Bördübet Bay in Marmaris is akin to a priceless emerald, showcasing a spectrum of green hues. Situated 29 kilometers from Marmaris, this natural wonder encompasses a vast bay, within which lie two secluded and narrow coves. These smaller coves, carved by mountain streams during rainy periods, boast an extraordinary beauty enhanced by the lush vegetation that surrounds them. Among these, the larger cove is famously referred to as Amazon Bay, a name that becomes instantly apparent upon arrival, owing to its awe-inspiring allure.
Bördübet, situated overlooking the Gulf of Gökova and boasting its own beach, is nestled within the Hisarönü neighborhood. Accessing Bördübet by land proves to be quite challenging, as the road is rugged and traverses through areas affected by forest fires in 2022. However, the General Directorate of Forestry promptly cleared the scorched lands and initiated reforestation efforts. At the time of composing this article, the newly planted saplings are still small; however, upon arrival, you will witness their growth into much larger trees.
Bördübet beach is very pristine
Bördübet has been designated as a 1st-degree protected area, ensuring its preservation. The beach boasts fine sandy shores, albeit lacking facilities, leading to minimal seaweed cleaning. Despite this, locals sporadically enjoy swimming in the sea during the hot summer days. While the seabed sand may cloud upon entry, the overall view remains picturesque, tranquil, and serene. Nonetheless, it is not the beach that distinguishes Bördübet; rather, it is the two small bays along the shore, resembling the mouth of a stream, that garner its fame.
Amazon Bay: A favorite of yachtsmen and caravanners
The unspoiled nature of the coastline has made it a preferred destination for both campers and yachtsmen. Particularly notable are the two bays that open up to the coast, resembling the mouths of streams, adorned with lush vegetation displaying various shades of green. The larger bay, known as Amazon Bay (or Küçükgünlük Bay), situated well to the north of Bördübet Beach, evokes the grandeur of a mighty river like the Amazon. With its own sandy beach, this bay provides easy access for yachts as well. Nestled within this bay lies Club Amazon Bördübet, portraying itself as a humble forest retreat. It offers an enchanting camping experience with hammocks amidst the trees and accommodation options including caravans and stone rooms.
The smaller bay is home to a 5-star resort known as Golden Key Bördübet. Both resorts prioritize eco-friendliness and offer the kind of service that aligns with the desires of modern travelers: A tranquil and peaceful vacation immersed in nature.
Yachtsmen, chartered tourists, and blue voyage enthusiasts have the option to anchor in the bay. Additionally, there are piers available both in Amazon Bay and along the Bördübet coastline for boats to dock. Bördübet offers an ideal setting for unwinding, stargazing at night, and experiencing the profound silence that occasionally envelops the area.
Where does the name Bördübet come from?
Bördübet's origin story is quite intriguing. Prior to its naming, the region lacked an official designation. However, during the First World War, British soldiers were captivated by the area's landscape, particularly the bay now known as Amazon, which served as a distinctive habitat for numerous bird species at the time. Impressed by the abundance of avian life, the soldiers dubbed the area "Birds Bed." Over time, this term evolved into the name Bördübet.
Very convenient for water sports and hiking
At Bördübet Beach and the surrounding bays, visitors have the opportunity to engage in various water sports such as canoeing, stand-up paddling, windsurfing, and kayaking. Exploring the land on foot is highly recommended, especially in Amazon Bay and other nearby bays, where water turtles and ducks often join you during your stroll. It's advisable to carry a camera with you as you'll be tempted to capture the stunning sights you encounter along the way.
Beware of mosquitoes
The bays in Bördübet are famous for their mosquitoes as well as their beauty. They are constantly sprayed during the tourist season, but the environment is so natural that spraying is not a solution. Whether you are on a yacht or on land, make sure you have mosquito repellent sprays with you. If you are staying overnight, you should also consider measures such as mosquito nets.
Transportation to Bördübet Amazon Bay
Bördübet lies approximately 29 km from Marmaris, but the journey may prove longer than anticipated due to the rough roads. An alternative route involves turning right at Değirmenyanı, about 10 km before reaching the Hisarönü neighborhood en route to Datça. Opting to rent a yacht offers a comfortable vacation experience without the hassle of navigating troublesome roads.