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 and the Gulf of Fethiye
Estimated total distance: Approximately 130-150 nautical miles
This gulet itinerary explores one of the most spectacular sections of Turkey's Turquoise Coast, cruising from Marmaris to the Gulf of Fethiye through pine-covered mountains, sheltered bays, small islands, crystal-clear waters and fascinating historical sites.
During the week, the route includes destinations such as Ekincik, Dalyan, Tersane Island, Manastir, Kizilada, Fethiye, Gocek Island and the Yassica Islands, before beginning the return journey towards Marmaris with stops at some of the most attractive bays along the coast.
As is customary on a traditional gulet cruise, the programme remains flexible. Anchorages and some stops may be adjusted from day to day according to the weather, sea conditions, anchorage 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: Cruise towards Ekincik with the possibility of an excursion to Dalyan. Approx. 15-20 NM.
Monday - Day 3: Ekincik - Gulf of Fethiye - Tersane Island - Manastir. Approx. 28-32 NM.
Tuesday - Day 4: Manastir - Kizilada - Fethiye. Approx. 18-22 NM.
Wednesday - Day 5: Fethiye - Gocek Island - Yassica Islands and bays of the Gulf of Fethiye. Approx. 15-20 NM.
Thursday - Day 6: Cruise among the islands and bays of the Gulf of Fethiye before beginning the return journey towards Marmaris. Approx. 25-30 NM.
Friday - Day 7: Kadirga Bay - Turunc - Cennet Island - 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 will 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 one of the nearby bays.
This first departure allows guests to begin enjoying the authentic Blue Cruise experience from the very first afternoon: cruising past pine-covered mountains, taking the first swim of the holiday and enjoying the sunset away from the busy harbour.
The captain will select the most suitable bay according to the conditions of the day, so the exact overnight anchorage is intentionally kept flexible.
Activities: First cruise, swimming, paddleboarding, sunset drinks and time to relax on deck.
Dinner: Welcome dinner prepared by the onboard chef and served on deck.
Overnight: A sheltered bay in the Marmaris area selected by the captain.
After the first breakfast aboard, cruise towards Ekincik, a peaceful bay surrounded by forested mountains, clear water and an attractive stretch of coastline.
Ekincik is also one of the main coastal access points for visiting Dalyan. From here, guests can take an optional excursion aboard smaller local boats suitable for navigating the shallow channels of the Dalyan Delta.
The excursion offers the opportunity to cruise through reed-lined waterways, admire the famous Lycian rock tombs, visit the ruins of the ancient city of Kaunos and continue towards Iztuzu Beach, an important nesting area for loggerhead Caretta caretta sea turtles.
Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding and optional excursion to Dalyan and Kaunos.
Lunch: Served aboard or during the excursion, depending on the day's programme.
Dinner: Dinner aboard in the bay.
Overnight: Ekincik or another nearby sheltered anchorage.
Morning departure towards the Gulf of Fethiye, one of the most beautiful cruising areas on Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Numerous islands and small peninsulas create an extraordinary landscape of sheltered coves and turquoise waters.
One of the day's main stops is Tersane Island, the largest island in the Gulf of Fethiye and also known as Dockyard Island. Remains of former settlements and traces of the island's shipbuilding history can still be seen ashore.
The island's sheltered waters provide an excellent setting for swimming, snorkelling and enjoying lunch aboard before continuing deeper into the Gulf of Fethiye.
Later, cruise towards Manastir Bay, associated with the famous Cleopatra's Bath. Partially submerged ruins surrounded by exceptionally clear water create one of the most distinctive and atmospheric swimming spots in the gulf.
Activities: Snorkelling, swimming, paddleboarding, exploring Tersane and visiting the remains around Manastir.
Lunch: Served aboard in a sheltered bay.
Dinner: Turkish and Mediterranean dinner aboard under the stars.
Overnight: Manastir or another nearby sheltered bay, depending on conditions.
After breakfast and a morning swim, continue cruising among the islands of the Gulf of Fethiye, with a possible stop around Kizilada.
