7 Days Sailing Itinerary Around Gocek – Best Stops, Bays & Sailing Tips

Charter a five-star sailboat in Göcek with a full fuel tank and a simple plan for a seven-day loop. This setup keeps crew happy, especially your family or yourself, and it delivers a practical rhythm for daily hops, sheltered bays, and efficient routes that cut back on unnecessary cruising time.

Day 1: Göcek to Sarsala Bay Start after a coffee at the harborfront shops, then slide into Sarsala Bay in about 2–3 hours. Anchor in the front cove, climb the hillside trail for views, and enjoy a simple lunch on board. After lunch, you took a short hike to the lookout, and the calm morning waters invite a relaxed swim around the rocks where you can spot small species. In the evening, take a look at the sunset over the hills.

Day 2: Sarsala Bay to Bedri Rahmi Bay The cove named after Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu offers clear water and a shallow reef. In 2–3 hours you reach the bay with a rock shelf near the shorefront. Don’t miss a quick walk along an easy path to a second lookout; this is a example of Göcek’s accessible anchorages. A few local shops sell snacks in peak season.

Day 3: Bedri Rahmi Bay to Tersane Island A 1.5–2.5 hour hop places you at Tersane Island, site of a shipyard ruin and a sheltered lagoon behind a rocky headland. Tie up at a calm quay, then take a short shore walk to a hillside viewpoint with sweeping views. The island’s small shops and a simple café provide refreshments; the handles of the dinghy make shore visits smooth.

Day 4: Tersane Island to Yassıca Islands Two hours of easy sailing bring you to the Yassıca Islands, offering protected anchorages around a shallow reef. Snorkel among species of tropical fish and swim to quiet beaches. A light lunch ashore may be served at a tiny café that locals named years ago, and the peri rock formations add character to the coastline.

Day 5: Yassıca Islands to Domuz Island This short hop runs 1.5–2 hours. Domuz Island offers good snorkeling with rock shelves, views across the water, and a hillside backdrop. Anchor behind a rocky point where pine trees create shade, and visit a small beach shops area where a local family sells fresh fruit and drinks. For yourself and your crew, the relaxed pace pays off.

Day 6: Domuz Island to Göcek Western Bays Head back toward Göcek’s western coves, choosing a sheltered stop with a clear view of the town’s front. Short hops of 1–2 hours keep fatigue low, and you can end the day with a stroll along the marina and a simple example of a perfect sunset on a five-star deck.

Day 7: Göcek to home base Return to the harbor, refuel, and wash down the deck. A final swim off the bow or a quiet nap in the shade closes the week; then you plan your next trip by taking a look at the best bays, views, and towns you discovered in this loop as a part of your sailing story.

Day 2: Cleopatra’s Bay to Gemiler Island and Fethiye

Depart Cleopatra’s Bay aboard a 92ft charter at first light. The leg to Gemiler Island runs about 2.5–3 hours at 6–7 knots when the NW wind steadies, leaving you time for a beach stop and a relaxed lunch before the next leg to Fethiye. For short charters, this is a compact, rewarding route. The yacht’s three cabins and ample holds keep gear secure while the crew handles sails with calm skill.

Drop anchor in a sheltered cove off Gemiler Island, swim, and take a short dinghy ride to the ruins framed by pine foothills. Onshore, a small café offers coffee and light lunch options; order grilled fish, fresh salad, or mezze while enjoying pastel hills and the clear water.

From Gemiler, steer toward Fethiye’s harbor. The approach is straightforward: moor near the old town or the marina, then stroll along the quay to a lively waterfront scene with markets, bakeries, and cafés. If you have time, sample a pastel breakfast or afternoon coffee as the sun sets behind the hills, and life by the shore feels warm and welcoming.

Mooring options at Cleopatra’s Bay: best berths and tie-off points

Best option: bow-to mooring at the inner front quay using two fixed bollards and a midship cleat, with a short foreline to minimize swing. This gentle setup protects your boat from prevailing winds, gives quick shore access, and works for a wide size range. The form of the quay creates a natural amphitheater feeling, and the panorama of coastline and hills is truly magical. These berths keep you at fingertips distance from a small onshore café serving Turk coffee, a helpful bonus for early arrivals. Marc from the harbor office notes the logistics and recommends arriving on slack water when possible, to simplify the approach and planning, which is especially useful if you’re unsure about the delta-facing current in the head of the bay, or if you’re planning to stay multiple days, maybe.

These options are laid out to cover different boat sizes and preferences, with each berth offering distinct advantages tied to local history, terrain, and access. The front quay sits closest to the theater-like rock formations, and once you align your lines, you’ll feel the bay settle around your boat. Ucaiz and other local guides highlight the remaining remnants of ancient structures along the coast, which adds a sense of place to your plan and makes size and bearing values easier to judge at a glance.

