The sea tourism in Marmaris is not limited to just the city. There are bays, beaches and small islands all around the Peninsula. Most of those bays can be reached both by land and sea. Let’s take a tour around the Gökova Gulf coast.
It is a well-known fact that the Gökova Gulf which comprises a part of Bodrum-Milas-Marmaris and Datça coasts is the most beautiful gulf in Turkey. The sea and the pine trees integrate well with the bays sometimes running amongst the pine trees like a river. The ropes of boats can be fastened to the pine trees on the shore. There are multiple roads to the Gökova Gulf from Marmaris.
It is possible to get to other bays by going alongside the Gulf. Although it seems that visiting those bays by boat is the best way, a land trip gives and offers a different perspective. The bays that can be reached are Okluk, English Port, Löngöz, Seven Islands, Gücük Port and Bördübet Bay. There are other large and small bays amongst these
There is an abundance of simple but high quality restaurants offering fresh fish, seafood and appetizers made from different herbs found in the bays.
Amazon Camping at Bördübet Bay is the last stop.
Gökova Gulf Shores
Günnücek, Fake Strait and Paradise Island (Nimara)
It would be a nice change to give a break to the hot summer and spend a day in the forest on the seashore. You can go to Günnücek Picnic Area passing by Netsel Marina. There is a brook in that area, which supplies a special oil named sweetgum oil which is used in perfumery.
The natural headland which looks like a strait when viewed from Marmaris is named as the ‘fake strait’ by the local people. This headland connects the Nimara Peninsula ( Paradise Island or the Star Island) to the main land. This headland is being used as a yacht port today. The Paradise Island ( Nimara Peninsula) is alongside the Marmaris coast. The peninsula, together with the small Bedir Island is a stopping point for daily tour boats. 
But if you wish, you can take a bus or your private vehicle to go to the ‘Fake strait’ which is 8 km from the town centre and walk to the Paradise Island. The footpaths on the Island form an ideal walking course
In nature , away from the town crowd, the views are beautiful. There are harbour restaurants and cafes around the wharf which is visited by boats coming from Marmaris. Do not forget the impressive caves of Paradise Island. A discovery tour following the footpaths will take you to the caves.
Bördübet Bay
The road turning right, 29 km along the Marmaris-Datça road, leads to Gökova inlet and Bördübet Bay which is one of the unrivalled corners of the inlet. The place is filled with birds chirping. The name of the bay comes from the birds. During the First World War, the personnel of a British war ship which took shelter in that bay, called the bay “birds’ bed” due to the number of birds living in the bay. It is one of the most beautiful and secluded bays around. There is only camping and one hotel in that area. The village and the surrounding environment are protected and any kind of construction is banned there. The bay looks like a brook running into the bay from the sea, turning into a real brook later on. While yachts can enter a little further down, small boats can go to the furthest points of the brook. It is a natural port and a secure shelter from strong winds. The slopes of the bay are covered in forest and it is nice to take a walk on the forest paths, while listening to birds singing.
Hisarönü
At the 22nd km of the Datça road there is a turn off to Bozburun on the left. This road leads to Hisarönü which is only 1km away from the turn off. Hisarönü Village is at the furthest point of the bay which is named Hisarönü Bay. The village is a small distance from the main road. The sea is shallow here and the sand is a terracotta color. Hisarönü is another good choice for those who want to have a relaxing vacation far from the crowds of Marmaris. The weather is always windy and of low humidity. Combined with the clean water of Hisarönü, it is especially good for those who suffer from asthma. It is the best place for windsurfing around Marmaris. There is also a horse riding f acility. Boarding houses are also widespread. There are remains of a holy area named Kastabos between the village and the inlet. These remains belong to the Hemithea Temple.
Turunç
A district in Marmaris. It is one of the 5 municipalities in Marmaris. Turunç is 20km away by land and 15 miles away by sea. It can be reached in half an hour using the winding asphalt road crossing the forest in İçmeler.
Turunç is surrounded by high hills planted with pine trees. Coolness falls on the shores from the hills. The sun is always bright but not suffocatingly hot. Pomegranates, mulberries, plums and of course Seville oranges…Geraniums, oleanders and begonvilla are everywhere.
Turunç is one of the more popular stopping points for blue cruises. In the evening, songs are heard from restaurants on the shore and boats anchored in the bay.
Those who wish to take nature walks, canoe, canyon, mountain climb, and sail, wind surf or attend jeep-safari tours can find convenient areas to do so. The most adventurous scuba dives can also be made here.
There are operators providing water sports in the bay.
İçmeler
İçmeler, developing as a different tourism centre, but very close to Marmaris, is a good alternative for those who would like to benefit from the entertainment of Marmaris but prefer to spend a quieter day, perhaps relaxing and sunbathing. In spite of numerous new hotels, it is always a clean district with its abundant green parks and flowers, wide walking paths and very good environmental order. The park at the entrance to the district looks like a botanic garden. The two sides of the brook splitting the town in the middle are colourful and lined with gift shops and handicraft sellers.
İçmeler has a wide selection of choices of food, drinks and entertainment. Transportation between Marmaris and İçmeler is very frequent and buses work until the late hours. Modern and traditional buildings are placed together in İçmeler. Tourism facilities in the village and facilities at the entrance of the canyon just behind the shore, at a short walking distance away, are for those who love nature and the old village life.
Çiftlik
The large sandy beach of the Çiftlik Bay attracts attention. There are very few beaches like Çiftlik beach in Marmaris and the other surrounding bays. The sea is always very clear. There are a few hotels and harbour restaurants in the bay. There is also a small island which is private property. The Gebekse Bay nearby is among the preferred places for blue cruise boats to spend the night. Gebekse Bay has a small beach and a harbour restaurant. It is very enjoyable to go snorkeling and watch the thousands of colours under water.
