İstanbul and Surroundings

Sailors will love the wonderful natural landscape surrounding İstanbul, the open seas and magnificent sunsets, as well as a voyage through Byzantine and Ottoman history as they sail past the impressive castles, palaces and mosques. After navigating the Bosphorus and sailing under the two enormous bridges spanning Europe and Asia, meandering along the mosque-lined Golden Horn or cruising in the coves and bays of the Princes' Islands, it is easy to return to one of the two large marinas in the area. Both Ataköy Marina (on the European side) and Kalamiş-Fenerbahçe Marina (Asian side) offer a 24-hour service.

From the North Sea through the European interior, yachts can sail down the European channel system, the Rhine and Danube Rivers, into the Black Sea harbours and to the İstanbul Strait and Istanbul marinas, which is a safe and short way to reach the Turkish coasts.

From İzmir to Kuşadası

The city of İzmir lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships. Art galleries, theatres and cultural events give this cosmopolitan city its special vibrancy. Levent Marina is an excellent place to begin: Between Urla İskelesi (Urla Pier) and the Karabun Peninsular, small islands dot the coastline, with beautiful beaches and excellent moorings with swimming, snorkelling and diving available. Karaburun has pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish restaurants, located between the mountain backdrop and the sea.

Around Cesme, the large Altin Yunus Setur Marina and the harbours in Ilica and Dalyan are all noted for their safety. In July, the Cesme International Song Contest attracts world famous performers, adding glamour and excitement to the town. The thermal baths in the area, and the natural springs that mix with the sea-water in Ilica Bay, provide soothing relaxation.

The Kusadasi Gulf spreads south and south-east, with attractive beaches, bays and coves.
 

From Kuşadası to Bodrum

Kuşadası boasts wonderful seafood restaurants, lively bars and cafes, beautiful parks and superb beaches. The shopping is rich with everything from beads and bangles to leather, jewellery and carpets.

Kuşadası Turban Marina is one of the best-equipped in Turkey, with wintering facilities for boats both afloat and on shore. The town is also renowned for its nightlife, thanks to its numerous bars, jazz clubs, discos and cabarets. 

South of Kuşadası, the beautiful waters of the Dilek Peninsula National Park welcome yachts into its serene inlets and coves. The Temple of Apollo in Didim was once a sacred site, and although looted and burned many times in its history, it still has an elegant beauty. Nearby, Altınkum’s beautiful beach tempts visitors with sailing, swimming and relaxation.

The fishing village of Güllük has an attractive port and numerous guest-houses and small hotels, and a little further north in Kıyıkışlacık is said to be the birthplace of the mythological Dolphin Boy. The Bodrum Peninsula comes into view while sailing out of this gulf.

 

From Bodrum to Marmaris

The undisputed hot-spot of the Aegean Coast, Bodrum is a swinging, singing, dancing town and its bohemian atmosphere gathers together Turkey's artists, intellectuals and lovers of the good life.

An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet. The Castle of St Peter (Bodrum Castle) now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. 

Shopping here is a delight for souvenirs hunters, and the Bodrum Turban Marina is one best-equipped in the region.

One of the best anchorages is the scenic Akbuk, hidden behind a forested hill. Sedir Island (ancient Cedrai) boasts an incredible beach with fine sand scattered with fossils, and great views of the Kiran Mountains across the bay.

The town of Datca has become a popular stopover for yachts, and offers many seafood restaurants, pubs and discos.

In the Gulf of Hisaronu is the peaceful Kecibuku Bay. The mountains and forests surrounding the Korfez Marina has a rich natural beauty, and the long Kizilkumu has a natural sand formation. After the Gulf of Hisaronu, the town of Bozburun is hidden away in its own exclusive inlet, and famous as one of the gulette-building centres in Turkey. Kumlubuk, a turquoise paradise, lies on the southern side of the bay, and above the water on the northern side is the Rhodian city of Amos. The natural harbour at Turunc opens out into a wide expanse of spectacular blue water, and Marmaris is next port.

