Discover a Quieter Side of Turkey's Turquoise Coast
Marmaris is one of Turkey's leading yacht charter centres, a lively harbour town surrounded by pine-covered mountains and the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. Beyond its busy waterfront lies a remarkably beautiful cruising region, where deeply indented coastlines, secluded anchorages and traditional villages invite exploration by sea.
Sailing west from Marmaris takes you towards the rugged Bozburun and Datça peninsulas, where the pace of life slows considerably. Small fishing harbours, waterfront restaurants and quiet coves provide an appealing contrast to the bustling holiday resorts of the mainland. This is a region where much of the coastline remains relatively undeveloped, with forested hills descending to the water's edge.
The Gulf of Hisarönü is a particular highlight. Sheltered between the two peninsulas, it offers an abundance of attractive bays and anchorages, with opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and exploring ashore. Villages such as Selimiye, Orhaniye and Bozburun retain much of their traditional character, while welcoming visiting yachts with the hospitality for which coastal Turkey is renowned.
There is also a fascinating maritime heritage to discover. The region was once part of ancient Caria, and the remains of old fortifications, harbours and settlements can still be found along the coast. Traditional wooden boatbuilding remains an important part of life around Bozburun, continuing the craftsmanship associated with Turkey's famous gulets.
For those who prefer to venture further, Marmaris also provides access eastwards towards Ekincik, Dalyan and the western Lycian Coast, where forested bays and ancient archaeological sites add another dimension to a sailing holiday.
With a wide choice of modern charter yachts, catamarans and fully crewed vessels, Marmaris is an excellent starting point for discovering this beautiful stretch of Turkey's coastline. Whether you prefer relaxed days exploring nearby bays or a longer voyage between historic ports, the region offers a rewarding balance of sailing, scenery and authentic local experiences.
Sailing from Marmaris: Bozburun, Datça & Beyond
Marmaris lies on Turkey's southwestern coast, at the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean cruising regions. Its sheltered natural harbour and established charter infrastructure make it an important starting point for sailing holidays along the Turquoise Coast.
From Marmaris, there are two principal directions to explore. Westwards, the coastline leads around the Bozburun Peninsula into the Gulf of Hisarönü and towards Datça. Eastwards, the route follows a succession of forested bays towards Ekincik, Dalyan and eventually the Gulf of Fethiye.
The western route is particularly well suited to a week-long charter, while longer itineraries can explore more of the coastline in either direction.
Marmaris – A Major Turkish Charter Base
Marmaris has extensive marina facilities, including Netsel Marina and nearby yacht facilities in the surrounding bays. The town provides convenient access to provisioning, restaurants, shops and other services before departure.
Its old quarter, castle and waterfront are worth exploring, particularly for visitors who enjoy combining a sailing holiday with local history and culture.
For charterers arriving by air, Dalaman is the principal international airport serving Marmaris, with road transfers available to the marinas.
Turunç and Çiftlik – The First Anchorages
Heading south and west from Marmaris, the coast quickly becomes quieter. Turunç is an attractive seaside village set beneath steep, wooded hills, with a beach, restaurants and a sheltered bay.
Further along the coast, Çiftlik offers another popular stop, with clear water, a broad beach and restaurants close to the shoreline. Both places are convenient for the beginning or end of a charter, allowing time to settle aboard or return towards Marmaris without a long final passage.
Serçe and Bozukkale – The Southern Bozburun Coast
Continuing west along the southern coastline of the Bozburun Peninsula, the scenery becomes increasingly rugged and remote.
Serçe Limanı is a deeply enclosed natural harbour surrounded by rocky hills. Its sheltered waters and peaceful atmosphere make it a popular overnight anchorage.
Nearby Bozukkale, also known as ancient Loryma, is particularly memorable for the substantial remains of a Hellenistic fortress overlooking the bay. Visiting yachts can anchor beneath the ruins, with opportunities to walk ashore and explore the historic site.
These anchorages are among the highlights of a cruise around the southern Bozburun Peninsula.
Bozburun – Traditional Boatbuilding and Village Life
Rounding the western end of the peninsula brings you to Bozburun, a small harbour town with a long association with traditional wooden boatbuilding.
The surrounding coast is dotted with small islands, rocky coves and peaceful anchorages. Bozburun itself offers waterfront restaurants, local shops and an attractive setting for a relaxed evening ashore.
The town is also known for its local honey production, particularly thyme honey from the surrounding hills.
Selimiye and Orhaniye – The Gulf of Hisarönü
The Gulf of Hisarönü extends eastwards between the Bozburun and Datça peninsulas, providing a wonderful cruising area with numerous sheltered bays.
Selimiye is one of the Gulf's most attractive villages, with a waterfront lined by restaurants and small jetties. Its peaceful setting makes it a popular stop for visiting yachts.
Further east, Orhaniye lies within a well-protected bay surrounded by forested hills. It is known for Kızkumu, a remarkable shallow sandbank extending into the water, where visitors can appear to walk across the bay.
Orhaniye also has yacht charter facilities and can serve as an alternative starting point for exploring the Gulf.
Nearby anchorages such as Dirsekbükü and Bencik offer additional opportunities to enjoy the area's natural beauty away from larger settlements.
Datça – Between Two Beautiful Gulfs
The Datça Peninsula separates the Gulf of Hisarönü from the Gulf of Gökova to the north. Its mountainous landscape, clear coastal waters and relatively limited development make it one of Turkey's most attractive sailing regions.
The town of Datça, on the peninsula's southern coast, has a welcoming waterfront, restaurants and local markets. It is an appealing destination for a longer charter from Marmaris, particularly for those wishing to combine the Bozburun cruising grounds with a visit to a larger coastal town.
