Turkey

Adriatic & Eastern Mediterranean

The Turquoise Coast from the Datca peninsula to Antalya, with deep pine clad bays and Greek islands a short hop away.

General guidance, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by harbour, so confirm check-in, documents and anchoring with the official local source shortly before you go.

Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026.

Best season

April to November; the long, warm season makes it a popular shoulder-season and wintering base.

Prevailing winds

Afternoon sea breezes, with the Meltemi reaching the northern part of the coast. Deep bays can be calm or gusty depending on the land behind them.

Hazards

Very deep anchorages requiring long lines ashore, katabatic gusts off the mountains, strict holding-tank (blue card) enforcement, and full clearance as a non-EU country.

Check-in & clearance

Turkey is outside the EU and Schengen, so full clearance is required. Enter at an official port such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek, Kas or Kusadasi, fly the Q flag, and complete passport, customs, health and harbourmaster formalities. A transit log is issued and a local agent is effectively required for the paperwork. Visas may be needed depending on nationality.

Required documents

Registration, insurance, radio and competence certificates, passports and visas, the Turkish transit log, and a blue card recording holding tank pump outs. The blue card system is enforced, so use approved pump out facilities.

Anchoring rules

Many famous bays now have mooring buoys, restaurant pontoons or are inside marine parks (the Gocek and Fethiye gulfs) where anchoring may be limited; long lines ashore are normal in the deep bays. Discharge rules are taken seriously here.

Nice places

The Gulf of Gocek's dozens of bays, the ruins at Kekova and Kas, and the Datca peninsula are the heart of the Turkish coast.

Need parts or services here?

Chandleries, riggers and yards we have listed in this area:

Search the harbour guide for chandlers, riggers and engineers near where you are.

Find chandlers and services