Kekova Roads Anchorage Guide

Anchoring Zones

Kekova Roads 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.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Kekova Roads 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 4–12m, 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 Kekova Roads are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m in the main channel anchorage — Kekova Island provides exceptional protection. CRITICAL: anchor on the SOUTH side of the channel only. The north shore of Kekova Island harbours the submerged Lycian city — anchoring there is strictly prohibited by Turkish heritage law. Fines are enforced.

April–October. July–August is very busy with charter traffic but the channel always has space. Spring and autumn offer quieter, more magical conditions. The Lycian ruins visible through the water are equally spectacular at any time of year.

Navigation Hazards

• ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESTRICTION: Anchoring on the north shore of Kekova Island is STRICTLY PROHIBITED — submerged Lycian ruins are protected by Turkish heritage law; fines enforced by coast guard
• Seagrass (Posidonia) patches on the channel floor — anchor in clear sand to avoid damaging protected seagrass
• Gulet and charter boat traffic is very heavy July–August; the channel narrows at its east end
• Shallow patch at eastern end of channel — draft over 2m should approach cautiously at the Kaleköy end
• Rare southerly wind is the only real weather threat — the island provides otherwise exceptional protection

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: CRITICAL: NO anchoring on the north shore of Kekova Island — submerged Lycian city is a protected archaeological site. Turkish heritage law applies; violations incur significant fines. No motor-dinghy access to the ruins. Anchor on the mainland (north) side of the channel or at the west/east ends only.

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: Üçağız village (3nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Üçağız village (3nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Üçağız village (3nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Anchor on the MAINLAND (north) side of the channel — never on the Kekova Island (south) shore
2. Take the dinghy along the south shore of Kekova Island slowly — the submerged ruins visible in 1–3m of crystal-clear water are extraordinary
3. Kaleköy castle (Simena) is a 20-minute dinghy ride east — worth the trip for the views over the entire Kekova area
4. Arrive by 14:00 in peak season to find a good spot before the gulets fill the channel
5. The channel is wonderfully calm for swimming and snorkelling — one of the clearest waters on the Turkish coast