GOKOVA GULF
BOAT: SALAMANDER
The Gulf of Gokova offers good shelter & calm seas for those less familiar with boats. Here we show 2 possible options offering a great mix of small towns, villages, quiet pine-clad bays & historic ruins. An excellent and un-spoilt place to explore for first-time visitors to this enticing country.
Gokova Bay Turkey is a 100km long, narrow gulf of the Aegean Sea located on the South Coast of the Bodrum peninsula and on the North of the Datça peninsula. The Gulf of Gokova is an incredible area of Turkey that offers sensational views with a pleasant combination of colours. Pretty shorelines covered with forests offer every tone of green you could imagine, while the Aegean sea is a beautiful shade of blue. One of the best ways to experience and witness all of these beauties is to sail along the coastline. A boat trip on this gulf will make any holiday as beautiful and memorable as the place itself.
The Gokova Gulf is a very popular destination with holidaymakers seeking private gulet charters. Some of the major towns within the gulf are Gokova town, Akyaka, and Ula. There are a few archaeological ruins around the gulf itself, such as Ceramus near Oren town and Cedrae in Sedir island.
About Gokova
Sailing across the Gulf of Gokova you will cross beautiful, clear blue seas and secluded, untouched coves. You’ll be able to sail calmly across stunning beaches, surrounded by green forests and natural landscapes.
Bodrum
You gulet trip will begin in Bodrum. This charming town is rich with history and ancient ruins. There is plenty to do in this seaside town. You can visit the Bodrum Castle as well as the Museum of Underwater Archaeology for some culture. If you just want to relax however you can take a stroll around the old town or down the beaches. Bodrum even has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of beach bars and restaurants you can enjoy.
The town also has an enigmatic marina full of beautifully crafted gulets and yachts. Bodrum has a unique quality of having a combination of hectic hotspots and calm hidden corners of serenity.
Cokertme
When travelling to Cokertme you’ll sail across peaceful turquoise seas and pass the tranquil coves of Orak Island. This area is surrounded by beautiful olive groves and pine trees. You can anchor here to relax and dine by the cove or take a dip in the calm ocean.
Cokertme is a regular stopover for sailors as it is a quiet place, sheltered from the wind. There are lots of local restaurants here who offer delicious, local cuisine at fair prices.
Sedir Island (Cleopatra’s Island)
Cleopatra’s Island is world-famous for its beautiful white sands, made from tiny seashells. There is a legend that this location was the meeting place between Cleopatra and Antonius, who shipped the beautiful, organic sand to the Island, all the way from Egypt. The sand is so well-known in fact, it is heavily protected by the government to prevent it from being taken by visitors.
Sedir Island is also near Karacasogut, which contains an impressive bay with a natural waterfall and pool, with plenty of caves to explore.
Tuzla, English harbour/Karagut
Tuzla is a small town on the coast with a number of fresh fish restaurants located on the seafront. Many wealthy and retired Istanbul residents come to Tuzla to escape the busy city feel of Istanbul.
Longoz
Longoz is the home of some of the most impressive bays in the Gulf of Gokova. Beautifully green hills full of fir trees steep down to the clear, calm, turquoise sea. Calm breezes flow in every direction. Longoz bay really is a natural wonder you won’t want to leave.
English Harbour
The English Harbour was used as a shelter during the Second World War by British naval vessels. There is a vast seafront here with long, winding beaches and green hills and forests to explore. There are plenty of places to eat and relax on the English Harbour.
Seven Islands
The seven islands are located to the South of Tuzla. There is plenty to do for everyone on the seven islands. You can be active and take a swim and snorkel in the clear waters or sunbathe on the beach. You may want to explore the green hills.
There is Long Island, Olive Island & Small Island to name a few. Each one is beautiful and secluded.
Aquarium
The Aquarium bay is commonly visited by smaller day boats from nearby harbours. The water is crystal clear and great for swimming and snorkelling. In the corner of the bay is the Aquarium cove, with a couple of smaller islands off of it. There are no roads at the aquarium bay, however, there are trails perfect for a hike.
Gumusluk
Gumusluk is a must-visit in the Gulf of Gokova. Bodrum may be a rumbling hotspot for tourists, however, Gumusluk is the quieter, no place beautiful alternative. Experience the authentic Turkish seafront life with locals and other Turkish tourists. There is a much more laidback atmosphere about Gumusluk, with plenty of smaller, local restaurants to dine from.
Yalikavak
Yalikavak is another coastal town similar to Bodrum, however smaller. It is home to a modern marina and bustling harbour, as well as plenty of restaurants and art galleries. There are public beaches scattered around Yalikavak, where it is possible to catch a glimpse of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
Mercincik
Situated on the other side of Bodrum on the Gulf of Gokova, Merscincik is a popular location for yachts and gulets. The Mersincik bay is surrounded by dense, green forests and olive trees which contrast magnificently with the clear blue sea and yellow sand.
Knidos
Knidos, Turkey, is a must-see ancient city, with famous statues of Greek God’s and Goddess’, Dionysus, Athena and Aphrodite. Knidos is a popular historical site in Turkey, scattered with magnificent, monuments, statues and amphitheatres. These picturesque ruins are must-sees, along with the bays and harbours for the ancient city.
Orak Island
Orak Island is only a short sail away from Bodrum. The Island is a hotspot for divers due to the crystal clear waters and colourful surroundings being described as like an aquarium. Sailors of smaller and larger sailing boats often come here to relax in the scenic waters.
There are splendid, sloped hills full of olive trees which are perfect for trekking and hiking. The sheltered bays also contain authentic, local restaurants.
Mazi
Mazi is close to Bodrum distance-wise, however, if you fancy a secluded, tourist-free location, then Mazi is the place for you. A secluded village with winding roads surrounded by pine forests, there are spectacular ocean views and fishermen, making for authentic seafood dining.
Kara Ada
Kara Ada is also known as Karaada, which translates to Black Island, although it is full of green forests. Kara Ada is roughly 6km off the coast of Bodrum and is the largest Island off Bodrum’s coast, so you can sit back and enjoy the view of the city from there.
The Island is well known due to its healing mineral springs which you can swim within in the cave. There is a legend that Cleopatra used these springs and mud in the cave to preserve her beauty. Kara Ada is popular for gulets and yachts due to its untouched coves and beaches.
