Final Up to date on March 12, 2025
Crusing in Turkey affords an interesting mix of historic historical past, turquoise waters, and secluded coves. Right here’s my information that will help you plan a crusing journey.
Turkey doesn’t normally come to thoughts with regards to crusing adventures. Most individuals go crusing in Greece and Croatia, possibly Italy and France, however Turkey? It comes as a shock to many who the Turkish Riviera affords a number of the most superb crusing routes, dotted with cerulean waters, charismatic fishing cities and the freshest seafood yow will discover.
After my earlier escapades crusing in Greece and island hopping in Croatia, I actually didn’t count on a lot from my journey to Turkey. However this lovely nation was above and past my expectations. We spent every week aboard a gullet (conventional picket yacht of Turkey), crusing from Fethiye to Olympos close to Antalya, and completely cherished our time.
Every day unfolded like a dream — waking to morning dips within the heat sea, wandering by historic ruins steeped in historical past and feasting on Turkish meals. Evenings had been simply as magical, sipping drinks in vigorous fishing ports the place the scent of grilled fish stuffed the air. That will help you plan your journey, right here’s an in depth information to crusing in Turkey, full of suggestions and sensible insights to make sure a memorable expertise.
Crusing in Turkey Information
The place to Sail in Turkey?
In Turkey, you may select to sail within the Aegean Sea or alongside the Mediterranean Coast. The Aegean Sea is ideal for island-hopping and lazing on distant seashores. However, the Mediterranean route affords a glimpse into genuine Turkey, resulting in bazaars and historic historic websites.
- Aegean Coast – Stretching from Izmir to Bodrum, this area is dotted with breathtaking islands, every boasting white-sand seashores, fascinating ruins, and welcoming seaside tavernas. Bodrum, the primary crusing hub, is a vibrant metropolis set on a picturesque peninsula close to the Greek island of Kos. Right here, you’ll encounter medieval historical past and a buzzing nightlife.
- Mediterranean Coast – Turkey’s Mediterranean route stretches from Bodrum to Antalya, revealing a rugged but enchanting panorama. Right here, steep cliffs give method to hidden bays, untouched seashores, and plush pine forests. Marmaris is the area’s premier crusing hub, boasting a vigorous waterfront promenade lined with cafés, bazaars, and boutique retailers. Yachts might be chartered from Fethiye, Göcek, Finike, and Kemer.
Crusing the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey
For our Turkey crusing journey, we opted for the Mediterranean Sea as a result of we needed to see the extra genuine aspect of this lovely nation. We chartered Turkish Blue cruise gulet boats from Fethiye and went on an journey of a lifetime.
With towering mountains shielding us from sturdy winds, the crusing situations had been almost excellent, with easy crusing seas and incredible climate. The Gulf of Fethiye shortly turned a favourite, with its untouched coves and dramatic landscapes. Ölüdeniz, with its well-known turquoise lagoon, was my private favourite spot.
My daughter was over the moon on the blissful Butterfly Valley. And rightly so! Right here, we noticed fluttering butterflies dancing amongst waterfalls and rocky cliffs. Additional alongside, the sunken ruins of Kekova area emerged from the crystal-clear waters like echoes of an historic world. The charming city of Kaş welcomed us with its vibrant marine life, superbly preserved amphitheater, in addition to groves of almonds, oranges, lemons, and bananas.
Greatest Time to Sail in Turkey
The crusing season in Turkey usually runs from April to the tip of October or early November. Nevertheless, I extremely recommend you propose your journey in Could-June or September-October (shoulder seasons). Throughout these months, the Turkish shoreline enjoys heat climate, glorious crusing situations, and few crowds.
That’s what makes crusing in Turkey excellent for vacationers looking for to go off the crushed path and away from crowded, touristy areas. We sailed within the first week of October and we hardly noticed another vacationers. Other than a couple of yachts we encountered at Ölüdeniz, we had been just about alone many of the journey. The seashores solely had a handful of individuals and the motels had been surprisingly reasonably priced.
