Gocek Bays: A Cove-by-Cove 12 Islands Boat Route Guide 2026
Gocek has something found nowhere else on the Turkish coast: a gulf sheltered by islands that act as natural breakwaters, leaving the water as calm as a lake on most days. That is why it is one of the world's yachting capitals - and why its coves are best explored from the sea. This guide maps all 14 coves and islands of the Gulf of Gocek: which is best for swimming, which for photographs, which for escaping the crowds.
Map of Gocek's Bays: Which Cove Suits Whom?
| Cove / Island | Highlight | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Yassica Islands | Shallow turquoise water, swimming between islets | Families, photography |
| Aquarium Bay | Glass-clear water, snorkeling | Underwater enthusiasts |
| Sarsala Bay | Emerald water + the 'wrong harbour' mansion | Those seeking calm |
| Bedri Rahmi Bay | Fish figure painted on a rock, pine shade | Art and history |
| Hamam Bay (Cleopatra) | Submerged ruins of an ancient bath | History + swimming |
| Gobun Bay | Hidden cove rarely visited by tour boats | Escaping the crowds |
| Tersane Island | Historic shipyard ruins | Exploration + tea break |
| Domuz Island | Sheltered anchorage, sunset | Romantic late afternoons |
| Boynuzbuku | Deep green, sheltered cove | Those seeking quiet |
| Boncuklu Cove | Small, boutique anchorage | Couples |
| Gunluklu Bay | Sweetgum (liquidambar) trees | Nature lovers |
| Kille Cove | Closest swim stop to Gocek | Short tours |
| Zeytinli Island | Untouched shores | Snorkeling |
| Gemiler Island (towards Fethiye) | Byzantine church ruins | Full-day long route |
The Gocek 12 Islands Boat Tour Route
The famous '12 Islands' is actually the collective name for the islands and coves of the Gulf of Gocek - you do not land on 12 separate islands in one trip; instead you stop at the 4-6 finest of them during the day. At IndigoSail we plan the route entirely around our guest's wishes; the two flows below are the most popular examples:
Half-Day Route (4 hours)
- 10.00 - Depart Gocek Marina
- 10.20 - Kille Cove: warm-up swim
- 11.00 - Yassica Islands: long stop in the shallows
- 12.30 - Aquarium Bay: snorkeling
- 14.00 - Return to the marina
Full-Day Classic (8 hours)
- 10.00 - Depart Gocek Marina
- 10.45 - Yassica Islands: first swim
- 12.00 - Aquarium Bay: snorkeling + lunch on board
- 14.00 - Tersane Island: tour of the historic shipyard
- 15.00 - Hamam Bay: swim over the submerged bath
- 16.15 - Bedri Rahmi Bay: fish figure and tea break
- 17.30 - Return to Gocek at sunset
Captain's note: In July and August the Yassica Islands and Aquarium Bay fill with day-tour boats between 12.00 and 15.00; at those hours we take our guests to Gobun, Boynuzbuku or Boncuklu instead - the beauty of the gulf is that every crowded cove has a silent alternative ten minutes away.
Explore the Coves in Detail
We have prepared detailed guides for the most asked-about coves of the gulf - access, entrance fees, captain's notes and hour-by-hour routes:
Sarsala Bay, Gocek: How to Get There by Boat - 2026 Guide
Sarsala has two faces: a busy public beach if you arrive by road, a silent emerald cove if you arrive by sea. The 2026 guide with captain's notes.
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Aquarium Bay, Turkey: Gocek, Bodrum, Datca or Bozcaada? 2026 Guide
Search 'Aquarium Bay' on a map of Turkey and five different coves appear. Which one is right for you? A comparative guide to the Aquarium Bays of Gocek, Bodrum, Datca and Bozcaada - including the entrance-fee situation.
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How to Get to Butterfly Valley by Boat: Times and 2026 Fees
There is no road to Butterfly Valley - you can only enter from the sea. Scheduled boat times, the 2026 entrance fee, and why a private yacht makes all the difference are all in this guide.
Read more →Which Yacht Should You Choose?
| Group | Suggested yacht | Highlight | Daily rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-6 guests, budget-friendly | Lagoon | Catamaran, economical entry | ₺52,000/day |
| Couples | Buse 9 | 3 cabins (2 master + 1 double) | ₺65,000/day |
| Small family | Adakuzey | 3 cabins, family layout | ₺75,000/day |
| Deck space | Bali 46 | Catamaran with a generous deck | ₺105,000/day |
| Comfortable catamaran | Lagoon 46 | Catamaran, premium cabins | ₺105,000/day |
| Family comfort | Escape | 4 cabins (2 master + 1 double + 1 twin) | ₺130,000/day |
| Sporty motor yacht | Blue Cast | Sunseeker Manhattan 73 | ₺130,000/day |
| Group of friends (up to 18) | Endless Summer | Gulet, large groups and events | ₺130,000/day |
| Premium experience | River Mega | Azimut 85, 4 cabins | ₺185,000/day |
| Premium experience | Enjoy | Canados 80, premium cabin layout | ₺185,000/day |
| Gulet-style blue cruise | Belgin Sultan | Mega yacht, ultra comfort | ₺225,000/day |
| Ultra-luxury | Merve | Custom build, ultra-luxury and privacy | ₺260,000/day |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bays are there in Gocek?
The gulf has more than 14 named coves and islands; '12 Islands' is the region's traditional collective name. On a full-day charter you can comfortably visit 4-6 of them.
Can you reach Gocek's bays by land?
With a few exceptions (Sarsala, Gunluklu), no - most of the coves are reached only by sea. That is the secret of why Gocek stays so unspoilt.
How long does the 12 Islands tour take?
Daily charters usually run 8 hours (10.00-18.00). A half-day 4-hour tour covers the nearer coves; a full day covers almost the entire gulf.
What is the best month for a Gocek boat trip?
The sea season runs May to October. June and September offer the best balance of warmth and quiet; in July and August we recommend an early departure.
How much does yacht charter in Gocek cost?
In the 2026 season, a private daily charter starts from ₺52,000/day; premium motor yachts and gulets reach the ₺185,000/day - ₺260,000/day range. Captain and fuel are included.
Browse and Book Now
View details, check availability and request a quote for the 12 yachts featured in this guide.
Merve
Belgin Sultan
River Mega
Adakuzey
Buse 9
Escape
Lagoon
Bali 46
Lagoon 46
Enjoy
Endless Summer
