2 Weeks charter – departure/return base Bodrum Milta Marina
1st day: Bodrum Turgutreis Marina Check – in 17:00
2nd day: Cokertme
3rd day: Castle Island
4th day: Degirmen/English Harbour
5th day: Kormen
6th day: Datca
7th day: Orhaniye
8th day: Paradise Bay
9th day: Dirsek
10th day: Serce Limani
11th day: Loryma
12th day: Ova Buku
13th day: Yedi Adalari
14th day: Bodrum
15th day: Bodrum Turgutreis Marina Check – out 09:00
Cokertme
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.
Castle Island
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.
Degirmen/English Harbour
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.
Kormen
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.
Datca
Datca is located near the site of old Knidos, before the new Knidos was realised further down the peninsula and the population moved down there. There are a few ruins of the ancient city located to the north of the present village, although theyre really for those who are dedicated rock hunters. Datca is described as a sleepy port, although during the season it comes alive with many yachts stocking up before heading into the Gulf and to enjoy one of the many restaurants lining the harbour.
Orhaniye
Orhaniye is home to Marti Marina, where you can bask in luxury of the marina with its restaurant offering traditional food, or interestingly Thai as well! However if looking for a more rustic experience then you can simply moor off one of the restaurants jettys and sit back and take in the phenomenal view from your yacht.
Paradise Bay
An unnamed bay on the charts, Paradise Bay earned its name from Yachtsmen and you can see why. With its surrounding hills enveloped in thick pine and a small beach at the head, the setting is just breathtaking. Paradise Bay is a small tranquil bay, with a restaurant which offers a small wooden jetty where you can moor up for the night. With fresh water from the mountain in abundance you can expect solar powered showers in these natural surroundings.
Dirsek
A wonderful bay with crystal clear water and lots of mooring options, whether you choose to take a line ashore, pick up a mooring buoy or moor on the restaurants jetty you can be assured that youll have a relaxing time. The clear waters of the bay are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. There is no road which links Dirsek with the rest of the peninsula so everything arrives by boat, and youll be able to buy freshly baked bread in the morning from the restaurant. For those who have the energy theres a footpath which leads out of the bay to spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Serce Limani
Dont let the narrow entrance fool you, once through the entrance the bay opens up dramatically before you. In this bay many artefacts have been recovered from a Byzantine wreck from the 11th Century, of which glass objects are on display in the Medieval Age Hall at Bodrum castle. once inside the bay there are two restaurants, both offering moorings. Serce Limani is a popular bay in the summer and can get crowded, for which you can anchor and take a long line ashore. Captain Nemos restaurant is in the north west corner of the bay, offering good seafood and village bread.
Loryma
Known for its panoramic views, on a clear day you can see over to Rhodes Loryma is just south of Bozburun Peninsula. Also known as Bozukkale, meaning broken castle this large sheltered bay is easily recognisable by the ancient citadel situated on the western head as you approach. Loryma is an ideal bay for snorkelling or swimming to while away an afternoon, and with several restaurants youve plenty to take your pick from.
Ova Buku
Ova Buku is a small cove which is home to just one restaurant, owned by local character Ogun. Theres a small jetty where you can moor up outside the restaurant where theres shorepower, internet access as well as a laundry service offered as well.
Yedi Adalari
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.