Sitting on the balcony of my hotel room in the hills above Kalkan, I watched the panorama of the bay as the sun slipped below the horizon. The view was spectacular, but my mind kept returning to memories of the gulet cruise I had taken the week before. I joined My Blue Cruise, a yachting and gulet company operating on the Mediterranean coast out of Fethiye, for one of their Blue Voyage routes from Fethiye to Olympos.
I’ve spent a lot of time around boats before—disastrous attempts at sea kayaking in Kekova and leisurely day trips from Altinkum—but those were all daytime adventures. This was my first experience sleeping on the water, and it felt completely different.
When a friend asked how the trip was, the only answer I could find after a few moments of reflection was that I had discovered a kind of utopia.
Utopia, defined as a perfect place or state of mind, seemed apt: the timing and company were right, the service was excellent, and viewing the Mediterranean coastline from the sea offered a perspective no land-based visit could match. It left me with a deep sense of gratitude for the experience.
The Turkish Riviera and Blue Voyage Routes
The Turkish Riviera, sometimes called the Turquoise Coast, doesn’t have the same global fame as the French Riviera, but it offers a major advantage: accessibility. The Turkish coast caters to everyone from budget travelers to those seeking luxury. The coastline extends from the northern Aegean around to Antalya on the Mediterranean, and within this region organized routes known as “Mavi Yolculuklar” (Blue Voyages) are offered at affordable prices so a wide range of travelers can enjoy them.
The Fisherman of Halicarnassus
The Fisherman of HalicarnassusThe popularity of the Blue Voyage owes much to Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, known as the Fisherman of Halicarnassus. Exiled to the Bodrum peninsula in 1925, Cevat explored the coastline on traditional gulet boats. These vessels were then primarily used for sponge diving and fishing, but his writings and enthusiasm drew attention to the beauty of the coast. Together with his friend Arzu Erhat, he published accounts that inspired people to experience nights at sea, helping to create the modern tourism tradition along the Turkish Riviera.
What to Expect When Gulet Cruising in Turkey
The gulet I sailed on had four double cabins with private en-suites that were clean and comfortable, though I chose to sleep on deck. There is something uniquely peaceful about falling asleep under the stars and listening to the gentle rhythm of the sea. The days were relaxed and full of small surprises.
One morning I woke before everyone else and sat on the gangplank to watch the sunrise. A head bobbing in the water approached the boat—too round for a dolphin. It turned out to be a Caretta caretta, the loggerhead turtle, an impressive and endangered species that can grow very large. Seeing it so close to the boat was a memorable highlight.
Service on board was attentive even on a budget cruise. The daily routine was punctuated by the bell for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The cook prepared a variety of traditional dishes that were fresh and satisfying. Between meals the crew would ferry us ashore in a dinghy to explore coastal towns, ruins and beaches. On my last night we used a water taxi to reach a nearby bar—the relaxed pace and simple pleasures made returning to everyday life a little difficult. I recommend avoiding any demanding plans for at least 24 hours after disembarking; the trip can leave you pleasantly worn out.
What to Pack for Gulet Cruising in Turkey
Pack light—cabins have limited wardrobe space. Key items include:
- Swimwear and a swimming towel
- Shorts and T-shirts for daytime exploration
- Good footwear for ruins and uneven terrain—flip-flops may fail you when climbing sites like Gemiler and Simena Castle
- Casual evening clothes for on-board dinners
Beauty and Personal Care
- Sunscreen and body moisturizer to protect skin from sun and salt
- Hair care products such as a good conditioner and detangling spray—the salt and sun can be harsh on hair
- Light evening makeup if desired; a sun-kissed look usually needs only minimal products
I also brought a book—Ayse’s Trail, about the Lycian Way—which felt fitting since we sailed along much of the same coastline the trail follows. It made for thoughtful reading between swims and shore excursions.
Private Charter or Cabin Cruise
A private charter can be cost-effective if you travel with a group and want privacy. For solo travelers or budget-conscious visitors, cabin cruises are a very affordable alternative. I traveled alone but shared the boat with a mix of solo travelers, a couple and a group of friends from Australia. We explored ruins together and enjoyed lively conversation—gulet cruises are a great way to meet new people.
Be aware that larger boats with many cabins are sometimes used as party boats, particularly on routes popular with backpackers. If you prefer a quieter experience, specify this when you book.
Costs and Extras
My four-day, three-night cruise in high season cost 225 euros, with food included. Additional expenses to budget for include transport to the departure point, drinks on board, entrance fees for historical sites, and optional activities such as paragliding or jet skiing.
Equipment and Internet Access
Aside from a mobile phone and DSLR camera, an underwater camera would have been useful—other passengers’ underwater photos were spectacular. Mobile internet access was available at times, and some boats offer Wi‑Fi. My advice is to use devices to share a few photos or updates, then disconnect. The main pleasure of a gulet cruise is absorbing the natural scenery and moments of calm without being glued to the internet.
