Göcek, a sailor's paradise nestled in a bay of countless sheltered coves and pine-clad islands, offers the ultimate Turkish sailing experience. The best way to enjoy this serene landscape with maximum comfort and space is aboard a catamaran. A catamaran is more than just a boat; it's a stable, spacious floating villa that glides across the water. Its design, offering stability, generous living areas, and the ability to access shallow waters, seems tailor-made for the tranquil geography of Göcek.
Göcek and the Catamaran: A Perfect Match
To understand why a catamaran is the ideal vessel for your Göcek holiday, you only need to look at its key features:
- Unmatched Stability: The most defining characteristic of a catamaran is that it doesn't heel (lean over) like a traditional monohull. This level sailing provides incredible comfort, making it a perfect choice for first-time sailors, those prone to seasickness, and families with young children.
- Vast, Open Living Spaces: Built on two hulls, a catamaran offers nearly twice the living space of a monohull of the same length. The seamless connection between the saloon and the large cockpit creates a spacious terrace, while the forward trampoline net is the perfect spot for sunbathing, reading, or stargazing.
- Access to Shallow Waters: Catamarans have a shallow draft, a technical term meaning they can safely navigate in waters that are not very deep. In Göcek, this is a huge advantage. It allows you to explore the most secluded coves and anchor closer to beautiful beaches where other yachts cannot venture.
- Privacy and Comfort: With cabins located in separate hulls, guests enjoy a greater degree of privacy. The bright, airy saloon offers 360-degree panoramic views, ensuring you never miss a moment of the stunning scenery.
Who Is It For?
- Families with Children: The safe, stable, and spacious platform makes catamarans the number one choice for families.
- First-Time Charter Guests: The lack of heeling and the open, airy feel make for a gentle and highly enjoyable introduction to the world of sailing holidays.
- Large Groups of Friends: The ample social spaces allow large groups to relax and have fun together without feeling cramped.
- Comfort-Seekers: Anyone who prioritizes space, stability, and luxury over a traditional, heeling sailing experience will fall in love with a catamaran.
Season & Weather
The catamaran charter season in Göcek runs from May through October. The area is naturally protected from strong winds by surrounding mountains. The reliable afternoon "Meltem" breeze provides perfect conditions for a gentle and pleasant sail aboard a stable catamaran.
Sample Itineraries
Göcek's classic routes become even more enjoyable with the unique advantages a catamaran offers.
1-Day Route: A Taste of the 12 Islands
Depart from Göcek and make your first stop at the Yassıcalar (Flat Islands), where your catamaran's shallow draft will allow you to tuck into the turquoise lagoons. After a swim, cruise to Tersane Island to see its Byzantine ruins. Anchor for the evening at the iconic Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after the famous Turkish artist.
2–3 Day Route: Deeper into Skopea Limanı
- Day 1: After exploring the Yassıcalar and Tersane Island, anchor for the night in the perfectly sheltered Göbün Bay.
- Day 2: In the morning, swim among the underwater ruins at Cleopatra's Bath Bay (Hamam Koyu). Spend the afternoon relaxing in the shade of the pines at Sarsala Bay.
- Day 3: Before heading back to Göcek, enjoy a final few stops at smaller coves around Domuz (Pig) Island.
1-Week Route: Göcek and the Fethiye Gulf
The comfort of a catamaran makes a week-long charter feel effortless. After exploring Göcek's 12 Islands, you can extend your route into the wider Fethiye Gulf. Visit St. Nicholas Island, see the world-famous lagoon at Ölüdeniz, explore Fethiye town, and discover beautiful anchorages like Cold Water Bay.
Marina, Transfer & Check-in
Göcek is incredibly accessible, located just a 25-minute drive from Dalaman International Airport (DLM). The town boasts several modern marinas, including D-Marin Göcek, Skopea Marina, and the Municipal Marina. Weekly charters typically start on a Saturday afternoon and end the following Saturday morning.
The Catamaran & Its Features
A modern charter catamaran is your home on the water. Most feature a 4-cabin/4-bathroom layout, comfortably accommodating 8 guests. The bright saloon is combined with a fully equipped galley. The cockpit is the main social hub for dining and relaxing. With twin engines, maneuvering in marinas is surprisingly easy. Comforts like air conditioning, a generator, and a water maker are common amenities.
Cost Items
- Charter Fee: The weekly rental price for the yacht.
- Extras: Compulsory add-ons like a skipper fee (for skippered charters), transit log (sailing permit), and final cleaning.
- Security Deposit: A refundable deposit held against any potential damages, required for bareboat charters.
- Fuel & Water: You pay for the fuel you consume and any water taken on in marinas.
- Port & Mooring Fees: Fees for docking in private or municipal marinas. Note that fees for catamarans can be higher due to their width.
Safety, Insurance & Rules
All charter catamarans are fully insured and equipped with all mandatory safety gear. To charter 'bareboat' (without a skipper), you must hold a valid, internationally recognized sailing license (e.g., RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104, or equivalent) and have sufficient practical experience. If you are unsure, choosing a skippered charter is the safest and most relaxing option.
Local Highlights
- Yassıca Islands: A cluster of low-lying islands with shallow, interconnected lagoons, perfect for a catamaran to explore.
- Bedri Rahmi Bay: An iconic cove known for its Lycian rock tombs and the famous fish painting on a rock.
- Cleopatra's Bath Bay (Hamam Koyu): A mystical bay where you can swim among the submerged ruins of a Byzantine monastery.
- Göbün Bay: A deep, fjord-like inlet that is incredibly sheltered, offering a perfectly calm anchorage.
Tips
- Book Marina Berths in Advance: If you plan to stay in a marina during high season, it's wise to book ahead, as spots for wide catamarans can be limited.
- Use the Trampoline! The forward netting is not just for sunbathing. It's the best spot on the boat for stargazing at night or watching dolphins play in the bow wave.
- Pack Light in Soft Bags: Storage space in cabins is always at a premium on any boat. Soft, collapsible duffel bags are much easier to stow away than hard suitcases.
- Plan Your Provisioning: You can do a big shop at the supermarkets in Göcek before you depart. Many charter companies also offer a service where they can provision the boat for you in advance.
