BLUE CRUISES AND YACHT TOURS
A Blue Cruise voyage of Turkey will relax you, then reawaken your imagination and spirit of adventure. Escape the stress of everyday life and take a plunge into the crystal blue waters of the Turquoise Coast.
A Turkish gulet cruise will take you back thousands of years as you dock in historic ports, climb among ancient ruins and see sunken cities along the Aegean and Mediterranean Coasts. The Blue Voyage takes you to quiet secluded bays, sandy beaches, unspoiled coves, picturesque coastal villages and scores of islands. Swim in the clean waters, or take in the rays of the sun on deck and just let time float away…
What it's like to take a Blue Cruise - life onboard a gulet
A traditional cruise in a gulet is nothing like taking a cruise on a large cruise ship. The blue cruise does not involve any open sea cruise. It is an outdoors event, which combines the sea, sun, nature, history, people, fun and great food (Turkish). The gulets cruise by motor and rarely set sails. The cruising time is usually limited to 2-3 hours per day. Gulets cruise very close to the shore and most of the time in bays or coves, so you rarely encounter rough waters. The gulet usually anchors overnight in tiny coves about 20-30 meters from the shore. During a normal one- week cruise 2 or 3 nights are spent docked in the marina of a coastal town where you can shop, dine at restaurants or enjoy the nightlife.
During the blue cruise you will have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, swim and snorkel in the clean blue waters, sunbathe or go to the shore and trek or explore ancient ruins around. Water sports are available for an extra fee such as water ski, jet-ski, windsurfing and banana boat. In the daytime we cruise for a few hours and may sail if the wind allows. Near lunch and dinnertime, we approach the shore and drop anchor in a solitary bay, near ruins, a small village or off an island. There will be at least two interesting stops each day where there is the opportunity to swim, fish, snorkel, windsurf, sunbathe, take a trip ashore or just read under the shade of the sun awning. The main goal is relaxation and recreation. Group cabin charters are not for prudish people as it is not uncommon for guests to shed their swimsuit tops. The evening on the gulet will start with a delicious dinner or sometimes a grill. Often the captain and crew plan some surprise entertainment, such as competitions, music and song, so that the guests can have fun and get to know each other better. Gulet cruises are open to people of every nation, and likely you will meet people from a different country or countries while taking the blue cruise.
What to bring on a Blue Cruise
Since you will be spending most of your time in a bathing suit, it is a good idea to bring at least two. There are no washing facilities on most gulets, but the captain will certainly lend you a bucket for a hand-wash, and there may be some opportunities to get clothing washed, but you will find that you really do not need so much in the way of clothing. We recommend a pair of long pants/slacks/jeans for land exploration as many of the trails and ancient sites are not cleared and you will be following goat trails with some prickly brush. Both a long and short-sleeved shirt are recommended, as well as a visor or head covering.
Evenings may be cool, especially during early or late season, so you should bring a pullover and windbreaker. Normal street shoes are not acceptable on board a gulet or yacht. Bring soft-soled shoes or go barefoot. Pack your beach towel, plenty of sunscreen, prescription medication, and sunglasses.
You may also want to bring your own snorkels, flippers and goggles if you plan on doing lots of snorkeling, but they are normally provided on a gulet. Bed linens and towels for use in the cabins are provided on the gulet. You may expect only a set of sheets on the bed during high summer, and a bottom sheet and thick cotton sheet during the spring and autumn months. If you would like to sleep beneath the stars on deck, pack a sleeping bag. We suggest you bring your belongings in a collapsible bag, rather than a suitcase, as bags are much easier to stow away. Pack light, as cabin space is limited, and bring a light daypack for shore excursions.
Below are some blue cruise gulet cabin charter itineraries in Turkey which may also be done privately although the cost is higher. If you can not find an itinerary that suits you, please feel free to contact us for other available itineraries.
Fethiye-Olympos/Olympos-Fethiye Gulet Cruise (4 Days/ 3 Nights- Full Board)
Marmaris-Fethiye-Marmaris Gulet Cruise ( 8 Days/7 Nights-Full Board)
Marmaris-Fethiye Gulet Cruise (5 Days/4 Nights-Full Board)
Bodrum-Gokova-Bodrum Gulet Cruise (8 Days/7 Nights-Full Board)