1. Front Quay Berths (amphitheater edge) – Depth typically 3.5–4.5 m at mid-tide, suitable for boats up to 18–20 m LOA. Tie‑off points include two fixed bollards at 1.0–1.2 m height and a central cleat for a bow line. Use 2–3 m fenders along the hull and a short stern line to a secondary ring if wind shifts occur. This option offers the most stable approach for these conditions and a direct, easy stroll to shore facilities.

2. Centre Cove Jetty – Sheltered from easterly angles, depth 4–5 m, best for mid-sized boats (12–20 m). Tie‑offs are placed every 6–8 m along the jetty, with robust cleats and rings that tolerate a little swing on moderate swells. The plateau behind the jetty provides a natural diamond-shaped canopy for cover on hot days.

3. South Shore Pocket – A gentler, smaller option for boats 6–12 m. Depth 2.5–3.5 m, with two lightweight rings mounted on a rock outcrop and one bunk-style cleat near the waterline. Great for short stops, easy load/unload, and quick coffee breaks on the quay.

Tie-off points and best practices

• Primary tie-offs: fixed bollards along the front quay (1.0–1.2 m high) and reinforced cleats every 3–4 m where possible. Use double lines for bow and stern to keep alignment true in gusts.
• Secondary tie-offs: rings on rock faces at the edge of the center cove; these help control swing when the wind shifts from hillsides behind the coast.
• Spring lines: run a short forward spring to the foredeck cleat and a rear spring to a stern ring to reduce drift in swell.
• Chafe protection: fit rubber fendering along the bow and mid-body; add a protection sleeve on the line where it contacts the cleat to extend life between wraps.
• Approach checks: confirm depth at the entry, watch for mud flats near low tide, and keep a safe margin for the boat’s size and draft.

Logistics and practicalities

• Water and waste: public facilities are a short walk away; plan to top up water before heading to Cleopatra’s Bay if you’re carrying a larger crew or a boat large enough to require extra supplies.
• Fuel: if you need fuel, the Gocek area marina offers quick access about 1.2 km away; mark your return route to the bay to avoid last‑minute navigation in busy tides.
• Accessibility: the front quay provides the easiest access for guests and crew, with a direct route to the hills and the theater-like rock formations for a quick panoramic stroll after mooring. The natural setting makes for a magical experience, and the coastline forms a protective cover that makes your stay feel like a secluded escape.
• Plan notes: consult Marc for the latest plan, verify the tides, and check for any updated ișhistorical notes at the фishery or источник to understand the bay’s origins and the best approach paths; these details can change with the season.

Overall, Cleopatra’s Bay rewards careful planning and a flexible approach to mooring. By choosing the Front Quay Berths for easy access and stability, or the Centre Cove Jetty for additional shelter, you tailor the experience to your boat’s size, your crew’s needs, and your desire to enjoy the magical panorama of the coastline and hills, with the theater of history on hand at your fingertips. If you’re aiming for a comfortable stay, these options and tie-off tips will help you anchor confidently and keep your plan on track, with a smooth, gentle rhythm that feels tailor-made for your boat’s size and your crew’s comfort.

Currents and winds for the Cleopatra’s Bay to Gemiler Island leg

Depart Cleopatra’s Bay at first light to ride the outgoing current and set a picture-perfect course to Gemiler Island. Expect 1–2 knots along the coast, with brief pulses up to 2.5 knots near the delta and around headlands. Maintain a broad reach for the first 6–8 miles on a course about 120–140 degrees; then ease to Gemiler as the island comes into view. On spring tides, currents can tilt against the shore at the approach, so keep a steady tempo and adjust sails early to avoid losing speed.

Winds favor a two-phase pattern: light NW to W morning breezes at 8–14 knots, then a robust sea breeze 15–22 knots from WSW to SW in the afternoon. Forecasts show gusts to 25 knots near Gemiler’s cliffs; shorten sail or switch to a staysail if gusts hit 20 knots while steering toward sunset. Use teknik skills to trim the main and jib; reef early if you feel the boat rounding, and balance with precise steering.

Anchorages along this leg include famous sheltered coves behind the delta’s backwash; set 3:1 scope in 8–12 knots, adjusting for swell and wind shifts. Seek sheltered stops near Adamaris, where lush coastlines meet markets and a cozy tavern; a nearby resort and Atlantika dive shop add options. For nayk cruisers, the shallow bays provide a friendly approach, and paddleboarding is ideal in calmer mornings. Conclude with Gemiler’s sunset approach, letting the island’s silhouette glow as you drop anchor.

