Blue Voyage Turkey: Gulet Cruises on the Turquoise Coast
The coast where the blue voyage was born — crewed gulet holidays from four great departure ports, through the finest bays of the Aegean and Mediterranean.
Turkey is the home of the blue voyage. Its south-western shore — the Turquoise Coast — runs for hundreds of miles from Bodrum on the Aegean down to the Lycian Mediterranean, a near-unbroken chain of pine-backed bays, ruined harbours and clear, warm water that is unmatched anywhere for a gulet cruise.
We sail it from four main ports. Bodrum opens the Gulf of Gökova and the crossing to Kos; Marmaris reaches the Hisarönü and Datça peninsulas and the Greek Dodecanese; Fethiye and Göcek command the Twelve Islands and the Lycian coast. Each is a week’s cruising in its own right, and longer voyages link them.
Below you’ll find where each region sails, sample routes, when to come and how a Turkish blue voyage works — with dedicated pages for every departure port.
Cruising grounds
Where you’ll sail in Turkey
From Bodrum, the Gulf of Gökova is the classic ground — Cleopatra (Sedir) Island, Karacasöğüt and the near-landlocked English Harbour — while the Bodrum peninsula and a short hop to Kos add variety. West and south, Marmaris opens the sheltered Hisarönü Gulf, the Datça peninsula and ancient Knidos, with Symi and Rhodes just across the water.
Further east, Fethiye and Göcek shelter the Twelve Islands, Ölüdeniz and the wooded coves of a protected gulf, and the Lycian coast runs on to Kekova’s sunken city. Wherever you start, the days are the same: short hops between bays, long swims and dinner at anchor.
Plan your trip
Good to know
Choosing your departure port
Bodrum is the liveliest and best for the Gulf of Gökova and a Kos crossing. Marmaris suits Hisarönü, Datça and the Greek Dodecanese. Fethiye and Göcek are the greenest, sheltered and family-friendly among the Twelve Islands. Not sure? Tell us your dates and group and we’ll match a port to you.
Sample routes across Turkey
Gulf of Gökova from Bodrum (7 nights): the classic sheltered loop.
Twelve Islands from Göcek and Fethiye (7 nights): pine coves, Ölüdeniz and island anchorages.
Datça, Knidos & Hisarönü from Marmaris (7 nights): quieter bays and ancient harbours.
Bodrum to Fethiye (10–14 nights): a longer voyage linking the whole coast.
When to sail
June and September are the sweet spot — warm sea, long days and calmer anchorages. July and August are hottest and busiest, and the afternoon Meltemi wind makes for good Aegean sailing. May and October are cooler and quiet, best for exploring the shore and ruins.
Private charter or cabin cruise
Take a private charter — the whole gulet for your group, on a route we plan around you — if you are six or more, or want the boat to yourselves. Choose a cabin cruise, booked by the cabin on a set weekly route, if you are a couple or solo and happy to share the deck with a small group. Both sail full-board with crew.
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Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where does a blue voyage in Turkey start?
Most begin at Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye or Göcek. Bodrum and Marmaris sit on the Aegean and reach the Greek islands; Fethiye and Göcek are further east on the Lycian Mediterranean, among the Twelve Islands. We help you pick the port that suits your route and dates.
Which part of the Turkish coast is best?
For a first cruise, the sheltered Gulf of Gökova (from Bodrum) or the Twelve Islands (from Göcek and Fethiye) are the easiest and most scenic. Keen swimmers and quiet-seekers love Datça and Kekova. Every region has its own page below to help you choose.
How long is a Turkish blue voyage?
Seven nights is the classic gulet week and covers one region comfortably. Three- and four-night short breaks are possible, and 10-to-14-night voyages link regions — Bodrum to Fethiye, or Turkey with the Greek Dodecanese.
Can I combine Turkey and the Greek islands?
Yes, on a private charter. Bodrum–Kos and Marmaris–Symi/Rhodes are classic crossings, and the crew handles the passport and port formalities. Cabin cruises normally stay in Turkish waters, so ask us if you want a cross-border itinerary.
When is the season?
May to October. June and September offer the best balance of warm water, long days and quieter bays; July and August are hottest and liveliest; May and October are cooler and calmer.
What’s included on a Turkish gulet cruise?
Gulets sail full-board: crew, your cabin and meals are included, along with fuel for a normal route, harbour fees and standard water toys. Drinks and à-la-carte extras are usually additional — each quote lists exactly what’s covered.
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Plan your voyage — Turkey
Tell us your dates and group size and we will plan the route and send a tailored quote.
Plan your voyage