Turkey's Turquoise Coast, also known as the Turkish Riviera, offers an unparalleled maritime experience through its traditional wooden sailing vessels called gulets and yachts. For travelers seeking an authentic and immersive journey without the commitment of chartering an entire yacht, weekly cabin charters present an ideal solution. This guide provides a detailed overview of what to expect from a Turkish cabin charter, exploring its advantages and disadvantages, highlighting key departure ports, and offering practical advice for an unforgettable voyage.
A cabin charter, often referred to as a "Blue Cruise" or "Blue Voyage," involves booking a single cabin on a shared gulet. This model allows individual travelers or small groups to experience the beauty of the Turkish coastline, sharing the vessel and its crew with other guests. Gulets, typically ranging from 20 to 30 meters in length, are designed for comfort and can accommodate between 3 to 10 cabins, each with its own private bathroom. The season for these cruises generally runs from May to October, with peak demand occurring in July and August.
Choosing a cabin charter offers a unique set of benefits and considerations that travelers should weigh before booking.
Turkey offers several vibrant departure ports, each providing access to distinct regions of the Turquoise Coast and catering to different traveler preferences.
Bodrum is renowned for its upscale atmosphere and lively nightlife. It serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Gulf of Gökova, a popular route featuring picturesque islands and secluded bays. Highlights include Orak Island, known for its crystal-clear waters, the historic Seven Islands, and Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island) with its unique shell sand beach. The ancient ruins of English Harbor and the iconic Bodrum Castle, home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, add cultural depth to the cruise.
Marmaris is a bustling resort town characterized by its large marina and pine-clad hills. Cruises from Marmaris often explore routes towards Fethiye or the tranquil Gulf of Hisarönü. A significant highlight is the excursion to Dalyan, where travelers can visit the ancient Caunos ruins, indulge in mud baths, and relax on the protected Turtle Beach (Iztuzu Beach). Ekincik Bay is another popular stop, offering serene natural beauty.
Fethiye is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and as the gateway to the famous Lycian Way. It is a common departure point for cruises heading towards Marmaris or the historical region of Kekova. Key attractions include the breathtaking Butterfly Valley, the iconic Blue Lagoon of Ölüdeniz, and Gemile Island, known for its Byzantine ruins. The Fethiye region also boasts the picturesque 12 Islands, offering numerous opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
Gocek is an upscale yachting hub, famous for its calm, sheltered bays and sophisticated ambiance. It is the ideal base for exploring the 12 Islands of Gocek, a cluster of beautiful islands and coves. Notable stops include Cleopatra's Bath (Hamam Bay), Tersane Island with its historical shipyard, and the serene Bedri Rahmi Bay, adorned with rock paintings.
While Antalya itself is a major city with a historical Old Town (Kaleiçi) and modern amenities, cabin charters typically depart from Kemer, a resort town south of Antalya. These cruises often head towards the captivating region of Kekova. The main highlight is the Sunken City of Kekova, an ancient Lycian settlement submerged due to an earthquake. Other notable sites include the charming village of Simena (Kaleköy) with its medieval castle, the impressive Myra (Demre) rock tombs, and the ancient city of Olympos.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable cabin charter experience, consider the following practical details:
The cost of a weekly cabin charter typically ranges from €600 to €1750 per person, depending on the season, gulet class, and specific operator. This price usually includes full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea). However, drinks, particularly alcoholic beverages, are often extra.
Check-in for cabin charters usually begins between 15:30 and 16:00 on Saturdays. It is common for the gulet to spend the first night anchored in the departure harbor, allowing all guests to arrive and settle in. Most often you will not start the cruise the first day, unlike in private charters. Check-out typically occurs after breakfast, around 09:00 to 10:30, on the following Saturday.
| Port | Nearest Airport | Approximate Transfer Time | Common Docking Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodrum | Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) | 35-45 minutes | Bodrum Municipal Marina or Halikarnas |
| Marmaris | Dalaman Airport (DLM) | 90 minutes | Marmaris Netsel Marina or Municipal Quay |
| Fethiye | Dalaman Airport (DLM) | 45-60 minutes | Fethiye Municipal Marina |
| Gocek | Dalaman Airport (DLM) | 20-25 minutes | Gocek Village Port or D-Marin |
| Antalya (Kemer) | Antalya Airport (AYT) | 60 minutes (to Kemer) | Kemer Marina |
It is highly recommended to arrive at your departure town a day in advance to mitigate any flight delays and allow time to explore the local area before embarkation.
There are occasionally 4-day charters available.
When packing for a gulet cruise, prioritize soft-sided luggage or duffel bags, as hard suitcases can be challenging to store in the compact cabins. Essential items include swimwear, ample sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen), and casual, comfortable clothing. For those prone to motion sickness, sea-sickness medication is advisable. Please note that the boats cruise a maximum of four hours per day.
The crew-to-guest ratio on cabin charters is typically around 1:4, with 3-4 crew members serving 10-16 guests. While professional, the service is not as bespoke as on a private charter. Tipping is customary and generally suggested at €50-€100 per guest per week, to be distributed among the crew. It is also wise to carry some Turkish Lira for small purchases in remote bays or local markets, although Euros and Dollars are often accepted for larger payments or tips.