The Ultimate Guide to Sailing in Turkey

Sailing in Turkey: the complete guide to the Turquoise Coast

Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coastline — universally known as the Turquoise Coast for the extraordinary colour of its water — is one of the great sailing destinations of the world. From Bodrum in the north to Antalya in the east, the Turkish coast combines ancient ruins, sheltered bays, world-class gulet culture and unbeatable value into a sailing experience that draws sailors back year after year.

Types of charter in Turkey

Gulet: The quintessential Turkish charter. Traditional wooden motor-sailers, built by hand in Bodrum's boatyards, range from 15m standard vessels to 35m luxury gulets. All come with a professional captain, cook and deckhand. Meals are included — breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon cake. No sailing experience required. Prices from £2,000 per week for a whole boat (8 guests) to £15,000 or more for a luxury gulet.

Bareboat: A Turkish coastal licence or equivalent ICC is required. The charter fleet is large and modern, with Bavaria, Beneteau and Jeanneau yachts across all major bases.

Skippered bareboat: Hire the boat and a local Turkish skipper who knows the anchorages, the best fish restaurants and where the Customs boat expects to see you.

The Classic Blue Voyage: Bodrum to Fethiye

The standard two-week Blue Voyage (Mavi Yolculuk) route covers approximately 400 nautical miles between Bodrum and Fethiye. You can start from either end. Most routes include:

Bodrum: The capital of Turkish gulet culture. Bodrum Castle (the Castle of St Peter, built by the Knights Hospitaller) is visible from every anchorage in the harbour. The ancient Mausoleum at Halicarnassus — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — is a short walk from the marina. D-Marin Yacht Works is the largest boatyard in Turkey.

Datça Peninsula: One of Turkey's most unspoilt coastlines. Cnidus — an ancient Greek city built on a dramatic headland at the tip of the peninsula — is accessible only by sea. The anchorage below the ruins is one of the finest on the whole coast.

Bozburun: A traditional boatbuilding village where the sounds of the gulet yards are still audible from the harbour. Excellent local fish restaurants. Rarely crowded even in August.

Marmaris: The largest charter base on the Turquoise Coast. A good provisioning stop but busier than the open bays. The old castle is worth the climb for the views.

Ekincik and the Dalyan River: A protected lagoon accessible only by sea, from which small boats carry visitors up the Dalyan River to the Lycian rock tombs, Köyceğiz Lake and the famous Iztuzu loggerhead turtle beach. A highlight of any Turkey cruise.

Göcek and the 12 Islands: The anchorage at Göcek, surrounded by twelve forested islands, is arguably the finest cruising ground on the entire coast. Each island has its own bay; each bay has its own character. Stick Bay (Yassıca Islands), Wall Bay, Boynuzbükü — every anchorage deserves a night.

Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi): Accessible only by sea. A waterfall-fed valley, accessible through a narrow cleft in the cliff face, home to the rare Jersey tiger moth. Anchor on the beach.

Kekova Sunken City: A UNESCO-protected area where the ruins of an ancient Lycian city — submerged by an earthquake in the second century AD — are visible just below the surface. Strict no-anchoring zone; use the designated mooring buoys. Snorkelling above the ruins is permitted.

Fethiye: The Blue Voyage's natural endpoint. The ancient Lycian rock tombs are carved directly into the cliff face above the town. Excellent provisioning, a vibrant market, and easy access to the Göcek Islands for a final night before returning.

Practical information

Best time to go: April to October. June, September and early October offer the best combination of warm weather, manageable winds and lower prices. July and August are the busiest and hottest months.

Clearance: International sailors must clear Customs on arrival and at each port of entry. Your charter company will advise. Keep your transit log (Gemi Jurnalı) on board.

Currency: Turkish Lira. Carry cash for small harbours and village restaurants — cards are not always accepted.

Food and drink: Turkish cuisine on a gulet is a revelation. Fresh bread baked on board, olive oil from the captain's home village, octopus dried in the rigging, watermelon from the market. Eat everything.

Safety: Turkey has an excellent coastship service (Sahil Güvenlik). The Turkish gulet fleet is one of the most professionally maintained charter fleets in the Mediterranean.

Explore yacht charter in Turkey or gulet charter holidays.