The Best Yacht Destinations from Bodrum — Top Anchorages & Bays

Bodrum's position at the gateway to the Gökova Gulf and the Datça Peninsula places it within reach of some of the most spectacular yacht anchorages in the entire Mediterranean. Whether you have three days or three weeks, the destinations accessible by yacht from Bodrum will exceed every expectation.

This guide highlights the top anchorages, rated by scenery, swimming quality, seclusion, and overall experience — to help you build the perfect Bodrum itinerary.

The Gökova Gulf — Bodrum's Sailing Heartland

The Gökova Gulf (also called Kerme Gulf) stretches 50 kilometres east from Bodrum and contains the greatest concentration of beautiful anchorages in Turkey. Protected from ocean swell and offering consistent Meltemi winds, it is the ideal sailing ground for all experience levels.

Orak Island ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Distance from Bodrum: 6 nautical miles (45 minutes)

The first stop on the classic Gökova route. Orak Island sits just east of the Bodrum peninsula and offers some of the most vivid turquoise water in the region. Underwater visibility can exceed 30 metres on a calm day.

Best for: Swimming, snorkelling, first-night anchoring
Anchor: Sheltered bay on north side | depth 5–8m

Çökertme Bay ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Distance from Bodrum: 18 nautical miles

A working fishing village with a small quay, a bakery famous across the region, and several simple fish restaurants right on the waterfront. The bread here is spoken of reverentially by sailors.

Best for: Cultural experience, fresh fish dinner, provisioning
Anchor: Behind the quay | depth 4–7m

English Harbour ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Distance from Bodrum: 26 nautical miles

Named for the British Royal Navy who sheltered here. One of the most beautiful natural anchorages in the Aegean — clear water, pine trees to the shoreline, and the remains of a Byzantine monastery visible on the hill above.

Best for: Swimming, hiking, seclusion
Anchor: Well-sheltered; two small restaurants ashore

Cleopatra's Bay (Sedir Island) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Distance from Bodrum: 36 nautical miles

Perhaps the most famous anchorage in the Gökova Gulf. Legend holds that the fine golden sand was imported from Egypt for Cleopatra's personal bathing beach. The beach is now UNESCO-protected — swimming only, no anchoring on sand. The ancient ruins of Cedrae, including a remarkably intact amphitheatre, surround the beach.

Best for: History, photography, the most beautiful beach in Turkey
Anchor: Moor bow-to at the small quay; charge payable

Yedi Adalar (Seven Islands) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Distance from Bodrum: 50 nautical miles

A cluster of seven small islands offering countless anchorages — each one more secluded than the last. Some bays are so remote that you may have them entirely to yourselves, even in high season.

Best for: Complete seclusion, swimming, water sports
Anchor: Multiple options; choose based on wind direction

Longöz Bay ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Distance from Bodrum: 60 nautical miles

Our favourite anchorage in the entire Gökova Gulf. Pine trees grow right to the water's edge, the bay is deep and perfectly sheltered, and the quality of light in the evening is extraordinary. There is nothing here but nature.

Best for: The most beautiful overnight anchorage in Turkey
Anchor: Head of bay, 4–8m, good holding

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Aerial view of Cleopatra's Bay, Sedir Island, near Bodrum — golden sand beach surrounded by turquoise Aegean water


The Datça Peninsula — Dramatic & Unspoiled

West of Bodrum, the Datça Peninsula stretches into the Aegean like a finger — rugged, dramatic, and significantly less visited than the Gökova Gulf. This is the destination for sailors who want to go further and find fewer other boats.

Kara Ada (Black Island) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Distance from Bodrum: 5 nautical miles

One of the most distinctive stops in the Bodrum region. Kara Ada is known for its hot springs — warm water seeps from the volcanic rock face directly into the sea, creating a natural spa. The tradition is to cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud and let it dry in the sun before washing off in the bay. Unique, slightly absurd, and absolutely wonderful.

Best for: Hot springs, mud baths, a quirky experience
Anchor: Well-sheltered bay on east coast

Palamutbükü Bay ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Distance from Bodrum: 37 nautical miles (via Kara Ada)

A long, beautiful bay with a small village and excellent beach restaurants. The seafood here is outstanding — grilled octopus, mezes, and fresh-caught fish straight from the boat.

Best for: Beach restaurants, relaxed atmosphere, swimming
Anchor: Well sheltered; 4–8m depth

Knidos ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Distance from Bodrum: 52 nautical miles

At the very tip of the Datça Peninsula stands the ancient city of Knidos — home to one of antiquity's most famous works of art, the Aphrodite of Knidos. The ruins are extensive and atmospheric, the setting is jaw-dropping (sea on three sides), and the sunset from the lighthouse above the harbour is among the finest in the Mediterranean.

Best for: History, archaeology, the finest sunset anchorage in the region
Anchor: Two harbours — choose based on wind

Old Datça (Eski Datça) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Distance from Bodrum: 65 nautical miles

The old village of Datça — stone houses, bougainvillea, artisan shops, and excellent local restaurants. Not to be confused with the modern port of Datça (4km away). Worth a taxi ride from the marina.

Best for: Cultural exploration, dining, a change of scene from pure sailing

Bozburun ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Distance from Bodrum: 90 nautical miles

A traditional boat-building village where craftsmen still build wooden gulets by hand using techniques passed down through generations. Watch them work from the quayside. The anchorage itself is beautiful and well-sheltered.

Best for: Watching traditional craftsmen, peaceful overnight stop

Planning Your Route

The key to a great Bodrum sailing itinerary is balance — mixing the sociable anchorages (village quays, beach restaurants) with the completely wild ones (Longöz, Yedi Adalar). Your captain will advise on the best route based on:

• Current wind forecast and season
• Group preferences (snorkelling, history, dining, seclusion)
• Charter duration
• Vessel type and performance

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Our concierge team can build a bespoke suggested itinerary before you depart — simply tell us what matters most to you.

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