Gebekse Bay stands out as one of Marmaris's most remote and pristine bays. Following Turunç, Amos, Kumlubük, Kadırga, and Çiftlik Bay, access to Gebekse Bay by land is impossible, ensuring its perpetual cleanliness and tranquility. The bay boasts one of Turkey's most stunning turquoise shades, perhaps even ranking as the finest and most breathtaking.
The bay is commonly known as Gebekse among the locals, yet it's also referred to as Gebe Church Bay due to the historical ruins of Gebe Church situated there. Regarded as the most legendary bay in Marmaris, Gebekse Bay is renowned for its sea color, comparable to the renowned beaches of Mexico. The water's clarity and the seabed's white appearance create a surreal experience while swimming in the bay's depths, where your shadow casts onto the seabed, giving the sensation of floating in the air. This sensation is indescribably breathtaking.
As if in the middle of nowhere
Gebekse Bay lacks a direct highway and any amenities such as facilities, showers, or toilets. Encircled by maquis and rocks with minimal tree coverage, the bay exudes a remote ambiance, occasionally even devoid of cell phone signal. It's an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility, solitude, and the mesmerizing expanse of turquoise waters. However, between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, excursion boats may disrupt the peace with their presence. Outside of these hours, the bay is mainly inhabited by yacht owners on blue cruises or fortunate visitors who have chartered yachts.
The bottom of the sea is algae-free and covered with white sand
The shoreline of Gebekse Bay consists of small pebbles, gradually sloping into deeper waters. Just 50 meters ahead lies another bay with rocky formations, inviting you for a swim. Sea shoes are essential for navigating the rocky terrain. Beneath the crystal-clear waters lies a seabed adorned with fine white sand, contributing to the bay's distinctive turquoise hue. The transparent sea, resembling glass, often reveals schools of fish and even sea turtles, making it advisable to bring along snorkeling gear for a closer look. As the environment is very natural, there are sometimes bees on the shore and flies, especially in the evening. If you have a fly repellent spray, you can enjoy this natural environment even more.
Gebe Church
Referred to as either Gebekse Church or Gebekse Bay Church, the structure is thought to date back to the Byzantine era. Perched slightly above the shoreline, it has stood sentinel over the bay for centuries. Legend has it that in ancient times, barren women sought solace at the church, where priests and nuns offered ceaseless prayers on their behalf. Fishermen and sponge divers were also frequent visitors to the church, adding to its rich history.
Another speculation surrounding the church suggests it was constructed by the Knights of Rhodes. Its nickname, "Gebe Church," allegedly stems from its architectural resemblance to a pregnant woman. However, given the state of the remaining ruins, verifying this claim is impossible. What remains undisputed is the stunning beauty of the bay and the profound sense of tranquility it evokes, regardless of the church's origins.
Transportation to Gebekse Bay
The nearest access point to Gebekse Bay by road is Çiftlik Bay. To reach Çiftlik Bay, located approximately 58 kilometers from Marmaris and about 10 kilometers from Orhaniye, it's important to carefully follow the signs. Once you've arrived at Çiftlik Bay, you'll need to locate a dinghy or boat for a short 10-minute journey to reach Gebekse Bay.
Renting a yacht from Marmaris is the best way of transportation for this bay with thousands of shades of turquoise and blue. When you rent a yacht, you can visit the bays away from the noise of the tour boats and visit the surrounding bays freely and comfortably.