Turkey Holiday Diary 7 min read
What Is a Blue Cruise Turkey Gulet Tour?
A Blue Cruise Turkey adventure is one of the most magical ways to experience the Turkish Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. You board a traditional wooden sailing vessel called a gulet, and for several days you cruise along a coastline of pine-clad mountains, hidden coves, ancient ruins, and water so blue it almost hurts to look at. You swim, eat freshly prepared meals on deck, sleep under the stars, and visit places that are only accessible by boat.
The mavi yolculuk — “blue voyage” in Turkish — was popularised in the 1940s by the writer Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, known as the “Fisherman of Halicarnassus.” He wrote about sailing along the Aegean coast and discovered a way of travelling that felt like freedom itself. Today, tens of thousands of people take a Blue Cruise Turkey trip every year, and the tradition has become one of the country’s signature travel experiences.
Whether you want a sociable cabin cruise with other travellers or a private gulet with your own group, this guide has everything you need to plan the perfect Blue Cruise.
What Is a Gulet?
A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden sailing boat, typically 20-30 metres long. Originally used for fishing and sponge diving along the Aegean coast, gulets have been converted into leisure vessels with comfortable cabins, sun decks, and dining areas. Most modern gulets have en-suite bathrooms in each cabin, air conditioning, and a crew that includes a captain, cook, and deckhands.
The classic gulet design features a wide beam (making them very stable — great if you worry about seasickness), a flat stern deck for sunbathing, and a covered dining area. They sail when conditions are good but use motors for most travel between stops, so the itinerary does not depend on wind conditions.
Best Blue Cruise Turkey Routes
There are three classic routes, each offering a different flavour of the Turkish coast.
1. Fethiye to Olympos (or reverse)
This is the most popular Blue Cruise route, and for good reason. It covers some of the most spectacular coastline in the Mediterranean.
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Depart Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley |
| Day 2 | St Nicholas Island (Gemiler), Kaş area coves |
| Day 3 | Kalkan, swimming stops, Sunken City of Kekova |
| Day 4 | Kekova, Demre (ancient Myra), Olympos arrival |
The highlight of this route is Kekova — a sunken Lycian city visible through crystal-clear water. Swimming above ancient ruins is an unforgettable experience. Butterfly Valley, with its narrow gorge and secluded beach, is another stunner.
For more on the incredible Fethiye region, check out our Fethiye travel guide.
2. Bodrum to Gökova
The Bodrum route explores the Gökova Gulf, which has some of the most pristine water on the Aegean coast.
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Depart Bodrum, Orak Island |
| Day 2 | Seven Islands (Yedi Adalar), Longöz Bay |
| Day 3 | English Harbour, Cleopatra Island (Sedir Adası) |
| Day 4 | Ballısu, return to Bodrum |
Cleopatra Island is the standout — legend says Mark Antony had sand imported from North Africa for Cleopatra’s private beach. Whether the legend is true or not, the sand here is uniquely fine and golden. The Gökova Gulf is less crowded than the Fethiye coast and feels wonderfully remote.
3. Marmaris to Fethiye (or Datça)
This route combines sheltered bays with dramatic open coastline and is less touristy than the other two.
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Depart Marmaris, Ekincik Bay |
| Day 2 | Dalyan River, İztuzu Beach (turtle nesting beach) |
| Day 3 | Göcek islands and bays, Tomb Bay |
| Day 4 | Göcek to Fethiye arrival |
Pro tip: If you are torn between routes, go with Fethiye to Olympos for the best overall mix of scenery, swimming, and historic sites. It is the classic for a reason.
Cabin Cruise vs Private Charter
This is the biggest decision you will make when booking your Blue Cruise.
| Feature | Cabin Cruise | Private Charter |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | You book a cabin; share the boat with other travellers | You rent the entire gulet for your group |
| Cost per person | €250 – €500 for 4 days | €150 – €400 per person (depends on group size) |
| Total boat cost | N/A | €2,000 – €10,000+ for 4 days |
| Group size | 12-16 passengers | Your group (up to boat capacity) |
| Flexibility | Fixed itinerary | Customisable route and schedule |
| Vibe | Social, backpacker-friendly | Private, tailored to your group |
| Food | Set meals, good quality | Customised menu, often excellent |
Cabin cruises are perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small groups who want a social experience without the cost of a full boat. You will meet people from all over the world and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed.
Private charters make sense for groups of 6-12 friends or families. When you split the total cost, it can actually be cheaper per person than a cabin cruise, and you get complete control over the itinerary, meals, and pace.
Blue Cruise Turkey Prices: What to Budget
Here is a realistic breakdown of what a Blue Cruise costs in 2026.
| Expense | Cabin Cruise | Private Charter (per person, 8 pax) |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise (3 nights / 4 days) | €250 – €500 | €300 – €600 |
| Drinks on board | €30 – €80 | €30 – €80 (or bring your own) |
| Entrance fees (Kekova, ruins) | €10 – €20 | €10 – €20 |
| Tips for crew | €20 – €40 | €20 – €40 |
| Total per person | €310 – €640 | €360 – €740 |
Most cabin cruise prices include three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), all prepared fresh by the onboard cook. Drinks — especially alcohol — are usually extra. Some boats allow you to bring your own alcohol; others sell it on board at a markup.
Pro tip: If your cabin cruise allows it, buy water, snacks, and alcohol at a supermarket in town before boarding. Onboard prices can be double or triple the shop price.
What to Pack for a Blue Cruise
- Swimsuit — you will be swimming multiple times a day
- Reef shoes or water sandals — some swimming spots have rocky entries
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) — the sun reflects off the water and you will burn faster than on land
- A light cover-up or sarong — for meals on deck
- Seasickness remedy — gulets are very stable, but bring tablets just in case
- A small dry bag — to protect your phone and valuables during swimming stops
- Mosquito repellent — some bays have mosquitoes at dusk
Booking Tips for Your Blue Cruise Turkey Trip
- Book early for peak season — July and August sell out months in advance for cabin cruises
- Read reviews carefully — look for comments about food quality, cleanliness, and crew friendliness
- Check what is included — meals, transfers from airport or bus station, and water should be included as standard
- Confirm the boat — some agencies sell a specific boat but switch to a different one. Get the boat name in writing
- Insurance — check that the operator has passenger insurance and that your travel insurance covers boat trips
A Blue Cruise Turkey trip pairs perfectly with time in Bodrum or along the best boat trip routes in Turkey. For a complete trip plan, see our 10-day Turkey itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for a Blue Cruise Turkey trip?
The season runs from May to October. June and September offer the best balance of warm weather, calm seas, and manageable crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest — the swimming is fantastic but the popular bays can be crowded with other boats. May and October are quieter and cheaper but the water is cooler.
Do I need to worry about seasickness on a gulet?
Gulets are wide, flat-bottomed boats designed for coastal cruising in calm waters. They are much more stable than typical sailboats. Most people who get motion sickness in cars or on ferries are absolutely fine on a gulet. That said, if you are very sensitive, bring seasickness medication and choose a cabin in the middle of the boat where movement is least noticeable.
Can I do a Blue Cruise Turkey with children?
Yes, and it can be a wonderful family holiday. Private charters are best for families as you control the pace and schedule. Many boat cooks will prepare child-friendly meals on request. Just be mindful of sun exposure and keep an eye on children near the water. Some cabin cruises are more party-oriented and may not suit families with young kids — ask the operator about the typical passenger demographic before booking.
Our previous article Turkish Bath (Hamam) Guide: What to Expect & Best Hamams in our article titled Istanbul, Practical Info ve Things to Do provides information about.