Marmaris has mainly large package hotels, filled by charter tourists, of which more and more offer all-inclusive. Although eating each and every meal from only one kitchen has its drawbacks, what is on offer need not be bad at all. My personal experience here in May 2009 was very positive.
Independent traveller can easily benefit from the wide selection of hotels, but should note that facing the reception you pay up to double of what you get when booking through websites like Alpharooms. Also note that booking services usually are blocked once you are in Turkey.
Among the offers for those who didn't plan ahead is a small selection of fair and honest hotels and pensions.
Eating out in Marmaris is both a bit expensive and quality of cooking is unpredictable. Fish restaurants is a good option in Marmaris, but can be expensive, so make sure that you understanding the pricing in places without easily presented menus.
Recommended restaurants are Ney, Fellini, Liman and Meryem Ana.
Boat trips are offered all along the harbour, as well as in offices around town. Prices are usually fixed, but negotiable to some extent. There are many destinations, usually presented by large photos. You either hire the boat, at some 200-400 per day (the most expensive with space for up to 16 persons), or jump on one of many boats offering organized trips.
Diving is an option at Marmaris, there are several dive centres and it is possible to obtain a driving certificate here. Before tourism, sponge diving employed a large part of the male population, so ask for options to hunt for sponges yourself!
Marmaris has ferries/catamarans to Rhodes, in summer 7 departures per week but not daily. The catamaran takes 1 hour, the car ferry 2 hours. Adult prices are 75/50 return/single, child 52/32. Check website for latest information.
There are buses to all local destinations, several buses daily to Bodrum (3.5 hours), Izmir (4.5 h), Fethiye (3 h) and Antalya (6h). Prices are reasonable, about 7 to Bodrum, 17 to Antalya. The Fethiye bus connects to Dalaman and the airport.
