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Bays and Discoveries

The 5 Best Swimming Spots in Gocek (Beaches & Coves)

The unique 'thin cape' geography and clear sea of İnceburun Bay in Gocek. A calm anchorage point where yachts and boats frequently stop for a break.

Göcek is a paradise on earth on the Aegean coast of Turkey, and the heart of this paradise undoubtedly beats in its waters, which host every shade of turquoise. Swimming in Göcek is more than an activity; it's a ritual that soothes the soul. So, with so many options, which are the best places to swim? We have compiled the 5 most popular swimming spots for 2025, bringing together both the iconic bays accessible by boat and the beaches you can easily reach by car.

Akvaryum Bay: The Experience of Swimming in a Natural Pool

The underwater richness of Aquarium Bay in Gocek, making you feel like you're swimming in an aquarium. An essential stop for snorkeling and diving.
The underwater richness of Aquarium Bay in Gocek, making you feel like you're swimming in an aquarium. An essential stop for snorkeling and diving.

At the top of our list is Akvaryum (Aquarium) Bay, which truly lives up to its name. This place is like a natural infinity pool. The clarity of the water is so incredible that you can see the seabed many meters deep and the fish swimming around you, even with the naked eye.

Transportation: Access to this bay is by boat only. It is an indispensable stop for daily tour boats and private boats departing from Göcek.

Why it's Great for Swimming: Zero waves, incredible visibility, and rich underwater life... It offers everything you could expect from a swimming experience. If you want to find yourself swimming with colorful fish in a giant aquarium, this is the place for you. Don't forget to bring your snorkel!

İnlice Public Beach: Accessible Beauty for Everyone

General view of İnlice public beach near Gocek. A calm and natural beach known for its dark-colored sand and pine trees that stretch down to the sea.
General view of İnlice public beach near Gocek. A calm and natural beach known for its dark-colored sand and pine trees that stretch down to the sea.

For those staying in Göcek center who want to go for a swim on a day without a boat tour, the most ideal option is İnlice Public Beach. Just a 10-minute drive from Göcek center, this beach stands out with its wide and long sandy shore.

Transportation: It is easily accessible via the Göcek-Fethiye highway by private car or local minibusses (dolmuş). It has a large parking area.

Why it's Great for Swimming: The sea is generally calm and waveless, making it perfect for families with children. The sand is dark-colored and fine-grained. The beach has a municipal facility, showers, toilets, and the option to rent sunbeds and umbrellas at a reasonable price. It is both a practical and enjoyable swimming spot.

Yassıca Islands: A Paradise for Island-to-Island Swimming

Serene bays and clear waters in Göcek Yassıca Islands.
Serene bays and clear waters in Göcek Yassıca Islands.

The Yassıcas are not a single bay but a group of small islets located very close to each other. The most significant feature of these islands is that the distance between them is very short and the water is incredibly shallow. This creates a natural playground.

Transportation: The Yassıca Islands are accessible only by boat. It is one of the most beloved stops on the 12 Islands boat tours.

Why it's Great for Swimming: The most enjoyable activity you can do here is to swim from one island to another. The shallow and warm water offers a safe environment for swimmers of all levels. The small beach at the tip of one of the islands and the pier extending into the sea are great for relaxing and sunbathing. It is a favorite for children and those who feel like a child at heart.

Günlüklü Bay: Cooling Off in the Shade of Sweetgum Trees

The beach of Günlüklü Bay in Fethiye, featuring endemic Sweetgum (Günlük) trees. A unique nature area, popular for camping and day trips.
The beach of Günlüklü Bay in Fethiye, featuring endemic Sweetgum (Günlük) trees. A unique nature area, popular for camping and day trips.

For those who want to swim in a different atmosphere intertwined with nature, Günlüklü Bay is a unique option. What makes this bay special are the rare and protected Sweetgum (Günlük) trees. The resin scent emitted by these trees permeates the entire bay.

Transportation: It is located about a 15-20 minute drive from Göcek, on the Fethiye road. Access is possible by road. As it is managed by a private enterprise, there is usually an entrance fee.

Why it's Great for Swimming: Thanks to the shade of the trees extending over the beach, you can relax under natural coolness even on the hottest days. The sea is calm and clean. It is a perfect alternative for enjoying both the forest and the sea at the same time.

Cleopatra's Bath Bay: Taking a Dip in History

The turquoise waters and sunken monastery ruins of Cleopatra's Bath Bay in Gocek. A popular swimming and historical spot for blue cruise boats.
The turquoise waters and sunken monastery ruins of Cleopatra's Bath Bay in Gocek. A popular swimming and historical spot for blue cruise boats.

For those who want not just to swim but also to create an unforgettable memory, Cleopatra's Bath Bay deserves a place on our list. The very idea of swimming among the ruins of a submerged Byzantine monastery is exciting.

Transportation: Access to this historical bay is also by boat only.

Why it's Great for Swimming: The water is so clear that you can distinctly see the sunken walls, arches, and stairs even while swimming. Paddling while listening to the whispers of history takes a standard swimming experience far beyond the ordinary. Thanks to the bay's sheltered structure, its water is always calm and warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a beach in Göcek town center where you can swim?
No, as Göcek town center hosts a busy marina and heavy boat traffic, it does not have a beach suitable for swimming. To swim, it is necessary to go out to the bays by boat or travel by road to nearby beaches such as İnlice and Günlüklü, as mentioned in this list.
Which of the bays on this list are more suitable for families with children?
For families with children, the Yassıca Islands are particularly safe and enjoyable with their shallow, pool-like waters. Among the options accessible by land, İnlice Public Beach is also extremely suitable for families with its wide sandy shore and calm sea. Günlüklü Bay is another good alternative with its tranquility.
Is there an entrance fee for the beaches accessible by road?
This depends on the beach. As İnlice is a public beach, entry is free, but you will need to pay a fee for services like sunbeds and umbrellas. In bays managed by private businesses, such as Günlüklü Bay, there is typically an entrance fee per vehicle or per person.
Do the daily boat tours visit all of these bays?
No, the routes of daily boat tours can differ. Generally, the 12 Islands tour route includes popular stops like the Yassıcalar, Cleopatra's Bay, and Aquarium Bay. It is useful to ask which bays a tour visits before you join. It is usually not possible to see all of them in one day.
Is the sea in Göcek generally warm?
Yes, thanks to the sheltered nature of the Gulf of Göcek, the sea temperature is generally higher than in the open seas. Especially during the period from June to the end of October, the sea water temperature is at extremely pleasant levels for swimming.