Gocek – Kekova – Gocek Gulet Charter Route
With Dalaman International airport only 20- minutes away, Gocek is a jewel of a town nestled between Fethiye and Dalyan. What puts Gocek on the map is its 6 marinas and the bay area is also a harbor for islands that provide ample anchorage for many yachts. This amazing harbor town is home to Super Yachts and is a great starting point for many a yacht charter in the Mediterranean.
The biggest island in the Gulf of Fthiye is Tersane Island, known also as Shipyard Island. This bay has a 100 meter deep channel that was used by the Ottoman navy, hence the name shipyard island. The bay area has a lot of coves and towards the east lies the Summer harbor. The west side of the bay is not used much due to the strong winds that prevail most of the year. There is an ancient ruined town nearby called Telandria, and if you want to stretch your legs, this is a great place to do so.
Gemiler island is an uninhabited island near the city of Fethiye. It has a lot of restaurants and cafes located near the famous ruins, but the owners don’t live on the island, they come every day for as a tourist business. Gemiler is considered to be the resting place of St. Nicholas, or what we all now as Santa Claus, who is also the Patron Saint of Sailors. During the early Christian era this was a very active island with a lot trade and commerce. It his home to some Byzantine ruins and St. Nicholas’ tomb. The island is now a pilgrimage site, as well as a favored day stop for yachts. The local cuisine is exceptionally tasty, and they are located in a nice relaxing spot with wonderful views. Blue Cruises have a license to stay overnight, but the rest of the island empties at sunset, and it becomes quite desolate. There is no commercial site to restock, so if you need supplies its best to sail onwards or restock in Fethiye.
Oludeniz is Turkish for Dead Sea, which it derives from the calm waters that seem to shine like a pane of glass all year round. Oludeniz is a small village in the Fethiye district in the Muğla Province. It is one of the most visited and popular Turkey boat cruises on the Turquoise Coast of southwestern Turkey. The blue lagoon sits within a pebble beach enclosure, and the waters are crystal clear, aquamarine and differing shade so of blue. Behind the town is Mount Babadag, that sets the pace for the paragliding community.
This is considered to be one of the best and most beautiful paraglide locations in the world. It is also part of the Ultramarathon called the Lycian Way Marathon. For visitors arriving by yacht, this is a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving, since the lagoon has plenty of small underwater caves and a lot of interesting fauna and sea life. Apart from the activities found here, there is a tourist center that has a number of restaurants, cafes and shops to restock if needed.
Close to Fethiye nestles Butterfly Valley. This valley is only really accessible by sea, since it is surrounded by Rocky Mountains. During the summer, and only for a few weeks, the valley fills with butterflies, hence the name. The largest species found here is actually a moth, it’s the white colored Jersey moth. The valley has a stream running through it, so even when the place is devoid of flying colors it is still an amazing place to visit. If you want to stay inland overnight, you can do so, but there are strict rules for camping that need to be adhered to.
Next stop of your Turkey cruise tour is Yesilkoy. Yeslikoy is a small village under the surrounding mountains, its name means green village and its purpose was to provide shelter to farmers. Over time, it grew into a small farming community that species in olives and maquis.
Kas was once a small fishing village, today it is a growing tourist town with a nice marina and perfect conditions for scuba diving. In fact, Kas is considered to be one of Turkey’s main diving centers and it delivers in every sense. The contract between the clear aquamarine waters and the dark rocky cliffs, make this a truly magnificent place to berth and enjoy. Quite close to the harbor is an ancient amphitheater, and around the harbor are plenty of small restaurants and tavern providing fresh seafood meals. This is also a preferred restocking location for Blue Cruises, so while your crew is stocking up, you can either relax in town, or take a scuba diving moment. You will also be able to see the Greek island of Meis, just off shore. The town is linked by modern roads and is also a great base for exploring the local archeological sites and regional history.
36 kilometers east of Kas is Theimussa, this is a nice bay that is nearly a complete circle, and is considered to be an important anchor for yachts. Theimussa bay is located very near the sunken city off the island of Kekova and you can see a castle that starts on a hill and needs under the sea.
East of Kas is the island of Kekova. The Kekova region is 100 square miles and includes the island of Kekova, the villages of Kaleköy and Üçağız and four ancient towns of Simena, Aperlae, Dolchiste and Teimioussa. Kekvoa is a protected region and is uninhabited. You will most probably anchor off the island, and you can visit the area to enjoy the amazing views, clear turquoise seas and ancient ruins. Close by you will find the sunken city of Apollonia underwater, which slipped into the seas after an earthquake. You can see this amazing underwater city clearly from your yacht.