Gemiler Island anchorages: sheltered bays, entry channels, and mooring spots

Drop anchor in the northeast lee of Gemiler Island for a calm hold, with depths around 6–9 m and a mud-sand bottom that holds well. From a catamaran, you enjoy grand views across the coast and lush hills, while the amphitheater ruins offer a striking backdrop as you sip your meals onboard and plan the next leg of your route.

Entry channels from the Gocek area are well marked. The main northern channel opens into the larger lee behind Gemiler; a quieter southern route threads between rocky islets. Keep to charted depths of 4–8 m at the narrows and watch for kelp, rocks, and changing currents. The distance from Gocek to the anchorage is typically 8–12 nautical miles, depending on your starting point.

Mooring spots line the cliff face: a pair of buoy moorings sits above the amphitheater, with holding in 6–9 m on a sandy-muddy bottom. If no buoys are free, anchor in the sandy pocket just outside the narrow channel and set a careful scope. A catamaran with a wide beam can ride the lee here, and you can swing to enjoy the views while keeping your stern clear of the reef.

Onshore there are limited options, so most crews spend meals aboard or at a small taverna near the cove, savoring the taste of fresh grilled fish and meze while the hills loom behind the amphitheater. For families, a tender ride lets you explore coves, while decks hold a few toys to keep youngsters amused. Then you resume a leisurely cruise along the coastline on a ferro or atlantika charter, marc, the local guide, notes the best spots to drop anchor and the easiest routes to reach Gocek’s shores from Gemiler’s bays.

Climatic windows in spring and autumn keep winds mild and seas calm, making a leisurely pace along the coast ideal. You could spend several hops here without rush, sampling meals and enjoying the island’s verdant setting. In this mode, a catamaran handles long hops smoothly, letting you swim, snorkel, and soak in the views and shade of the lush surroundings.

Gemiler Island to Fethiye: distance, average speeds, and navigational tips

Depart Gemiler Island at first light to enjoy calmer seas and clearer visibility.

Direct water distance to Fethiye Marina is about 6 nautical miles (11 kilometers); the coastal track may extend to 6.5–7.5 NM to work around shoals and navali proximity markers on charts.

Average speeds vary by boat and wind. At 8 knots the crossing takes about 0:45 hours; at 10 knots about 0:36 hours; at 12 knots about 0:30 hours; at 15 knots about 0:24 hours; at 20 knots about 0:18 hours.

These figures assume a direct path in light wind; real conditions can lengthen the crossing, so plan for a cushion of 10–15 minutes and keep a close eye on the weather before departure.

Specialists offer charters with experienced skippers who know Gemiler’s reefs, the marina proximity, and the best anchorages for turtles sightings. Select a guide who speaks your language, and choose vessels named by reliable operators like Floki that prioritize safety and comfort.

For docking, use the Gemiler jetty if you arrive early, or head to Fethiye Marina’s fingertips for quick shore access. Carry radios, life jackets, and waterproof charts; these essentials keep everyone safe and aligned during the maneuvering hours.

On the water, these waters reveal colors that shift with the sun, painting fresco-like tones on cliff faces. The experience remains magical as you approach the marina and prepare to relax after a day of sailing, with evening light softening the shoreline and a gentle breeze easing your rest.

These tips help you plan a smooth leg today: check the forecast, choose a selected route, and enjoy the calmest part of the day while crossing to Fethiye. The route is suitable for seabobs’ quick excursions and a leisurely post-sail aroma of the sea, with opportunities to explore coves or linger over a light meal at the marina before sunset.

Fethiye harbor options and end-of-day needs: fuel, water, and secure moorings

Refuel at the main Fethiye harbor quay early, then top up water and secure moorings to close the day with a relaxed pace.

Harbor options include several setups: the bright front of the town harbor, the onshore marina, and calm anchorages inside the breakwater.

For line handling in boatcrowds, specialists stand by to help you dock smoothly, whether you sail yachts or a small craft; nayk winds can change the approach quickly.

Fuel: diesel is available at dockside pumps with posted prices; verify availability before you queue.

Water: use public taps near the quay; carry a small container to minimize spills and save time.

Moorings: choose a high, stable berth or ask harbor staff to assign a sheltered slip when winds pick up.

Onshore, a pleasant walk ashore leads to a theater show; dinner awaits and the warm glow makes for a relaxed end to the day.

Destinations for the next day include Bodrum to the south or a handful of tiny bays; anchorages nearby offer quiet options for a postcard size view of the coast.

Check local AIS and harbor notices; small details help secure moorings and keep your vacation smooth.