Additionally, planning your journey in any of those months means you’ll keep away from Meltemi wind, which incessantly blows in July and August. The meltemi is a robust, dry wind that may have an effect on crusing situations, particularly within the Aegean Sea. Examine climate forecasts each day and be ready to change your route or search shelter if crucial.
How Lengthy to Sail in Turkey?
Most Turkish crusing holidays final round 7-8 days. One week is sufficient time to see the hidden seashores, lovely cities, get pleasure from native delicacies, and scour the underseas. If it’s your first time in Turkey, I’d suggest spending not less than 2 weeks in Turkey.
That will offer you sufficient time to discover different components of Turkey and throw in adventures like sizzling air balloon rides in Cappadocia, exploring the traditional ruins in Esphesus and absorbing the travertines of Pamukkale. On our journey to Turkey, we spent 7 days crusing throughout the Mediterranean and one other week exploring Istanbul.
Greatest Method to Sail in Turkey
Turkey affords a trove of boat choices for scouring its shoreline. Relying on the crusing tour or firm you go for, you’ll have round 3 choices; yacht, catamaran, and gulet. For our journey, we opted for a gulet as a result of it’s distinctive to Turkey and we’d already been on a yacht and catamaran.
Yachts
Crusing alongside Turkey’s lovely shoreline on a yacht is an accessible and versatile expertise, with a variety of choices to suit any finances. Yachts differ in dimension, usually ranging from round 10 meters to a whole bunch of toes. Yacht leases in Turkey usually vary from $160 to $1,800 per day, permitting you to decide on one of the best vessel based mostly in your preferences and finances plans.
Catamaran
A catamaran is an distinctive method to expertise the beautiful Mediterranean views with out sacrificing consolation. The catamaran is solely a ship with two parallel hulls. It derives its title from the Tamil phrase “kattumaram,” which means “logs certain collectively,” reflecting its design.
Preferrred for these looking for an expensive but adventurous journey, catamarans present a easy and secure crusing expertise. Ranging in worth from $480 to $3,120, these vessels are outfitted with varied facilities, making certain you’ve got the whole lot you want for a relaxed crusing journey.
Turkish Gulet
Turkey’s picturesque shoreline is greatest explored on a conventional gulet. These picket crusing vessels are a standard sight in coastal cities like Bodrum and Marmaris. Gulets usually have spacious decks and cozy cabins.
Gulet leases in Turkey begin from $150 to $22,500 per day. Whereas these charges can really feel painfully costly, the expertise is nicely value it. For our sail throughout the Turkish Riviera, we opted for Turkish Blue cruise gulet boats and it was fairly the expertise.
We had the choice of choosing out a gulet based mostly on our finances and most well-liked experiences. We additionally obtained an expert crew that ensured we had the whole lot we wanted on our sails. It was an unbelievably distinctive journey throughout the Blue Cruise route.
What It’s Prefer to Sail in Turkey
Our Turkey crusing journey was the proper mixture of leisure and exercise. It was an opportunity to unwind in picturesque settings whereas having fun with the joy of exploring new locations. Every day unfolds at a leisurely tempo, beginning with a espresso or a refreshing dip within the indigo sea after waking up.
Right here’s how our typical day was like throughout as we sailed by the Turkish Riviera;
- 8+am: There’s no rush to begin the day, so we casually emerge from our cabins and both get pleasure from a quiet morning espresso or dive into the clear waters.
- 9am: A scrumptious Turkish breakfast is served, that includes recent fruit, yogurt, and a number of sizzling dishes like scrambled eggs, menemen (Turkish-style eggs), and simit (sesame-crusted bread).
- 10am: We set sail, and the group enjoys the liberty to lounge on the deck or curl up with a e book underneath the shade of the sails.
- 1pm: We anchor at a hidden swim spot or dock in an enthralling city, the place our host serves a scrumptious Mediterranean-inspired lunch—maybe grilled sea bass, köfte (Turkish meatballs), or a recent meze platter.
- 3pm: Time to discover! Whether or not wandering by city, going for a hike, or discovering secluded seashores, there’s at all times one thing new to expertise. One among my favourite days was once we stopped at Kaş and ventured to the hillsides to see almonds.
