Top 10 Bays in Marmaris, Turkey

Ultimate Blue Cruise & Yacht Charter Guide

Quick preview: This long-form guide walks you through the Top 10 bays around Marmaris — what makes each special, the best activities (swimming, snorkeling, hiking, dining), anchoring notes for gulets and yachts, and practical tips for planning a Blue Cruise. Links to gulet, yacht and Blue Cruise services are included so you can check boats, prices and sample itineraries.

Why Marmaris is a Blue Cruise Must

Marmaris sits on Turkey’s southwestern Aegean coast where lush pine-covered hills meet a labyrinth of sheltered coves and bays. Its coastline is a playground for sailors: short hops between beautiful anchorages, calm overnight harbors and plenty of places to drop anchor and dive into crystalline water. For visitors who want a balanced mix of nature, comfort and easy logistics, Marmaris is an ideal hub for Blue Cruise, gulet charters and private yacht trips.

Many travelers choose a traditional wooden gulet for the relaxed, classic Turkish sailing experience; others prefer modern motor yachts for speed and onboard luxury. If you’re comparing options, learn about gulet types and service levels on the gulet pages (Gulet types, Standard gulets, Luxury gulets, Ultra-luxury gulets) or check modern yacht options on the yacht charter pages (Turkey yacht charter, Motor yachts).

Read the full descriptions to pick bays that match your priorities (seclusion, family-friendly, snorkeling, dining). Each bay section includes tips for anchoring, what to expect ashore, and suggested boat types. At the end you’ll find route and planning advice for designing a Marmaris-centered Blue Cruise or combining Marmaris with nearby hubs like Bodrum, Fethiye and Göcek.

Top 10 Marmaris Bays

1. İçmeler Bay

Distance from Marmaris town: ~8 km

Why go: İçmeler is one of Marmaris’s best-loved bays for families and first-time visitors. A wide, semi-protected beach with fine sand makes swimming easy; shallow water near the shore is ideal for children. The bay also offers a lively seaside promenade with cafés, water-sports centers and rental options for paddleboards and jet skis.

Anchoring & boat notes: İçmeler is accessible for gulets and small yachts; anchor in deeper water off the beach to leave room for day-trippers. It’s better as a daytime stop than an overnight anchorage during busy summer months due to boat traffic.

Onshore: Promenade restaurants serve grilled fish, mezes and local desserts. For a calm evening, walk to the small headland for sunset views over Marmaris Bay.

2. Turunç Bay

Distance from Marmaris: ~20–25 minutes by boat

Why go: Turunç is a charming fishing village tucked into a green amphitheatre of pine-clad hills. A pebble beach and transparent water make it a top choice for snorkeling and relaxed seaside lunches. The atmosphere is quieter than central Marmaris, with a genuine village feel.

Anchoring & boat notes: The bay is well-protected; gulets and motor yachts often overnight here. Mooring alongside traditional boats is possible but check with the captain for local buoy availability.

Onshore: Try local sea bass or calamari at family-run restaurants. Walk the short coastal trail to small viewpoints for sweeping views of the bay and surrounding hills.

3. Cleopatra Island & Nacaklı Bay (Sedir Island nearby)

Distance from Marmaris: ~1–1.5 hour by boat (depending on departure)

Why go: This region is famous for Sedir (Cleopatra) Island with its rare shell beach and ancient ruins. While Sedir is technically closer to Köyceğiz, many Marmaris-based cruises include nearby sheltered bays for swimming and shore visits that recreate the Cleopatra myth — soft sand, clear water and a striking archaeological backdrop.

Anchoring & boat notes: Approach with a captain who knows the protected moorings; Sedir itself has regulated access because of archaeological conservation. Nearby Nacaklı Bay and other coves provide safe places to swim and snorkel.

Onshore: If you step ashore, respect restricted areas and stay on designated paths to protect the ruins. Shore-side picnic lunches or onboard dining are common.

4. Kumlubük & Amos Bay

Distance from Marmaris: ~40–60 minutes by boat

Why go: Kumlubük and the nearby Amos area are two tranquil coves that offer beautiful snorkel spots and peace away from the busiest beaches. Sandy bottoms, seagrass beds and rocky outcrops support marine life — a pleasant surprise for divers and snorkelers.

