7 Days Sailing the Turkish Turquoise Coast: Bodrum to Göcek

The Turkish Aegean and Turquoise Coast is the most affordable Mediterranean charter destination in this guide — a combination of a weaker Turkish lira, strong competition between charter operators, and lower overheads ashore. Quality does not suffer for the price. The anchorages between Bodrum and Fethiye are exceptional: clear water, pine-forested hillsides, Lycian ruins on the headlands. This itinerary runs 120 miles east from Bodrum to Göcek in a week, suitable for Day Skipper level skippers with some Mediterranean experience.

Day 1: Bodrum — Departure

Bodrum is a proper town first and a tourist destination second — it has been a base for Turkish intellectuals and artists since the 1960s, and the culture shows. The Bodrum Kalesi (Castle of St Peter) on the headland is a Crusader fortress now housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology — one of the best in Turkey. The charter marinas cluster around the bay east of the castle; provisioning at the covered market (bazaar) near the town centre is better and cheaper than the marina supermarkets.

Day 2: Bodrum to Gökova Bay — Orak Adası

Gökova Bay (Gokova Korfezi) opens east of Bodrum. The bay is 40 miles deep and largely uninhabited on its northern shore — pine forests running down to the water with occasional gulet anchorages. Orak Adası (Orak Island) sits at the entrance to the bay, with a sheltered cove on its western side. Anchor in 5–8m on sand — clear water, easy approach. Fish restaurants operate from floating pontoons in summer; eat at the one serving the catch of the day.

Day 3: Gökova Bay — English Harbour and Cleopatra Island

English Harbour (İngiliz Limanı) on the north shore of Gökova Bay is a landlocked anchorage used by Nelson's fleet during the Napoleonic Wars. The ruins of a Byzantine church stand at the head of the bay. Nearby, Sedir Adası (Cedar Island) — known as Cleopatra Island — has a beach of fine white sand of uncertain provenance (the sand is not native to Turkey; theories abound). The beach is a national monument; a small fee is charged to land. Snorkelling off the beach is excellent.

Day 4: Marmaris

Marmaris is the largest charter base on the Turkish coast after Bodrum — a busy, noisy, commercial town with excellent provisioning, reliable fuel, and good chandleries. It is not the most atmospheric stop on the itinerary, but the practical value is real. The Marmaris bazaar is worth an afternoon; the sea turtles in the harbour are a bonus. The bays immediately west and east of Marmaris — Kumlubük, İçmeler — are more attractive for anchoring.

Day 5: Marmaris to Bozburun — Hisarönü Körfezi

Hisarönü Körfezi (Bozburun Peninsula) is a deep gulf south of Marmaris with a series of bays on its eastern shore. Bozburun village at the head of the gulf is a traditional gulet-building centre — the sound of adzes and the smell of marine varnish. Anchor in the bay off the village or take a berth on the quay. The restaurant directly on the water serves freshly caught fish; the meze spread is extraordinary. Bozburun is the most genuine village on this itinerary.

Day 6: Bozburun to Göcek — Ekincik and the Dalyan River

A longer day — 45 miles — made worthwhile by the stop at Ekincik Bay. Ekincik is a landlocked anchorage accessible only by sea, with no road connection. Anchor in the inner bay and take the dinghy upriver to Dalyan — a town on the Dalyan River, accessible by hired boat, with the extraordinary Kaunos rock tombs cut into the cliff face above the river. The river route to Dalyan crosses İztuzu Beach, a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta); the beach is restricted from May to September during nesting season.

Continue east to Göcek in the afternoon — the town sits at the head of its own bay with six marinas and an excellent provisioning infrastructure.

Day 7: Göcek — Twelve Islands

Göcek Bay contains a cluster of small islands — collectively known as the Twelve Islands (Onikiadalar) — each with an anchorage of varying quality. Göcek Island itself has a restaurant; Tersane Island (Boatyard Island) has the ruins of a Byzantine boatyard and a sheltered inner anchorage. A final day exploring the islands before handing the boat back is the right way to end the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a Turkish transit log for sailing in Turkey?
A: Yes. All foreign vessels entering Turkish waters require a transit log (giriş izni) issued by the harbour master at the first port of entry. Your charter company arranges this for you if you collect the boat in Turkey; confirm before departure.

Q: Is Turkey good value for charter?
A: Yes, significantly. As of 2026 a 40–45ft yacht costs typically £1,500–£3,000 per week bareboat, including VAT. Marina fees, fuel, and provisions are all cheaper than Croatia or Greece by 20–40%.