- 8pm: We head ashore for dinner, usually sharing a meal with fellow vacationers, although some evenings we go for a romantic dinner by the ocean. The Turkish seafood is unparalleled, and every restaurant we visited exceeded expectations.
- 10+pm: After dinner, we both get pleasure from drinks with our journey companions. We’d then return to the boat for a peaceable night time underneath the celebs, reflecting on one other excellent day of crusing in Turkey.
Meals in Turkey
Whereas crusing in Turkey, the meals expertise was nothing in need of wonderful. We had a each day unfold of recent, Mediterranean-inspired meals onboard the Turkish gulet. Breakfast and lunch had been included, and we loved quite a lot of wholesome and flavorful dishes like Adana kebab, köfte (Turkish meatballs), and lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza).
For breakfast, we had scrumptious menemen, a dish with eggs, tomatoes, and peppers. On some days, we had dolma—grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and minced meat. Every night, we ventured off the boat to charming taverns and hilltop eating places with breathtaking views.
In Kaş, we indulged in native favorites like dolma at Keyf-i Dem Restaurant. My daughter cherished this dish, so I needed to be taught the recipe and put together it again at dwelling. I additionally cherished the Turkish pizza at Beyhude Meyhane, meals listed here are accompanied by reside music. Crusing throughout the Mediterranean left me fully in love with Turkish delicacies and it really was probably the greatest meals experiences I’ve ever had!
Value of Crusing in Turkey
The price of a crusing journey in Turkey can differ, however for our one-week Blue Cruise journey, we paid round €845 (round $915) per individual. Whereas it’s not the most affordable crusing tour obtainable, it offers glorious worth for the expertise. This worth consists of lodging aboard an expensive gulet, with all breakfasts, lunches, and drinks lined all through the journey. If you happen to’re searching for a extra budget-friendly possibility, intention for September and October.
Past crusing, Turkey is an reasonably priced vacation spot, providing an incredible worth for cash in comparison with many different European nations. Eating out is fairly priced, with breakfast usually starting from $9-$15, lunch between $7 and $25, and dinner costing anyplace from $17 to $40. Espresso is round $4 whereas road meals or quick meals might be discovered for round $8.
Lodging can also be fairly reasonably priced, with 3-star motels averaging $90.74 per night time, offering a strong steadiness of consolation and price. For a barely extra luxurious keep, 4-star motels are priced round $107.82 per night time whereas 5-star motels are available at round $136.32 per night time. Bear in mind, costs differ city to city. In busy hubs like Antalya, eating at a restaurant is costlier than in Ölüdeniz or Kaş.
Who Do You Sail With?
Relying on the expertise you search, you may decide to hire a whole gulet or share it with different vacationers. If you happen to’re touring with a big group of buddies or household, it would make extra sense to hire a whole gulet. Alternatively, you may e book a crusing tour, like we did, and see who you find yourself sharing the journey with.
On our sails throughout the Turkish Riviera, we shared our gulet with a vigorous household from Argentina. They’d a woman who was across the identical age as my daughter, Kaleya. They had been super-friendly and simple to get together with, and Kaleya even made a long-lasting friendship. They nonetheless often chat on the cellphone.
Issues to Know Earlier than Crusing in Turkey
Get Prepared for Movement Illness
Most leisure crusing journeys in Turkey keep near the coast, which typically reduces the danger of seasickness since land stays at all times in sight. On our crusing journey, we didn’t get any movement illness in any respect however it all relies on the route you’re taking, the ocean situations and the climate throughout your go to.
To forestall movement illness, it’s greatest to remain on deck within the recent air. Keep away from going under except crucial, and maintain your gaze within the path of journey. Medicine may also be an enormous assist typically—take Dramamine an hour earlier than departure. It ought to assist calm the nerves, however be aware of the dosage pointers—one to 2 tablets each 4 to 6 hours as wanted.
