Introduction
The Gocek-Marmaris sailing route is one of the most popular yachting itineraries in Turkey, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. This stunning route takes you through some of the most scenic destinations in the Mediterranean, including Tersane Island, Cleopatra’s Bath, Dalyan, Turunç Cennet Island, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Yassıca Island, and Göcek.
Tersane Island, also known as Shipyard Island, is a secluded cove located at the entrance of the Gocek Bay. The island boasts a rich history dating back to the Ottoman era when it was used as a naval base and shipyard. Today, the island is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a peaceful picnic.
Cleopatra’s Bath is another must-visit destination on this sailing route. Located in the Gulf of Fethiye, this natural pool is said to have been a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra during their romance. The crystal-clear water and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Dalyan is a charming town located on the banks of the Dalyan River. This town is famous for its ancient rock tombs, mud baths, and natural hot springs. Visitors can take a boat tour along the river to explore the town’s many attractions.
Turunç Cennet Island is a tiny paradise island located in the Gulf of Fethiye. With its turquoise waters and unspoiled beaches, this island is a favorite spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Bedri Rahmi Bay, also known as Tasyaka Bay, is named after the famous Turkish artist Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu. In the 1970s, the artist painted a fish on a rock in this bay, which is now known as the Fish Rock. This bay is a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the underwater world.
Yassıca Island is a group of small islands located in the Gulf of Fethiye. The crystal-clear water, colorful fish, and stunning views make it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Finally, Göcek is a charming coastal town located in the heart of the Göcek Bay. This town is famous for its marinas, luxury yachts, and excellent restaurants. Visitors can also explore the town’s many historic sites, including the ancient city of Arymaxa.
Overall, the Gocek-Marmaris-Gocek sailing route offers a perfect mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty, making it a favorite destination for yachting enthusiasts from around the world.
Tersane Island
Once a Greek village, this picturesque island was deserted back in 1923 during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Also known as Dockyard Island, it got its name during World War I when the Ottoman Navy began to use it as a shipyard to construct battleships. Now, the island is home to scattering of homes of various civilizations that have over time fallen to ruin. Visitors may wander around the scenic island, explore the ruins of abandoned homes, and snorkel in dazzlingly clear waters in search of the ruins of the ancient harbor. The waters are crystal clear and shallow, perfect for families! After Tersane Island, this sailing route will head off towards Cleopatra Island.
Cleopatra’s Bath
One of the ultimate favorite stops of sailing holiday routes in the area, Cleopatra’s Bath is the stuff of dreams, with crystal clear waters and golden sandy beaches in a lush green setting, and what’s more, the location comes with a mesmerizing story. Legend has it that Marc Anthony built a Roman Bath here for his queen Cleopatra as a wedding gift. According to the tale, the golden sands were imported from Egypt and the spot was chosen for the natural thermal springs. Cleopatra is said to have visited on her honeymoon with Marc Anthony, in around 40 B.C. The sea here is supposedly rich in minerals that benefit the skin, and visitors may bathe in the remarkable waters just as Cleopatra might have, over 2000 years ago. After anchoring nearby, visitors may explore the island and the ancient ruins, as well as the sunken ruins of the hammam. Next, the yacht will depart to Dalyan.
Dalyan – Kaunos
Iztuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is in actual fact a stretch of sand that is several kilometers long, at the end of a river delta. It is an important center for the loggerhead sea turtle, known in Turkish as the Caretta Caretta, and the endangered animals return to this spot year after year to nest. This is a protected spot, and although it’s open to beachgoers, certain zones are prohibited. Enjoy long walks along the shore and restorative mud baths. The next stop is Kaunos, where along the Dalyan river lie stunning Lycian Rock Tombs. Carved out of the rock faces facing the river, among the stunning scenery of pine-forests, these elaborate hand-carved graves date back to the 4th century. At this stop, the ruins can be visited up close by taking a riverboat tour, and other historical ruins such as a Byzantine basilica church, a Greek theatre, an acropolis and even a harbor area can be explored. Next on the route is Turunc Bay.
Turunc – Cennet Island – Marmaris Kumlubuk Bay
Upon arrival at Turunc Bay, a developed vacation spot, a small tour can be taken around the town. The bay is ideal for watersports and boasts a wide array of activities, from scuba-diving to snorkeling, and parasailing to jet-skiing and water-skiing. Enjoy this tranquil and unspoiled bay, with scenic views of the surrounding pine forests and clear, calm waters. The next stop of the route is Cennet Island, actually a peninsula that is a frequent destination for daily boat tours. After a short stop on the pristine coastline of Cennet Island, the route will continue on to Kumlubuk in Marmaris. This a beautiful spot for dips in the dazzling turquoise waters, reading and naps on deck, and diving. After spending the night in Marmaris, the cruise will continue on to Semizce Bay at first light.
Semizce Bay – Aga Harbor – Dis Gobun – Bedri Rahmi Bay – Sarsala Bay
Semizce Bay is a stunning and secluded spot that is perfect to start off the day with serene swims in the crystal-clear waters before moving on to Aga Harbor. Next up is Dis Gobun, a spot that is only reachable by boat, and where ancient ruins can be found among the olive and pine trees. The historical ruins can be explored, or stunning views of the Gocek Bays can be enjoyed following a pleasant ascent up the lush green hills. The route continues to Bedri Rahmi Bay, a secluded, protected and silent bay that was named after a great Turkish writer and painter – Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu. It is said that the painter and his friends were the first blue voyagers to discover this remarkable spot on the Lycian coast and on one of his cruises here in the 1970’s, Bedri Rahmi left his mark with the painting of a fish on one of the large boulders onshore. This spot is perfect for swims in the calmest of waters and explorations of Lycian rock tombs hidden among the olive trees. Following some tranquil downtime here, the route will move on to Sarsala Bay. It is best to enjoy this bay on weekdays as it is likely to be very crowded on summer weekends. After spending a night here, the route will continue to the Yassica Islands.
Yassica Islands – Samanlik Bay
The Yassica Islands consist of 5 different islands which are separated by narrow gates, and these are a frequent stop on blue voyage routes and daily boat tours. At the Yassica Islands, visitors can enjoy a wide array of water sports, walk through the forests of the island and enjoy the beautiful sea. The next stop will be Samanlik Bay, where the blue voyage route will come to an end. This stop is perfect for basking in the sun, delighting in the sea and the unspoiled nature, and taking the last moment to soak up the energy of the vibrant southern coast. The route will then head off to Gocek where guests will depart the yacht.
Gocek
On the last night of the tour, guests will have the opportunity to tour the town of Gocek and the following day enjoy a last breakfast against a backdrop of stunning nature.
On the last night of the sailing tour, guests will have the chance to explore the charming coastal town of Gocek, which is located in the heart of the Gocek Bay. This town is a popular destination for yachting enthusiasts, and it boasts an excellent marina, luxury yachts, and a range of top-quality restaurants.
Visitors can stroll along the town’s lively waterfront, browse the many shops and boutiques, or enjoy a drink at one of the many bars and cafes. Gocek is also home to several historic sites, including the ancient city of Arymaxa, which dates back to the 5th century BC.
In the morning, guests can enjoy a last breakfast against a backdrop of stunning nature, as the tour comes to an end. The beautiful natural scenery of the Gocek Bay, with its crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and rugged coastline, provides a breathtaking setting for a relaxing and enjoyable breakfast.
Overall, the town of Gocek is a perfect destination to wrap up a memorable sailing tour, offering a wide range of activities and attractions, as well as a chance to relax and soak up the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
