Küçükçakıl Bay Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Kucukcakil, Küçükçakıl Koyu, Small Gravel Bay
Küçükçakıl (Small Gravel Bay) is a beautiful sandy and pebble cove a short sail east of Kaş town, backed by pine trees that sweep to the waterline. The water is characteristically turquoise, and the bottom is clean sand with good holding. It functions primarily as a superb lunchtime stop or a fair-weather overnight for sailors wanting solitude close to the Kaş provisions and nightlife. The three-sided southern exposure is the limiting factor for overnight stays.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
36°12.1'N 29°40.3'E
Depth
3–10m
Bottom
sand, pebble
Holding
Good HoldingProtected From
N, NE, NW
Exposed To
S, SE, SW
Best Months
June, July, August, September
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m in the sandy cove. Good for a lunchtime stop or overnight in perfectly settled northerly conditions. S/SE/SW exposure means a southerly forecast rules out overnight stays. In the stable summer meltemi pattern, this is a charming overnight just minutes from Kaş.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Beautiful small sandy and pebble beach cove just east of Kaş town. Good holding in sand. Turquoise water, pine trees to the water's edge. Quiet by Kaş standards. Open to south — fair-weather only for overnight.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Küçükçakıl Bay is primarily sand and pebble with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 3–10m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (70m chain at 10m depth).
- 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.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- 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 Küçükçakıl Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and SW winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 50m radius before going below for the night.50m in the sandy cove. Good for a lunchtime stop or overnight in perfectly settled northerly conditions. S/SE/SW exposure means a southerly forecast rules out overnight stays. In the stable summer meltemi pattern, this is a charming overnight just minutes from Kaş.
June–September for overnight stays. Daytime use whenever conditions are settled. The cove is very quiet compared to Kaş harbour and nearby bays — a hidden gem for those who know this stretch.
Navigation Hazards
- S/SE/SW exposure — unsuitable for overnight in anything other than settled northerly summer conditions
- Shoaling near the beach — keep 50m from the beach shoreline in vessels over 1.5m draft
- No facilities or shore assistance — complete self-sufficiency required
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: Fair-weather anchorage — do not anchor overnight when any southerly is forecast. Swimming zone buoys may be present near the beach in high season.
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: Kaş town (2nm)
- Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Kaş town (2nm)
- Provisions: None on site — Kaş town (2nm)
Skipper's Tips
- Perfect afternoon swim stop before heading into Kaş for provisioning or dinner
- In settled July/August meltemi pattern, this is one of the most pleasant overnight anchorages close to Kaş
- Pine forest extends to the water's edge — beautiful backdrop and afternoon shade
- Kayaking from Küçükçakıl toward Kaş along the rocky shoreline is a popular activity
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Küçükçakıl Bay
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy the anchorage.
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