When departing from Bodrum its best to start with something sensational to kick off the vacation, that why sailing to the Gulf of Hisonaru and onwards to Kos, which is due east and clos by will be a wonderful way to whet your appetite for all the wonderful mysteries that lie ahead. Imagine the Odysseus and look down into the clear blue sea as your yacht sails over horizons that have served mankind for millennia. What was once the garden of Neptune is now your grazing ground.
Orak Island has become famous for its marine life, and of course the crystal clear water. The Island is just 10 miles from Bodrum, heading east. Yachts and blue cruises regular pass by and often stop, even if they have an alternative destination. There are a number of lovely coves that sit below the many olive groves. Orak is not inhabited but it certainly enjoys a temporary population on yachts anchoring overnight.
When crossing the Gulf of Gokova you should stop by the village of Cokertme. The Bay of Cokertme has been immortalized in local folk songs. The reason being that the bay provides ample protection from trade winds, especially when the West-North and West-easterly winds blow up. This is a frequently used stop over for yachts as well as fishermen, and the village has a lot of restaurants and taverns, all built over time to handle the constant influx of visitors. The local food is amazing in flavor and is priced reasonably well.
Long Port is aptly named, with a 130-meter opening leading into an even wider bay area. The area is renowned for its beauty and many visitors anchor around the bay, or in a cove, to enjoy a calm moment before setting sail again.
Opposite the southern shore of the Gulf of Gokova are four islands that include Kufre bay. Kufre is natural harbor and is surrounded by the Gulluk forest woodlands. This is a perfect place to either anchor in a small cove or in between islands, and enjoy some water sports, relaxation, and swimming. This is a popular destination for yachts, so you will also enjoy company too.
The seven islands in the south of the Gulf of Gokova is a very popular stop for Blue Cruises. They are nestled just south of Tuzla. The islands provide a perfect shelter for anchoring, and you can do virtually anything you like here, from sponge diving to snorkeling, water sports and swimming. Some even try to harpoon dinner but be careful of other swimmers. Martil island is nestled in the west, and towards the sour east are the islands of Long, Olive and Small. This is a natural gulf and even when the wind is blowing you will be safe. For the explorers you can go on-land and check out the Gulluk woodlands or just relax on the secluded beaches. After a successful days recreation, you can enjoy the fish dinner you caught while harpooning, don’t forget to capture the catch of the day on camera.
While sailing along the Gulf of Gokova you should visit the nearly sealed inlet aptly named English Bay. The name derives from the use of the bay buy the British during WWII for their torpedo boats. Due to its nearly sealed in topography, the bay provides perfect clear swimming conditions, and you will find two lovely restaurants on the eastern side of the cove.
If you are seeking a tree lined coast where the leaves and pine needles provide ample shade, then you must come to the bay of Karacasogut. The styrax forest lines the seashore and the pine forests cover the hills. After a short walk up the hill for a beautiful view of the horizon, you can walk down along the coastline and settle down for a wonderful meal provided by the local taverna.
For lunch, we will set sail to Longoz (Kargili) Bay; another place like paradise, sheltered with huge pine trees. Kargili bay is known for a relaxing atmosphere, it has pine trees that end at the waters edge and the bay area is shelter, providing a tranquil sea. If its total calm you seek, this is the place to visit, and just lie back, enjoy the gentle rock of the yacht as the day goes by. For dinner and overnight stay you will anchor in Ballı Su.
Tuzla is a wonderful little fisherman’s village that hugs the coast. It is renowned for its epical local delicacies and is a great stopover for trying out new and freshly cooked seafood dishes. The waters are shallow and long, so it attracts many wading birds, in fact one of the reasons this village is so attractive is that it supports a plethora of wildlife that is not found in such concentrations in other places.
At the extreme southwest of Turkey, along the Datca peninsula, sits the small archeological town of Knidos. This is one of Turkeys finest historical legends preserved in amazing condition. You find the Statue of Demeter in one location, and in the ancient harbor there were two Lions that stand guard but are now in the British Museum in London. The main attractions are the temple of Aphrodite and the Necropolis. Excavations are ongoing, and have been unearthing more and more amazing finds for over half a century. Since Knidos is considered to be remote, the best way to reach it is by yacht. This is a must stop for all yacht charters, and one site that will provide a lot of great memoires as well as photos.
At the tip of the southern coast of the Datca Peninsula of Turkey nestles the lovely town of Palamutbuku. This amazing quiet town, close to the historic ruins of Knidos, is home to some of the most desired long and quiet beaches, green streets, and walled gardens. Like a fairytale town come to life, as you walk along the seaside and look down into some of the clearest waters in the Aegean. In fact, you can walk well into the sea, and be able to see every stone and fish around your feet even when the waters reach head high. The sea is full of fish and many a dinner is caught just moments before it is on your plate, served alongside exceptionally tasty local produce. What is still wonderful is that this coast is still virgin from all the expected tourism, and the town hosts many wonderful taverns and restaurants, as well as the amazing residents that make your stay even more memorable.