Anchoring & boat notes: These bays are excellent for midday stops and afternoon naps. They are commonly found on gulet itineraries; check into local restaurants ashore if you want a cooked meal.

Onshore: Limited facilities mean a simple shoreline café may be your only option — bring supplies or arrange provisioning through your charter company.

5. Aquarium Bay (Akvaryum Koyu)

Distance from Marmaris: short hop along the peninsula

Why go: Aptly named, Aquarium Bay’s jewel-like water and abundant fish make it feel like swimming inside an aquarium. It’s a snorkeler’s paradise — visibility is excellent and the bay is sheltered from open sea swell.

Anchoring & boat notes: Small yachts and gulets frequently stop here for a couple of hours. Anchor away from rocky points and keep a respectful distance from swimmers.

Onshore: Mostly natural coastline — ideal for lazy afternoons, snorkeling and taking underwater photos.

6. İçmeler to Selimiye Run (Scenic Corridor)

Distance & context: a longer hop linking a string of small coves

Why go: The stretch between İçmeler and the more remote Selimiye area is a scenic corridor of hidden coves, tiny pebble beaches and dramatic headlands. Rather than one single bay, this is a sequence of stops where you can choose to anchor in quiet water anytime. It’s perfect for those who love to island-hop even without leaving the mainland.

Anchoring & boat notes: Plan the run early in the morning when winds are calm. This corridor is also popular on Blue Cruise routes that continue toward nearby Fethiye or Datça.

Onshore: Small beach cafés appear sporadically; otherwise enjoy fresh onboard meals against a backdrop of pine-scented hills.

7. Selimiye Bay (near Datça side)

Distance from Marmaris: ~1.5–2 hours depending on route

Why go: Selimiye is a postcard-perfect village bay (on the Datça peninsula side but commonly visited by Marmaris-based charters). Protected from most winds, its calm waters and tranquil village pier make it a favored overnight harbor. The local cuisine is excellent and the harbor-side ambiance is relaxed.

Anchoring & boat notes: Very safe for overnight anchorage; space for gulets and yachts along the quay or in cleared anchorages. Popular stop on longer Marmaris–Datça circuits.

Onshore: Walk the waterfront to small markets and tavernas — fresh octopus and regional wines are highlights.

8. Bozburun Bay (sheltered peninsula bays)

Distance from Marmaris: ~1–2 hours; excellent continuation point for longer cruises

Why go: Bozburun sits on the far side of the Marmaris/Datça channel and boasts crystal bays, shipbuilding history and completely different, quieter energy than Marmaris town. Bozburun is also where many traditional gulets are built and serviced.

Anchoring & boat notes: Plenty of quiet anchorages; smaller coves around Bozburun are ideal for snorkeling and private picnics. If you want to experience small-ship craftsmanship and local maritime culture, this area is a must-visit. For Bozburun-specific charters see Bozburun yacht charter.

Onshore: Local restaurants here emphasize freshly prepared seafood, and the sleepy pace is perfect for slow evenings.

9. Kızkumu & Akyaka-style lagoons (daytrip option)

Distance from Marmaris: depends — extended day trip / multi-day itinerary

Why go: Some charters include extended daytrips to unique features like Kızkumu (shallow sandbanks) and sheltered lagoon-style bays reminiscent of the Aegean’s quieter corners. These stops are especially good for photographers and sea-kayakers.

Anchoring & boat notes: Because these are often more exposed, choose calm-weather days or travel on a motor yacht for faster transit. Ask your skipper about sea conditions before planning such a stop.

Onshore: The shoreline is often wild and undeveloped — bring supplies or order provisioning from your charter company.

10. Hisarönü Bay & Cennet Island Offshoots

Distance from Marmaris: short to moderate hop

Why go: Hisarönü’s network of small coves and islets near Marmaris are often the final favorite for guests who appreciate variety: shallow sandbanks, intriguing rock formations and sheltered swimming pockets. Nearby small islands and islets create quiet swimming lagoons.