Crusing Could be Tremendous Enjoyable
Crusing was usually essentially the most relaxed time of our journey. Each time we left the seaside or harbor for a brand new vacation spot, the silence would envelope the group. I’m not usually one to take a seat nonetheless for lengthy, however there was one thing concerning the light rocking of the boat and the limitless horizon that made it easy to do nothing in any respect.
Hours slipped by as I gazed out on the sea, often drifting off into essentially the most peaceable naps I’ve ever had. The opposite couple additionally naturally settled into their very own rhythms—basking within the solar on the higher deck.
You Don’t Want Crusing Expertise
You don’t want any crusing expertise to go on a visit throughout the Turkish Riviera. Our skipper and host took care of the whole lot, we simply helped out typically with getting the fenders overboard, holding the ropes or decreasing the anchor. It’s nothing terribly arduous or tiring. You’ll be able to participate within the crusing as a lot or as little as you want.
You’ll Sleep in Tight Quarters
Cabins on a Turkish gulet will not be like resort rooms, and it’s necessary to set your expectations accordingly. However relying on how far you may stretch your finances, they will nonetheless be fairly snug. Although you’ll seemingly spend most of your time on deck, absorbing the solar, swimming, eating, and exploring new locations.
Our cabin was surprisingly spacious. We had a double mattress with ample storage compartments on either side and extra house beneath the mattress. Since storage is restricted, packing gentle is important—ideally, follow a carry-on, as giant suitcases merely received’t match. The cabin was additionally well-equipped with two-pin European-style plug sockets and USB ports, making certain units may keep charged with a gradual energy provide.
How you can Get Journey Insurance coverage
Most constitution firms require you to have journey insurance coverage earlier than you sail with them. I at all times suggest vacationers to purchase journey insurance coverage whether or not you’re crusing in Turkey for 1 week or touring Turkey for months. Having journey insurance coverage has helped me by the instances once we misplaced our baggage, our flights obtained canceled/delayed, and once we had our valuables stolen.
You by no means know what’s going to occur, so it’s at all times clever to have insurance coverage. Learn my information to getting journey insurance coverage. Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I exploit their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as another sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date.
What to Pack for a Turkey Crusing Journey
Packing gentle is essential if you happen to’re planning on crusing in Turkey. You’ll be spending most of your time within the water, so positively get a lot of sun-proof gear. I like to recommend bringing sun-proof rashguards that may shield your pores and skin whereas snorkeling.
KEEN footwear or regular sandals are actually helpful for water actions. If you happen to don’t like getting your sandals moist, you positively want water footwear as most of the seashores in Turkey are pebble seashores studded with sea urchins.
Packing Record for a Turkey Crusing Journey
Sensible Ideas for Crusing in Turkey
- The Turkish Aegean Sea is often calmer than the Turkish Mediterranean, significantly in the summertime months. No matter the place the journey takes you, there’s nonetheless an opportunity of experiencing uneven waters. If you happen to do endure from sea illness, be sure you carry sea-sickness bracelets or medicines. Keep above deck and maintain your eye on the horizon line.
- Despite the fact that the skipper and host deal with the whole lot, you may assist with getting the fenders overboard, holding the ropes or decreasing the anchor. On the whole, you may participate within the crusing of the yacht as a lot or as little as you want.
- There won’t be WiFi in your boat (it relies on which vessel you’re crusing with), so it’s clever to purchase eSIMs from Airalo beforehand so you may have 5G web in your cellphone.
- Attempt to pack gentle (carry-on provided that you may) as a result of a big suitcase received’t match within the cabin.
- Use solely biodegradable sunscreen (or reef-friendly sunscreen) when crusing in Turkey.
Get pleasure from Crusing in Turkey!
The Turkish Riviera was one of many greatest surprises throughout my crusing adventures throughout Europe. It felt like drifting by a dream of deep blue waters and sun-soaked landscapes. Hopefully, our information will show you how to take advantage of your time crusing in Turkey.
You’ll want to depart a remark under you probably have any questions. We’ll be completely happy to assist in any manner we will! Listed below are my different articles associated to Turkey and crusing throughout Europe:
Disclaimer: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks to firms I exploit and belief. I get a small fee whenever you click on on my hyperlinks, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.
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