The Blue Cruise, or Mavi Yolculuk as it is known in Turkish, is a sailing voyage along the southwestern coast of Turkey, from Bodrum to Antalya. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the most beautiful bays, ancient cities and secluded coves in the Mediterranean.
Please note: The full Bodrum to Antalya route covers approximately 500 kilometres of coastline. Weekly charters cover only a portion of this route. Your captain will plan the exact itinerary based on weather, season, and your preferences.
Whether you join for a week or longer, you will experience the same turquoise waters, pine-covered hills, and ancient ruins that have made the Blue Cruise famous around the world.
The cruise starts in Bodrum and follows the coast, exploring bays, ancient cities and ports, some of which are unreachable from the land. Guests relax under the clear blue sunny skies of the Mediterranean aboard a traditional Gulet, a handcrafted wooden yacht.
The route covers only a handful of the thousands of coves and inlets along this coastline. A wide range of blues, from turquoise to dark blue, and the green of the forest stretching down to the bays accompany guests throughout the journey.
Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassos, is the start of the tour. This is the home of King Mausolus's tomb, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. His wife, who also happens to be his sister, had this tomb built after King Mausolos' death to make his name immortal. Today, Bodrum is a lively port town with a castle, marina, and vibrant waterfront.
A cruise in the Gulf of Gökova starting from Bodrum offers many isolated inlets and bays where the pine forest meets the turquoise waters. It is possible to find that special private cove where you will be alone with nature. Mountains in the background make a splendid view.
Akbük Bay, hidden behind the forest, and Sedir Island with its gorgeous beach are among the most beautiful stops along the way.
Scuba diving, fishing, water skiing, windsurfing and snorkeling are some of the water sports guests may enjoy during the cruise. The Gulf has witnessed many trade ships over thousands of years, passing between Egyptian and Ionian (Greek) cities.
Knidos, the ancient Carian city, sits at the tip of the Gulf of Hisarönü adjacent to the Gulf of Gökova. The city, a prosperous commercial centre, had two harbours in both gulfs, one Aegean and the other Mediterranean. The remains of the temple and the theatre overlook the sea. This ancient city is not easily reachable by land.
The town of Datça, a popular port, and the ancient city of Loryma, which can only be reached by sea, are highlights of the gulf.
Marmaris Bay is next. This port was on the Anatolia–Rhodes–Egypt route centuries ago. Today, it is a busy resort town with a marina, castle and lively nightlife.
Cruising towards the east, guests reach Dalyan Bay, a natural preserve for sea turtles (Caretta caretta). They lay their eggs in the sandy beaches of this delta. Following the waterway inland, visitors can see the mysterious Lycian tombs carved into the rocky hills in the city of Caunos, an ancient Carian city.
Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) is the next stop on the cruise. It has one of the most beautiful beaches along the coast, a sheltered lagoon of calm, crystalline water that has become iconic of the Turkish Riviera.
Along the southwest coast of Turkey, there are many ancient Greek, Lycian and Carian cities which are either on the sea or very close to it.
Guests find nice mooring spots where they can swim and enjoy the scenery.
Xanthos, the Lycian capital, is the first stop on the eastward cruise. Patara Beach with its pure white sands stretches for miles, one of the longest sandy beaches in the Mediterranean.
The ancient Lycian town on Kekova Island was destroyed by an earthquake. The remains of houses along the shore are now in the sea and can be seen from above through the crystal-clear water.
Kale is the next town. Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) was the bishop of the town of Myra (Kale). He died here in 342 AD.
Slipping along the Kırlangıç Peninsula, the cruise enters the bay of Antalya. At the tip of the peninsula lies Mount Tahtalı (Mount Olympos). The city of Olympos, located in the mountains, is one of the well-preserved ancient cities in the Southwest. The ruins are hidden in laurel bushes and trees. The eternal fire of Olympos can be seen above — natural gas burning from vents in the earth. According to legend, the Chimera was a fire-spitting monster living in Lycia.
Weekly charters cover only a portion of the coast described above.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Vessel | Traditional Turkish Gulet (handcrafted wooden yacht) or yacht or motoryacht |
| Best Season | May to October |
| Includes | Accommodation, meals, captain and crew, harbour fees |
| Activities | Swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing, water sports, sightseeing |
A Blue Cruise is more than a holiday, it is an escape from the everyday. Guests wake to the sound of water lapping against the hull, swim in bays that few have seen, and walk among ruins that have stood for thousands of years. Fresh meals are prepared on board, sunsets are watched over the mountains, and nights are spent under a canopy of stars.
Whether you are a history lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for peace and relaxation, the Turquoise Coast has something for everyone.