Turkey is one of the most popular and scenic destinations in the world for gulet cruises, and there is a gulet or yacht for every budget and preference. And Marmaris can be considered as the Mediterranean paradise and is also a major centre for blue cruise and gulet holidays, as well as luxury yacht charter in Turkey. The beauty of sailing along the 1124 km of Mugla coastline will make you experience and enjoy an excellent variety of isolated coves and bays, secluded beaches, turquoise waters, and a wide choice of places to moor in.
What is Blue Cruise & Gulet Holidays?
Blue Cruise, also known as Blue Voyage, is a unique sailing holiday concept particular to Turkey, made by the traditional Gulets and unique to Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean turquoise coasts. It has been popular in Turkey for many years. The very long coastline is a surprise of nature in the company of isolated bays, wonderful beaches, historic scenes and wonders of nature.
The word “Gulet” means “wooden boat” in Turkish, and it is the type of vessel typically used for Blue Cruising. Gulets are spacious, comfortable, and equipped with all the amenities you would expect from a luxury yacht.
Most travelers thinking of a different type of vacation rather than staying in their hotels and enjoying the sun and the sea prefer to take a blue cruise and gulet holidays in their vacation plans.
The Mediterranean and Aegean coastline of Turkey is a treasure-chest of coves, inlets, bays and beaches. The yachtsmen may easily find a anchoring or mooring area for every night. Blue cruise & gulet holidays in Marmaris Turkey also offers activities such as swimming in the crystal clear waters, fishing, water-skiing, wind-surfing and diving for the true sea lovers.
You’ll admire the beautiful pine-covered hills plunging into the sea, turquoise waters, natural fine golden sandy beaches, natural parks and idyllic coves from Marmaris through Hisaronu, Gokova, Datca, Bodrum, Fethiye, Gocek, and Antalya by a superb yacht charter Turkey.
The ancient cities of Knidos, Kaunos, Telmessos, Antiphellos, Myra, Olympos, Phaselis and the rock-tombs in the Lycian cities await you for a wonderful experience. As a summary, travelers are attending to a one to seven days (or more) trips with gullet yachts and are enjoying the turquoise waters, beaches, bays and coasts.
What is a Gulet?
A gulet is a wooden motor sailing yacht built for blue cruising. Most gulets can be considered as wooden and motor yachts as well as they all have sails too. These yachts are built for you to spend your days on the deck during the charter. Spacious decks and housing a large stern half moon shaped dining and lounging area are the gulet’s main specialties.
They are usually made of pine or mahogany and are beautifully crafted by skilled craftsmen. They range in size from small 2-3 cabin vessels to large luxury yachts with 10 or more cabins.
The passenger capacity of a gulet varies 4 and 16 according to the size. They all have a wide deck in the front parts for sunbathing. The mid-ship parts are used for the bar, kitchen and living room. The stern deck mostly used for resting as well. Seating, dining tables, bar and kitchen take place in this enclosed area.
The cabins take place in the lower deck. A gulet can also be considered as a small hotel afloat. They have an approximate speed of 8 to 11 knots.
Gulets come in different types, but most of them have a wide beam, which gives them plenty of room for outdoor living space. The cabins are comfortable, and some even have en-suite bathrooms. There are also indoor and outdoor dining areas, lounging areas, and a sun deck.
Why Take Turkey Blue Cruise & Gulet Holidays?
- The coastline is breathtakingly beautiful and offers a variety of stunning landscapes, from rugged cliffs to sandy beaches, and hidden coves to bustling ports.
- You’ll have an excellent holidays on deck, and avoid the crowd of the typical holidays on land.
- You’ll be able to see variety of heavenly places and hidden gems, such as isolated bays, coves, secluded beaches, ancient cities, towns, that you wouldn’t see them on that fast and within a good amount of period.
- You’ll have plenty of swimming, sunbathing, relaxing on board, do watersports, islands and towns exploring, shopping, luxury and fine dining and wining on board or at the coastal restaurants, and many more.
- You’ll be able to jump directly to the sea from the boat.
- You’ll able to visit numerous beaches and enjoy walking and swimming there, no need for walking to the beaches like you do on a typical hotel holiday.
- You’ll have great times with your group of friends or family while cruising along the beautiful coasts of Turkey.
- You’ll not have to worry about cooking, cleaning or any other logistics during your gulet holidays.
