A Gocek sailing itinerary takes you to the stunningly beautiful turquoise waters of the Lycian Coast, its steep shores indented with numerous coves and bays, its pine-clad islands stretching east and west like emeralds on the shimmering blue of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (see Gocek maps). A typical 7-day Göçek itinerary centers on sailing in the largely protected Fethiye Bay and its many islands and coves, and along the coast to places such as Ekincik and Bestas Limani. On longer cruises you can sail west to Marmaris, Datca, and Bodrum, or you can sail east to Kalkan, Kas, and Kekova. Swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing at pristine beaches, exploring fascinating archaeological sites, browsing in market bazaars, and dining in restaurants serving delicious local cuisine are among the many pleasures of sailing in these waters.
Göçek to Kapi Creek - 8 nm. Your Göçek sailing itinerary typically began the previous day, Saturday afternoon at 3:00 P.M., when you arrived at the base to check in, provision the boat (if you hadn't elected to have us do it for you), and receive your pre-cruise chart briefing. Now that you've had a restful night aboard, it's time to head out onto the shimmering Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Just a short sail from the base takes you south into a land of bays and islands. Along the western edge of Fethiye Bay are numerous anchorages, most of them well protected and all of them scenic. Kapi Creek is an all-weather anchorage and has an excellent restaurant.
Mooring: Moorings are available. Kapi Creek is an excellent all-weather anchorage. Adjacent Merdivenli Cove is away from the restaurant dock and quite scenic. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: Enjoying a dinner at the Kapi Creek Restaurant, one of the best in the area, and then taking a walk through the olive groves up to the top of the nearby hills reveals the ruins of an ancient village. Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences on the mausolea plainly show that the site was popular in ancient times, not surprising given the sheltered nature of Kapi Creek. There's a village near the anchorage as well, where you can sometimes buy handicrafts. For many years the wife of villager Murat Hetman has been sought out by sailors for the beautiful carpets for yachts that she weave and for the tasty bread that she bakes. Swimming is excellent at the beach on the north side of the anchorage. From the heights the view of the bays and islands is breathtaking. Facilities: Pier tie-up and rest rooms are available.
Kapi Creek to Ekincik Limani - 26 nm. On one of the longer passages of your Göçek sailing itinerary, you'll proceed southward down the magnificent waters of Fethiye Bay out into the broad expanse of the azure Mediterranean Sea. The heavily wooded shores rise steeply to meet the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, which in turn rise farther back, creating a splendid scene as the wind fills the sails of your yacht. Turning to the northwest lines you up to reach the anchorage at Ekincik Limani, with its pleasant village and friendly people. You can also arrange to see the nearby attractions on the Dalyan River.
Mooring: No moorings are available. This is a secure, all-weather anchorage. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: A river tour to Dalyan and Caunos sweeps you back in time, and there's so much to see and do at the ruins, the quaint village, the famous hot springs, thermal gardens, and the fun Turkish mud baths, a full day is needed for the excursion. It's well worth the time and when you return to your yacht anchored in Ekincik Limani, you'll relax aboard knowing you've experienced something memorable. The Dalyan River practically straddles the ancient border between Lycia and Caria, two ancient nations important in the early history of the Mediterranean. The archaeological record indicates that the original city of Caunos was established nearly 5,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest on Earth. The level of the Mediterranean Sea was much higher at the time, covering the present-day river delta to reach five miles inland, right to the doorstep of Caunos. It was a major port for centuries and the ruins show a cosmopolitan blend of cultures. The village of Dalyan is pleasant and evocative with its shops and restaurants, and the nearby Turkish mud baths and hot springs are another major attraction. Facilities: Pier tie-up, water, showers, rest rooms, and electricity are available at Ekincik Limani
Ekincik Limani to Fethiye - 33 nm. Retracing your course to sail east takes you across the mouth of Fethiye Bay, then north up the bay to the eastern shore. Tucked inside a fjord-like waterway is the busy and historic town of Fethiye, where you can dock for the night at a marina and go ashore to savor the delights of a traditional Turkish bazaar. The town has plenty of restaurants and bars. An impressive fortress sits atop the hills overlooking the town.
