Turkey's Blue Cruise: A Guide to Gulet Holidays on the Turquoise Coast

A Turkish blue cruise is one of the most relaxed holidays imaginable. You spend a week on a wooden gulet, moving from one pine-fringed bay to the next, swimming off the back of the boat before breakfast and eating fresh meals on deck under the stars. Here's how it works and how to choose your route.

Choosing your route

1. Fethiye to Olympos (Lycian coast)

The most popular cabin-charter route follows the Lycian coast from Fethiye towards Olympos, passing Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kaş, Kekova's sunken city and the castle village of Kaleköy (Simena). Most trips spend the final morning near Olympos and continue by road to Antalya.

2. Göcek and the Twelve Islands

The Gulf of Fethiye, around Göcek, has dozens of sheltered coves, small islands and waterside restaurants. It's calm, green and close to Dalaman Airport – ideal for families and first-time sailors.

3. Bodrum and the Gulf of Gökova

From Bodrum, gulets head east into the Gulf of Gökova, with clear water, few roads and bays such as English Harbour and Cleopatra's Island (Sedir), famous for its fine sand. A good choice if you want to combine a cruise with a few nights in Bodrum.

4. Marmaris and the Bozburun peninsula

Marmaris boats explore the rugged Bozburun and Datça peninsulas and the ancient ruins of Knidos – quieter and wilder than the Lycian route.

Choosing your boat

5. Cabin charter or private gulet?

On a cabin charter you book one cabin and share the boat with other travellers on a fixed route – the most affordable option. A private gulet gives your group the whole boat, a crew and a flexible route, and is good value for families or groups of friends who can fill all the cabins.

6. What to check before booking

Ask about cabin size and air-conditioning (often only run at certain times), the number of bathrooms, what's included (meals, water, soft drinks, harbour fees) and what's extra (alcohol, marine park fees, tips). Read recent reviews of the specific boat, not just the agency.

On board

• Life is informal: barefoot on deck, swimsuits all day, shared meals.
• Water and electricity are limited – short showers, and bring a power bank.
• Cabins are compact; pack light in a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water shoes and a light jumper for evenings.
• Tipping the crew at the end of the week is customary.

Getting there

Fethiye and Göcek are closest to Dalaman Airport, Bodrum has its own airport (Milas-Bodrum), and Marmaris is reached from Dalaman. Kemer and Olympos are near Antalya. Check whether your operator includes airport transfers, as gulets usually board in the afternoon.