Küçük Deniz Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Fully enclosed landlocked basin. Excellent all-round shelter in 2–5m. Shallow entrance bar of approximately 3m — shoal-draught vessels only. Avoid the local fishing boat quay on the E shore. Anchor in the W half of the basin.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Küçük Deniz 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 2–5m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m 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 Küçük Deniz are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 40m radius before going below for the night.40m in the inner basin — 360-degree protection means minimal swinging. The critical constraint here is draught: the entrance bar is approximately 3–3.5m at chart datum; always enter at or near high water if your draught is close to the limit. Once inside, the shelter is exceptional regardless of meltemi strength.

April–October. One of the few anchorages on this coast that remains comfortable through July–August meltemi — the enclosed basin is completely calm regardless of outside conditions. Year-round potential for the right vessel.

Navigation Hazards

• Shallow entrance bar (~3–3.5m) — enter at high water if draught is near limit; use depth sounder continuously on entry
• Local fishing boat traffic in and out of the entrance channel — stand clear and give way
• Summertime the basin can be warm with little air movement — insect screens advised

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 10 days
• Restrictions: Maximum draught approximately 3.5m at entrance — verify at high water. Keep clear of local fishing boat quay on E shore. No anchoring within channel entrance.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Foça town market (0.1nm)
• Restaurant: Town waterfront restaurants within a few steps of the anchorage
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Enter at or near high water and sound carefully — once inside you have 2–5m throughout the basin
2. Anchor in the W half of the basin to keep clear of fishing boats on the E quay
3. The morning fish market on the quay is one of the best in the northern Aegean — worth an early rise
4. Excellent base for exploring Foça town on foot — the Genoese castle and ancient city walls are walking distance