautiously and look for marker buoys
• No facilities — carry all provisions from Finike before arriving

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: No anchoring within 50m of the small fishing boat area at the bay head. Respect local fishing gear — avoid anchoring over marked fishing lines.

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: Finike town (8nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Finike town (8nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Finike town (8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Excellent quiet alternative to Finike Marina for a peaceful overnight — 8nm from Finike town by sea
2. The sand bottom and hill protection make this one of the most reliable overnight anchorages in the area
3. Stock up at Finike Marina before arriving — nothing is available ashore
4. Good staging anchorage for the passage toward Kaş and the Kekova area (westbound) or Phaselis/Kemer (eastbound)
5. Snorkelling along the rocky bay margins is clear and rewarding — typical Lycian coast water quality