The coast from Antalya to Mersin is one of the longest stretches of Turkish coastline with the fewest marinas. The route stays in home waters and the paperwork is simple; the weight of planning falls on stops and weather.
We do not offer deliveries between Antalya and Mersin. This page is a guide for owners planning the passage themselves. Our skippered deliveries run between Istanbul and Fethiye; in Antalya, Alanya and Mersin we carry out yacht surveys: Antalya · Alanya · Mersin.
The route
From Antalya or Kemer the route heads east via Alanya; beyond Alanya, marinas are few as far as Mersin and stops are mostly fishing harbours. It is planned in one or several legs, depending on whether night passages are needed.
Weather
- Westerly winds strengthening in summer afternoons; behind you heading east.
- Storm systems in the cold season; a southerly swell leaves the coast exposed.
Planning
- Stops. Harbour depths checked against the boat's draft in advance.
- Fuel. Fuel points are sparse, so refuelling is planned.
- Weather window. A solid window for long, exposed legs.
Harbours and depth
Beyond Alanya, marinas thin out and stops are often fishing harbours. Their depth, entrance width and berths may not suit the boat's size and draft. So every possible stop on the route is checked in advance against current pilot books and local knowledge; suitable stops differ for a deep-draft sailing yacht and a shallow motor yacht.
Night passages
With stops sparse, some legs may need night passages. Fishing boats and nets along the coast are the main things to watch for at night. Net floats are hard to see in the dark; keeping a sensible distance offshore and a good lookout reduce the risk.
Summer heat
Summers on this coast are very hot. On motor yachts, coolant and engine room temperatures and generator load are watched closely on long legs. Shade, water and rest are planned for the crew too.
Fuel
With fuel points sparse, refuelling is planned in advance; on motor yachts range is worked out with a reserve. An alternative point is also set in case one is closed or out of fuel.
At Mersin and beyond
Mersin can also be the jumping-off point for routes on to the Eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus. If the boat stays, a berth is arranged in advance; if it continues, resupply and any crew change are planned there.
Before departure
A technical check of the boat, cooling and fuel especially, is made before departure for this long route with few stops.
Communication
Mobile coverage can be patchy along parts of this coast; the owner is told when to expect position reports and how they will come.
By boat type
For motor yachts this route can often be done in one or two long legs, with range and fuel points at the centre of the plan. For sailing yachts, the westerly is behind them heading east and eases the passage; on the return the same wind is on the nose, which makes the return plan harder and usually slower than the trip out.
For a return delivery, morning hours and seasons when the westerly is light are preferred; that makes a clear difference to both fuel and crew fatigue, and often to arrival time as well.
Route and planned stops are shared with the owner before departure, so everyone knows where the boat should be each evening.
The plan is updated on the way as needed.