Gemiler adasi & nearby anchorages

The SE edge of Fathiye bay is marked by Ibliz Burnu. Around the cape, 2.5 NM to the E lies Karacaoren Adalari which is composed of one small island, with numerous ruins on it, and a chain of above water rocks connected by an underwater reef. This is the westernmost edge of a large bay housing the island Gemiler Adasi and a small number of additional anchorages.

Karacaoren Adalari – 36°32’.39N 29°03’.50E
The hazardous area W of Karacaoren Adalari is marked with 3 cardinal beacons indicating a relatively thin and shallow (10 m) passageway between the island itself and the reef, and from there NW into the cove opposite the island. In harsher weather it may be safer to round the island and enter the cove from the E through deeper waters. The cove itself provides good shelter from the Meltemi winds, and allows reasonable anchorage with a line to the S or W shore in 10-15 m of water above sand and some rocks. Be sure to stay clear of the buoyed swimming area at the W end of the bay. It is possible to send a line out to the quay near the restaurant, though in summer (when the restaurant is open) it may be loaded with trip boats, and the water is not deep enough for a yacht to go right up to the quay itself.

Gemiler Adasi – 36°33’.330N 29°03’.961E
From a distance the larger island at the N end of the bay seems to blend into the mainland slopes, however there is a channel 0.1 NM wide between the N side of the island and the  mainland where anchorage is possible with a long line ashore. The island itself offers ruins and mosaics from the Byzantine era, worth a walk around the remains. When rounding the NW corner of the island be sure to keep a 60-70 m distance from the shore and watch out for rocks. In the channel itself, 15-20 m from the island shore there is a depth of 8 m and then the ground shelves quickly into a rocky ledge just under the water. Once anchored, a W-going current in the channel may cause you to lie at an angle to the shore. The mainland provides reasonable shelter from the Meltemi, however, at night there may be a katabatic wind coming from the NE mountains. Care should be exercised in this anchorage.

Gemiler Buku – 36°33’.47N 29°05’.06E
A small, oval bay on the mainland, NW of Gemilar Adasi. Anchorage is available in 10 m depth over a sandy bottom with a line ashore. The W most corner offers the best shelter from the swell. There is a cafe-bar on shore, however in peak season the bay is full and yachts are discouraged from mooring.

Bestas Limani (cold water bay) – 36°33’.47N 29°05’.06E
Located at the NE corner of Gemiler bay, right off the E tip of Gemiler Adasi, it is a relatively wide inlet offering 2 anchorage areas along the E side, and within a miniature cove off its W side allowing anchorage for up to only 20 boats. There is a natural spring in this area and the cold water attracts many swimmers in the summer, making the bay quite busy with visitors and refreshment peddlers.