An Orhaniye sailing itinerary takes you to the stunningly beautiful turquoise waters of the Carian Coast, its steep shores indented with numerous coves and bays. A typical 7-day Orhaniye itinerary centers on sailing in the largely protected waters of the Gulf of Hisarönü between the Bozburun and Datça peninsulas, and includes a foray into Greece's magnificent Dodecanese Islands in the eastern edge of the Aegean Sea. 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 family friendly waters.
Orhaniye to Bencik - 5 nm. Your Orhaniye itinerary begins on the day you arrive at the base. Once you check in, purchase provisions (if you haven't elected to have us do it for you), and receive your pre-cruise chart briefing, board your yacht at 3:00 P.M. and get under way for a short sail to the southwest, where you'll find Bencik Bay on the far eastern end of the Datça Peninsula. As you sail up the narrow waterway, you'll be reminded of a Norwegian fjord. The steep pine-studded shores rise from the blue sea, creating a magnificent backdrop for a relaxing evening aboard your yacht on the remote Carian Coast.
Mooring: No moorings are available. Bencik is full of wonderful coves perfect for anchoring. Selecting the anchorage at the head of the bay will allow you to go ashore to take in the superb views from the hills. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: Local sailors call Bencik by another name: Where the fish jump over. It's a fitting description because at no other location on the Datca Peninsula will you find a narrower section where it would be so easy for a fish to jump from the Gulf of Gokova to the north to the Gulf of Hisarönü to the south. You can take the dinghy ashore and walk a short distance up the hills to admire stunning views of both gulfs shimmering in a deep blue against a verdant backdrop. At the entrance of the bay is the islet of Dislice, which means teeth. Reddish colored rock pinnacles rise up from the shore and look a lot like jagged teeth.
Bencik to Bozburun - 13 nm. Set sail on the next leg of your Orhaniye itinerary and continue heading southwest across the usually calm waters of the Gulf of Hisarönü toward Cape Boz. The sailing is splendid in the gentle prevailing westerly winds, a nearly perfect beam reach. As you approach the tip of the cape, you'll find a gorgeous anchorage at Dirsek Bükü, one of the prettiest on the Bozburun Peninsula. Enjoying a swim and a delicious lunch is a pleasant way to spend an hour or two before rounding the cape and bearing off for a downwind sail to Bozburun, a major boatbuilding center for traditional Turkish vessels called gulets. The village is typical of those you'll find on the Carian Coast, beautiful and laid-back. You can dine ashore at one of the cafés. At the mouth of Bozburun harbor is scenic Kizil, an islet with a pretty day anchorage.
Mooring: No moorings are available. There is ample room to anchor in the harbor. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: Going ashore to walk the narrow lanes, browse in the market, and enjoy a sumptuous seafood meal at one of the restaurants is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon or early evening. While you're in Bozburun, check out the 1,000-year-old tree that's growing in town. One of the oldest trees in Turkey, it's quite amazing to consider that it has lived for ten centuries. It was a seedling shortly after the fall of the Roman Empire! Every October Bozburun holds the International Gulet Festival, at which time the town comes alive with tourists there to see the beautiful workmanship that went into building these splendid sailing craft.
Bozburun to Serce Liman - 25 nm. Making your way farther along on the west coast of the Bozburun Peninsula takes you to a lovely lunch stop at Arabah and its secluded beach. You can spend time swimming and enjoying the sunshine before continuing on to Serçe Liman, a very picturesque and nearly landlocked anchorage with a café on the beach. Serçe Liman is the site of the famous Glass Wreck, a merchant vessel that sank more than 1,000 years ago with a huge cargo of glassware.
Mooring: Moorings are available. The holding is good on the west side of the cove. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: A trip ashore in the dinghy makes for a pleasant stroll. There is a restaurant on the east side of the cove.
Serce Liman to Bozukkale - 3 nm. Enjoy a leisurely swim, savor a delicious breakfast in the cockpit, and then set sail for the very short passage to Bozukkale (Bozuk Bükü), at the southernmost edge of the Bozburun Peninsula. Exploring the ancient port of Bozukkale and the ancient ruins of Loryma, with its impressive and largely intact Hellenistic fortress, is a delightful way to spend the afternoon. In season, several beachfront restaurants serve excellent seafood. Relaxing over a cool drink and admiring the harbor's mountainous scenery is a great way to savor the Carian Coast. STRONG>Mooring: Moorings are available. There are several coves within Bozukkale, each with excellent protection from the prevailing westerly winds. The bottom is weedy, so it's best to only anchor in a sandy patch. Make sure the anchor is well set. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: Going ashore to explore the ruins of Loryma is a delightful journey into the past. Of particular interest is the Hellenistic castle on the hills of the promontory on the port side of the entrance to the bay. Bozukkale means crooked castle, which is a somewhat apt description of the citadel, or what's left of it. There are several restaurants in the cove that serve great seafood.
