The Turkish Riviera possesses a unique coastline where pine forests meet turquoise waters. These bays, difficult to reach by land and discoverable only by sailors, are addresses of true peace. Correct route planning determines the quality of the boat holiday. Wind direction, sea floor structure, and the privacy offered by the bay are criteria captains watch for while anchoring. Here are 10 special stops where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean that you must steer towards.
Gocek and Fethiye Gulf: Dance of Green and Blue
Gocek is the epicenter of yachting with its calm sea and numerous sheltered bays.
1. Bedri Rahmi Bay (Tasyaka)
This bay is named after the famous poet and painter Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu. A fish figure painted by Eyuboglu on a rock in 1974 is the symbol of the bay. Pine trees descend right to the sea. It is highly sheltered against the wind. The ground structure is suitable for holding the anchor. It offers a short walk on the slopes for those wanting to see historical Lycian rock tombs.
2. Sarsala Bay
It is divided into Big and Small Sarsala. Small Sarsala, in particular, is a favorite of luxury yachts. The water is clear like glass, and the bottom is visible. It can be crowded on weekends, but enjoying the silence on weekday mornings is possible. The beach is sandy, and the seawater temperature is at an ideal level.
3. Cleopatra’s Bath (Sunken Bath)
This is one of the rare bays with historical ruins inside the water. According to legend, this bath, where Cleopatra bathed, was submerged due to tectonic movements. Snorkeling here is like a museum tour. The shade of pine trees falls on the water, making it cool and turning its color emerald green.
Kas and Kekova Region: History and Nature
The Kas region has slightly cooler and more dynamic water as it is closer to the open sea.
4. Kekova (Sunken City)
Kekova is an island region intertwined with history rather than just a bay. Ruins of the ancient city of Dolchiste, submerged by earthquakes, are visible to the naked eye from the boat. Swimming over the ancient city is forbidden, but you can anchor in Tersane Bay right across and swim facing history.
5. Aquarium Bay
It takes its name from the crystal clarity of its water. Although the depth reaches 20 meters in places, sand grains at the bottom are distinguishable. It has a calm structure protected from the wind. It is usually preferred for lunch breaks and swimming stops. Checking the weather forecast is necessary for overnight stays.
Bodrum and Gokova: Start of the Aegean
The Bodrum peninsula, where entertainment and peace balance, is one of the most popular routes of the blue voyage.
6. Orak Island
Known as the Maldives of Bodrum. Thanks to its white sand floor, the water has an incredible turquoise tone. The island is covered with olive trees. There is no settlement, which ensures the preservation of naturalness. It offers rich fauna, especially for those interested in underwater sports.
7. Paradise Bay (Cennet Koyu)
Located near Golturkbuku, this bay lives up to its name. It is surrounded by luxury villas and dense forests. Thanks to its structure protected from the wind, it has a "sheet-like" sea. It is a popular spot where you can frequently see the boats of famous figures.
Datca and Hisaronu: Oxygen Depot
The Datca peninsula is one of the regions with the highest oxygen rates in the world.
8. Bencik Bay
Located at the narrowest point of Hisaronu Gulf, it resembles a fjord. The entrance is narrow, but the interior is quite wide. It is one of the safest harbors in all weather conditions. Anchoring close to the shore and spending the night accompanied by the scent of pine trees is possible.
9. Palamutbuku
It has one of the longest beaches in Datca. The sea can be slightly more wavy but is famous for its cleanliness. Surrounded by almond trees, this region offers the opportunity to go ashore for those wanting to taste local flavors. The water is refreshing and relaxing.
10. Selimiye and Sogut
Selimiye, the capital of peace, is at the end of the bay list. It looks like a closed lake. The seawater is calm and warm. Restaurants stretching along the coast provide pier service to boat owners. It is one of the spots where luxury and simplicity combine, and the sunset is viewed best.
Table 1: Features of Bays and Anchoring Tips
| Bay Name | Region | Ground Structure | Shelter | Best Activity |
| Bedri Rahmi | Gocek | Mud/Sand | High | History discovery, Hiking |
| Orak Island | Bodrum | White Sand | Medium | Snorkeling, Photography |
| Kekova | Kas | Rocky/Sand | High | Viewing Sunken Ruins |
| Bencik | Hisaronu | Sand | Very High | Overnight stay, Dinghy trip |
| Aquarium | Fethiye | Sand | Medium | Swimming Break |
Sustainability of Pristine Bays
The beauty of these bays depends on their cleanliness. Waste management of boats anchoring for a long time in closed bays is critical. Discharging grey and black water tanks into the sea is legally forbidden and ethically irresponsible. High-capacity waste holding tanks, advanced treatment systems, and eco-friendly technological equipment ensure these corners of paradise remain for future generations.
A blue voyage is not just a holiday; it is a state of integration with nature. With the correct route, a safe boat, and environmental awareness, these special bays of the Mediterranean become the scene of unforgettable memories. UNOKS continues to support the technological infrastructure for sailors to live this experience in the most comfortable and sustainable way.
