Yacht anchorage off Gemiler Island

Gemiler Island (Gemiler Adasi) is located in the northern part of Belcegiz Gulf (Belcegiz Kofezi) 1.5 miles west of the Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz. Gemeler is also known as Santa Claus Island and St. Nicholas Island.

The anchorage is located in the strait near the northern shore of the island. Here yachts are sheltered from winds and waves from all directions except east. Yachts usually are anchoraged with a lines to shore. The anchor should be dropped as far from the shore as the length of the anchor chain and stern lines allow. The depth at which the anchor is thrown about 10-15 meters. It may take several attempts till the anchor is well fixed.

Yachts also can moored on the opposite side of the strait near the mainland. Although this part of the mainland coast belongs to the Oludeniz National Park the yacht anchirage is not charged here.

During the high season a lot of yachts come to Gemiler Island. There are small Turkish boats constantly plying the straits, offering their help in fixing lines to the shore and selling ice cream, fruit, vegetables, fresh bread. I haven't tried it, but I am sure you can order them to bring almost any kind of food.

The island is interesting with Byzantine ruins of five churches built between the fourth and sixth centuries and connected by a 350-meter trail. Entrance to the island is paid.