- The weather is warm and sunny from May to October, making it an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors.
- The Turkish people are known for their hospitality and are always welcoming to visitors.
- Turkish cuisine is delicious and varied, with many local dishes to try.
- There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, from swimming and snorkeling to hiking and sightseeing.
Video Tour
Blue Cruise from Marmaris
Marmaris is one of the most popular starting points for a Blue Cruise holiday in Turkey. Its proximity to the International airports in Dalaman, Bodrum, Izmir and Rhodes, and its location being where Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, make Marmaris one of the best blue cruising destinations in Turkey and Europe. From here, you can choose from a variety of routes that will take you to some of the most beautiful and historic sites along the Turkish coast.
Blue cruise & gulet holidays in Marmaris Turkey usually starts in early May and goes on till late October. Sailing lovers will find many exciting routes and boat categories to choose from. The cruises made along the coasts of Marmaris through the Bodrum and Antalya region, covering an area of about 350 nautical miles.
The coasts are undulated and curly which increase the sailing distance, as this is the unique feature of the Blue Voyage. Isolated bays, ancient cities, nice villages and gorgeous beaches worth seeing.
Some of the top routes to consider:
The most popular blue cruising routes are made Datca, Karacasogut, Gulf of Gokova, Gulf of Hisaronu, Bodrum, Gocek, Fethiye, Finike and Antalya.
Marmaris to Fethiye
This route takes you along the Lycian coast, stopping at picturesque towns and villages along the way. Highlights include the Dalyan River, the rock tombs of Myra, and the stunning Butterfly Valley.
Marmaris to Bodrum
This route takes you along the Carian coast, where you can explore ancient ruins, charming villages, and idyllic bays. Highlights include the ancient city of Knidos, the bustling town of Datca, and the stunning Gulf of Gokova.
Marmaris to Greek Islands
If you want to explore the Greek Islands, this route is perfect for you. It takes you to some of the most beautiful islands in the Aegean, including Rhodes, Symi, and Kos.
Things to Plan Before You Book
Before you make enquiry or plan your blue cruise from Marmaris Turkey, you’ll need to decide the number of people you plan on taking on the boat, the duration of your holidays, and whether you want a skipper or not. Also make sure that if you don’t have a qualified captain within your group, you’ll need one.
You’ll need to plan whether you would go your blue cruise holidays with a sailing or motor yacht experience, because there will be big differences regarding the operation and experience of the boat.
Time of year
The season for Blue Cruising in Turkey runs from May to October, but peak season is typically July and August. Consider the weather during the time you plan to visit and make sure it aligns with your expectations.
Group size
How many people will be joining you on the trip? This will help determine the size of the gulet you will need and can affect the overall cost.
Budget
Determine how much you are willing to spend on your Blue Cruise & Gulet Holiday and what type of gulet fits within your budget.
Route and Itinerary
Research the various routes and itineraries available from Marmaris and decide which one aligns with your interests and preferences.
Food and Drink
Determine if the gulet offers a full-board option, which includes all meals and drinks, or if you prefer to have more flexibility in your food choices.
Additional Activities
Consider if you would like to participate in any additional activities during your Blue Cruise, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or hiking. Make sure to choose a gulet that offers these activities or can arrange them for you.
How to Book Your Turkey Gulet Holidays?
* First of all, you’ll need to find an authorized and trusted charter agent who offers range of sailing yachts, motor yachts, gulets, catamarans and speedboats with different shapes and sizes and will assist you with every aspect of your gulet charter, from start to finish.
* Blue cruise and gulet holidays are usually booked weekly or 10-day programs.
* You can rent your own gulet or yacht in groups with your family, friends or loved ones. This is called yacht/gulet charter.
* If you are alone, couple or with a small number of friends, you can join the blue cruise in between mixed groups, which is called cabin charter.
* You are able to find lots of good charter agents providing gulet holidays. If you are asking our recommendations as insiders, here we only suggest the proven ways and top rated ones with travelers’ comments.
Whether you choose a standard, luxury, or deluxe gulet, you can rest assured that you will experience an unforgettable and unique vacation. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect gulet for your needs.
However, with the help of a reputable yacht broker, you can easily find the right gulet or yacht for you and your group. Don’t hesitate to start planning your dream gulet cruise in Turkey today!