Tersane Adası Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Southwest-facing bay off Tersane Island (part of Kekova Island group). Sand and pebble bottom with good holding. The ruined Byzantine church and ancient shipyard (tersane) ruins are visible from the anchorage. Day-stop and swimming destination — not ideal for overnight due to S/SE exposure.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Tersane Adası is primarily sand and pebble with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. 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).
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. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

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

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 45m radius before going below for the night.45m in the SW bay. Tersane Island is an excellent daytime stop but S/SE exposure makes overnight stays conditional on settled weather forecast. If staying overnight, set generous scope and monitor the sky to the south.

May–October as a daytime stop. Overnight only in settled summer weather. The ruins and water quality are consistent throughout the season.

Navigation Hazards

• S/SE exposure — not suitable for overnight in southerly forecast; move to Kekova Roads or Üçağız for the night
• Day-trip gulets and water taxis arrive 11:00–15:00 in season — can become crowded at lunchtime
• Shallow rock shelf near the Byzantine ruins — approach with caution in keelboats
• Archaeological site — care required when landing by dinghy to avoid damaging loose stones

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Archaeological site — do not remove, disturb, or climb on the Byzantine ruins on shore. Landing is permitted for sightseeing. No motor dinghies to be run at speed near swimmers.

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 (2.5nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Üçağız village (2.5nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Üçağız village (2.5nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Use as a lunchtime stop en route between Kaş and Kekova Roads — the ruins and water make it memorable
2. Arrive early (before 11:00) or after 15:00 to have the bay to yourself
3. Snorkel along the island's rocky margin — the water is exceptionally clear and you may spot ancient artefacts (do not remove)
4. The Byzantine church ruins are atmospheric even for non-archaeologists — a genuine piece of early Christian history on a deserted island
5. For overnight, anchor at Kekova Roads (1nm E) where protection is superior