The Gulf of Gokova stretches approximately 100 km between the Bodrum Peninsula to the north and the Datca Peninsula to the south . It is part of a Special Environmental Protection Area, which has preserved its natural beauty and limited coastal development .
Why this route is special:
- The gulf is sheltered from strong winds, making for calm sailing even in peak summer months
- It features numerous pine-forested coves with crystal-clear turquoise waters
- The region is where the Turkish “Blue Voyage” concept originated
- The eastern half of the gulf offers quieter anchorages with fewer boats than the western entrance
Best time to sail: May through October, with average daytime temperatures exceeding 28°C. The gulf remains calm even during the Meltemi wind season due to its protected geography .
Day 1: Bodrum – Karaada (or Aquarium Bay)
Embarkation: Boarding typically begins at 15:00 from Bodrum Harbour .
The journey begins in the historic port of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus), birthplace of the historian Herodotus and home to the ruins of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World . After a captain’s briefing, the yacht sets sail for the first overnight stop.
Karaada (Black Island) lies directly opposite Bodrum and is famous for its thermal springs and beautiful bays . The therapeutic mud baths here are a popular attraction. If you prefer a quieter first night, some itineraries opt for Aquarium Bay (Adaboğazı) , named for its exceptionally clear waters .
Overnight: Karaada or Aquarium Bay
Day 2: Orak Island – Cokertme
Morning: After breakfast, sail to Orak Island, known for its stunning turquoise waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities . The island’s crystal-clear bays are perfect for the first proper swimming break of the cruise. Orak is uninhabited but regularly visited by yachts seeking its clean waters and marine life .
Afternoon & Evening: Continue to Cokertme, a charming fishing village surrounded by pine woods and olive groves . This village, mentioned in local folk songs, offers a genuine Turkish coastal experience. The natural harbor provides good shelter from prevailing northwest winds . Several bayfront restaurants offer fresh local cuisine at reasonable rates .
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, evening stroll along the shore
Overnight: Cokertme Bay
Day 3: Seven Islands – English Harbour
Morning: Sail to the Seven Islands region, one of the most beautiful parts of the southern coast of the Gulf of Gokova . This area features multiple small islands clustered together, creating numerous sheltered anchor pockets. The waters here are protected by offshore islands, and the pine-forested shoreline offers stunning scenery .
Kufre Bay (also known as Long Port) within the Seven Islands is a popular lunch stop . This is where the gulf begins to feel like a truly protected cruising ground rather than just “the next stop from Bodrum” .
Afternoon: Anchor at English Harbour , named for the British warships that sheltered here during World War II . This sheltered port offers:
- Good holding in sand pockets at 6–10 meters depth
- Short forest walks that are particularly enjoyable in the early morning
- A calm, protected anchorage for overnight stays
Note: English Harbour can get crowded in July and August; arriving early is recommended for the best inner spots .
Overnight: English Harbour
Day 4: Cleopatra Island – Karacasogut
Morning: Sail to Sedir Island (Cleopatra Island) , the legendary highlight of the Gulf of Gokova route. According to legend, Mark Antony had special sand shipped from Egypt to create a unique beach for his lover, Queen Cleopatra . The sand is indeed different from any other in the region—fine, golden, and protected by law (visitors cannot remove any) .
The island is essentially an open-air museum featuring:
- City walls and ruins from the ancient city of Cedrae
- A theater with 1,500-seat capacity
- An agora where athletic festivals were organized in honor of Apollo
- Various domed historical buildings and church ruins
Tip: Daytime sees many tourist excursion boats. For a more peaceful experience, visit late afternoon .
Afternoon: Continue to Karacasogut, a practical village bay on the eastern side of the gulf . This is an excellent spot for:
- Provisioning and resupplying before heading deeper into quieter bays
- Swimming in exceptionally clear waters on calm mornings
- Optional minibus trips to Marmaris (25 km away) or the Dalyan-Caunos area
Overnight: Karacasöğüt
Day 5: Longoz Bay – Tuzla Bay – Kargılı Bay
Morning: Sail to Longoz Bay (Longoz) , a paradise surrounded by dense pine forests that come right down to the water’s edge . This bay offers:
- A peaceful, nature-immersed swimming break
- Short forest walks to stretch your legs
- A local cafe (Ali Baba’s) for those who want to explore ashore
Afternoon: Continue to Tuzla Bay, known for its calm, turquoise waters and salt flats in the surrounding area . The clear sea and serene atmosphere make this another excellent swimming stop.
Evening: Arrive at Kargili Bay for dinner and overnight stay .
Overnight: Kargılı Bay
Day 6: Kisebuku (Alakisla Bay)
Morning: After breakfast, a short sail brings you to Kisebuku, one of the most enjoyable overnight stops on the entire route .
The name “Kisebuku” derives from “kilise” (church), referring to the Byzantine monastery ruins found along the shore . Highlights include:
- Ancient ruins of a monastery, bath, and cistern
- A spacious bay with pristine waters
- Groves of oleander trees on the slopes down to the sea
- Sandy beaches contrasting with the blue water
Note: The bay offers excellent holding in 4–10 meters, though lines ashore are sometimes used in tighter pockets . This area rewards those who stay overnight with quieter water and better early morning light.
Overnight: Kisebuku
Day 7: Pabuc Burnu – Yaliciftlik – Return to Bodrum
Morning: Sail to Pabuc Burnu (Pabuc Cape) , spending the morning swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in this scenic spot .
Afternoon: Continue to Yaliciftlik Bay, known for its natural beauty and serenity . This bay provides a peaceful setting for the final night of the cruise. Optional half-day village tours are sometimes available from here, including visits to:
Evening: Return to Bodrum Harbour for the final dinner and last night aboard (note that on some itineraries, the final night’s dinner is not included, allowing guests to explore Bodrum’s famous waterfront restaurants) .
Overnight: Bodrum Harbour
Day 8: Disembarkation in Bodrum
After breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place between 09:30 and 10:00