Fethiye Korfezi is one of the most popular cruising areas in southern Turkey and Goçek to the north and Fethiye to the east, the most popular cruising bases. To the west of Fethiye is Karagözler Bay, a bay within a bay, a large and popular well-protected anchorage with additional berthing options. This report reviews these.

As one approaches the bay, Ece Marina (www.ecesaray.net), is the first into view. It’s really more of a large floating boat park than a marina, higher on functionality than the atmosphere. There is one small chandlery, a rather plain bar and restaurant, a small supermarket, and various charter offices. Happy Hour is from 4-6, not much use for those of us who try to hang until 6. There are no haul-out nor engineering facilities, but the chandlery will arrange limited repairs on board. Wifi is good throughout.

Visitors are usually placed on the H or G perimeter quay and it’s quite a trudge around to the front office. Opposite the entrances are some marine shops and the town is only a short walk away. Rates are: 12m/40ft = €40 per night.

Further around the bay, there are three mini-marinas. All of these have tee-shaped, permanent, well-made pontoons with power and water points and space for about thirty yachts. All have wifi.

Working the bay clockwise, next to Ece Marina comes the Yacht Classic Hotel, (www.yachtclassichotel.com). This is a lovely spot and visiting yachtsmen are made as welcome as guests in the hotel. A large deck runs along the seafront and on one side stands the bar and on the other the restaurant. Behind these is a swimming pool. Inside the hotel, there are full Turkish Bath and massage facilities. The staff is especially friendly and helpful. The town is only a few minutes further than from Ece Marina. Rates are €1 per foot per night or a 25TL yacht fee if you eat in the (excellent) restaurant.

Half a mile further east is Yes Marina, (www.yesmarina.com), and the attached Yengeç Restaurant. The restaurant is smart and fishy and there’s a small bar in a corner of it. The marina and restaurant are under different management so there is no discount to eat there. There are showers but nothing else on site and just a mini market opposite. Minibusses run to the town every few minutes. Rates are 12m/40ft = TL70 per night – less if it’s quite empty, more if it’s quite full.

At the head of the bay, next to the boatyards, is the shiny new Park marina Hotel, (www.parkmarinahotel.com). Visiting yachtsmen can use the swimming pool and there are a good restaurant and bar. Everything is new but complete. It’s a two-mile walk into town or local buses go past every few minutes. Rates are: 12m/40ft = TL 75 per night.

Ian Strathcarron

s/y Vasco da Gama

www.strathcarrons-ahoy.com [BROKENLINK]