Full Description & Details
Kisebuku is a wide, deeply indented natural bay on the southern coast of the Bodrum Peninsula, named for the Byzantine church ruins along its shores. The bay is a popular Blue Cruise stop, known for its calm, lake-like water and its setting among olive and oleander trees. It is a completely wild and untouched natural harbor, with no marina facilities, shops, electricity, water, provisioning, or fuel supply, so yachts must arrive with full tanks and provisions. The bay is a popular overnight anchorage, and its tranquility and clear water make it a comfortable first or last stop in the Gulf of Gokova for families and casual cruisers.
The bay offers excellent protection from the strong northerly Meltemi winds, and even when gusts come over the hills, the water remains calm. However, it is exposed to southerly and easterly winds. The seabed is sandy, providing reliable holding. The standard practice is to drop anchor in 6 to 10 meters of water on the western or northern shores and take long lines to the ancient pine trees or rocks on land. Entry into the bay is straightforward with no hidden reefs, but be careful of shallow rocky debris near the shore when taking lines.
There are no facilities or services in the bay, so social life centers on the simplicity of nature and sailor camaraderie. Ashore, the Alakisla Ancient Ruins, including a Byzantine church, monastery, bathhouse, and cistern, are hidden in the forest directly behind the beach. On the water, snorkeling around the rocky headlands on the eastern side reveals rich marine rock formations, and early morning paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm water is popular. The beach is close to shore, about 1 minute by dinghy.
Kisebuku is a popular Blue Cruise stop, and it is calm in the Meltemi, but exposed to southerly winds. Mobile phone signals are generally functional inside the bay. There are no restrictions on anchoring or overnight stays, and the bay is a completely wild and untouched natural harbor, so ensure your yacht's tanks and provisions are completely full before entering.
How to get there
Approach Kisebuku from the south, entering the wide bay with no hidden reefs. The bay is located on the southern coast of the Bodrum Peninsula, and the standard practice is to anchor in 6 to 10 meters of water on the western or northern shores, taking long lines to the ancient pine trees or rocks on land. Be careful of shallow rocky debris near the shore when taking lines.
Land access is by dinghy, with a beach close to shore about 1 minute away. The bay is a popular stop for Blue Cruises, and the nearest town is Bodrum, which is a 1 to 2 hour sail away. There are no formalities or facilities in the bay, so plan to be self-sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the depth and holding like in Kisebuku?
The seabed is sandy, providing reliable holding. The standard practice is to drop anchor in 6 to 10 meters of water on the western or northern shores.
Is Kisebuku protected from the wind?
Kisebuku offers excellent protection from the strong northerly Meltemi winds, but it is exposed to southerly and easterly winds.
Are there any facilities or services in Kisebuku?
No, there are no marina facilities, shops, electricity, water, provisioning, or fuel supply in the bay. It is a completely wild and untouched natural harbor, so you must be self-sufficient.
Can I stay overnight in Kisebuku?
Yes, Kisebuku is a popular overnight stop for Blue Cruises, and it is a calm and comfortable anchorage for the night.
What is there to do in Kisebuku?
You can explore the Alakisla Ancient Ruins, including a Byzantine church, monastery, bathhouse, and cistern, and go snorkeling around the eastern rocky headlands or paddleboarding and kayaking in the calm bay.
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