 

From Marmaris to Fethiye

Marmaris Bay resembles a calm lake and offers ideal mooring for yachts. The Marmaris Netsel Marina, is one of the largest and best-equipped in Turkey, and the Marmaris Albatros Marina, one of the best for wintering and maintaining yachts, make Marmaris an excellent starting point for the Blue Voyage tour of the Aegean Coast.

Delikli Island lies on right off the coast, southeast of Ekincik. Dalyan Delta, has a long, golden, sandy beach at its mouth and is a nature conservation area and a refuge for sea turtles (caretta caretta) and blue crabs. At a bend in the river, high on the cliff-face above the fascinating ancient harbour-city of Caunos, magnificent tombs were carved into the rocks. Sailing southeast from Delikli Island, the next destination is Sarigerme.

The Gulf of Gocek is one of the Mediterranean's best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymaxa, an ancient city at the southern tip of the gulf, lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on Tersane Island stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards.

 

From Fethiye to Kaş

The resort town of Fethiye has an important marina and overlooks a beautiful bay strewn with islands, and has a great historical interest with Lycian rock tombs cut into the cliff face, reproducing the facades of ancient buildings. Belcegiz Bay and Oludeniz are interesting to explore, where the calm, crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, diving and other water sports. On Gemiler Island, Byzantine ruins lie tucked among the pines.

 

From Kaş to Antalya

An ancient theatre on the long Kas Peninsula is within walking distance of the town. The island of Kekova is a one hour sail from Dalyanagzi (ancient Andriace), and there are many more picturesque islands with numerous bays and ancient cities. These bays provide natural harbours throughout the year.

Along the northern shore of Kekova Island, at Apollonia, earthquakes once disturbed the land causing some of the ancient houses to sink under the clear water and creating a sunken city.

Demre (Kale) is the site of ancient Myra, 25 km from west of Finike, with many interesting carved rock tombs overlooking the magnificent Roman theatre. St Nicholas (better known around the world as Santa Claus) was the bishop of this Mediterranean city during the 4th century and died here. 

Slipping around the Kirlangic Peninsula into the Gulf of Antalya, the first sight is the ancient city of Olimpos, on the southern side of Mt. Tahtali. Oleander and laurel bushes shade the Olimpos Valley, which can be approached by land and sea.

The fully equipped Park Kemer Marina has facilities for all activities and yachtsmen can enjoy the unspoiled bays and beaches south of the town.

Today Antalya’s palm-lined boulevards, beautiful parks, historical buildings, monuments, museums and the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici, (with the Kaleici Turban Marina) blend together to create the ideal holiday atmosphere. The Antalya Marina and Leisure Centre, which has won several awards, is considered one of most beautiful marinas in Turkey. Setur Antalya Marina is quieter, but either makes a suitable break from a voyage around the Turquoise Coast.

Some Regulations on Using Foreign Flagged Yachts in Turkish Waters  

Yachts entering or leaving Turkey must do so only at frontier ports. Ports of entry along the Turkish coasts are: Trabzon, Giresun, Ordu, Samsun, Hopa, Rize, Sinop, Zonguldak, Tekirdag, Istanbul, Çanakkale, Bandirma, Akçay, Ayvalik, Dikili, Izmir, Çesme, Kusadasi, Didim (Söke), Güllük, Bodrum, Datça, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kas, Finike, Kemer, Antalya, Alanya, Anamur, Tasucu, Mersin, Botas, Bartin, Gemlik, Mudanya, Bozyazi, Inebolu, Derince, Eregli, Iskenderun harbours.

Formalities concerning the documentation of yachts departing from their last port of call, or entering a port or mooring for a winter lay-up, shall be carried out at that port. When entering Turkish Waters, foreign yachts must be recorded in the yacht owner's or captain’s passport by the customs authorities. This will be cancelled by the customs authorities on departure for foreign ports, or when leaving the yachts for winter lay-up in marinas.