Mooring:
Moorings are available. No convenient anchorages are available. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: The town has much to offer the cruising sailor, as you walk the streets and take in the sights. A visit to the market bazaar immerses you in the Middle East, a kind of magical transport back in time when Fethiye was a thriving trading port. Because the market is covered you can walk in shade. Classical and Turkish music is often played in the Roman amphitheater, but even if you don't see a performance, observing its stately architecture inspires the imagination. In the center of town is the Tomb in the Sea, a sarcophagus sculpted in ornate designs, and above on the hilltops are the remains of what once was a Telmessian and Roman city you can explore. The views from the impressive fortress are magnificent, commanding much of the surrounding waters. Facilities: Marina dockage, fuel, water, electricity, showers, rest rooms, and provisions are available.
Fethiye to Bestas Limani - 14 nm. Skirting the eastern shore of Fethiye Bay, you'll proceed south until you pass Gemiler Island, famous for its Byzantine ruins and mosaics. To the north is the beautiful anchorage at Bestas Limani, also known as Cold Water Bay because of the cold freshwater springs that flow into it. This former haven for pirates is now a popular place to relax and swim in the crystal clear water.
Mooring: No moorings are available. Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: Swimming, rock diving (leaping off the sheer rock faces into the deep water of the bay), and hiking a short distance over the hills to the deserted Greek village of Kayakoy are the main attractions. In 1923, by arrangement between Greece and Turkey, populations of each nation were shifted. Kayakoy's Greek residents left under this agreement and now the city stands abandoned. It's a haunting sight, the ornate buildings partially toppled due to an earthquake, the forest slowly encroaching to reclaim the land. Of particular interest is the Greek Orthodox basilica. If you're hungry, there's a restaurant perched on the hills overlooking Bestas Limani. Nearby Gemiler Island is famous for its Byzantine ruins and mosaics. It's also a great alternative anchorage. Facilities: Rest rooms are available.
Bestas Limani to Tomb Bay - 19 nm. Set sail for a splendid passage westward across Fethiye Bay to a magnificent archipelago of pine-studded islands with high hills and rocky shores. Among the coves and inlets is Kizilkuyruk, or Red Tail Bay, an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling. About a half-hour walk through the pines into the surrounding hills are the ancient ruins of Lydae, some of which date back to the 4th century B.C. A short sail to the north takes you to your next overnight anchorage in Tomb Bay, famous for the Lycian tombs carved into the hillside. Going ashore to explore and to dine at the restaurant is a pleasant way to spend an early evening before returning to your yacht for the night.
Mooring: Moorings are available. Anchor anywhere there's room in this small bay. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: When you go ashore, you can dine at the restaurant and walk through the ruins of Crya, a Carian and Lycian city dating back to the 4th century B.C. There you can see Roman and Byzantine baths (the water supply was a spring), looming walls with intricate masonry, as well as other intriguing sights. Facilities: Pier tie-up and rest rooms are available.
Tomb Bay to Göçek - 6 nm. Enjoy sailing among the islands as you head north, arriving back at the base by 5:00 P.M. to check out the boat. As you relax over dinner and drinks at the Moorings base, you'll bask in the sheer delights of the past week of sailing along the historic Lycian Coast.
Mooring: No moorings or anchorages are available. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: Enjoying an evening stroll through the quiet lanes of the village and savoring a delicious meal at one of the restaurants is a pleasant way to settle into your Gocek sailing vacation. You can also arrange a land excursion to the canyon of Sagklikent - scenic, rugged, and wildly beautiful. A visit to the riverside village of Dalyan and the nearby ancient ruins of Caunus, one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey, is intriguing and educational. You can see it on a local boat tour from Ekincik Limani during your cruise, but a full day is recommended and so opting for a land excursion before or after your charter may make more sense. Facilities: All facilities for yachts are available.
Final Morning
After a restful night aboard, disembark from your yacht at 8:00 A.M. and prepare for your flight home.
