Bodrum to Marmaris (one way)

The City of Bodrum has been growing quickly. It is the major port in South West Turkey and has been strategically important for many centuries. It is located on Bodrum Peninsula’s southern coast. In Carian times, it was known as Halicarnassus and was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Mausolus. That has long gone, replaced by the impressive Bodrum Castle that looks out towards the Aegean. It was built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th Century and within the grounds today there is the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Akvaryum Bay with its lovely sea and sea life is a regular stop for Blue Cruise boats in the Bodrum Region. The indentation close to Aquarium Cove is known as Small Aquarium Cove. There is an Inner Island just across the bay where a hut houses ducks and geese. If you visit you and go swimming, you are likely to have these birds as companions. 

Knidos is at the extreme South West tip of Turkey on the Datca Peninsula. It is commonly regarded as one of the most impressive ancient city ruins in the whole of what was Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. There is an ancient harbour with a theatre close by. There are two churches just a short walk away. They were built in the Byzantine period and there are extensive excavations that have been going on since 1960. The Statue of Demeter was one of the best discoveries while the lion statues which stood protecting the harbour are in the British Museum in London. The Temple of Aphrodite is a major attraction for visitors as is the necropolis. While Knidos is remote, it is a place that all yacht charters are easily able to visit. 

Palamutbuku is regarded as having the best beaches in the whole of Datca Peninsula in South West Turkey. The beaches are small but very nice, with the mountains behind.  Gardens are colorful and the whole setting is calm and tranquil.  It is a great place to get away from crowds and relax.  Palamutbuku is at the end of the Peninsula, close to the ruins of the historic city of Knidos; it is just 12 kms away. The warm clear waters are full of fish and you can expect to be able to sample the day’s catch for dinner in the restaurants. It is said that you can see a shiny object on the sea bed it is so clear. There is no need to do anything other than relax and the pace of life is slow. The locals are very hospitable and help make your time in the area even more memorable. It has been described as paradise and it is certainly a place where many yachts sailing in the Dodecanese stop for a while. 

Datca is a town on the southern shore of the Peninsula of the same name in South West Turkey. It is around 75 kms west of Marmaris and has become a popular spot for yachts heading south down the Aegean and then turning east, or vice versa. There are many small coves on the Peninsula, small farming and fishing communities as well as beaches. It is famous for its tomatoes and olives and despite not having the greenery of some other parts of the Turquoise Coast, it is extremely fertile.

Emel Sayin Bay gets its name from a major Turkish classical music singer and ambassador. It is a lovely place with the crystal blue waters contrasting beautifully with the pine trees that cover the nearby land. The reason why this place took the singer’s name was the beautiful blue of her eyes, and the sea. 

Featuring its deep blue sea and the legendary Kizkumu beach, Orhaniye is well admired by all holidaymakers. Take a journey down it's quaint village roads to discover the historic castle of the black knight. Floating in this bay, the yachts present a picturesque scene. Thevillage of Orhaniye has lots to offer to a hungry tourist. Enjoy walking down the village or witness the beauty of the busy docks accessed by local and foreign yachtsmen alike, stay indoors or explore the local culture and cuisine of the place. Orhaniye is full of surprises!

Selimiye Village is one of the real jewels in the Gulf of Hisaronu. As the sun disappears behind the mountains, the village almost seems to change colour into a rich shade of red.  There are the ruins of a castle in the hills to the south east. The castle dates back to early Hellenistic times and is one of the reasons why tourists visit. The tomb in the square is 100 metres offshore and helps guide yachts towards the village. Other landmarks include a watch tower, lighthouse, monastery and theatre. Selmiye is known for its beautiful clean sea, the fish that come from it and the fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs from its fertile fields. The pleasant smell of thyme pervades the village.

Dirsekbuku lies between the Gulf in the Aegean and the Gulf of Hisonaru, an excellent stopping point for anyone sailing from Bodrum to Marmaris.  There are a number of sheltered bays that are ideal for anchorage.  The region is so nice it is often difficult to move on from a lovely place with its small islands.

Bozburun, a small town with a marina, 45 kms to the west of Marmaris, has made a name for itself as a place for building quality wooden craft, yachts and gulets. It is well-known to yachtsmen if less visited by others. That said, the lovely winding road by the sea to reach Bozburun is a very pleasant drive. It is not a place for tourists seeking great nightlife but there are many compensations for visitors staying in its small hotels and pensions. There are restaurants by the sea serving the freshest possible seafood. 

The ancient city of Bozukkale (Loryma) dates back to the years BC.  The nine towers of the castle walls extend out in a rectangular pattern and together with the castle look very solid and well preserved. ''Kale'' means ''corrupted'' so the name may be a consequence of one side of the Castle being missing.  Bozukale was used by the British navy many years ago, acting as a shipyard as well. There are great views across the Aegean and everyone can watch the yacht activity out to sea. Its location also resulted in it being a natural stopping off point for yachts sailing in the Aegean. In 395 BC, the Athenian Navy under the commander of Karori is known to have visited while Demetrios, son of Antigonos chose this port to prepare for the attack Rhodes during the Cnidus War in 305 BC. 

Serce has become a regular blue cruise stop. It has a sheltered harbour with the clearest of water. Underwater excavations have found many valuable pieces from ancient times, glassware that is now housed in Bodrum’s Museum of Underwater Archaeology. There are two abandoned villages close by, Kirkkuyular and Sindilli where stone houses are evidence of previous times. In the former, which is thought to be the older of the two, there are 40 cisterns which provided the population with water in those days. Saline water is of little use for both animals and agriculture so houses needed wells for their domestic water and to grow their crops. 

Kadirga Harbour is a pretty bay not far to the west from Marmaris. It is sheltered and has been awarded the blue flag because of its marvelous waters.

Kumlubuku is a place where you can enjoy the lovely beaches, warm waters and of course the sun. The seafood restaurants are a real treat and every visitor should sample the fresh catch at least once before moving on. It is quieter than the towns further north so it is a great place to swim, away from the crowds.

The Aquarium Bay is reminiscent of the travertines found in Pamukkale due to its  image. The tourists who come here are indispensable because they have a nice and pleasant time in these travertines. If you are a nature lover, the crystal water of Aquarium Bay will be enchant you.

Yildiz island is a wonderful peninsula in Marmaris. There are several nice cafes and restaurants across the island. It is ideal for those interested in swimming and snorkelling. Even if you spend a whole day on the island you are unlikely to get bored especially if you enjoy walking in a lovely natural environment. The area will remind you of a small sea channel. History says that a captain sailing in this area on a stormy night, hit the rocky landscape because he thought that this was a sea channel. Since then, it has also been known as ‘’wrong channel.’’

The charter finishes back in port with guests enjoying an excellent breakfast before finally returning to dry land. If you have some days ashore before finally returning home, we would recommend that you take some time to see what Marmaris and the immediate region has to offer. The natural environment is stunning; forests hug the slopes with the contrast between green and the blue of the sea and sky creating a lovely setting. Then there is some last minute shopping?