Tax Revenues According to regulations, there are various taxes and charges in addition to Customs tax payable by Turkish and foreign yachts. This is collected by the relevant administration, after calculating which harbours will be visited according to the proposed route, and is maintained by an officer appointed in connection with 36th article of Yacht Tourism Regulation. These taxes include the payment for the other harbours for the entire voyage during the validation period of the Yacht Registration Form, which will be checked on the final departure from the country.

Yacht Registration Form (Transit Log) Various details must be recorded in the Transit Log by the authorities, which include customs, passport details, health and the sailors, passengers and staff on each yacht. Once these details have been logged by the various authorities, they will be checked on entering and leaving each port but will require no further processing, until leaving Turkey. The process for yachts in winter lay-up is performed at the harbour where they will be staying. Once completing the Registration Form, any yacht may enter Turkey. There will be exceptions made, however, in the cases of obligatory departure and entrance due to extraordinary conditions, in connection with laws protecting life and property.

Health Process Processes, including visa and patents, performed within the yacht registration form, are valid for one year without any other additional processes, as long as no other harbours outside Turkey have been visited within that time. In the event of any death or infectious disease, the nearest Harbour Directorate or highest Governmental Authority of the region must be immediately informed.

Importing Equipment Foreign yacht owners can import spare parts and equipment duty-free for use on their own yachts, under customs authority control. Such spare parts and equipment will be recorded in the yacht’s inventory.

Cabotage Laws Yachts staying in Turkey during the winter, or foreign-owned private yachts entering from foreign harbours, are only permitted to sail in Turkish waters on condition that the owner is on board. Yachts owned jointly or owned by yacht clubs or associations can be sailed by any one of four nominated owners per year. Turkish and foreign private yacht owners may have foreign or Turkish guests on board for the purpose of travel, sport and leisure but not for any commercial undertaking. The use of private yachts that have entered Turkey by yacht owners or staff, or boarding of Turkish or foreign guests free of charge, or the use of rented yachts without staff by yachtsmen, are not accepted as seamanship, and yachtsmen cannot benefit from the normal rights of sailors. A yacht lay-up during winter or departure from a foreign harbour or a yachting organisation including foreign flagged yachts, can be boarded by yachtsmen from a Turkish harbour with the aim of yachting, and leave the yacht at another Turkish harbour. Foreign flagged commercial yachts licensed by the Ministry, are subject to these regulations are not permitted to voyager transport between Turkish harbours and within the harbour against cash and bill of lading. However tourist-related activities of these yachts are not deemed as voyager transportation. Should an undocumented foreign flagged yacht organise a voyage under a certain programme, or carry yachtsmen or passengers against payment within Turkish harbours, Cabotage Law will be applied. Evaluation of yachting activities, important in connection with tourism and advertisement outside of this article, is possible with the approval of the Ministry.

Leaving Yachts in Turkish Marinas Foreigners may leave their yachts in Turkey at a licensed yacht harbour or docking area for the purpose of storage, maintenance or repair, for a period of two years and leave the country. In such cases, they must apply to the regional customs office with a document issued by a yacht harbour or docking area, and the requested process will be recorded in their passports. Owners may leave their yachts for up to five years, provided that the yachts sail from the harbour at least once every two years. At the end of 5 years, the Ministry of Tourism has the right to extend the length of stay. Documents to be requested during time extension: l - Yacht ownership certificate 2 - Certificate proving the stay of yacht for five years 3 - Certificate proving the usage of yacht by yacht owners at least once every two years          a - Yacht Registration Form copies 4 - Certificate of stay in yacht harbour or yacht docking area licensed by the Ministry of Tourism          a - Docking agreements

 Blue Flag Campaign

The Blue Flag Campaign is one of the four projects executed under the co-ordination of the Europe Environmental Education Foundation (FEEE). The Environmental Education Foundation of Turkey (TURCEV) designates which beaches and marinas have the right display a Blue Flag, which is judged on the basis of cleanliness of water, environmental concerns, security, safety and services. 

