Marmaris & the Datça Peninsula
The two great gulfs of the Turkish south — Hisarönü and Gökova — meet at the long Datça Peninsula. Quieter than Göcek, more characterful than Bodrum, and ideal for a relaxed round-trip from Marmaris.
A cruising overview
Marmaris is one of the largest charter bases in the Eastern Mediterranean. From its modern marinas, you reach the Hisarönü Gulf within hours — a string of pine-fringed bays with almost no infrastructure beyond simple jetty-tavernas.
Bozburun is the traditional gulet-building village at the centre of the peninsula. To the north, the Gökova Gulf opens toward Bodrum; to the east, Datça village and the ruins of ancient Knidos. South of the peninsula, Bozukkale (ancient Loryma) offers one of the most protected anchorages on the coast.
April – November
May, June and September are ideal. Summer winds (Meltemi) bring lively afternoon sailing in the Gökova Gulf.
7 days
Minimum: 7 days (Saturday-Saturday turnarounds standard)
Recommended: 7 days round-trip Marmaris to Datça & back
- Netsel Marina, Marmaris — central, full-service
- Yacht Marina (Albatros) — large modern base just west of town
- Bozburun Harbour — traditional, gulet-friendly
- Datça Marina — small base on the peninsula tip
The right yacht for these waters
Sailing Yachts 40–55ft
Reliable thermal winds make Hisarönü and Gökova excellent sailing — Bavaria, Jeanneau, Beneteau. From €2,500/week.
Catamarans 42–52ft
Stable and family-friendly — Lagoon 46, Bali 4.6, Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42. From €5,500/week.
Motor Yachts 45–75ft
Princess, Azimut and Sunseeker — favoured for one-way charters to Bodrum or Göcek. From €12,000/week.
Crewed Gulets 80–130ft
The classic Marmaris choice — traditional wooden yachts with crew, sleeping 8–16. From €8,000/week.
Luxury Crewed Yachts 75–140ft
Sanlorenzo, Benetti and bespoke Turkish-built yachts with full crew. From €60,000/week.
What you'll remember
Knidos archaeological site
The ancient port-city at the tip of the Datça peninsula — temples, theatres and spectacular harbour views where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet.
Bozukkale (Loryma)
Ancient fortress ruins overlooking one of the most protected anchorages on the Bozburun Peninsula.
Datça Old Town
Surrounded by almond groves and olive trees, one of the most authentic coastal towns on the Turkish Riviera.
Bencik Bay
One of the most beautiful natural anchorages in Turkey, sheltered between pine-covered hills.
Kızkumu sandbar
The legendary sandbar at Orhaniye — legend says a young girl crossed the sea here to reach her lover.
Selimiye village
Tie alongside and walk to fish restaurants on the waterfront — one of Turkey's most picturesque villages.
Bozburun gulet yards
See traditional wooden yacht construction in the village that built most of them.
Cennet Island
Paradise Island — crystal-clear waters and pine-covered coastline for a final swim before returning to Marmaris.
Cruise the region
Good questions, good answers
- Marmaris or Göcek?
- Göcek for pine forests and short hops; Marmaris for traditional gulet character and the Datça Peninsula route. With 10+ days, do both as a one-way charter.
- Can I cross to Greece?
- Yes — Symi and Rhodes are short crossings from Marmaris. Cross-border formalities take 1–2 hours and require advance notice; we handle this for our clients.
- What is the Meltemi like here?
- In Gökova Gulf, the Meltemi blows strongly from the north-west in July and August — wonderful sailing but demanding. Hisarönü Gulf is more sheltered.
- Where do I fly into?
- Dalaman (DLM) is 90 minutes by road; Bodrum (BJV) is 3 hours. Both have wide European summer connections.
A bespoke yacht charter, personally arranged.
Tell us your dates and preferences. We'll return with a tailored selection of yachts and a proposed itinerary within 24 hours.