St. Peter's Castle is the first thing a yacht sees at the entrance to the bay. The Crusaders began building it in 1402, using stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, it houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, one of the best in the world. The silhouette of the castle with its towers of various knightly orders against the backdrop of the bay is a picture-postcard sight that never tires.
Bodrum Bay is a protected anchorage area where yachts from all over the Mediterranean moor. Marinas are located right in the city: you can disembark and in five minutes find yourself on the Bar Street waterfront or at the fish market.
Cape Karaburun is the northern tip of the peninsula, beyond which opens the Gulf of Gökova. Passing it in a fresh wind is a pleasure, especially early in the morning, when the Meltemi has not yet gathered strength.
Karadası Island is a small rocky island right at the entrance to Bodrum Bay. The famous "club island" with a restaurant and overwater terrace is located here. Yachts are moored on nearby piers—it's one of the most atmospheric anchorages in the area.

The Meltemi is the dominant summer wind, a northerly wind of 15-25 knots, sometimes reaching 35. It begins in June and peaks in July-August. It whips up waves on the northern shores of the peninsula and in the open Gulf of Gökova. It's ideal for heading south, but difficult heading south. Plan your passages according to its daily cycle: it usually calms down in the evening.
Traffic: During the high season, Bodrum Bay resembles a busy road. Gulets, sailing yachts, RIB tenders, and ferries to Kos and Rhodes are all abound. Observe the speed limit in the marina and watch out for anchorages—spaces fill up quickly.
Water depths: Off the peninsula, water depths are often unexpectedly shallow. In Gumusluk Bay, near Sedir Island, and in some parts of the Gulf of Gökova, the depth can reach 2-3 meters. A depth sounder and up-to-date charts are essential.
Customs and marinas: When arriving from Greece (Kos, Rhodes), only clear through official customs points. Bodrum is the main port of entry on the peninsula.

April–May is the best time for a calm sail. The meltemi hasn't started yet, the heat is off, and the bays are almost empty. The water warms up to 18–20°C, making it comfortable for swimming.
June is a transitional month. The wind picks up, but it's still bearable. Tourists increase, but not dramatically.
July–August is the high season. It's hot (35°C+), the meltemi is stable, and the marinas and bays are packed. However, sailing conditions are excellent for sailing south.
September is the golden month. The water is 26–27°C, the wind is moderate, there are fewer people, and prices drop. Most experienced sailors choose September.
October is the sailing season, which is still formally open. The weather is changeable, squalls are possible, but the bays are completely calm.

The Bodrum Peninsula is approximately 60 kilometers of coastline with dozens of bays, each with its own character.
Yalikavak is in the north of the peninsula, 18 nautical miles from the city. It is home to one of the most impressive marinas in the Mediterranean, Yalikavak Palmarina. Megayachts, boutique hotels, a Friday fish market, and yet a lively village life just a few blocks from the pier.
Gündoğan and Türkbükü are two bays on the northern shore, just across a hill from each other. They are quiet, with clear water and good protection from the north wind. Türkbükü is the unofficial "riviera" of Turkish bohemia: artists, journalists, and actors. The atmosphere is intimate, without pretentiousness.
Gümüşlük is the western tip of the peninsula. A fishing village near the ruins of ancient Myndos. A shallow bay with an anchorage, overwater restaurants, and stunning sunsets. The water is shallow, so only shallow-draft boats can moor.
Kara Ada (Black Island) is a volcanic island 4 miles south of Bodrum. Inside, there's a hot spring with mud baths, and outside, there are excellent swimming spots near the rocks. Anchorage is off the northern shore.
Aquarium and Cleopatra Buku are coves at the entrance to the Gulf of Gökova. The name "Aquarium" is no coincidence: the water clarity here is exceptional. Cleopatra Buku is a romantic spot for anchorages with one or two restaurants on the shore.

This is a separate chapter. The bay extends eastward for 50 nautical miles and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean—not just among yachtsmen. Pine forests descend right to the water, mountains provide shade, and the bays are protected on three sides.
English Harbor (İngiliz Limanı) was historically a place where the British fleet took refuge from storms. Today, it's an anchorage with a couple of pontoons and a restaurant under the pine trees. One of the most beautiful bays in the bay.
Devil's Corner (Şeytan Sofrası) is a picturesque bay with bizarre cliffs and hot springs right by the water. It's crowded in summer, but quiet in the morning.
Sedir Islands—on Sedir Island, you'll find Cleopatra Beach with unique white sand, identical to that of North African beaches. According to legend, Mark Antony ordered it imported especially for the Egyptian queen. Entrance to the beach is charged, and yachts are moored on piers offshore.
Çökertme is a village nestled deep in the bay. Wooden restaurant terraces overlook the water, and gulets are moored side by side. It's a cult spot for Turkish yachting—people come here specifically.