Büyük Çatı Bay

It is a bay that must be seen, stayed in, and experienced south of Börtübet Harbor. 

When approaching this bay from the north, entry is made from the east of the small island with a single tree on it. When coming from the west, although the island and the rubble connected to the shore create a narrow 8-10 meter channel for those who know it, it poses danger for those who don't. For this reason, it is advisable to round the island from the north and enter the bay.

The bay extends into the land in the shape of a foot with its toes facing west. At the entrance, on the west side, there is a wide section with deep water. In this location, which is open to the north and swell, anchor is dropped at 8-10 meters and stern line is taken to shore. It is excellent in calm weather. 

It is a sheltered place that commands the entire Börtübet Harbor. South of this point, there is a more protected anchorage area. However, during passage, beware of the rubble from the point in between. Here, anchor is dropped at 6-9 meters and stern line is taken from the west shore. No swell, behind both anchorage areas are pine forest and beach. Large gulet boats usually shelter in this area, and their numbers are quite high especially after evening during summer months.

The most beautiful, sheltered bay of Büyük Çatı is at the end of the entrance, in the section that turns west. Here the bottom is sand. Anchoring at 4-5 meters, stern lines are taken from the south and north shores. An excellent place to shelter comfortably in all weather, it is a natural wonder. The west side of this area is shallow and reed bed. On its north side, there is usually a wooden pier where fishermen tie their boats. This pier also connects you to the forest road where you can see all the bays through dense forests. The Marmaris-Datça highway passes over the steep hills 1.5 km north of the pier. For this reason, the bay, which has no other facilities except water, may perhaps provide you with transfer opportunities. From here, Datça is 40, Marmaris is 33 kilometers away.

At the location where the wooden pier is found, there is a water source with a pump. It can be drunk with permission from the bees. It is possible to moor and take shelter in the cove on the south side of this natural wonder bay as well. However, the eastern shore may get slight swell if there is weather outside. It is an area preferred by boats that want to stay more alone, by themselves.

Don't say you've seen Gökova without seeing this bay...