Full Description & Details
Boncuk is a small, sheltered bay on the western side of Gokova Gulf in the southeastern Aegean Sea, between the Bodrum and Datca peninsulas. The bay opens to the west through a narrow entrance and is backed by a pebble beach at its centre. Fresh water seeps from the rocks, and in calm conditions it forms a freshwater film on the surface. The bay is part of the Gokova Bay Special Environmental Protection Area and has been a no-take zone since 2010, so anchoring is allowed but fishing is not.
The seabed is sand, with rocky areas interspersed, and the average depth is about 15 m. A rocky ledge runs parallel to the coast at 5 to 6 m depth, then slopes to a drop-off that reaches 60 m in the centre of the bay, where the bottom is muddy. Holding is reported to be good for anchoring. The bay is suitable for overnight anchoring, and the pebble beach at the centre is where a tender can land.
There are no facilities on the beach, no accommodation, and no eating or drinking establishments, so visitors should be self-sufficient. A snack and water are reachable by dinghy according to one source, but this is not confirmed by other reports. The main attractions are swimming and snorkeling in the clear water, and the bay is known for sandbar shark watching, with aggregations peaking between May and June.
The bay is naturally protected and rarely suffers from severe windy weather, making it a calm stopover. The main hazard is the rocky ledge at 5 to 6 m depth, so anchoring should be done with care to avoid it. The best season for a visit is the summer, when water temperatures reach about 29°C, and the bay is popular with locals at weekends.
How to get there
Boncuk is located in the Gokova Gulf, between the Bodrum and Datca peninsulas. The bay has a narrow entrance facing west to the sea. Approach from the west, keeping the entrance in sight, and be aware of the rocky ledge parallel to the coast at 5 to 6 m depth.
The drop-off to 60 m in the centre of the bay should be avoided when anchoring. There is no specific VHF channel reported for the anchorage. Land access is by boat, as the bay is remote and about 30 km from Marmaris.
The nearest town is Gokova, and the bay can be reached by car or, more ideally, by boat. There is no marina or formal port, so formalities are limited to anchoring and landing by tender on the pebble beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the seabed like at Boncuk anchorage?
The seabed at Boncuk is sand, with rocky areas interspersed, and the holding is reported to be good for anchoring.
Is overnight anchoring allowed at Boncuk?
Yes, overnight anchoring is allowed at Boncuk, and the bay is a sheltered anchorage.
Are there any facilities at Boncuk anchorage?
There are no facilities on the beach at Boncuk, no accommodation, and no eating or drinking establishments, so visitors should be self-sufficient.
What are the hazards to avoid when anchoring at Boncuk?
The main hazard at Boncuk is a rocky ledge at 5 to 6 m depth, which slopes to a drop-off reaching 60 m in the centre of the bay.
When is the best time to see sandbar sharks at Boncuk?
Sandbar sharks aggregate at Boncuk between May and June, when groups of up to 7 individuals are sighted in the bay.
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