Gocek – Datca – Marmaris (2 Weeks)

Day 1 – Göcek

With Aren Yachting Charter, on day one you’ll be greeted by the captain and crew as you step aboard. Afterwards, enjoy a “Welcome Cocktail” briefing to learn all about your Blue Cruise itinerary.

Göcek, a natural harbor on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, lies just 30 minutes from Dalaman International Airport. From the hilltop viewpoint, you can easily admire 12 islands and the bay’s hidden coves. Having risen in popularity, Göcek is now one of Turkey’s and Europe’s premier yachting centers. Stroll the marina to observe vessels of every size, then unwind at waterfront bars or savor fine cuisine at seaside restaurants.

Day 2 – Tersane Island & Ağa Harbour

Tersane Island—formerly known as Telandria—is the largest island in Fethiye Bay, accessible via a 100 m canal. Its eastern side offers sheltered anchorage, while the western side, exposed to stronger winds, remains closed. Explore numerous ancient house ruins visible from land and sea. In the Byzantine era, Tersane was known as Göcek’s most reliable port. After the 1922 Treaty of Lausanne, many inhabitants were forced to relocate.

Ağa Harbour, comprising twin coves, provides ideal anchorage for swimming, fishing, or scenic shoreline walks.

Day 3 – Ekincik Bay & Dalyan

Ekincik Bay welcomes you with breathtaking beauty and untouched natural landscapes. Less crowded than other coves, its nearby beach is pristine and serene. A small marina two kilometers from shore serves boats en route to Dalyan, a 45-minute cruise away. Observe local wildlife and explore quaint shops and family-run eateries. A few minutes by car, the Sultaniye thermal springs—used since Roman times—offer therapeutic waters to melt away tension.

Day 4 – Bozukkale (Loryma) & Bozburun

Bozukkale, an ancient city dating to the 10th century B.C., features nine rectangular fortress walls—one of which has collapsed, giving the site its name. Once a leisure spot for British naval vessels, it now serves as a coastal shipyard. Its strategic location and narrow harbor made it a staging ground for Athenian forces in 395 B.C.

In Bozburun, sponge diving and traditional gulet shipbuilding thrive. Home to master craftsmen and premium timber, Bozburun attracts firms seeking expert gulet builders and remains a vibrant tourism hub.

Day 5 – Datça

Datça lies on the southern shore of the peninsula between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, founded by the Dorians. Near its tip, the ancient city of Knidos emerges. Legend tells of Spanish corsairs abandoned here 500 years ago who, instead of perishing, found healing in Datça’s air and tranquility. Stroll the peaceful harbor for a relaxing afternoon.

Day 6 – Knidos

Knidos is an unmissable ancient city on Datça’s eastern tip, brimming with historic ruins and stunning vistas. Adjacent to the harbor lies a classical theatre, and a short walk reveals Byzantine-era church remains. Archaeological excavations have been ongoing since 1960, yielding treasures like the Demeter statue and lion-guarded harbor reliefs now in the British Museum. The necropolis, ancient harbor, and Temple of Aphrodite make Knidos a top archaeological attraction.

Day 7 – Palamutbükü

Palamutbükü is celebrated for its small yet beautiful beaches set against mountain backdrops. Just 12 km from Knidos, its crystal-clear waters reveal every detail—even a dropped needle! Warm-hearted locals and serene surroundings make Palamutbükü a symbol of peace, tranquility, and joy.

Day 8 – Aktur Bay & Bencik Bay

Dubbed “Turkey’s oxygen tank,” Aktur Bay is enveloped by fragrant pine forests and ranks among the country’s most beautiful coves. Comprised of the Datça and Kurucabük sections just 4 km apart, it’s a vibrant tourism hotspot. Bencik Bay greets you with a narrow entrance that gives way to a breathtaking panorama on the Hisarönü side of Gökova Gulf.

Day 9 – Emel Sayın Bay, Orhaniye Bay & Selimiye Bay

Named for Turkish classical music icon Emel Sayın, this bay enchants with pine-scented breezes, crystal waters, and welcoming locals. At Orhaniye Bay, enjoy lunch by the deep blue sea and the famous Kızkumu sandbar—accessible even to large vessels. Continue to Selimiye Bay (ancient Hydas), renowned for its sunset over mountain ridges, Hellenistic ruins, watchtowers, lighthouse, and monastery. Thyme-scented air, olive groves, and almond orchards complete this idyllic setting.

Day 10 – Serçe Bay & Kadırga Bay

Serçe Bay, a sheltered Blue Cruise favorite, reveals submerged archaeological remnants now displayed at the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum. In the evening, sail to Kadırga Bay for dinner and overnight.

Day 11 – Marmaris

Marmaris, a coastal city in Muğla province on the Mediterranean, boasts year-round attractions. Its natural harbor, historic town, marina, and water-sports opportunities make it a top holiday destination. Even in winter, you can swim amid pine, plane, and local oak trees. Renowned as a major yacht hub, Marmaris offers stunning views of sea, mountains, and forests, plus vibrant streets filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Day 12 – Kocabük, Göbün Bay & Hamam Bay

After a swim in Kocabük Bay, head to Göbün Bay, whose narrow inlet is flanked by olive and pine trees and offers views of rock tombs and ruins at the gulf’s tip. Then explore “Cleopatra’s Bath” in Hamam Bay, a submerged hot spring within tectonic cliffs. Climb the hillside to see channels feeding its crater lake, surrounded by pines and carob trees. An ancient Lycian wall hints at the nearby city of Lydae—reachable by a 1.5-hour hike.

Day 13 – Sarsala Bay & Bedri Rahmi Bay

Sarsala Bay, with its pine-lined pebble beach and single beachfront restaurant, is a popular overnight stop. Bedri Rahmi Bay—nicknamed “Fish Rock”—takes its name from artist Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu’s 1973 fish mural. Sheltered from winds, it offers anchorage, oleander blooms, small coves, and turquoise waters.

Day 14 – Olive Island & Yassıca Island

Olive Island, south of Yassıca, is named for its abundant olive groves and hosts a private beach service plus an Ottoman-era olive oil mill. Yassıca Island offers a romantic, shallow bay ideal for water sports and sunset photography, surrounded by olive and pine trees.

Day 15 – Göcek

On day fifteen, enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarking at 10:30 AM, concluding your Göcek–Bodrum Blue Cruise.