Tersane Island

Welcome to Tersane Island: Where Maritime History Meets Sheltered Bays Steeped in rich naval heritage and coastal allure, Tersane Island—known in English as Dockyard Island—holds the title of being the largest island in the entire Gulf of Göcek. Characterized by its deep, well-protected harbors and pine-clad hillsides, this historic island is a cornerstone stop for Turkey sailing tours and travelers embarking on a blue cruise. The island owes its name to its historic maritime legacy. During the Ottoman Empire and particularly throughout World War I, its sheltered bays served as an active naval shipyard and boat-building center. Prior to the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey, the island was home to a thriving Greek farming and fishing community named Tersane. Today, picturesque stone ruins of abandoned houses, watchtowers, and ancient chapels remain scattered across the green landscape, offering a tangible glimpse into the region’s storied past. A Captain's Haven: Natural Harbor Conditions Approaching Tersane Island aboard a private yacht charter reveals why sailors have favored this island for centuries. The northwestern and summer-facing sides of the island feature two deep, horseshoe-shaped bays that offer exceptional natural shelter against prevailing Mediterranean winds and swells. The harbor waters are remarkably calm and shallow near the shore, making it an ideal anchorage for gulets and yachts. As you drop anchor, the crystal-clear sea reveals submerged masonry, stone piers, and ancient foundations resting just beneath the surface, creating an atmosphere where marine life and history coexist seamlessly. What to Experience at Tersane Island During Your Charter 1. Snorkeling Over Historic Shipyard Ruins The calm, shallow waters along the inner bay provide fantastic conditions for snorkeling. Swimmers can dive off the deck of their gulet to explore submerged stone foundations, ancient shipbuilding ramps, and old mooring points that have become home to Mediterranean fish and marine flora. 2. Exploring Abandoned Stone Villages Ashore Taking a tender boat ashore allows guests to wander through the quiet, overgrown tracks of the island. You can walk among the historic stone walls of deserted houses, inspect ancient olive presses, and capture panoramic photographs of the entire gulf from elevated hilltops. 3. Dining at Seaside Family Restaurants Nestled right along the water’s edge in the main bay are traditional seaside taverns with wooden piers. Blue cruise guests can step ashore in the late afternoon to enjoy fresh seafood, wood-fired bread, and authentic Aegean mezes in an unhurried, rustic setting. Charter Tips: Access: Accessible strictly by sea on blue cruises and sailing tour routes operating between Fethiye and Marmaris. Mooring: The northwestern bay offers excellent holding ground and secure mooring lines tied to shore, making it one of the safest overnight anchorages in the gulf.