Tag: EN_ROTA

There are two dangerous underwater rocks which lie about 20 metres offshore from its northern end.  Take care to anchor clear of them if mooring towards the northern side of the cove. Depths here are 10-15 metres and the holding is excellent in sand and mud.  Shelter is excellent from all directions except NE.

Alternatively, berth alongside the restaurant on the north side of the bay, where there is space for around 30 yachts on two jetties.  Mooring lines are tied to angle iron supports.

There are a few restaurants along the waterfront, which also provides a pleasant walk in the shade of the pine trees.  If desired, a healthy walk to the headland serves up a beautiful view of Ruin Bay.

Over time, it has been somewhat stripped of its traditional Turkish characteristics as it focused on catering to visitors wishing a taste from home.  The old town retains some of the older qualities and charm even though it sits within a swathe of non-Turkish eateries, bars and souvenir shops.  During the tourist season the beach is very crowded.

All in all, however, Marmaris is an interesting place to visit.   With all of its excitement and tourist activity, it largely contrasts the calmer, more idyllic sailing venues along the coast thereby providing a broader understanding of the rich life along the Turkish coast.

There are two harbour possibilities in Marmaris – the Netsel Marina with all its modern amenities, and the municipal yacht quay.  Nearby, is the much quieter Marti Marina in Hisarönũ Bay and Yacht Marina just a few miles east.

It is a protected area for Loggerhead turtles, with a stretch of golden sand perfect for egg-laying.

It is also the most convenient place to stay for a paid day-boat excursion or dingy visit to the nearby river delta of  Köycegiz Çay.  Up river is found ancient ruins, the picturesque village of Dalyan, and the green Köycegiz Golü lake which has a hot spring spa on its west side.

On the eastern end of the beach, at Maden Iskelesi, submarine caves provide good snorkeling. For anchoring, the SW cove is usually the least crowded.  Anchoring requires a very long line to a tree.  The NE cove is the most crowded but affords good protection from the Meltemi.  Depths are 8-15m.  The bottom is sand, with good holding. During the day there is continuous traffic of day-trip boats.

In the E cove, My Marina has an attractive quay with laid moorings, water/electricity and space for 20 yachts.  Depth range from >3m to 1.5-2.5m along the wall.  Have a long line at the bow ready on arrival for the assisting rib to take it through the mooring line and pass it back.  If moored here, there is a expectation to dine in the restaurant.  The restaurant is attractive and with very good food.

Gocek is home to six marinas and can accommodate nearly every conceivable yachting need. Göcek is an excellent base for exploring the wonderful and popular cruising area of Skopea Limani a few miles to the south, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful yachting destinations in Turkey.  Additionally, the so-called Twelve Islands of the Gulf of Fethiye are easily accessible.

There is space for a few yachts to anchor on the east side of the inlet but most tie up on the jetty of the restaurant, where there are some 20 laid moorings.  Mooring lines are taken to an assortment of angle irons, rings and bollards by the helpful restaurant staff.  In some of the berths, it is necessary to go bows-to due to rocks near the jetty.  Only the middle berths on the south side have depths >2.5m.  Depths are about 2m on the east side.

At the restaurant, the fare is typical of most Skopea Limani establishments – a set meal for for a fixed price, which is quite simple but much improved by the beautiful setting.

A walk up to the summit will provide magnificent views and perhaps a spotting of falcons.  On the eastern side of the inlet are some barrel-vaulted Byzantine structures.

The adjacent, smaller towns of Hisarönü, Öludeniz and Çalis are also lively, with beaches, plentiful accommodations and holiday excitement.  Dramatic mountains nearby offer fantastic exploring opportunities for those interested in Turkey’s ancient history.

Of note to visitors, is an open vegetable and fish market very close to the Fethiye marina walk.  The restaurants surrounding the fish mongers will take your selection and prepare it to order.

Fethiye is surrounded by Lycian rock-carved tombs, some of which are worth a visit for the view alone.  There is a medieval castle on a high bluff and Lycian sarcophagus in the town center.

Fethiye has three marinas, plus the municipal harbour.  For anchoring, the best location is at the western end of the bay, where 10-15m are possible from the boatyards and eastward to Ece Saray Marina.  Shelter is good except east, although the pontoons of Ece Saray Marina give protection.  Fethiye is a Port of Entry for Turkey with a myriad of yachting facilities.

Facilities

Alternatively, there is a restaurant on the west side of the bay which has a long, two-part wooden jetty which can take 30-40 yachts.  Mooring rings are stainless steel and through-bolted.

A rough path up from the shore leads to several impressive Lycian rock-cut tombs in the cliffs above, from where there are also great views of the bay.

Facilities

• Small local restaurant
• Jetty for 30-40 yachts
• Mooring/anchoring
• No harbour

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