Okluk Bay

DEĞİRMEN BÜKÜ
36°55'51"N - 28°09'51"E

The largest bay in Gökova Gulf, Değirmen Bükü indents 2 M to the south of Zeytinli Ada, between Sazan Burnu and İnce Burun. When cruising from Zeytinli Ada, the shores on the starboard side extending eastward offer attractive anchorages. Exercise caution to avoid rocky patches and shoals off the headlands. Anchoring is possible with a stern line ashore.

The coves within Değirmen Bükü:

HIRSIZ KOYU

36°55'24"N - 28°09'33"E

Hırsız Koyu indents southward and provides all-round shelter except from southerly winds. The seabed is sand with good holding. Anchor in 6-8 meters depth. The setting is attractive, with pine trees densely covering the slopes.

İNGİLİZ LİMANI (Çanak Koyu)

36°55'19"N - 28°09'25"E

İngiliz Limanı lies west of Hırsız Koyu. The inlet extends northward before curving westward. The starboard shores afford all-round shelter. Anchor in 7-8 meters depth and take a stern line ashore. The depths along the eastern shore shelve steeply.

The inlet's name (English Harbour) dates from the closing phases of the Second World War, when British warships used it as a concealed base for operations. German aircraft were unable to locate them.

OKLUK KOYU

36°55'06"N - 28°10'09"E

Okluk Koyu lies on the southeast side of Değirmen Bükü. A magnificent anchorage in the Gökova paradise. Okluk Koyu was the home port of the sailing yacht Kısmet, owned by Mr. Sadun Boro, maestro of Turkish sailors. Mr. Boro was the first Turkish sailor to embark on a world circumnavigation, departing with his wife Oda to conduct their voyage.

When approaching Okluk Bay in crystal blue waters, you will be surprised by the silhouette of a statue. This is a mermaid, standing on a rock and watching over this paradise. The statue is a gift from Mr. Sadun Boro, expressing his gratitude for the hospitality this beautiful bay extended to his yacht Kısmet and her lone passenger. The late sculptor Mr. Tankut Öktem created this piece and placed it on its base here in 1995.

Okluk Bay provides all-round shelter with excellent holding in a muddy bottom. Basic provisions can be obtained from the markets at the restaurants. The southern shores host two restaurants with piers offering water, electricity, and laundry services. Fuel can be obtained via truck tanker from Marmaris. During summer, the piers become crowded. You can anchor between the piers or on the northern corner of the bay with a stern line ashore. The inlet has deep water with depths of 12 meters, shoaling to 7-8 meters as you approach the reedy shores where it becomes shallow. Caution is required when navigating these shallower areas.

The coastal path offers an attractive forest road for memorable walks where you can enjoy the stunning combination of green and blue.

Transport arrangements can be made through the restaurants. Okluk is 26 km from Marmaris and 100 km from Dalaman Airport.

The bay to the west is Malderesi - landing and anchoring are prohibited as it houses a State summer residence.