The island is known for the reddish colour its rocks can take on in the sunlight, particularly later in the day. Its quiet surroundings provide an attractive swimming stop before continuing towards Fethiye.
Arrival in Fethiye, a lively natural harbour surrounded by mountains and an area with a rich Lycian heritage.
Guests can explore the waterfront and old quarter, browse local shops and markets or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this attractive coastal town.
Activities: Swimming, sightseeing in Fethiye, shopping and exploring the town.
Gastronomy: An excellent opportunity to enjoy fresh fish, seafood, Turkish meze and regional specialities.
Overnight: Fethiye or a nearby bay, depending on availability and the captain's programme.
Today is dedicated to exploring the sheltered waters of the Gulf of Fethiye, cruising between small islands, hidden bays and pine-covered shores.
The route may include Gocek Island and some of the numerous coves surrounding Gocek, one of Turkey's best-known yachting areas.
Continue towards the Yassica Islands, a small group of islands covered with pine and olive trees and known for their shallow, sheltered bays and beautiful sunsets.
This is one of the best days of the itinerary for simply enjoying life aboard the gulet, with several opportunities for swimming and water sports throughout the day.
Activities: Snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming and tender exploration.
Lunch: Mediterranean-style lunch served aboard.
Dinner: Dinner on deck while enjoying the sunset.
Overnight: Yassica Islands or another sheltered anchorage in the Gulf of Fethiye.
After breakfast, gradually begin the return journey towards Marmaris, while continuing to enjoy the islands and beautiful bays of the region.
Rather than fixing a specific anchorage in advance, this day is intentionally kept flexible. The captain can select the best bays for swimming and lunch according to the wind, sea conditions and anchorage availability.
It is an ideal day to enjoy the relaxed rhythm of a traditional gulet cruise: swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, reading and relaxing on deck, alternating short passages with stops in clear turquoise water.
Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and relaxing on deck.
Lunch: Served aboard in a bay selected by the captain.
Dinner: Dinner prepared by the onboard chef.
Overnight: A sheltered anchorage selected during the return route.
The final full cruising day offers the opportunity to discover several attractive bays and coastal locations close to Marmaris.
One possible stop is Kadirga Bay, known for its clear water and small shingle beaches. It is an excellent location for one of the final swimming and snorkelling sessions of the week.
Continue towards Turunc, a small coastal town surrounded by steep green mountains. Its beach, waterfront and restaurants specialising in fresh fish make it an enjoyable place to spend some time ashore.
If time and conditions permit, a final stop can be made around Cennet Island, which is actually part of the Nimara Peninsula and lies close to the entrance of Marmaris Bay.
During the afternoon, complete the final cruise back to Marmaris, where guests spend their last night aboard.
Activities: Swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, exploring Turunc and enjoying the final swim of the week.
Lunch: Served aboard in one of the bays along the route.
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. 15-20 NM
Day 3: Approx. 28-32 NM
Day 4: Approx. 18-22 NM
Day 5: Approx. 15-20 NM
Day 6: Approx. 25-30 NM
Day 7: Approx. 25-30 NM
Estimated total distance: approximately 130-150 nautical miles.
All distances and stops 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 coastline between Marmaris and the Gulf of Fethiye offers numerous sheltered bays, although conditions can vary considerably depending on wind direction. During summer, afternoon breezes and north-westerly winds may strengthen.
A degree of flexibility is an important part of a traditional gulet cruise. The captain may adjust an anchorage or stop to take advantage of better conditions and provide a safer and more comfortable experience for guests.
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 experience is completed by breakfasts and lunches on deck, sunset drinks, dinners prepared by the onboard chef and peaceful evenings under the stars in secluded bays along Turkey's Turquoise Coast.
This itinerary is intended as a suggested cruising programme rather than a fixed schedule. Traditional gulet itineraries are deliberately flexible, and the captain may modify the order of visits, overnight anchorages and cruising distances according to weather, sea conditions, anchorage availability and the operational requirements of the yacht.
Passenger safety and comfort always take priority over the published itinerary.