Gocek – Marmaris – Gocek Gulet Charter Route
First stop of your gulet trip Turkey is Gocek. With Dalaman International airport only 20- minutes away, Gocek is a jewel of a town nestled between Fethiye and Dalyan. What puts Gocek on the map is its 6 marinas and the bay area is also a harbor for islands that provide ample anchorage for many yachts. This amazing harbor town is home to Super Yachts and is a great starting point for many a yacht charter in the Mediterranean.
Within the Gulf of Fethiye lies the twin bays of Aga Limani. This is a wonderful place to anchor, and are prefect for swimming, fishing and just enjoying the day. The waters here are cool since they are connected to an underwater fresh water stream that comes down from the mountains. The seawater here is crystal clear, but if you prefer to visit inland, then take an hours walk to the ancient city of Lyda. There you will find a lot of archeological discoveries and the path leading there is exceptionally delightful.
Boat charter Turkey continues with Gokgemile Bay. Just a short sail away from Oludeniz is Gokemile Bay. This is a lovely place to visit, and a short walk to the top of the island will provide you with a panoramic view of the entire area with all its coves and bays.
Just west of Marmaris you come to the blue flag awarded and shelter Kadirga Harbour. Aptly awarded since it has amazing clear waters and provides a nice respite for a quick dip.
Bozukkale is a lovely ancient town nestled in a heart shaped bay with an old nine towered castle dating back to re-history. It is located southwest of Marmaris and is home to the ancient harbor or Lorima. The ancient Athenian navy used (Lorima) Bozukkale as a base for over a century between 305 to 395 BCE. This amazing town has grand views over all the Aegean and that is why it was chosen as a standing ground for gulets. Today it is a standing ground for Yachts seeking a wonderful place for their passengers to visit. The many ancient sites and modern amenities make the town of Bozukkale a perfect visiting point along your sea voyage.
Marmaris is a world renowned Turkish holiday resort and coastal town. The name means “Turquoise Coast” and its aptly named. Maramaris is a natural harbor and contains a major port, it can hold up to 800 boats and is considered to be one of the main starting points for any yacht charter. The city of Marmaris is rich in history and steeped in ancient culture. This is a wonderful and exciting starting point for all tourists that want to sail the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic seas. Apart from the incredibly inviting waters, you get to enjoy all the modern amenities of a major tourist town with local cuisine, day and night attractions as well as access to the amenities of the harbor and port. This is a perfect time to take stock of your provisions and add any extra items that you might want before you set sail.
Between Marmaris and Dalyan lays the wonderful bay of Ekincik. What is most beautiful in this bay is small Iztuzu Beach. Iztuzu Beach is closed at night since it is a nesting ground for the loggerhead turtle, otherwise it provides a carefree pebble and sand beach environment during the day, when only a few yachts are moored off its side. Just after the beach you will find the Dalyan Delta, and this is an explorers dream, with its Lycian tombs and the ancient ruined city of Kaunos. If you prefer a more active respite, then take to some of the water sports offered in the bay of Ekincik. Apart from these three activities, which should be enough, there is also a short brisk walk along the western banks of the Delta that will provide you with a chance to spot a wild boar foraging for food.
The biggest island in the Gulf of Fethiye is Tersane Island, known also as Shipyard Island. This bay has a 100 meter deep channel that was used by the Ottoman navy, hence the name shipyard island. The bay area has a lot of coves and towards the east lies the Summer harbor. The west side of the bay is not used much due to the strong winds that prevail most of the year. There is an ancient ruined town nearby called Telandria, and if you want to stretch your legs while gulet sailing Turkey , this is a great place to do so.
Although this island is now called Prince Island, it was originally known as Domuz Island, which means Port Island, named after the abundance of wild pigs that flourished there. Today, Prince Island boasts no pigs, but does have a tranquil splendor.
Just off the Domuz Bay lies Gobun Bay. The entrance to Domuz is extremely narrow, which adds to the excitement and mystery. Once inside the bay you find tombs cut into the rock side and the whole area is covered with olive and pine trees.
Next stop of your gulet boat holidays is Yavansu Bay. Yavansu, or Sea Gull bay is a popular tourist spot for both foreign and local visitors. The bay has fig trees and small streams running down from the mountains. However, the fresh water is only for animal use, not human. The name Se Gull comes from the mosaics found in the bay and is linked to the ancient town of Arymaxa found at the top of the hill. Aymaxa is home to four Roman mausoleums and a Hellenistic tomb, as well as a Byzantine cistern, all proof of this locations long inhabited history.
While sailing along the coast near Hvar, there is a smaller island, it is Šćedro island, and you will be able to anchor in Manastir Bay. The bay is named after the abandoned monastery found just overlooking the bay, it was constantly pillaged by pirates until it was abandoned. And left to ruin. Šćedro Island is home to a crater lake as well as some lovely trails. The bay area is exceptional and that is why Blue Cruises will always stop here. There are a few restaurants sitting in the bay, with lovely pergolas calling you to enjoy the shade and feel the gentle breeze, as you sip wine and watch the yachts come and go. This is not a place to restock, but it is a great stay over for a night and enjoy a dinner under the stars over calm waters. The bay light sup at night, and is a tranquil spot of serenity.
Yachtsmen love Sarsala Bay since it is a natural bay providing great swimming opportunities as well as a good place for overnight anchoring. The bay includes a pontoon that leads to a restaurant, and the inland scenery is delightful. There is a valley that leads inland through a dense forest of trees. The beach itself is stony, so come prepared.
Bedri Rahmi Bay is named after the famous Turkish author Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu, he used to come fishing in the bay, which was previously known as Dark Bay since Lycian times. During one of his fishing trips in 1973, he drew a fish on a rock at the entrance of the bay, giving the rock a new title “Fish Rock”, this is now the name for the entire area. This bay is a nice spot for goolets cruising which is well sheltered, so winds do not prevail, and the colors are distinct, with the clear azure waters contrasting with the green pines, olive trees and oleanders that populate the hillside. The overall effect is exaggerated by a clear cyan sky.
Between Boynuz Buku and Tasyaka is the bay of Kille Buku. This is considered to be a great picnic stop for travelers visiting from Gocek, since it is heavily shaded by the trees.
In the Gulf of Fethiye lie the Yasica islands, these are uninhabited islands that are perfect for swimming, visiting and just sailing around. Most of these islands have secluded beaches that provide a private relaxation environment, and you can while away the hours swimming and enjoying the quiet. Apart from relaxing, you can also enjoy a lot of water sports here, especially child safe water sports that provide a great daytime activity for your kids. The beaches and sea shores are stony, so you should come prepared with proper sea footwear. Some of the islands are so close to each other, that you can swim from one to the other, which provides a lot of exhilaration, as well as competitiveness. The nearest port is located at Gocek, and that is also where most of the day trippers come from. Try to stay for sunset, this is when the cameras come out and some of the most romantic and breathtaking shots can be taken during these hours of the late day.
You arrive at Gocek at the end of your blue voyage Turkey, after taking in all the wonders of the Mediterranean, possibly also the Aegean and Adriatic. When you berth in Gocek, take some time off before you leave to the airport. Enjoy the wonders of this beautiful town and take one last taste of all that Turkey has to offer. Walking the promenade and enjoying the sunset. Maybe that carpet you saw when you arrived is still waiting for you to buy it and place it at home, providing extra warm, memories of an ancient coastline and land filled with warm wonders and experiences.
