Dalaman Sarsala Bay: Emerald Waters of the Wrong Port & Travel Guide

Sarsala Bay is one of the rare and special stops of the Gocek 12 Islands route with land connection, where pine forests embrace the sea. As Limancepte.com, we always emphasize this detail to our guests: "Sarsala is two-faced; if you go by land, you find a crowded public beach, if you go by sea, you find a quiet paradise."

Here are the 10 most curious questions and clear answers about this popular bay of Gocek yacht charter routes:

1. Where Exactly is Sarsala Bay?

Sarsala is within the borders of Dalaman district of Muğla. However, it is counted among Gocek bays in maritime culture. It is only 15-20 km away from Dalaman Airport by road, which makes it the closest point to swim after getting off the plane.

2. What is that Famous "Wrong Project" Story?

The old stone building (Old Customs Building) you will see among the palm trees on the shore of the bay is the work of a historical mistake.

The Story: In the early 1900s, Khedive of Egypt Abbas Hilmi Pasha had two building projects drawn up, one for Egypt (Alexandria Station) and the other for Dalaman (Hunting Lodge).
The Mistake: The ships got mixed up! The station building materials intended for Egypt went to Sarsala. The workers remained faithful to the project and built a "Station-Looking Lodge" in Sarsala Bay, where there is no railway at all.

3. How to Get to Sarsala? (Land or Sea?)

• By Sea (Recommended): You reach the bay in a very short time without dealing with winding roads with a boat you rent from Gocek or Dalaman. Small Sarsala is especially for boats.
• By Land (Difficult): It is reached by turning off the Dalaman Airport road. The road is quite winding, narrow, and partly rough. It can be challenging if you do not trust your driving.

4. Is There an Entrance Fee?

Big Sarsala: Yes, it is operated by the municipality. An entrance fee per vehicle is charged.
For Sea Arrivals: You do not pay any fee when you enter the bay and anchor with a boat.

5. Is the Sea Sandy or Pebbly?

Sarsala's water is warm water tending to "Emerald Green". The ground is not sandy; the beach and sea entrance are pebbly. Using sea shoes increases comfort. It deepens 3-4 meters from the shore.

6. Difference Between Big and Small Sarsala

7. Facilities

Since Big Sarsala is a municipal facility, there is a cafeteria, sunbeds, showers, and WC. There are no facilities in Small Sarsala.

9. Is It Suitable for Families with Children?

Yes, suitable. The waveless sea and facilities (WC, food) make families comfortable. The only disadvantage is the stony ground, sea shoes are a must.

10. Nearby Bays

Sarsala is the gate to Gocek bays. From here, you can easily go to Hamam Bay (Sunken Bath), Bedri Rahmi Bay, and Gobun Bay by boat.

Sarsala Bay FAQ

• Is the road paved?
  Mostly paved but narrow and has sharp curves. Requires careful driving.
• Is there a taxi?
  Yes, from Dalaman Airport (20 mins). Finding a taxi on the way back can be hard, arrange it beforehand.
• Is there phone signal?
  Most operators work in Big Sarsala, but the signal may be weak due to mountains.
• Is BBQ allowed?
  No. Strictly prohibited due to forest fire risk.
• Is it crowded on weekends?
  Sundays are very crowded if going by land. No problem if going by boat.