Turkey Blue Voyage: Escape into the turquoise waters
Blue Voyages in Turkey are becoming a very popular way of exploring the beautiful Turkish coast. You get to see most of the places and live through the best holiday experiences in only a week! Where one is surrounded by the turquoise sea, the sun, pine trees, and the gentle breeze.
Who wrote this post and why should you pay attention?
My name is Mitja and I have started the Goolets company with my wife 16 years ago. Ever since I have personally inspected more than 500 gulets, yachts, motor sailors, and mini cruisers and cruised on well over 30 yachts for my own holidays.
Our main Emphasis has always been on one thing: THE CLIENT! We take care of everything – in a smart way.
So how do we organize your Turkish Blue Voyage experience?
For your Blue Voyage, we start with finding you a vessel and the crew. Priorities include your group's size, age, budget, and the goal of your holiday.
Then your route, activities, and food & drink preferences are taken care of by our 24/7 customer support team.
Lastly, we prepare and organize all necessary stuff for the embarkation day, so that you never have to worry about a thing!
We prepared this post so that you can discover all the best Blue voyage destinations, prices and top gulets available for private charter.
Let's start with the destinations first:
Bodrum
Once a small fishing village, today it is one of the most popular Blue Cruise destinations! The Bodrum Peninsula is located very nicely with the nearest airport being Milas Airport. Furthermore, Bodrum is Turkey’s top resort destination connected with the Aegean and bordering the Mediterranean, with more than a dozen towns and villages along its shores.
Here you will enjoy a nice mix of commercial, cultural and the unique. It offers many diverse activities for all age groups plus it is definitely one of the best starting points for gulet cruise. You can go on a walk around the town that has many unspoiled areas rich in natural beauty. However a must visit is Bodrum Castle built in the 15th century, overlooking the harbor. All in all, you will love the friendly and Bohemian atmosphere of the town.
Fethiye
Fethiye is located in a very picturesque bay at the foot of the mountains, sheltered by green pine and cedar forests. This extremely beautiful and peaceful resort has quite developed tourist infrastructure and over the years it became one of the most popular places in the Mediterranean.
When you visit this place you must explore breathtaking monumental Lycian Rock Tombs that are placed right alongside the harbor where your boat can anchor in Fethiye harbor. You can spend your afternoon on sandy beaches, or visit islands and bays where you can seek privacy. Sea temperature does not fall below 19°C throughout the year which is why this is your ideal spot for diving or snorkeling. If you want to experience pure adrenalin you can go paragliding, extreme whitewater rafting, or if you seek adventure take a jeep safari on the mountain roads.
There is truly something for everybody. Fethiye streets are full of shops, bars, and restaurants that offer a pleasant shopping experience for those who want to take it easy. History enthusiast has to visit Roman amphitheater located near the harbor of Fethiye with the ruins of the fortress of the Rhodes Knights.
Marmaris
Marmaris town is located in the southwest of Turkey in Muğla province. This town is special because of fact that it has one of the largest natural harbors in the world and it is overall very attractive holiday spot for tourists from all over the world. What makes it even better that Marmaris has regular connected flights with Dalaman / Muğla International Airport only 100km away.
The bay itself is surrounded by pristine nature and lush forest near the crystal clear sea that glistens under the hot sun. There are of course a number of coves with attractive seascapes worth of exploring too. We recommend you to get familiar with Marmaris historical sites that according to historian Herodotus, there has been a castle since 3000 BC, which has been converted into a museum now.
For those who want to be in the heart of the city in the lively atmosphere, you should head to little plaza close to the Ferry Dock leading into the old town full of colorful shops, cafes, restaurants and hundreds of luxury yachts in the summer months.
ÖlüDeniz
You might even see this place before without even realizing because ÖlüDeniz is known as the most photographed beach in Europe. This picture perfect place is not only dream come true for photographers but also for sports enthusiasts, adrenalin seekers. Or people who just want to enjoy on the beach under the sun.
