The Itinerary
Day 1
Göcek Harbour - Domuz Island
Our guests arrived at the boat mid-afternoon and we were soon cruising out of Göcek harbour and into the protected waters of the Göcek Islands region. First stop was a little, unnamed bay in the channel between Domuz Island and Tersane Island. We spent the afternoon and evening there, reconnecting with David, Jodi, and Sam, and getting to know Pip and Ian.
The little bay had gorgeous, clear water, perfect for swimming!
Click to expand.
Day 2
Domuz Island - Dış Göbün - Ağa Limanı
After a leisurely Turkish breakfast and time for swimming and oogling a cute little donkey, Captain Oktay raised the anchor and took us out of the Göcek Islands to Dış Göbün. As we neared the anchorage, we caught two tuna fish! Once anchored, our guests enjoyed more swimming and lunch.
These guests are charmed, and we managed to find perfect anchorages everywhere we went. Next stop, the beach at Ağa Limanı. It was late in the afternoon, and it was unlikely that anyone else would be coming to the bay, so Captain Oktay took advantage of the situation and anchored directly in front of the beach. Sue and our guests hiked up the trail to the site of ancient Lydae and spent time wandering around the ruins as a gentle rain fell, dampening our clothes, but not our spirits.
Back at the boat, everyone had hot showers before a fish feast was served for dinner.
Click to expand.
Day 3
Ağa Limanı - Merdivenli Bay - Hamam Bay
We had another relaxed start to the day, but everyone was awake when a very profession team of sailors / spotters / body guards came to the boat and asked us to shift our ropes slightly to allow their VIP guests easier access to the bay. We knew that Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos were in the area, so spent quite a bit of time trying to guess who would appear. Imagine our surprise when the BOTH showed up. Many thanks to Sam who identified them in the crowd of about 12 people who arrived at the beach on a fancy tender.
Once we got over our excitement of spotting two of the richest men in the world and ate lunch, we lifted anchor and returned to the protected waters of the Göcek Islands region. Captain Oktay first took us to Merdivenli Bay, where our guests went for a hike and visit to a small bar in a nearby bay. Then we went to Hamam Bay (again securing the prime anchoring spot next to the ruins) for the night. Adana Kebabs with all the fixings were on the menu for dinner - DELICIOUS!
Click to expand.
Day 4
Happy Turkish Republic Day!
Hamam Bay - Martili Bay - Summer Harbour Bay on Tersane Island
Our guests enjoyed a pre-breakfast hike and then we made our way to Martili Bay for another short walk. Our final stop of the day was Summer Harbour Bay at Tersane Island.
Although the bays are all quite close together, each has a unique character, so the journey feels longer than it actually is.
Click to expand.
Day 5
Summer Harbour Bay - Boynuz Bükü - At Bükü - Flat Island - Kitle Bükü
We visited a variety of bays today, stopping for swimming at each one. The weather vascillated between rain and sunshine, but the temperatures remained pleasant for most of the day and there was definitely less rain than anyone imagined.
While cruising, we spotted several impressive yachts and their accompanying tenders and dinghies, but basically the day was devoted to relaxing, fun conversations, and "lots" of beer drinking ;-).
Click to expand.
Day 6
Kitle Bükü -Bedri Rahmi Bay - Sarsala Bay
Normally, guests depart from the boat after breakfast on the final day of the cruise. But this group's flight home didn't depart until 11PM so we arranged to spend the extra time with them.
It was another relaxing day, full of laughter and good conversation. We were sad to say our goodbyes when the taxi arrived to collect them from Sarsala Bay.
Click to expand.