Anchoring & boat notes: Excellent for short swim stops, afternoon snorkeling and a late-night calm anchor before returning to Marmaris Marina. Hisarönü is also convenient for guests who want easy access to Marmaris’ restaurants and nightlife after a day at sea.

Which Boat for Which Bay?

Choosing a vessel depends on your priorities. Traditional gulets are excellent for relaxed cruising, communal dining and classic Blue Cruise charm. If you prefer more speed and onboard luxury, consider a modern yacht charter or motor yacht.

• Family & shallow-water bays: Gulets and mid-size yachts — stable and comfortable for children.
• Secluded coves & overnight stays: Gulets and trawlers — ample deck space and storage for provisions (trawler options).
• Fast island hops: Motor yachts for quick transfers and long-range cruising.
• Wellness & yoga-focused trips: Consider specialty gulets with open deck areas (yoga gulet charters).

Suggested Marmaris Blue Cruise Itineraries

Here are three example itineraries for different trip lengths and styles. Use them as starting points and adapt to wind, guest preferences, and available boats.

Short weekend — 3 nights (relaxed highlights)

1. Day 1: Depart Marmaris marina → Anchor at Aquarium Bay for swim → Overnight in İçmeler.
2. Day 2: Cruise to Turunç → Lunch onshore → Afternoon swim at Kumlubük or Amos → Overnight in Turunç.
3. Day 3: Morning swim and snorkel → Return to Marmaris with sunset cocktails near Hisarönü.

Classic Blue Cruise — 7 nights (best of Marmaris + Bozburun)

1. Day 1: Marmaris → İçmeler (swim & dinner)
2. Day 2: Turunç → Kumlubük
3. Day 3: Bozburun coves → Selimiye overnight
4. Day 4: Explore nearby islets and secluded bays
5. Day 5: Nacaklı/Cleopatra nearby swim stop
6. Day 6: Aquarium Bay & relaxed day on board
7. Day 7: Return to Marmaris — final night in marina or transfer home

Extended coastal cruise — 10+ nights (Marmaris to Datça, Symi, Bodrum)

Extend your voyage to include Datça and Bozburun, cross to the Greek island of Symi (if you have border/visa clearance), then continue to Bodrum or Fethiye. For international legs, confirm paperwork with your charter provider — and consider a faster motor yacht for longer hops.

Booking & Practical Tips

When to go: May–June and September–October provide excellent weather and fewer crowds. July–August are busiest and hottest; plan and book early.

How to book: Check available gulets, yachts and trawlers on the dedicated booking pages: Gulet charter, Turkey yacht charter, Motor yachts, Trawler charters. If you already know your preferred departure port, use the port-specific links for bespoke offers (for example Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris, Göcek).

What to pack: Light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, reef shoes for rocky shores, snorkel gear (if you prefer your own), a good underwater camera, seasickness remedies if prone, and layered clothing for cool evenings. Many charters provide snorkeling masks and fins, but quality varies.

Food & provisioning: Most gulets include full-board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) prepared by an onboard chef; you can customize menus for dietary needs. For private yacht charters or if you prefer self-catering, arrange provisioning prior to departure. See gulet pricing and options on Gulet charter prices and yacht pricing on Yacht charter prices.

Safety, Anchoring Etiquette & Sustainability

Respect marine protected areas and avoid anchoring on seagrass beds (posidonia) — these habitats are vital. Keep noise low in secluded bays at night, dispose of waste responsibly and favor locally-owned restaurants ashore to support coastal communities. Your skipper will always advise on safe anchorages and where mooring is permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions (Short)

Can I visit Greek islands from Marmaris? Yes — many itineraries include Symi or destinations in the Dodecanese, but you must confirm border-crossing paperwork and customs procedures with your charter operator in advance (see Greece yacht charter).

Is it safe to swim overnight from a gulet? Swimming at night is generally not recommended for safety reasons. Daytime swims from calm bays are ideal.

How far in advance should I book? Peak season requests often book months in advance. For the best cabins and popular gulets, reserve 3–6 months early when possible. Review pricing pages for guidance: Gulet prices and Yacht prices.