The crossing towards Datça involves more open water than sailing within the Gulf of Hisarönü, so the route should be planned around prevailing conditions.
East to Ekincik and Dalyan
Sailing east from Marmaris, the coastline leads towards Ekincik, a beautiful bay backed by wooded hills and a useful stop on longer itineraries towards Fethiye.
Ekincik is particularly attractive as a starting point for an excursion into the Dalyan River delta. Local boats take visitors through reed-lined waterways towards the ancient city of Kaunos, where impressive rock-cut tombs overlook the river.
The nearby İztuzu Beach is an important nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles, with conservation measures in place to protect the environment.
The Dalyan waterways are not suitable for ordinary charter yachts, so excursions are made using local boats from the coastal area.
Continuing towards the Lycian Coast
Beyond Ekincik, the coastline leads towards the Kapıdağ Peninsula, Göcek and Fethiye, where another extensive cruising region begins.
The Kapıdağ area is known for its attractive bays and archaeological remains, including the ruins at Hamam Bay, often associated with Cleopatra.
A longer charter can combine the Marmaris region with part of the western Lycian Coast, although a departure from Göcek or Fethiye may be more practical for those primarily interested in exploring that area.
For a relaxed week from Marmaris, the Bozburun Peninsula and Gulf of Hisarönü offer an excellent balance of sailing distances, sheltered anchorages and interesting places to visit.
Should I sail east or west from Marmaris?
Sail west for the traditional villages and sheltered anchorages of Bozburun and Hisarönü, or east for Ekincik, Dalyan and the historic coastline towards Fethiye.
Is Datça worth including in a sailing charter from Marmaris?
Yes. Datça offers a picturesque waterfront, attractive beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a rewarding addition to a longer Marmaris charter.
Can I visit Dalyan and the turtle beach from a yacht charter based in Marmaris?
Yes. A charter sailing east from Marmaris can stop at Ekincik, from where local boats provide excursions through the Dalyan River delta and towards İztuzu Beach.
What historical sites can I visit on a Marmaris sailing holiday?
Highlights include the ancient fortress at Bozukkale, Marmaris Castle and the archaeological remains of Kaunos near Dalyan.
What are the best anchorages around the Gulf of Hisarönü?
Popular anchorages include Selimiye, Orhaniye, Dirsekbükü and Bencik, each offering a different combination of shelter, scenery and access ashore.
What makes the village of Bozburun special?
Bozburun is a traditional Turkish harbour town known for its wooden boatbuilding heritage, peaceful waterfront and attractive surrounding coastline.
Can I explore Bozburun and the Gulf of Hisarönü in one week?
Yes. A week-long charter from Marmaris provides enough time to explore the Bozburun Peninsula and several of the Gulf of Hisarönü's most attractive villages and anchorages.
Why choose Marmaris as the starting point for a Turkish yacht charter?
Marmaris offers excellent charter facilities and a choice of two very different cruising directions, with Bozburun and Datça to the west and the western Lycian Coast to the east.
Are there other yacht charter bases suitable for exploring the Marmaris region?
Yes. Orhaniye and Bozburun offer convenient access to the Gulf of Hisarönü, while Bodrum to the west and Göcek and Fethiye to the east provide alternatives for longer itineraries.
Our client reviews about charter sailing in Turkey
Rating: ★★★★★Wow what a fantastic time and what a great country, I would highly recommend it to anyone whether they be sailing or just travelling around.
The charter operator was fantastic and could not do enough for us. I could not recommend them highly enough and they were professional yet friendly and the boat was immaculate and in perfect condition.
We headed east from Fethiye which for anyone looking for more of a natural spot versus the busy marinas I would highly recommend. Whilst the gullets managed to turn up everywhere they didn’t stay long and it was serene the remainder of the time.
All in all a superb time and we loved every minute of it. Julian, Australia, Jul 15th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★We really enjoyed Turkey as a destination. The people are fantastic and very rewarding to get to know, particularly when you can get off the main tourist locations. Plenty of variety in options to stay overnight, whether it is small local towns, restaurants in bays, or finding a beautiful bay with a reasonable chance of having it all to yourself - probably dependant on the time of year.
Time of year was a very pleasant surprise. The weather was good the whole time we were there. We expected it maybe a little on the cold side on the water given it was October/November. But in truth it felt like the PERFECT time to be there based on the weather we had for the 2 weeks. Any hotter would have been hotter than ideal, and any colder and swimming etc would not have been nice. It was still pretty busy, but I think there were signs of things winding down for the season. I think the week we went out, the operator said it was their busiest week of the season with all boats out. Though some places were winding down with restaurants in the final week / weeks before the end of the season etc.
The operator went the extra mile to help with recommendation for itinerary given it was our first time. When we had minor breakdowns (ie the auto pilot stopped working), that I would have thought would be fixed after our return, they were VERY keen to come out and meet us for repair, which they did. Matthew, Australia, Jan 3rd, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★The boat was excellent. We were the 2nd charters so it was effectively new. The Jeauneau 41 is a great boat for3 couples in a family. Easy to handle, enough performance to get where you want to each day, good facilities, good size cockpit etc.
SK Yachting were excellent at checkin and checkout. Friendly service, helpful and knowledgable. The checkout process on our arrival back was a well oiled machine. We sailed to the West of the base in Marmaris and the coast and villages were not as good as a previous charter out of Gocek. Perhaps if we had gone east it would have been better.
Bruce, Australia, Jul 21st, 2023
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