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Embarkation: Saturday around 3:00 PM - Marmaris, Turkey
Disembarkation: Following Saturday - Marmaris, Turkey
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Yacht type: Traditional crewed gulet
Cruising speed: Approximately 8-10 knots
Cruising area: Marmaris, Datca Peninsula and Gulf of Hisaronu
Estimated total distance: Approximately 125-145 nautical miles
This gulet itinerary explores one of the most attractive sections of Turkey's Turquoise Coast, cruising from Marmaris towards the Datca Peninsula and the Gulf of Hisaronu. The route combines small coastal villages, ancient fortifications, mountain-framed bays, pine forests, clear water and excellent anchorages.
During the week, the itinerary includes Arab Island, Bozukkale, Datca, Aktur, Bencik, Selimiye, Orhaniye, Dirsek Buku, Bozburun and Kadirga Bay before returning to Marmaris.
The route is particularly well suited to the relaxed rhythm of a traditional gulet: moderate cruising distances, breakfasts and lunches on deck, swimming in secluded bays, paddleboarding, snorkelling and evenings in peaceful coastal villages.
As with any traditional gulet cruise, the programme is deliberately flexible. Anchorages, stops and daily distances may be adjusted according to the wind, sea conditions, availability and the captain's recommendations.
Saturday - Day 1: Embarkation in Marmaris around 3:00 PM followed by a short cruise to a nearby bay. Approx. 5-10 NM.
Sunday - Day 2: Marmaris area - Arab Island - Bozukkale. Approx. 18-22 NM.
Monday - Day 3: Bozukkale - Datca. Approx. 25-30 NM.
Tuesday - Day 4: Datca - Aktur - Bencik. Approx. 18-22 NM.
Wednesday - Day 5: Bencik - Selimiye - Orhaniye. Approx. 15-20 NM.
Thursday - Day 6: Orhaniye - Dirsek Buku - Bozburun. Approx. 18-22 NM.
Friday - Day 7: Bozburun - Kadirga Bay - Marmaris. Approx. 25-30 NM.
Saturday - Day 8: Breakfast and disembarkation in Marmaris.
Embarkation takes place in Marmaris at around 3:00 PM. After a warm welcome aboard, cabin allocation and introductions to the captain and crew, guests receive a short briefing covering safety, life on board and the general cruising programme.
Weather and operational conditions permitting, the gulet will leave Marmaris during the afternoon for a short introductory cruise to a sheltered bay in the surrounding area.
This allows the Blue Cruise experience to begin from the very first day. After a few miles of cruising past pine-covered hills and mountains, guests can enjoy their first swim, relax on deck and watch the sunset from a peaceful anchorage.
The exact overnight location is intentionally kept flexible, allowing the captain to select the most suitable bay according to the wind, sea conditions and circumstances on the day.
Activities: First cruise, swimming, paddleboarding, sunset drinks and relaxing on deck.
Dinner: Welcome dinner prepared by the onboard chef and served aboard.
Overnight: A sheltered bay in the Marmaris area selected by the captain.
After breakfast, begin cruising southwest along the spectacular coastline leading towards the Datca Peninsula.
One of the first stops of the day can be made around Arab Island, a small uninhabited island located close to the geographical meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
Its clear water provides an excellent setting for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding before continuing towards Bozukkale.
Bozukkale is an impressive natural bay dominated by the remains of ancient Loryma. Old fortifications and towers can still be seen on the surrounding heights, reflecting the strategic importance of this location in ancient times.
Surrounded by rugged hills and largely undeveloped scenery, the bay provides a beautiful setting for an afternoon and evening at anchor.
Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding and the possibility of walking to the ancient fortifications.
Lunch: Served aboard during one of the swimming stops.
Dinner: Dinner aboard or ashore at one of the simple establishments in the bay when arrangements permit.
Overnight: Bozukkale.
Morning departure to continue cruising around the Datca Peninsula, a narrow stretch of land extending between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
During the passage, the captain can select one of the small bays along the coast for a swimming stop and lunch before continuing towards Datca.
Datca is an attractive coastal town with a harbour filled with small boats, cafes, restaurants and shops. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it an excellent place to spend a few hours ashore.
The peninsula also has an important historical heritage. At its western end lies the ancient Carian city of Knidos, one of the region's major archaeological sites.
Activities: Swimming during the passage, exploring Datca, shopping and free time around the harbour.
Gastronomy: An excellent opportunity to enjoy fresh fish, seafood, Turkish meze, olive oil, almonds and local products.
Overnight: Datca or a nearby bay, depending on availability and the captain's decision.
After breakfast, cruise towards Aktur, an area known for its combination of dense pine forests, mountains and intensely blue water.
The morning can be spent swimming, snorkelling and enjoying the water toys before continuing towards Bencik Bay.
Bencik has a relatively narrow entrance that opens into a beautiful interior bay surrounded by vegetation and protected by the surrounding hills.
The bay lies close to one of the narrowest points of the Datca Peninsula, near the geographical divide between the Gulf of Hisaronu and the Gulf of Gokova.
