Dilek Peninsula North Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchorage off the northern tip of the Dilek Peninsula National Park in 5–12m. Rocky substrate with sand pockets — holding is fair; set carefully and verify. This is National Park water — no fires, no fishing, strictly no litter. Check for any anchoring restriction signage before anchoring.

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Dilek Peninsula North is primarily sand and rock with variable holding that requires extra attention. Use the following approach:

1. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 5–15m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (105m chain at 15m 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. Snorkel to verify. Given the fair holding here, it is strongly recommended to snorkel down and visually confirm the anchor is buried in sand, not resting on rock.

Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Rocna, Mantus. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Dilek Peninsula North are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SW and W winds.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 60m radius before going below for the night.60m with careful attention to the anchor set. Sand over rock bottom can give variable holding — snorkel to verify in any doubt. National Park regulations apply — follow all posted signage and respect restricted zones. S/SW exposure makes overnight anchoring conditional on settled weather.

Best May–June and September–October when conditions are settled and day-trippers are fewer. July–August can see day-trip boats. Always check NP regulations before visiting as they can change seasonally.

Navigation Hazards

• National Park restricted zones — check signage before anchoring; regulations are enforced by coast guard
• Fair holding on sand/rock — snorkel to verify the anchor is set in sand, not resting on rock
• S/SW exposure — unsuitable for overnight in southerly conditions
• Remote — nearest services at Kuşadası (8nm north)

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: Yes — Dilek Peninsula National Park — anchoring allowed but National Park entry rules apply. No fires, no fishing, no litter. Respect restricted zones marked by signage. Day visitors to the park pay an entry fee at the land entrance.
• Anchoring fee: Free anchoring. National Park entry fee applies for going ashore.
• Restrictions: National Park rules strictly enforced: no fires, no fishing, no litter, no noise after 22:00. Respect any restricted zones — check signage on arrival.

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 (8nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest provisions at Kuşadası (8nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Kuşadası (8nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. One of the most pristine and beautiful anchorages in the region — worth the passage to get here
2. National Park hiking trails are accessible from the anchorage — bring dinghy and waterproof bags
3. Snorkelling is excellent — some of the clearest water on the Turkish Aegean
4. Strictly follow the no-fires rule — the national park has had serious wildfire problems
5. Arrive by 10:00 in July–August for the best anchorage position before the day boats arrive