Here you will have the option of paragliding, you will take off from Babadağ Mountain, 2000 m and fly over Ölü Deniz beach and Blue Lagoon and get to admire one of the best views in the world. However, we suggest looking into pre-booking this activity. If you do not feel so adventurous and you want to take some more easy going route, we suggest going on a hike to admire views or stay on the beach and have fun with some watersports or simply take a swim and relax. Good times are guaranteed no matter what action you choose.
Göcek
Göcek port might be very tiny town but a worldwide famous yachts come to anchor here. Göcek is surrounded by stunning scenery and pristine nature. You will be able to enjoy in beautiful islands scenery and sheltered bays where you can have fun with water toys.
During the day you can head to the city center and walk down the long street called Turgut Ozal Street that offers many shops, restaurants, bars all playing good international and local music. Downtown has a very short walk to parallel shopping street to the seaside. You can also find handmade silver jewelry, local ceramics, crochet works, Old and new Turkish Kilims, Antique items, trend fashion high-quality replica Handbags. This town truly has a special charm to it and if nothing else won you over, amazing food that this tiny town offers, definitely will!
Blue voyage destinations
Prices can range but usually, gulet charter prices can go from € 850 per person, per week to € 1.200 per person, per week. This price includes expenses such as the charter of a gulet, crew, fuel, full board, and port taxes. However, the budget is flexible and it might change depending on the quality of gulet you pick, and also most importantly the season of which you are planning to travel.
Blue Cruises – Low season
The low season is quite popular and many bookings happen during this time, which means the prices go up, but there is still room for negotiation. While in May and October it is fairly easy to get a really good deal, June and September takes more effort. The weather is nice but not too hot and the sea temperature will be refreshing.
Blue Cruises – High season
This is the highest season, July and August are usually the most popular season for booking. If you are traveling in high season the most important things are to find gulets that provide the best value for the price and for your money. We recommend you to book early to secure the gulet you really want and to get the best deals.
What is included and what is not included in charter prices?
Blue Cruise Charter Prices include crew (captain, chef, sailor, and sometimes also the hostess), fuel for cruising and the generator for air conditioning, and usage of equipment on board.
Prices generally don’t include food, tips, port taxes, and customs fees, or drinks, which you can buy in the supermarket and bring with you on the gulet.
Fuel for water sports is also usually extra but this is not a rule.
Best gulets for the blue voyage
Meira
Built of steel and aluminum in Turkey’s famous Neta Marine in Bodrum to a design by British naval architect Evan K Marshall, this 2018 luxury gulet is as sensational as you would expect. The maximum 12 guests aboard Meira will enjoy the attention of eleven crew, presided over by Captain Orhan, who has spent the greater part of his life at sea, everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean.
Cruising
Dining area
Master cabin
All About U 2
Built in 2019, this elegantly designed, 50-meter long yacht has 6 luxury en suites for accommodating 12 guests on board, with a 9 member crew. The variety of water sport activities on All About U 2 is extraordinary, as well as the expandable platform for premium sunbathing.
Aerial side view
Cruising
Master cabin
Mare Nostrum
Luxury gulet Mare Nostrum measures 42 metres and was built in 2008/09. She is absolutely magnificent and a great choice for East Med charters with friends or family. She is one of the most luxurious Gulets available for charter in Turkey. Constructed from exotic and rare woods, she exudes warmth and ambience and offers charter guests every conceivable comfort. Accommodation is provided for up to 12 guests in 6 cabins.
Anchored
The deck
Cruising
Queen of Makri
Queen Of Makri is a 37-meter, recently launched Turkish motor sailing yacht in impeccable condition with a young experienced and passionate crew. The yacht sleeps up to 12 guests in 6 very large staterooms, which is undeniably a rare advantage for a vessel of her size. The cozy atmosphere, combined with the multitude of water toys available will make this vacation a very joyful experience for all guests.
Anchored
Dining area
Master cabin
Bella Mare
Boasting an array of sumptuous living areas laid out invitingly to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere onboard, motor yacht Bella Mare is the perfect luxury charter yacht for friends and family. Renovatied in 2014, this yacht is 38 meters long with 6 en suites for 12 guests.
Cruising
The deck
Master cabin
If you are planning to go on a Blue Voyage in Turkey in 2022, start planning early by planning your tour here because the mentioned yachts get booked very quickly.
