Marmaris: You may spot a submarine as you approach Marmaris
Marmaris is easy to find with the coastline funnelling you in towards the entrance to the large bay. If you’re coming from the west there are no real hazards. If heading in from the east keep clear of the submerged rock. This should be marked but it has been known for the can to drift off, though it’s often possible to determine it’s location by the cluster of fishing boats often hovering in the vicinity.
Be aware too of the submarine base and pass outside of the island – although this technically still leaves you in the restricted zone you will not be troubled. I once had a very nervous few moments in this area as what turned out to be a submarine surfaced only about 100m from us.
As you head through the gap into Marmaris bay, you will usually find the wind dies on you and you’ll probably need a bit of engine.
Marmaris: Netsel marina entrance, the green roof of the Sports Hall right, the fuel quay centre left with large motor yacht alongside
There are several yacht moorings in Marmaris Bay, including Netsel Marina, Albatross Marina, and Marmaris Yacht Marina (known as Yacht Marin). In days of old, it was also possible in low season to squeeze in to the old harbour next to Netsel, but this is now packed with gulets.
Of the three marinas, only Netsel welcomes visiting charter yachts, and it’s proximity to town makes it the obvious choice for anyone wanting to explore the place. On entering Marmaris Bay, look to the right side of the town where you will see the bright green roof of the Sports Centre. Aim for this and the marina will become visible immediately in front of the roof.
If you are returning your charter yacht, head straight to your company’s quay. If you are just passing through, you can call the marina on VHF channel 06 or 72 for a berth or just head on in and you will be guide to a spot by one of the staff.
Marmaris: Netsel Marina, a popular charter base
Mooring is stern to with mooring lines and due to the narrow nature of the fairways, I strongly suggest you reverse down between the pontoons. You will often be assisted by one of the marina staff pushing your bows with his dinghy which can be a bit of a surprise as they do tend to over do it, turned a nice controlled manoeuvre in to a slightly chaotic affair!
The mooring lines are often encrusted with wildlife so it’s worth wearing a pair of gloves if you have some. The lines are very short so you may need to tie it off with the yacht a metre or more further from the quay than you want, then reverse against the mooring line to tighten it.
Water and electricity are available on the pontoons. For fuel, go alongside the quay just left of the marina entrance. Beware of long queues for fuel on Friday afternoon when the many charter yachts return to their base. If you’re finishing your holiday, you may want to get in to the Bay early, fuel up then head out for your final afternoon
Marmaris: Netsel Marina is a major yacht charter base with sailing boats of all sizes
The marina boasts a swimming pool as well as some of the best toilets and showers on the coast. There is a supermarket at the entrance to the marina. The town is between 5 and 15 minutes walk away, depending on which side of the marina you get berthed. There are restaurants inside the marina but many more along the front just outside.
The only real drawback is the noise, particularly in high season, which emanates from the many clubs on bar street, just behind the front. Curfews are strictly enforced but are rather late for many people. Personally, it doesn’t bother me much but the only real way to avoid it is to anchor off and if you’re far enough away to avoid the noise, you will then have the issue of how to get in to town.
There are numerous anchorages available around the bay. Those wanting to avoid the substantial mooring fees in Netsel can anchor just outside the marina in calm conditions. Those wishing to escape the noise will be better further away on the south or south east sides of the bay.