One of the must-see places when boating Turkey is Kalkan. Just below the Taurus Mountains sits the town of Kalkan. This amazing town is built on the slopes of the mountain, so you get a multi-layered white washed view against a dark mountain backdrop. This town has both a small harbor as well as a thriving olive business, and they make a special olive soap unique to their town. Since this site is so beautiful, many properties are owned by foreign residents that come to stay for a few weeks during the year. The rest of the time the property is either empty or rented out to visitors through sites such as Airbnb. The view of this town is magnificent, with overflowing colors from the multiple storied terraces on one side, and the clear bay waters shining under the sunlight during the day.
Between Kas and Kalkan sits the beautiful cove of Kapoutas beach. This cove is pictured a lot in national and private tourism advertising printed brochures and online magazine. This is where beauty and the beast meet up and become on, the beach itself is not recommended for families with children since it is quite deep, and the waters tend to be rough most of the time.
Turunç Pınarı is on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Fethiye. It is lined by pine trees and is home to a lovely restaurant. The restaurant has a pier with 15 moorings, and it supplies water provisions as well as a few times for restocking. If you take a short walk up the hillside, you will find a natural water spring under a walnut tree. Yachts usually anchor around 25 meters off the shore, and this is a perfect sport for a short landside respite.
Kizil island is considered to be a magical place at sunset. The islands name means red and the grounds color is red. However, it is at sunset when the whole island transforms, all the stones turn crimson red, providing you with an amazing photographic shoot. The island is uninhabited, apart from a lighthouse that is located on the southern tip. The Deliktas isles re located to the north west and are considered to be another great place to anchor, but for swimming and fishing.
In the Gulf of Fethiye lie the Yasica islands, these are uninhabited islands that are perfect for swimming, visiting and just sailing around. Most of these islands have secluded beaches that provide a private relaxation environment, and you can while away the hours swimming and enjoying the quiet. Apart from relaxing, you can also enjoy a lot of water sports here, especially child safe water sports that provide a great daytime activity for your kids. The beaches and sea shores are stony, so you should come prepared with proper sea footwear. Some of the islands are so close to each other, that you can swim from one to the other, which provides a lot of exhilaration, as well as competitiveness. The nearest port is located at Gocek, and that is also where most of the day trippers come from. Try to stay for sunset with your gulet, this is when the cameras come out and some of the most romantic and breathtaking shots can be taken during these hours of the late day.
Bedri Rahmi Bay is named after the famous Turkish author Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu, he used to come fishing in the bay, which was previously known as Dark Bay since Lycian times. During one of his fishing trips in 1973, he drew a fish on a rock at the entrance of the bay, giving the rock a new title “Fish Rock”, this is now the name for the entire area. This bay is well sheltered, so winds do not prevail, and the colors are distinct, with the clear azure waters contrasting with the green pines, olive trees and oleanders that populate the hillside. The overall effect is exaggerated by a clear cyan sky.
Between Boynuz Buku and Tasyaka is the bay of Kille Buku. This is considered to be a great picnic stop for travelers visiting from Gocek, since it is heavily shaded by the trees.
Last day of your gulet vacation Turkey you will visit Boynuzbükü bay which is near Gocek. This bay hides 12 uninhabited islands called the Adalar. A lot of visitors come to enjoy the waters and scenery of this area. It is very close to Fethiye, so day travelers are found in abundance. The island itself has a small restaurant offering local cuisine and freshly caught seafood platters. The bay area is covered with fruit trees that provide a fragrant shade.
Gocek is a starting point for the local 12 Islands Tour and an island of the same name is closest to the harbour, perhaps 10 minutes sailing? Those not wanting to sail can visit its beach where many will stop during their tour of the islands. There are refreshments available on Gocek Island throughout the sailing season. If you wish, you can camp perfectly safely under the trees ans simply spend a relaxing time.
You arrive at Gocek at the end of your voyage, after taking in all the wonders of the Mediterranean, possibly also the Aegean and Adriatic. When you berth in Gocek, take some time off before you leave to the airport. Enjoy the wonders of this beautiful town and take one last taste of all that Turkey has to offer. Walking the promenade and enjoying the sunset. Maybe that carpet you saw when you arrived is still waiting for you to buy it and place it at home, providing extra warm, memories of an ancient coastline and land filled with warm wonders and experiences.