Full Description & Details
Gemlik Gulf is a large bay on the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara, roughly 40 miles east of Karsiyaka and three miles west of the port of Mudanya. The gulf holds a number of small anchorages and ports, with the town of Gemlik itself offering a massive pier, good shopping, and plenty of restaurants. The area is known for its olive groves and olive oil production, and the village of Zeytinbagi, at the southern entrance to the gulf, retains restored old Greek houses that make it a popular stop for local tourists. The gulf is open to prevailing N/NW winds, and during strong winds there can be fierce gusts off the Bozburun Peninsula to the north, so shelter should be sought accordingly.
The main leisure harbour in the gulf is at Zeytinbagi, redesigned to provide moorings for around 20 yachts of up to 13 metres, with two berths able to take yachts up to 15 metres. Moorings are laid along the breakwater, using pick-up buoys with rings through which a line must be passed before going stern or bows to the quay. Depths at the quay are 6 to 8 metres for most of its length, and the harbour is entered from the southeast with entrance depths of 6 to 8 metres. The opposite, northwest quay is semi-derelict, used only by fishing boats, with depths of only 3 metres. In settled weather, anchoring is possible in the bay southeast of the harbour entrance in 3 to 5 metres over sand and weed.
Facilities at Zeytinbagi harbour include water and electricity on the quay, included in the berthing fee, and garbage bins along the quay. There are no toilets or showers, and fuel is available from a garage in the town. The moorings are operated by the municipality, and an attendant will usually direct a yacht to a vacant berth if one is available. Most of the private yachts moored here belong to the Bursa Sailing Club, which has a small clubhouse at the southwest corner of the harbour. Charges in June 2019 were 100 Turkish lira per night for a typical 11-metre yacht.
Overnight stays are permitted, and the harbour is a useful port of call en route to or from the Princes Islands and Istanbul. There are no dangers in the approach, and the long breakwater with a white light structure at its end is visible from some distance off. The gulf is best visited in settled weather, as strong winds can bring fierce gusts off Bozburun Peninsula. Note that the nearby port of Gemlik is a busy commercial facility with container, Ro-Ro, and tanker berths, so keep clear of its traffic when cruising the gulf.
How to get there
Approach Zeytinbagi harbour from the southeast, as there are no dangers in the approach. The long breakwater and the white light structure at its end are visible from some distance off. Entrance depths are 6 to 8 metres, and the harbour is entered from the SE.
During strong winds, be alert for fierce gusts off the Bozburun Peninsula to the north. There is no VHF channel specified for the harbour; the attendant will direct you to a berth on arrival. Land access is via the town of Zeytinbagi, which lies on the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara, three miles west of Mudanya.
The nearest major town is Mudanya, which has a port and is connected to Bursa by road. The area is served by the Bursa region, and the harbour is a popular destination for local tourists. Formalities are not detailed for this harbour, but it is not listed as a port of entry, so clearance should be completed elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum yacht length for moorings at Gemlik Gulf's Zeytinbagi harbour?
Zeytinbagi harbour in Gemlik Gulf provides moorings for yachts up to 13 metres, with two berths able to accommodate yachts up to 15 metres.
What are the depths at the quay in Zeytinbagi harbour, Gemlik Gulf?
Depths at the quay in Zeytinbagi harbour are 6 to 8 metres for most of its length, with entrance depths of 6 to 8 metres.
Can I anchor overnight in Gemlik Gulf?
Yes, overnight stays are permitted. In settled weather, anchoring is possible in the bay southeast of the Zeytinbagi harbour entrance in 3 to 5 metres over sand and weed.
Are there fuel facilities at Gemlik Gulf's Zeytinbagi harbour?
Fuel is available from a garage in the town of Zeytinbagi, not directly at the harbour quay.
What is the cost to moor at Zeytinbagi harbour in Gemlik Gulf?
As of June 2019, the charge for a typical 11-metre yacht was 100 Turkish lira per night, including water and electricity.
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