Akkum Bay Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Open sandy bay with clean sand bottom and good holding in settled conditions. Fair-weather only — the bay is exposed to S, SE, and E. Anchor in 5–8m. The white sandy beach is the attraction. Do not anchor here if there is any S or SE in the forecast.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Akkum Bay is primarily sand with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 4–10m, 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 Akkum Bay are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and E and SW winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 55m radius before going below for the night.55m in the main bay. This is fundamentally a fair-weather anchorage — good in settled northerly or calm conditions but the wide S/SE/E exposure makes it untenable in southerly weather. Only use for overnight when the forecast guarantees settled conditions. Always set the alarm and check the weather before sleeping.

Best in settled summer conditions (June–August) when northerly meltemi keeps the bay calm. Avoid overnight if any southerly is in the forecast. May and October carry higher southerly risk.

Navigation Hazards

• Wide S/SE/E exposure — this is a fair-weather anchorage only; leave immediately if conditions deteriorate
• Samos Strait swell can enter the bay in S/SE conditions
• No facilities — self-sufficient only
• Can be exposed to occasional gusts from the mountains behind

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Not required
• Anchoring fee: Free
• Restrictions: Fair-weather only — check forecast carefully before anchoring overnight. No facilities.

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: Kuşadası (16nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Kuşadası (16nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Kuşadası (16nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Best used as a daytime lunch stop with excellent swimming — the sand is genuinely beautiful
2. Check the forecast carefully before committing to an overnight — this bay requires settled conditions
3. Early morning anchoring before the meltemi builds gives the best conditions
4. Good intermediate stop between Dilek NP and the Samos Strait anchorages