Yavansu Bay

Yavansu Bay, also known locally as Martı Koyu, or "Seagull Bay," lies southeast of the Kuyrucak headland near Göcek, in the Fethiye district of Muğla Province on Turkey's southwestern coast. Reachable only by boat, it is one of the smaller coves making up the wider Göcek Bay, itself protected as part of the Fethiye-Göcek Specially Protected Area, and it is usually visited as a single stop on a longer route around the bay's many coves and islets rather than as a destination on its own.

The bay's two names come from separate local traditions: a gull-shaped mark carved into the rock above the shore gave rise to Martı Koyu, while Yavansu refers to a mountain spring feeding the cove, whose water was traditionally considered too bland, or "yavan," for people to drink, even though it was used to water grazing animals. Its deep, clear water and old wooden landing are typical of the many undeveloped anchorages along this stretch of coast, with pine woodland rising directly behind the waterline and no shops, restaurants or other permanent facilities on shore.

Because it offers shelter without any built-up development, Yavansu is one of the quieter stops on a typical Göcek cruise route, and many charter guests anchor here for the afternoon to swim before moving on to one of the busier bays nearby.