Bodrum & the Gokova gulf

Discovering the Gokova Gulf is an ideal way to spend a week or two heading out of Bodrum or Marmaris. The Gulf offers excellent sailing conditions and after a day of sailing you can choose which of the lovely bays to go into.

Akbuk

Akbuk
Akbuk
Akbuk
37 01'80"N 28 05'90" E
Distance from Bodrum = 36nm

The jetty belonging to Altas Resort offers moorings for 10-15 boats. Water and electricity are free of charge and wi-fi extends to the jetty.

Bodrum

Bodrum
Bodrum
Bodrum
Bodrum
Bodrum
Bodrum

Bodrum, formerly Halicarnas of Caria, lies on the south of the Bodrum Peninsula, at the entrance to the Gokova Gulf. Bodrum, is the dream holiday town for foreign and local tourists alike. Its magical atmosphere enchants you on arrival.

Bodrum is full of little, tucked away restaurants where you can eat at a table with your feet soaking in the Mediterranean. There are 6 marinas serving Bodrum : Milta Marina, in the heart of the town, and outside of the town Yalikavak, Turgutreis, Torba, Turkubuku and Gundogan.

Bodrum Castle is home to the Underwater Museum, most sections of the museum are open from Tuesday to Friday but check the website for exact opening hours.

Bordubet

Bordubet
36 50'04"N 28 03'22" E
Distance from Bodrum = 32nm

Bordubet was called "Bird's bed" by English soldiers that hid in this cove several years ago and deservedly so. The cove is home to rock doves, goldfinches, nightingales, piscivorous birds, sparrow hawks and many other kinds of birds.

Cleopatra's Island

Cleopatra's Island
Cleopatra's Island
Cleopatra's Island
Cleopatra's Island
36 59'55"N 28 12'41" E
Distance from Bodrum = 38nm

Cleopatra's Island, locally known as Sedir Adasi, is a beautiful island located in the Gokova Gulf. Legend has it that the island was given to Cleopatra by Anthony as a gift and that he especially imported perfectly spherical egyptian sand to the island. There are the ruins of the ancient city of Cedrae (hence the local name Sedir, meaning cedar) the amphitheater in particular is impressive.

During high season it would be recommended to go to the island as early in the morning as possible for two reasons. Firstly if you want time to have a look around the ruins it would be advisable to do so before the midday heat which is scorching on the dry island mid summer. Secondly by lunchtime tourist day trip boats will be arriving and by early afternoon the island will be packed. The beach is stunningly beautiful, keep in mind that due to the sand's disappearance shoes and towels are strictly forbidden.

Cokertme

Cokertme
Cokertme
Cokertme
37 03'00"N 27 47'50" E
Distance from Bodrum = 20nm

Cokertme previously known as Vasiliko, and now also known as Feslegen Buku (Rosemary Bay) could be your first port of call from Bodrum to start your discovery of the Gokova Gulf. There are 4 restaurants, a hotel, 3 guesthouses, a small market, and buses to Bodrum and back twice a day.

English Harbour

English Harbour
English Harbour
36 55'10"N 28 10'20" E
Distance from Bodrum = 30nm

English Harbour is named so, as ships from the English Navy used to shelter here during WWII. A quiet, calm haven with 2 restaurants and the opportunity for some good walks.

Karacasogut

Karacasogut
Karacasogut
Karacasogut
36 56'60"N 28 11'10" E
Distance from Bodrum = 39nm

Global Sailing Club has a showers, a laundry, a shop, wi-fi, a boutique hotel and a restaurant. Mooring fees cost up to 50 Euros and include water and electricity.

Kormen

Kormen
36 46'15"N 27 37'02" E
Distance from Bodrum = 18nm

Kormen Harbour offers excellent shelter. It is a particularly handy port to keep in mind if you were planning for example to anchor in Knidos and the wind picks up, or if as it often can be the waves are choppy and the meltem sets in around the tip of the Datca peninsula. Kormen is also a ferry port running ferries to Bodrum so give it some space when mooring. Lovely walks can be had in the village and Efes can be stocked up on here.

Seven Islands

Seven Islands
Seven Islands
36 52'54"N 28 03'25" E
Distance from Bodrum = 30nm

Seven Islands is famous for its breathtaking sunsets. Stock up on wine and spend a blissful evening at anchor with your voices being the only sounds and take the rare opportunity to brush up on your astronomy.