Üçağız Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

All-round shelter in the enclosed lagoon. Mud and sand bottom with excellent holding — the anchor sets immediately. Shallow entrance (1.5–2m at chart datum) restricts access to shoal-draft vessels. Anchor in 3–5m for comfortable depth. Village restaurants on the N shore offer stern-to lines.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Üçağız is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 2–6m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (42m chain at 6m 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, Bruce. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Üçağız are excellent — 360-degree protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 35m radius before going below for the night.35m in the inner lagoon — all-weather shelter makes this one of the safest overnight anchorages on the Lycian coast. Draft restriction at the entrance (1.5–2m chart datum) is the primary limiting factor. Reduce to 25m if taking a stern line to the village quay.

April–October. Calm all season due to the enclosed lagoon — even when the meltemi blows Force 5 in the open sea, Üçağız lagoon remains flat-calm. Ideal base for multi-night Kekova exploration. Very limited facilities in winter.

Navigation Hazards

• Shallow entrance (1.5–2m chart datum) — draft-restricted; do NOT attempt in vessels over 1.8m draft without checking current conditions
• Sandbank at lagoon entrance shifts seasonally — use echo sounder continuously during entry
• Very limited swinging room — anchor-and-stern-line technique preferred; lay adequate scope before taking line ashore
• Mosquitoes can be problematic on calm evenings near the village

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free (anchoring). Restaurant quay: informal stern-to lines may incur dining expectation.
• Maximum stay: 11 days
• Restrictions: DRAFT RESTRICTION: Entrance channel approximately 1.5–2m at chart datum — check current pilot book and tide tables. Do not attempt entry if draft exceeds 1.8m without local guidance. No anchoring within 10m of the village fishing boat berths.

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

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Üçağız village (0.1nm)
• Restaurant: Several family-run restaurants on the waterfront — local fish, mezes, and gözleme
• Provisions: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Enter slowly using your depth sounder — the channel hugs the N side of the entrance; draft less than 1.8m recommended
2. Üçağız is the best base for exploring the entire Kekova area by dinghy
3. Ancient Lycian sarcophagi are visible in the village lanes and even standing in the water at the lagoon edge
4. Water taxis run from Üçağız to Kaleköy and Kekova — useful if you prefer not to take your own dinghy
5. The village is small but charming — one of the quietest overnight options in the Kekova area despite being a popular stop