Full Description & Details
Erdek Gulf is a large bay on the south side of the Sea of Marmara, defined by the mountainous Kapidag Peninsula to the east. The town of Erdek, at the gulf's southwest corner, is a popular resort for Turkish tourists and weekenders from Istanbul. The harbour here offers the best shelter in this part of the Sea of Marmara, though it is busy with fishing boats and ferries. A section of quay is reserved for yachts, with space for around 10 to 12 boats on anchor moor.
Shelter is excellent from the prevailing NE winds, but the harbour becomes very uncomfortable in strong S winds and would likely be untenable in a gale from that direction. Depths on the wall east of the longer pier on the north side exceed 2.8 meters. The seabed is sand, and holding is good. An alternative is to anchor in front of the east side beach in 5 to 10 meters, which offers good holding and shelter from prevailing winds. Visiting boats are not warmly welcome on the visitors quay, which is crowded with local boats.
Water and electricity are available on the quay, and restaurants and shops are nearby. Fuel is available on the east side of the harbour. The town is directly at the anchorage, so provisioning is easy. There are no chandlers or repair facilities noted. The harbour is a useful base for cruising to the Marmara Islands, including Marmara, Avsa, and Pasalimani, a few miles to the northwest.
Approach from the SE, leaving the low, tree-clad island at the end of the breakwater well to port, as there are shallows off its SW end. The harbour lies a mile N of the small island of Tavsan Adasi. With any E in the wind, fresh to strong SE winds can be experienced across the narrow neck of the peninsula from about two miles offshore up to the entrance, though you are shielded once inside. The yacht quay is at the N end of the harbour, past the ferry berth and floating restaurants.
How to get there
The harbour lies a mile N of the small island of Tavsan Adasi. The most conspicuous feature on approach is the long breakwater protecting the harbour from the W, terminating just short of a low, tree-clad island. Enter from the SE, leaving this island well to port as there are shallows off its SW end.
With any E in the wind, fresh to strong SE winds will be experienced across the narrow neck of the peninsula, extending from around two miles offshore up to the harbour entrance. Once inside, you are shielded from the worst of the wind. The yacht quay is at the N end of the harbour, past the ferry berth and a couple of floating restaurants.
The town of Erdek is directly at the anchorage, with shops and restaurants nearby. No VHF channel is specified in the sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the depth and holding like at Erdek Gulf anchorage?
Anchoring in front of the east side beach offers depths of 5 to 10 meters with good holding in sand. Depths on the wall east of the longer pier on the north side exceed 2.8 meters.
Is Erdek Gulf protected from the wind?
Shelter is excellent from the prevailing NE winds, but the harbour becomes very uncomfortable in strong S winds and would likely be untenable in a gale from that direction.
Are visiting yachts welcome at the quay in Erdek Gulf?
Visiting boats are not warmly welcome on the visitors quay, which is crowded with local boats. A better option is to anchor in front of the east side beach.
What facilities are available at Erdek Gulf?
Water and electricity are available on the quay, and restaurants and shops are nearby. Fuel is available on the east side of the harbour.
Can I stay overnight at Erdek Gulf?
Yes, overnight anchoring is permitted. The harbour is a popular stop for weekenders from Istanbul and offers good shelter in prevailing winds.
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