Gokova Bay, Turkey

About Gokova Bay, Turkey

If you are looking for turquoise waters, non-stop sunshine, and kiting in nothing more than your board shorts, then Turkey is just the place! Relatively undiscovered by kitesurfers, as yet, it provides plenty of space for you to progress at your own pace. While not all beaches permit kitesurfing during the main summer season, one of the most favoured and consistent, in terms of wind, is Gokova Bay in Mugla. The bay is wonderfully reliable where the wind is concerned, as it is hidden between high, pine-covered mountains, which channel the wind from the open sea beyond, accelerating it down to Gokce Beach. Gökova Bay is also known as the Gulf of Cos, and the waters here are amongst the purest in the Mediterranean, varying from the deepest blue to the palest turquoise. Kiting at Gökova Bay makes a lasting impression on the many riders, from beginner to professional, who return year after year; yet the bay is still largely unknown, compared to other ‘premier’ kiting spots – despite the fact that it has just as much, if not more, to offer. Catch daily thermals from mid-April to mid-October, when the temperature ranges from 25 to 35 degrees, and small, flat waves form in the deeper water. The clement climate means board shorts are fine for the summer months, although a shortie is recommended for out of season. Just 3km wide, with shallow waters extending 150m out, the bay is suitable for all levels of riders. There are no obstacles to negotiate, and with seven rivers entering the sea here, the water is clear, clean, and hardly even salty! A light sea breeze starts around 9am, accelerating to around 18 to 20 knots by midday, as the air temperature increases. Bear in mind that because this is a thermal location, Windguru will not be able to give you a precise forecast. As a rule of thumb, though, if it’s sunny, expect it to be Alwayswindy! Due to its orientation, Gökova Bay does not suffer from gusty wind; it is clean, smooth and friendly, as there are no obstacles in its path to you and your kite!

Traveling to Gokova Bay, Turkey

Flights from Europe are inexpensive and under four hours in duration. To get to Gokova, you can fly to either Dalaman Airport, which is an hour’s drive, or Bodrum-Milas Airport, which is two hours away. Many charter and budget airlines fly direct to both airports; however, if you fancy a stopover in Istanbul, Turkey’s internal flights are low-cost and operate daily.

Facilities At Gokova Bay, Turkey

The nearest town, Akyaka, has a few bars and plenty of restaurants. Or, for a far livelier night out, head to Marmaris, which is only 25 minutes’ drive away. We recommend contacting Alwayswindy for help with every aspect of your Kiteboarding trip, from accommodation to airport transfers. It also offers a full range of instruction, from beginner to advanced, using the very latest equipment.