Its peaceful and sheltered setting makes it an excellent place to spend a relaxing afternoon and evening at anchor.
Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking and exploring the bay by tender.
Lunch: Served aboard at Aktur or another nearby anchorage.
Dinner: Dinner aboard under the stars.
Overnight: Bencik Bay.
Following a morning swim in Bencik, cruise towards Selimiye, one of the most attractive and peaceful villages in the Gulf of Hisaronu.
Selimiye retains a charming maritime atmosphere. Mountains surround its generally calm bay, while small restaurants and terraces line the waterfront.
It is an excellent place to go ashore, walk beside the sea, discover local products and enjoy fresh fish and seafood. Sunset behind the surrounding mountains is one of the highlights of the area.
Later, cruise towards Orhaniye, located in a deep and sheltered bay. Here guests can visit Kizkumu Beach, known for its long shallow sandbar extending into the bay and allowing visitors to walk through the water for several hundred metres.
Activities: Explore Selimiye, swimming, paddleboarding and walking along the Kizkumu sandbar.
Gastronomy: Selimiye offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy fresh fish and seafood at waterfront restaurants.
Overnight: Orhaniye or another nearby sheltered bay.
After breakfast, cruise through the peaceful waters of the Gulf of Hisaronu towards Dirsek Buku.
Located south of Agil Burnu, this distinctive L-shaped bay offers an attractive setting surrounded by rugged hills. It is an excellent place to spend several hours enjoying the sea.
The morning can be spent swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding before enjoying a long lunch aboard. The bay also has a small restaurant with a quay.
During the afternoon, continue towards Bozburun, a small coastal town known for its peaceful atmosphere, attractive harbour and strong connection with the region's maritime traditions.
Bozburun is particularly pleasant towards sunset, when yachts return to the harbour and the waterfront restaurants and cafes come to life.
Activities: Swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding at Dirsek Buku and exploring Bozburun.
Gastronomy: Dinner aboard or the option to dine at one of the waterfront restaurants in Bozburun.
Overnight: Bozburun or a nearby bay.
The final full cruising day begins with departure from Bozburun towards Kadirga Bay, an area known for its clear water and underwater interest.
Archaeological remains can be found beneath the water in this area, including ancient amphorae and anchors. These remains form part of the historical heritage of the site and are protected, so they must not be touched or removed.
For guests who prefer to remain at the surface, Kadirga's clear water provides an excellent opportunity for a final snorkelling session, swim or paddleboarding excursion.
After lunch, begin the final cruise towards Marmaris, enjoying the mountains, small islands and pine-covered coastline for the last time.
Arrival in Marmaris during the afternoon allows guests to enjoy their final evening aboard, with the option to walk around the harbour or dine ashore.
Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding and observing the underwater environment without disturbing archaeological remains.
Lunch: Served aboard at Kadirga Bay or another anchorage selected by the captain.
Dinner: Farewell dinner aboard or the option to dine ashore in Marmaris.
Overnight: Marmaris.
Enjoy a final breakfast aboard before saying goodbye to the captain and crew. Disembarkation takes place according to the charter agreement and the operational schedule of the gulet.
Day 1: Approx. 5-10 NM
Day 2: Approx. 18-22 NM
Day 3: Approx. 25-30 NM
Day 4: Approx. 18-22 NM
Day 5: Approx. 15-20 NM
Day 6: Approx. 18-22 NM
Day 7: Approx. 25-30 NM
Estimated total distance: approximately 125-145 nautical miles.
All distances are approximate. The actual route may vary depending on the anchorages selected, weather and sea conditions and the captain's operational decisions.
The main cruising season runs approximately from May to October. May, June, September and early October offer pleasantly warm conditions and generally fewer yachts than during the peak summer months.
July and August offer the hottest weather and warmest sea temperatures, but are also the busiest months of the cruising season.
The Gulf of Hisaronu offers numerous sheltered bays and anchorages, making it an excellent area for traditional gulet cruising.
During the summer months, northerly and north-westerly winds can strengthen, particularly during the afternoon. Some anchorages can receive swell in stronger winds, so the captain will select the most suitable overnight location according to the conditions of the day.
Flexibility is an important part of the traditional gulet experience. The captain may adjust a stop, anchorage or the order of the route to take advantage of better conditions and provide a safer and more comfortable cruise.
The itinerary is always subject to weather, sea conditions, harbour and anchorage availability and the captain's final decision.
Depending on the equipment available on each individual gulet, guests may enjoy snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming and tender excursions.
The sheltered bays of the Gulf of Hisaronu are particularly suitable for exploring the coastline by paddleboard or kayak and enjoying long swims in clear water.
Breakfasts and lunches on deck, sunset drinks, dinners prepared by the onboard chef and peaceful nights at anchor under the stars are an essential part of the traditional Turkish gulet experience.
This itinerary is a suggested cruising programme rather than a fixed schedule. The captain may modify the order of visits, overnight anchorages and cruising distances according to weather, sea conditions, harbour availability and the operational requirements of the yacht.
Passenger safety and comfort always take priority over the published itinerary.
