Boat Charter in Turkey - a blue cruise to amuse yourself
- Written by Portal Editor
Apart from the huge harbours of Izmir and Istanbul there are small and medium sized harbours in most of the villages along the coast which can be used by yachts and all types of boats.
If you try to compare them with southern France or Italy you may be disappointed because the number of yachts and motor boats in private hands is still much smaller but has increased rapidly during the last two years. Only a few large yachts are to be seen along the beaches between Antalya and Alanya.
Are the wooden yachts too big for you? There are alternatives!
Instead you will find different sized wooden boats and ships which can be rented out for a few hours or even a few days by customers who want to explore the harbour area or take a trip to the sights close by. Daily trips are offered along the coast, quite often with a small barbecue and some time for swimming. This is a good way to see the area if you are visiting the Turkish Riviera for the first time.
A really interesting adventure is a trip they call the "Blue Journey". At some harbours you can book a journey as a member of a small team for a weeks cruise along the coast. In this way you learn about life on a boat as well as a lot about people and the sights. Offers like this are also available on the internet.
It depends on the harbour you start from as to whether you see lots of ancient places, go swimming and diving, or take a more relaxing trip just visiting some villages along the waterfront. Some trips go to the islands along the coast as well. The boats offer enough space for up to five families, so it is a good way of getting to know other families with similar interests.
If you start at the harbour in Alanya the trip takes you round the Castle Mountain. This is a daily trip to the Red Tower, the ancient Ship Yard, the "Love Cave" (you should take the chance to swim into that cave), the Cave of Cleopatra then along Cleopatra Beach to the new harbour. If you have enjoyed this boat trip, then you should enquire about a longer one along the coast to Gazipasa. There are lots of bays only reachable by boat. They are beautiful places for swimming and diving.
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your boat trip.
Kemer - Kekova Blue Cruise
1st Day: When you arrive in Antalya, you will be taken to the port of Kemer. Then you will be taken to your accommodation on the boat. You will have dinner and stay on the boat.
2nd Day: You will set out from Kemer early in the morning. You will be able to rest and have a swimming break in the Olympus Park which is a protected area. Then, you will sail to the picturesque bay of Adrasan where you will have dinner and stay on the boat.
3rd Day: You will set out to Çayağası in the morning. Here, you will be able to visit the famous rock graves of Myra. You will have dinner and stay on the boat in Gökkaya.
4th Day: You will leave Gökkaya and sail to the bay of Kekova. Then you will sail parallel to the peaceful beach to visit the antique city Simena which is under the water. You will have dinner and stay on the boat in the port of Kekova.
5th Day: After having breakfast, you will set out to Çülenik and then go on to Finike in order to visit this marvellously picturesque port. You will have dinner and stay on the boat close to Finike.
6th Day: After having breakfast, you will set out to Phaselis. Here, you will be able to visit the ancient city. You will have dinner and stay on the boat in Phaselis.
7th Day: After having breakfast on the boat, you will swim in a completely natural bay. You will have lunch in the Bay of Ayışığı. Then, you will return to the port of Kemer, where you will have dinner and stay on the boat.
8th Day: After having breakfast you will disembark from the boat. Then you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight, or continue your holiday in Turkey.
Yacht charter and Blue Voyage in Turkey - sailing holidays in a class of its own
Turkey is one of the most beautiful travel destinations for sailing enthusiasts. With its impressive coastline, crystal-clear water and picturesque bays, it offers perfect conditions for a yacht charter and the famous Blue Voyage. Whether a luxurious gulet cruise or an individual sailing yacht - the Turkish Aegean and Mediterranean promise an incomparable holiday experience!
What is a Blue Voyage?
The Blue Voyage (Turkish: Mavi Yolculuk) is a relaxed boat tour along the Turkish coast, where travelers can explore beautiful bays, ancient sites and idyllic islands. Traditionally, the trip takes place on a gulet, a classic wooden sailing ship that is equipped with modern comforts.
Why a Blue Voyage in Turkey?
Fantastic landscapes - secluded beaches, turquoise water and hidden bays.
Individual routes - from busy ports to quiet natural paradises.
Comfortable yachts – whether gulet, motor yacht or catamaran – the right option for every need.
Culinary highlights – fresh seafood, Turkish specialties and Mediterranean delicacies.
Cultural discoveries – visits to ancient sites such as Knidos, Kaunos or the sunken city of Kekova.
Popular routes for a Blue Voyage in Turkey
1. Bodrum – Gökova Gulf
Perfect for nature lovers with quiet bays and clear waters.
Highlights: Orak Island, Cleopatra Beach, English Bay.
2. Marmaris – Datça – Hisarönü Gulf
Varied route with green landscapes and historical sites.
Highlights: Bozburun, ancient Knidos, Sedir Island.
3. Fethiye – Ölüdeniz – Göcek
One of the most beautiful routes with beautiful lagoons and spectacular rock formations.
Highlights: Butterfly Valley, Blue Lagoon, St. Nicholas Island.
4. Antalya – Kekova – Kas
Ideal for culture lovers with ancient cities and mystical ruins.
Highlights: Sunken city of Kekova, ancient Myra, Demre
Yacht charter in Turkey – freedom on the water
A yacht charter in Turkey offers the opportunity to discover the coast at your own pace. Whether with or without a skipper – renting a yacht enables individual routes and unforgettable experiences.
Which yacht is the right one?
Gulet – traditional wooden sailing boat with crew, ideal for groups and families.
Motor yacht – fast and luxurious option with maximum comfort.
Sailing yacht – perfect for sailing enthusiasts who want to feel the wind and waves.
Catamaran – stable, spacious yacht with plenty of space for families or larger groups.
Advantages of a yacht charter in Turkey
Flexibility – determine your own route and make individual stops.
Privacy – relax far away from mass tourism.
Pure experience - sailing, swimming, snorkelling and enjoying sunsets.
Comfort & service - many yachts offer all-inclusive packages with crew and meals.
Best time to travel for a Blue Voyage in Turkey
The best time for a Blue Voyage or yacht charter in Turkey is from April to October.
May - June & September - October - Perfect for quiet bays, pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
July - August - High season with warm water and a lively atmosphere in the ports.
Conclusion - A dream holiday on the water
Whether it's a romantic sailing trip, a family holiday or an adventure trip - a Blue Voyage in Turkey offers unforgettable moments. The mix of breathtaking nature, cultural highlights and excellent service makes it one of the best ways to experience the Turkish coast in a very special way.
Set sail and discover the beauty of Türkiye from the sea!
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