Yacht anchorages in Gokkaya Limani

Gokkaya Limani is located in the eastern part of the Kekova archipelago on the mainland.

There are several sheltered anchorages in Gokkaya Limani. The cove is protected from easterly and south-easterly winds by a number of small islands. The surrounding area is quite idyllic out of season.  You can entered to Gokkaya Limani from the south or southeast or east. Southern passage between Kisneli Island and the mainland has depth in the fairway of 10-15 meters although the reef extends about 100 meters to the north-east of the islet you pass on the approach. The approach from the SE between Kisneli and Ashili islets is up to 30 meters deep. It is safe. However, as you enter from either direction, beware of the reefs around the group of small rocky islets. To the west of this group of islets there is a lonely underwater rock with only 3.5 meters above it.

In the bay you can anchorage anywhere in suitable depths. The anchor holds well in the mud and sand. The two most popular anchorages are in a narrow cove that extends west from the center of the bay. Here yachts can anchored at 3.0 - 5.0 m and come ashore to visit the retoran. The second popular anchorage is in the north-west corner where there are ruins on the shore and a freshwater creek flows. Anchor at 3.0 to 7.0 meters in mud and sand. One drawback to this anchorage is that dayboats from Andraki, two miles to the east. Sometimes they arrive here in the dark with loud engines and screaming. Thus a mooring light is absolutely necessary here overnight.

It is interesting to see the creek in the north-west corner (beware of the underwater rock in the middle of the entrance). Constant stream of fresh water from an inland spring keeps the cove cool. There is also a sea cave at the south-east end of Ashili Island, where you can enter by boat and enjoy a respite from the summer heat. On the west side of Kisneli Island are the ruins of a Byzantine church. In addition, a section of the western part of the Lycian Way runs along the west side of Gekkai Liman and can be explored on foot.