Turkey · Marmaris

Kadirga Bay

Kadirga Bay is one of the most popular anchorage points in the region, located off the coast of Marmaris and famous for its blue-flagged sea. An essential stop on yacht charter and blue cruise itineraries, the bay takes its name from its sheltered structure where Ottoman galleys (kadirga) once sought refuge. With its crystal-clear turquoise sea and high underwater visibility, it offers a unique experience for snorkeling enthusiasts. Known for its untouched nature, pine-fringed coastline, and peaceful atmosphere, the local establishments in the area provide guests with a pleasant dining experience featuring fresh seafood.

Turkey

Country

KDRG

Port Code

Guide Sections

36.73°, 28.29°

GPS

Captain's Eye

Logistics & Technical

The bay offers excellent deep-water anchorage with a bathymetry that shelves rapidly from 25 meters down to 5 meters near the shoreline. The seabed composition is a mix of sand, pebbles, and intermittent Posidonia oceanica meadows; anchors should be dropped in the sandy patches to ensure positive holding. Kadirga Koyu provides superior shelter from the prevailing northwesterly winds and Meltemi gusts, though it remains open to the south and southeast. Standard practice involves dropping anchor and securing long shore lines to the rocks on the northern or western banks.

Highlights

Sea & Swimming Joy

✨ Clear & Clean · 🪨 Natural Rock · 🪞 Still as Glass · 💎 Aquarium Clarity · 🌊 Deep Blue

Sleep & Rest Comfort

🛡️ Fully Sheltered Haven

Dining & Nightlife

Gastronomy & Social Life

The gastronomic footprint within the immediate bay is minimalist and secluded, relying on seasonal boat-service vendors and nearby coastal settlements. The culinary focus centers on authentic Aegean heritage, utilizing wild herbs, cold-pressed olive oil, and freshly caught seafood. Social life here is inherently tranquil, characterized by an absence of commercial nightlife, which appeals to mariners seeking an authentic, nature-integrated maritime lifestyle away from high-density resort hubs.

Highlights

Dining & Gastronomy

🫒 Authentic Aegean Cuisine · 🦞 Seafood Paradise

Nightlife & Vibes

🌅 Beach Bar

Shopping

🧺 Local Producer · 🏘️ Village Center

Sports & Adventure

Activities & Exploration

The underwater topography of Kadirga Koyu is highly dynamic, featuring vertical rock walls, submerged reefs, and excellent horizontal visibility exceeding 30 meters. This makes it a premier location for snorkeling and freediving, with abundant populations of pelagic fish, octopuses, and colorful marine flora. Terrestrial exploration is marked by rugged, unmarked goat tracks through the pine forests, offering challenging climbs that reward hikers with panoramic views over the southern reaches of the Marmaris Gulf.

Highlights

Water Sports

🛶 Calm Canoe Exploration · 🏄‍♂️ Paddleboard Paradise

Diving & Snorkeling

🐟 Among Fish Schools · 💎 Aquarium Clarity · 🐠 Colorful Marine Life

Hiking & Trekking

🥾 Light Effort / Moderate · ⛰️ Unique Summit View · 🌅 Panoramic Sunset Trail · 🚶 Short & Enjoyable Walk

Heritage & Wonders

Culture & Nature

Kadirga Koyu carries deep historical resonance, taking its name from the galley ships ("kadırga") of the Ottoman Navy that used this deep cove for concealment and maintenance. The bay's ecological status is highly preserved, featuring pristine waters and dense pine coverage that diffuses endemic resinous aromas across the anchorage. Due to minimal light pollution from the shore, the bay functions as a natural amphitheater for nocturnal astronomical observation and a sanctuary of maritime silence.

Highlights

Ancient Sites

🌄 Discovery in Morning Silence · 👑 In the Footsteps of Empires · 💎 Isolated & Hidden Treasure

Natural Wonders

🌿 Pristine & Untouched · 🪨 Wild & Rocky Nature · 🌺 Endemic Plant Scents · ⭐ Dark Sky for Stargazing

Concierge Service

Practical Info

As a secluded anchorage, Kadirga Koyu lacks built dockside infrastructure, electricity, or shore water connections. Daily necessities are managed via mobile marine vendors that patrol the bay during the summer season, supplying fresh bread, ice cream, and basic provisions directly to the vessels. For technical repairs, comprehensive bunkering, and medical emergencies, mariners must make the short transit north to the fully equipped marinas and commercial port facilities of Marmaris.

Highlights

Provisions & Market

🚚 Boat Delivery Service · 🥖 Daily Fresh Bread · 🐟 Daily Fish Supply

Kids & Family

🍦 Ice Cream & Sweet Shops

Personal Insight

Captain's Note

“
An exceptional deep-water naval refuge flanked by pine forests, requiring secure stern-to lines to the shore while providing unparalleled water clarity and absolute tranquility.

From the Captain

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Kadirga Bay

Logistics & Technical

Sea & Swimming Joy

Sleep & Rest Comfort

Gastronomy & Social Life

Dining & Gastronomy

Nightlife & Vibes

Shopping

Activities & Exploration

Water Sports

Diving & Snorkeling

Hiking & Trekking

Culture & Nature

Ancient Sites

Natural Wonders

Practical Info

Provisions & Market

Kids & Family

Captain's Note