Sailing the Gulf of Gökova, Turkey

If you want the calmest, greenest, most sheltered week on the Turquoise Coast, sail the Gulf of Gökova. This long finger of protected water, cut deep into the mountains between the Bodrum and Datça peninsulas, is ringed by dense pine forest that comes right down to the shore — the resin scent hangs over anchorages where the water lies mirror-flat. It's the classic Turkish "blue cruise," dotted with hidden bays, ancient ruins and legends of Cleopatra. Here's how to sail it.

The short answer

Cruise the Gulf of Gökova from Bodrum or Marmaris, over a week, working east into the gulf's sheltered bays and back. The water is famously calm — the surrounding mountains break up the summer meltemi — so it suits every level, from first-timers to relaxed old hands. Don't miss English Harbour, Cleopatra's Island and the pine-fringed coves of Yedi Adaları (the Seven Islands). The sea is warm from June to October (24–28°C). Browse the fleet on our Turkey charters map.

Why Gökova is Turkey's calmest cruising ground

The gulf runs roughly east–west, sheltered on both sides by high, forested ridges. That geography does two things brilliantly:

• It tames the meltemi. The Aegean's strong summer north wind is broken up and softened by the mountains, so the deep bays stay flat when the open sea outside is livelier.
• It shelters countless bays. Almost every fold in the coast hides an anchorage, most backed by pine forest and many with a small jetty restaurant that'll take your lines and cook you dinner.

The result is a week of short, easy hops between spectacular coves — sailing that's as relaxing or as active as you make it.

The highlights

English Harbour (İngiliz Limanı)

A near-landlocked bay so well hidden that Allied warships are said to have sheltered here during the Second World War, invisible from the open sea. It's deep, still and encircled by forest — one of the most protected anchorages in the whole Mediterranean, and a favourite overnight stop.

Cleopatra's Island (Sedir Adası)

A small island crowned with the ruins of ancient Kedrai, an amphitheatre among the pines, and — the legend goes — a beach whose fine golden sand was brought from Egypt for Cleopatra herself. The sand is genuinely unusual, protected now so you swim from the boat rather than lounge on it, but the ruins and the setting are unforgettable.

Yedi Adaları — the Seven Islands

A cluster of islets and pine-covered bays part-way down the gulf, riddled with sheltered anchorages and clear channels to thread between. A perfect spot to drop the hook, swim, and lose an afternoon.

Löngöz and the forest bays

Deeper into the gulf, bays like Löngöz and Karacasögüt offer dense, sweet-smelling pine forest right to the waterline, jetty restaurants, and the kind of stillness that makes you kill the engine early.

A relaxed week from Bodrum

1. Day 1 — Bodrum: provision and shake down; a short first hop to Çökertme.
2. Day 2 — Çökertme → Cleopatra's Island: ruins and that famous sand.
3. Day 3 — → English Harbour: the hidden, landlocked bay for the night.
4. Day 4 — → Löngöz / the forest bays: deep into the pine-clad gulf.
5. Day 5 — → Yedi Adaları: thread the Seven Islands, swim stops all day.
6. Day 6 — → Alakışla or Çökertme: a last calm bay and a jetty dinner.
7. Day 7 — back to Bodrum, timing the leg for the morning calm.

From Marmaris you run the same coast from the eastern end — either base makes a natural loop.

Boats and practicalities

Because the water is so sheltered, Gökova is forgiving for bareboat charter and equally lovely on a crewed gulet, the broad wooden motor-sailers Turkey is famous for. A catamaran is a fine choice too — stable, shallow-draughted and roomy for swimming off the transom. Distances are short (Bodrum to the head of the gulf is around 30 nautical miles), so you're never facing a long day.

Two local notes: many anchorages here are deep, so you'll often moor stern-to a jetty restaurant with a long line ashore rather than swing at anchor — an easy, sociable Turkish tradition. And afternoons can bring a breeze funnelling down the gulf, so plan your longer legs for the calmer mornings.

When to go

The gulf sails from May to October. June and September are the sweet spots — warm sea, gentle winds, room in every bay — while July and August are hottest, busiest and priciest. For the full picture, see our best time to sail Turkey guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Gulf of Gökova good for beginners? Yes — it's one of the calmest, most sheltered cruising grounds in the Mediterranean, with short hops and flat water, ideal for first-timers.

Where do I start from? Most charters begin in Bodrum or Marmaris, both a short transfer from Dalaman or Bodrum-Milas airports.

Can I land on Cleopatra's beach? The famous sand is protected, so you admire and swim from the water rather than sunbathe on it — but the island's ruins and setting are the real draw.

Gulet or sailing yacht? Both work beautifully. Choose a crewed gulet for an unhurried, hands-off week, or a bareboat yacht if you want to sail yourself.

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