Aktur bay in the Datca peninsula has received an amazing accolade as the best bay in Turkey. This is some achievement and should not be discounted. Aktur is located between Datca and Kurucabuk and is the narrowest part of the peninsula. Two spheres of water held at bay by a slim slice of land. The Persian army back in 550BC (Xerxes and the 300) built a tunnel so he could connect directly to the Gulf of Gokova to speed up his fleets attacking capabilities. Today Aktur bay is a vision of beauty that many try to emulate, perhaps that is why it is awarded so highly.
Just across from Selimiye on Hisaronu Gulf is the small bay of Bencik. This is just around the gulf of Gokova and is well worth the visit, even if you can’t really enjoy the site due to the lack of facilities. The natural beauty of this location provides a lot of memorable photo shoots.
Named after the famous Turkish singer, Emil Sayin bay is an amazing crystal clear aquamarine bay that is contrasted against thick pine trees covering the land around it. The bay was named after her beautiful blue eyes, and is a memorable place for a lovely cool swim and brunch.
Orhaniye is in the Bozburun peninsula near Marmaris and is home to one of the most attractive beaches in all of Turkey, Kizkumu beach. Orhaniye provides you with access to the fames castle of the black night, as well as a lovely village filled with a deep cultural heritage. The village is also renowned for its amazing variety of food that draws tourists from far and wide. The dock is always busy and the bay is always full of yachts coming and going from this world class resort.
In the Gulf of Hisaronu lies the village of Selimiye. What can be added to the already pantheon of words praising this amazing location. One of the most prominent and distinctive natural phenomena occurs during sunset, when the villages color changes into a deep red. There is an ancient Hellenistic castle south of the village and there is a tomb situated around 100 meters off shore. The tomb has been a guide for shipping for centuries. Selimiye offers a lighthouse, theater and monastery as well as its pristine waters and amazing local cuisine. The village is a farming town as well, and the local produce is collected and served alongside the freshly caught seafood. All prepared and provided alongside a great local wine.
Bozburun is a lovely small town 45kms west of Marmaris. It is home to a small but modern marina and the town is famous for its shipbuilding industry. This is where some of the worlds finest wooden boats and Gulets are fabricated. This is a quite port town, and the way to reach it is as picturesque as the town itself. Boxburun is great for a relaxing evening, this means you will not find night life here. What you will find are amazing hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants all serving local cuisine using the freshest sea food and locally farmed produce.
Nestled between the Gulf of Hisonaru and the Aegean Sea is Dirsekbuku. This area has a lot of sheltered bays and hidden coves and is a great spot for a stop over while sailing from Bodrum to Marmaris. There are quite a number of small islands to sail by and anchor off for a swim, or just to laze away the time relaxing with a perfect view.
One of the popular coastal stops is Datca, a small southern shore yachting stop over 75kms west of Marmaris. Datca is located in an area that provides you with many small covers along the peninsula, so you can anchor along the coastline and enjoy a swim in the privacy of your own cove. The coast is dotted with small fishing villages and farming towns, and the local tomatoes and olives are famous for their depth of taste. While visiting Datca, enjoy some local produce and maybe even ask your chef to use it as a staple ingredient.
Hayitbuku is a gorgeous bay town with great amenities. Located in a nearly sealed circular bay, calm waters lapping along the waters edge. Long sandy beaches and a nice wharf that’s always filled with yachts. This is Hayitbuku, 17 kms from Datca, and already you are forgetting the hustle and bustle of large cities. Watching the waves lap at the side of your yacht or sitting at one of the quaint cafes along the water front. Hayitbuku is a perfect stop for a nice walking, or sunbathing on sand, and relaxing landside respite.
On the southern side of Datca, surrounded by forests, is the amazing Mersincik Bay. With yellow sand beaches and the clearest of blue waters, this is one of the yachting scenes favorite stops in the area. The locals call it Mersincik Limanı, and you will enjoy plunging into these waters as you take a short respite from sailing.
Orak Island has become famous for its marine life, and of course the crystal clear water. The Island is just 10 miles from Bodrum, heading east. Yachts and blue cruises regular pass by and often stop, even if they have an alternative destination. There are a number of lovely coves that sit below the many olive groves. Orak is not inhabited but it certainly enjoys a temporary population on yachts anchoring overnight.
Just north of Bodrum you will find the nose shaped bay of Pabuc Burnu. This is considered to be good place to anchor, ad the clear blue waters provide for a nice dip in the sea, as well as a short visit onshore.
Divers and snorkelers seeking some variety will love the Poyraz Bay area, where a lot of different sea life coexist in a continuous struggle for survival. Here you will find octopus, moray eels, starfish and many different sizes and types of fish, as well as amazing rock formations and fragments of ancient times.
After an exceptional yacht charter, you come sail back to Bodrum and prepare for your flight home. This is a perfect time to visit this wonderful city and enjoy your last (but not final) taste of Turkey. Bodrum is a jewel surrounded golden sunsets and azure waters. You really should partake in all the local cuisine, cultural attractions and visit the waterfront outside the famous Bodrum Castle, built from the stones of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. It houses an amazing underwater archeology museum and is a must see when in Bodrum.
10 Guests
7 Crew
12 Guests
6 Crew
