1 Week Charter – departure/return base Bodrum Turgutreis
DISTANCES
1st Day Bodrum Check-in at 17:00
2nd Day Cokertme 21 NM
3rd Day Castle Island 21 NM
4th Day Degirmen/English Harbour 6 NM
5th Day Yedi Adalari 15 NM
6th Day Kormen 25 NM
7th Day Bodrum 18 NM
8th Day Check-out at 9:00
Bodrum – Cokertme 21nm
This is the most likely first night stopping place on a cruise of the Gulf of Gokova. The north side of the gulf is generally less attractive than the south, but this is a reasonable distance from Bodrum and offers reasonable shelter from the Meltemi. As everywhere along this coast there is a risk of severe gusts off the mountains behind. Although the relative importance of Bodrum as a charter base seems to have declined in recent years, it can get crowded in summer because of being so obviously the ideal first night stop on a 7 day cruise. Viewed from the sea, it does not look very attractive, but when you get there it is actually rather charming. In the hamlet, there are numerous restaurants where you while away your first night.
Cokertme – Castle Island 21nm
Just across the Gulf from Akbuk are Snake Island and Castle Island. Like so many places along this incredible coast, this place is an Aladdins cave of Lycian remains. The bay on Castle Island can get very crowded with day tripper boats taking crowds to Cleopatra’s Beach. This tiny bay has sand that Cleopatra reputedly had brought from Egypt for her lover Anthony, and indeed experts have confirmed that it does seem to come from North Africa. Shallow close in-shore, you have to anchor some way off.
Castle Island – Degirmen/English Harbour 6nm
This is another of those truly astonishing inlets that the Gulf of Gokova affords. This is a largish area with a wide variety of possible hidey holes. The best known one is English Harbour. It got its name from being used as a base for British Motor Torpedo Boats in the Second World War. The East Cove has two welcoming restaurants, both of which offer fairly extensive provisioning. Stopping at the first one offers a completely wonderful view over the inlet. Water and electricity were both free and very welcome.
Degrimen Buku – Yedi Adalari 15nm
Yedi Adalari is a sheltered anchorage in the beautiful Seven Islands providing a tranquil spot to relax overnight. Completely away from the hustle and bustle of Bodrum you can dine out under the stars. There other creeks and anchorages, like Amazon Creek which provide a spot for a night. Access is simple enough by day, but not to be attempted at night. Our preferred anchorage is the one in the North Cove, but there is not much space there and therefore it is often full. The fact that it is shallow at the head further restricts the number of yachts that can anchor there. The Eastern end of East Creek is a delightfully secluded spot, but you must follow the pilot book closely to avoid running aground. There is also room on the south side of the East Creek, where it’s secure in strong winds.
Yedi Adalari – Kormen 25nm
Kormen is a great place to swing into for a night as its a peaceful small village with a small port that is well sheltered. There is also an excellent fish restaurant and also a small restaurant on the quay, where you can enjoy a night of good food with the sea lapping around you. Its worth noting that the first harbour is no longer in regular use, and even the most recent Heikell is out of date on that subject! Take care getting in and out can as it can be a bit of an adventure.
Kormen Bodrum 18nm