Bozukkale to Simi - 16 nm. Your Orhaniye sailing itinerary takes you to Greece as you proceed into the far eastern edge of the Aegean Sea to the spectacular Dodecanese Islands. Simi is both a practical and an exciting stop. On the practical side, you can easily clear in and out of customs there, and on the exciting side it's one of the prettiest of the Dodecanese group, with its lively harbor, opulent mansions, sundry boutiques, and a wonderful selection of excellent waterfront restaurants and cafés in the main port of Gialos, at the northeast end of the island.
Mooring: Moorings are available. There are numerous good anchorages at Simi. In the main port of Gialos, on the northeast end of the island, the best anchorage is on the south side of the bay in the cove just south of the clock tower, a major landmark in the town. To the southeast of Simi Bay is a narrow, fjord-like inlet at Pehti, an extremely beautiful spot with excellent protection from westerly winds. In fact, the entire east side of the island is indented with picturesque coves perfect for anchoring in an idyllic and tranquil setting. The west coast is more rugged and exposed to the westerly winds, making it much less desirable for anchoring. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: Simi is a popular tourist destination. It has beautiful beaches, a thriving downtown district in Gialos and Chorio (the upper section of town), and a host of events and festivals. The restaurants, tavernas, cafés, nightclubs, boutiques, and markets are among the attractions. The Museum of Simi has a fascinating collection featuring artifacts from important archaeological digs as well as folklore exhibits that highlight the rich cultural history of the island. Churches and monasteries pepper the Greek isles and Simi is no exception. Of particular interest is the monastery of Moni Taxiarhou Mihail Panormiti at Panormitis Bay. It also houses a Byzantine and folklore museum. You can rent a car to tour the island. Water taxis are available to take you to scenic beaches. Many of the beaches are also easily accessible aboard your yacht. Facilities: All facilities for yachts are available.
Simi to Datca - 13 nm. Sailing back into Turkish waters takes you northwest to the Datca Peninsula across the mouth of the Gulf of Hisarönü. The sailing is splendid. Astern you see the Dodecanese islands rise from the deep blue of the Aegean, and off the bow the wide gulf opens before you with the densely forested hills of the peninsula beyond. A lovely place to stop for lunch is Kargi Bay, where the serenity of the Carian Coast is profound. When the wind picks up in the afternoon, it's time to set sail for the resort town of Datça and enjoy the nightlife of this popular tourist destination. The nearby ruins of Knidos are fascinating.
Mooring: No moorings are available. There is ample room to anchor in the harbor north or south of the isthmus, but most sailors tie up at the harbor. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: The restaurants, tavernas, cafés, nightclubs, boutiques, and markets are among the attractions at Datca harbor. A visit to the important and fascinating Carian city of Knidos is intriguing and educational. As you walk the wide stone streets among the ancient homes and temples, it's not difficult to imagine what life was like thousands of years ago on the Datca Peninsula Facilities: All facilities for yachts are available.
Datça to Orhaniye - 21 nm. The final day of your Orhaniye sailing itinerary brings you ever eastward along the coast past the rugged and forested hills of the Datça Peninsula. As the afternoon wind strengthens, the boat speeds across the shimmering blue waters of the Gulf of Hisarönü, the sails full and drawing in a splendid downwind run. The scene inspires the imagination as you consider all the history of the Carian Coast. Arriving back at the base in Orhaniye by 5:00 P.M., you'll have plenty of time to enjoy dinner at the restaurants near the base, a fitting end to a leisurely foray into one of the best cruising grounds on Earth.
Mooring: Moorings are available. There is ample room to anchor in the harbor. Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available. Things to do: The village of Orhaniye proper is about a mile and a half from the base. Quiet and charming, with a selection of shops and restaurants, Orhaniye is a typical small Turkish village. Nearby are the ruins of Bybasos. A favorite swimming place is at the picturesque waterfall in Turgut Koy or at Kizkumu Beach. On the islet in Paradise Bay, you'll find the intriguing ruins of a castle. Anchoring off the island and going ashore to explore is a fun way to begin your experience of sailing in Orhaniye waters. The views from the top of the hill at sunset are magnificent. 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.
breakfast in the cockpit, and then set sail for the very short passage to Bozukkale (Bozuk Bükü), at the southernmost edge of the Bozburun Peninsula. Exploring the ancient port of Bozukkale and the ancient ruins of Loryma, with its impressive and largely intact Hellenistic fortress, is a delightful way to spend the afternoon. In season, several beachfront restaurants serve excellent seafood. Relaxing over a cool drink and admiring the harbor's mountainous scenery is a great way to savor the Carian Coast. STRONG>Mooring: Moorings are available. There are several coves within Bozukkale, each with excellent protection from the prevailing westerly winds. The bottom is weedy, so it's best to only anchor in a sandy patch. Make sure the anchor is well set.