 

Nominees are evaluated by a national, then a European jury, after which the successful ones are awarded the Blue Flag for one year. The sea-water analysis is performed every 15 days during the high season by the local department of Health, and funded by the Ministry of Tourism, and take into account the physical, pH and microbiological parameters.

Blue Flags Awarded in 2001

Beaches

ANTALYA

Alanya
1-Keykubat II
2-Damlataş
3-Titan-Dinler
4-Kleopatra Batı
5-Köşederl
6-Paşa Bay
7-Siedra Princess
8-Alantur

Manavgat
9-Titreyengöl-1
10-Titreyengöl-2
11-Sorgun-1
12-Sorgun-2
13-Side-1
14-Side-2
15-Side-3
16-Club Ali Bey
17-Çolaklı Süral Beach

Serik
18-İskele Mevkii
19-Taşlıburun I
20-Taşlıburun II
21-Üçkumtepesi-1
22-Üçkumtepesi-2

Muratpaşa
23-Topkapı Otel
24-Adalya
25-Lara Beach
26-Karpuzkaldıran
27-Dedeman

Konyaaltı
28-Konyaaltı I
29-Konyaaltı-II

Beldibi
30-Beldibi I
31-Beldibi-II
32-Beldibi-III

Göynük
33-Göynük-1
34-Göynük-2
35-Palmiye Holiday Village

Kemer
36-Kemer Public Beach
37-Türkiz Hotel
38-Ayışığı
39-Kiriş I
40-Kiriş II
41-Çamyuva
42-Akdeniz Holiday Village

Tekirova
43-Tekirova-1
44-Tekirova-2
45-Tekirova H.Pl.

Finike
46-Gökliman

Kaş
47-Küçükçakıl-Çınarlar
48-Aquarius
49-Club Patara
50-Patara Doğu

MUĞLA

Marmaris
51-Marmaris I
52-Marmaris II
53-Marmaris III
54-Marmaris IV
55-Marmaris V
56-İçmeler I
57-İçmeler II
58-Pamucak
59-Turunç Public Beach

Bodrum
60-Aktur
61-Yahşi
62-Gümüşlük
63-Yalıkavak
64-Gündoğan
65-Akçabük Ionia
66-Palmiye Holiday Village
67-Sea Garden
68-İber Otel

Datça
69-Aktur Tatil Sitesi
70-Datça Aktur Camping
71-Hastanealtı
72-Karaincir

İZMİR

Seferihisar
73-Haritacılar
74-Akarca
75-Ekmeksiz
76-Teos Club

Çeşme
77-Çeşme Altınkum
78-Pırlanta Beach
79-Tekke
80-Ayasaranda Kerasus
81-Dalyan
82-Ayayorgi
83-Boyalık
84-Paşalimanı
85-Büyükliman
86-Çark Beach
87-Piyade Koyu

Karaburun
88-Bodrum
89-Kuyucak
90-Akvaryum
91-Mimoza

Urla
92-Camp of Ministry of Health

AYDIN

Kuşadası
93-Çamlimanı(Pine Bay)

BALIKESİR

Gömeç
94-Gömeç Kızçiftliği

Zeytinli
95-La Route Holiday Village

TRABZON

Sürmene
96-Çamburnu

ELAZIĞ

Sivrice
97-TUR-POL
98-Elezığ Municipality Public Beach

ISPARTA

Eğirdir
99-Altınkum Halk Pl.

 

Yacht Ports With Blue Flags

ISTANBUL

1-Ataköy Marina
2-Setur Çeşme Marina
3-Setur Ayvalık Marina
4-Setur Kuşadası Marina
5-Karada Marina Bodrum
6-Albatros Marina
7-Marmaris Martı Marina
8-Kemer Antalya Marina
9-Setur Antalya Marina
10-Setur Finike Marina
11-Setur Amiral Fahri Korutürk Kalamış ve Fenerbahçe Marinaları
12-Port Göcek Marina