Marmaris occupies a deep bay surrounded by forested hills at the point where the Aegean coast of Turkey turns east into the Mediterranean proper. The harbour is one of the largest natural anchorages in the region, sheltered from almost every wind direction and deep enough for motor yachts of 70 metres and above. The four motor yachts operating in this area use Marmaris marina as a base for a cruising territory that extends from the Datca Peninsula to the west, Ekincik and the Dalyan delta to the east, and the Greek Dodecanese within a day cruise to the south. The Bozburun Peninsula south of Marmaris contains some of the least-visited anchorages on the Turkish coast: Selimiye, Bozburun village and the Dirsek anchorage are all accessible within a couple of hours and retain the character of working fishing villages rather than charter destinations. Motor yachts at Marmaris range from 38-metre displacement cruisers to fast 50-metre semi-planing hulls with beach clubs, waterslides and full watertoy decks. Charter rates start at approximately 35,000 euros per week for a well-fitted 38-metre yacht and rise to 160,000 euros for the largest vessels in July and August. The advance provisioning allowance of 25 to 30 percent covers fuel, food, marina fees and crew gratuity. Marmaris itself is a large resort town with a full-service marina, a castle above the waterfront, good provisioning infrastructure and an active restaurant scene.
