Sailing the Hisaronu Gulf

Begin your journey through the Gulf of Hisaronu by flying into Bodrum’s airport where you’ll be met by our driver for your transfer to the harbor where your yacht, captain, and crew await. You’ll be welcomed on board, but early arrivals might want to take advantage of the time to enjoy one of the unspoiled beaches for sunbathing or swimming, unwind with a drink in one of the alluring cafes or dine in a seaside restaurant with lots of fresh fish and seafood on the menu. Spend your first night here in the harbor or one of the beautiful bays nearby.

Depart from the ancient site of Knidos this morning, cruising across the Gulf of Gokova. It sits at the point where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet at the end of the Datca peninsula and was a renowned hub for culture and art in the 4th-century BC. The Dorian city set atop terraces that rise to the acropolis was once considered the most beautiful in all of ancient Greece. It was excavated in the mid-1800s and includes the remains of a temple that was dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. It overlooks two harbors, now centuries-old ruins, complete with white marble columns.

Depart early for the resort town of Datca on the Datca Peninsula where you can stroll Kumluk You, a pedestrianized cobbled path along the coast. There are beaches and restaurants fronted with colorful flowers, creating a lovely scene. It’s also a fabulous spot to get a glimpse of rural life in Turkey during the earlier part of the 20th-century, with fishing, architecture, and gulet building the way most make their living today. Sail to a hidden cove with a sandy beach in Ciftlik Bay about midway up the peninsula and then enjoy the spectacular scenery in Bencik Bay which looks like a mini fjord.

Continue your cruise by sailing into Selimiye Bay where you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and take a walk through the village of Selimiye which looks as if it was frozen in time. Once back on board, sail to the small fishing village of Bozburun which was once the center for sponge diving on the Turkish coast. While many here expertly construct wooden gulets, some still earn their living sponge diving, although fishing and tourism also provide livelihoods for the locals. With gorgeous landscapes, a pristine sea, a peaceful atmosphere, and an authentic feel, it’s a great place for quiet contemplation.

Sailing on towards the bay known as the “broken castle,” Bozukkale, as one side of the ancient castle/fortress that guards the bay’s entrance is missing. The nine towers and the remaining walls have remained remarkably well preserved. In ancient times this was the city of Loryma with its port used by the Greek Navy, with the commander choosing it to prepare for an attack on Rhodes in the early 4th-century BC. By hiking to the ruined citadel, you’ll understand why, with a magnificent view that makes it easy to watch all the boat activity across the Aegean to Simi and Rhodes islands in Greece.

Your next leg brings you to the Gulf of Hisaronu’s westernmost anchorage, Palamutbuku, which is widely regarded to have the most beautiful beaches in South Turkey. They have a backdrop of mountains and there are many colorful gardens along with a crystal-clear, warm sea for swimming. Not surprisingly, many of the restaurants serve fresh-caught fish. You can sample locally grown almonds here too. From Palamutbuku, head to Mersincik which sits in the Gulf of Gokova. An ideal place to overnight, it’s a favorite among sailors, boasting a secluded setting with stunning turquoise waters that are enveloped by towering mountains.

Begin your return to where it all began by crossing the Gulf of Gokova this morning to the pine-dotted shores along Kisebuku Bay. At this time of day, the water will be calmer for a smooth trip. You can make an optional stop at Orak Island, something diving enthusiasts won’t want to miss with the remarkable visibility like being in an aquarium. It even has an underwater cave to explore. From here you can cruise into Bodrum’s harbor or continue to pretty Ada Bogazi Bay for your last night. This is a good time to celebrate your unforgettable adventure while enjoying the scene in Bodrum.

Your tour through the Gulf of Hisaronu comes to an end this morning but you’ll have time for breakfast, fueling up for your next adventure or your trip back home. Private transfer can bring you to Bodrum’s airport to travel to Istanbul, the hub for connecting international flights, or you might choose to stick around to enjoy more of what the Turkish coast has to offer. Whatever your desires, our expert travel staff is always here to help.