Orak Island

Beach / Bay

South of Bodrum: glass-clear turquoise water and a snorkelling paradise — the classic blue-cruise anchorage.

Off the southern shore of the Bodrum peninsula, reachable only by boat, little Orak Island sits like a jewel guarding the entrance to the Gulf of Gökova. The water in its bay is so clear that the sandy bottom and shoals of fish beneath the boat can be seen metres down with the naked eye — which is why it has long been one of the favourite anchorages of blue-cruise gulets and day-trip boats.

Sheltered from the wind, the cove is perfect for snorkelling: in the clear shallows you meet seagrass meadows, small reef blocks and colourful inshore fish, while the wall dives around the island draw experienced divers. With no settlement or facilities on it, the island is precious precisely for being untouched; visitors usually arrive on day tours from the Bodrum, Gümbet or Torba jetties, swim and picnic in the bay, and return in the evening. To protect its natural fabric, please carry no litter into the cove and take care not to damage the seagrass beds.