Bodrum
Bodrum, the ideal starting point for sailing the Aegean coast, lies at the entrance of the Gulf of Gokova, a renowned cruising area in Europe. The region offers abundant sunshine, clear waters, and friendly locals, with many unspoiled natural areas and coastal villages.
Historically known as Halicarnassus, Bodrum is famous for the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Bodrum Castle, built by the Crusaders, overlooks the harbour and marina, housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and hosting cultural festivals year-round.


Orak Island
-
Orak Island is found in the Gulf of Gokova and only a very short distance from Bodrum. It is a very well-known diving spot in the area, and you will find most day boats, as well as any gulet cruise, will always anchor down here for a swim. The island’s surrounds are described as like swimming in an aquarium; it is that beautiful.
Cokertme
-
Cokertme, sung in the native folk songs, is an important stopover before or after crossing the Gokova Gulf. Cokertme Bay, its name rooted in the small town settled along its side, is positioned among Kepce Burnu and Kara Burun and is a guarded place for spending the night.
It is popular among the yachtsmen community because it protects boats against the wild winds, especially those blowing from the west-north and west-east directions. The Cokertme shoreline is long and dotted with a range of pine and olive trees. The place has many local restaurants providing delicious food to tourists at reasonable prices. Tourists can also enjoy outstanding belly dancing performances at night!


Seven Islands
-
Seven Islands is a series of islands that lay within Gokova Bay. This series of islands is in the province of Bodrum. The beautiful little outlets and areas in between the islands make for an idyllic setting to anchor down and explore.
You may choose to just go for a swim or snorkel along the shores, or take your walking shoes with you to wander on the islands. One of the islands, known as Kufre, is well worth swimming over to and exploring its pine-clad shores to discover hidden houses within the forest. No matter where you anchor along this little outlet, you will not be disappointed.
Kufre
-
Kufre Koyu is situated on the northeast of Yedi Adalar (Seven Islands). The bay is surrounded by pine forest and ends with a stream and marshy shallowness. Kufre Koyu affords all-around shelter.


Uzun Liman
-
Uzun Liman is on the southern shore of the Gulf of Gokova, in front of the four islands, and is covered with lush pine forests that stretch for miles along the shore. Between the shore and the islands, a natural gulf is created.
Other islands include Long Island, Olive Island, and the Small Islands. If you are a nature lover, you can enjoy a pleasant trail in the cove areas.
Tuzla
-
Tuzla is a wonderful bay very close to Gokova Oren Marina, featuring crystal clear waters. It is also a charming fisherman’s village well known for its restaurants specializing in fresh seafood dishes.


Longoz
-
Longoz boasts some of the most beautiful bays in the Gulf of Gokova. They descend from steep hills, seeming to roll into the sea, except for a long row of trees that separates the contour from the water. Here, you can enjoy nature at its best!
Karacasogut
-
This very attractive and sheltered little bay, also known as British Harbour, is tucked away on the southern shore at the eastern end of the Gulf of Gokova. It has become a popular spot for overwintering, thanks to the establishment of a small marina.


Cleopatra Island
-
Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island-Cedrae) is located about 18 km north of Marmaris. It is also known as Sedir Island or City Island and is famous for its golden sandy beach, Cleopatra Beach, and the ancient city of Cedrae. The remnants of the city walls can be seen on the island.
The island is also renowned for its ancient theatre ruins. There is an interesting beach on the small bay, northwest of the island. According to folklore, Cleopatra and Antonius swam here, and the sand was brought by ships from North Africa! It is also believed that this type of sand can only be found in Egypt.
Kargili
-
Kargili Bay is 3 km away from the center of Datca. Surrounded by mountains and protected from north winds, the weather is always pleasant, and the sea is as calm as a millpond.


Kise Buku
-
Located only 3 miles away from Orak Island is Kise Buku, a name originating from the word ‘Kilise’ (Church) due to the remains of Byzantine monasteries found in this area. It is essential for all boats to anchor here at a very large cove. This bay is surrounded by mountains to the north, and western winds blow on the eastern side of the island.
At Alakisla, you will encounter the ruins of an old monastery by the name of Kise Bay. Kise’s name is also believed to originate from the word ‘church’.
Pabucburnu
-
Located 6 miles from Bodrum and resembling the shape of a nose is Pabucburnu, suitable for boats to dock. The unique shape, covered with shrubs, the emerald-colored waters, and a string of pool-like boat shelters with calm water are the hallmarks of Pabucburnu.


Yaliciftlik
-
Yaliciftlik is a small village located near the popular resort town of Bodrum, Turkey. It is just outside the Bodrum Peninsula along the Aegean Sea, above a series of secluded coves, and at the entrance to the Gulf of Gokova.
The beaches in Yaliciftlik are perfect for sunbathing or swimming, and you’ll also find several restaurants and cafes serving fresh, local seafood and traditional Turkish food near the beach. You can also go hiking in the nearby forest and explore ruins in the hills from the ancient Lelegian and Carian civilizations.
