Sail Turkey: Fethiye Kekova Fethiye Mix Age Gulet Cruise

Planning a week-long escape on Turkey’s famed Turquoise Coast? This Sail Turkey cruise from Fethiye to Kekova offers a chance to unwind, explore historic sites, and enjoy the area’s natural beauty aboard a traditional gulet. Whether you’re after relaxing swims, panoramic views, or a taste of Turkey’s ancient past, this cruise might just tick all those boxes.

Two things we really like about this experience are its all-inclusive approach, which simplifies your trip by covering meals, drinks, and port fees, and its focus on authentic, less crowded spots like Butterfly Valley and the Sunken City of Kekova. That said, a potential consideration is that this is a non-guided cruise, so you’ll need to do some of your own wandering and research if you’re interested in in-depth site histories. Overall, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a laid-back, flexible itinerary with a love for scenic views and a bit of adventure.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package simplifies budgeting with meals, drinks, and port fees included.
• Stunning stops like Butterfly Valley, Kekova Sunken City, and Simena Castle deliver authentic experiences.
• Flexible schedule allows you to explore on land or relax on board.
• Opportunities for activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and optional water sports.
• Limited connectivity with WiFi, so be prepared for some disconnection.
• Price point of $971 offers good value considering the inclusions and unique destinations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Fethiye Kekova Gulet Cruise

Imagine setting sail on a traditional Turkish gulet, gliding along the coast with the wind in your hair and the scent of the sea all around. This 7-day cruise along the Turquoise Coast is designed for those seeking a relaxed, yet enriching holiday that combines scenic beauty with cultural highlights. The cruise starts in Fethiye, a lively harbor town, and takes you through some of Turkey’s most iconic and lesser-known spots, before returning back.

What we love most about this cruise is how it balances stunning natural scenery with historic sites, all wrapped in a laid-back vibe. The focus on secluded bays and quiet anchorages means you’ll often be away from the crowds, truly soaking up the peaceful side of the coast. Plus, the all-inclusive setup—meals, drinks, and fees—means you don’t have to worry about planning or extra costs during the trip. We also appreciate the flexibility to choose whether to explore on land or enjoy quiet time on the boat, catering to both the adventurous and the restful.

One thing to consider is that the cruise does not include a guide explaining the sites, so you’ll need to do a bit of your own homework if you want detailed historical context. Also, since drinks are not included in the package and can’t be brought onboard, you’ll want to budget for beverages if you prefer more than water during your trip.

This cruise is ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic sailing, authentic experiences, and a flexible schedule. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking to experience Turkey’s coast without the hassle of coordinating transportation and accommodations.

What You Can Expect from This 7-Day Gulet Cruise

A typical week aboard this cruise combines relaxation, adventure, and discovery. Each day offers a new anchorage, with options to swim, hike, snorkel, or simply lounge on deck. The cruise’s stops include some of Turkey’s most picturesque sites, and the itinerary is designed to give you a taste of both natural beauty and ancient history.

Day 1: Fethiye Harbour and Orientation

Your journey begins at the bustling Fethiye Harbour, where you’ll meet your friendly crew and board your traditional gulet. Once settled, the crew will give a quick safety briefing and outline the upcoming stops. Expect to set sail in the late morning, heading towards your first anchorage. This initial day is mostly about settling in, with time to enjoy the views and perhaps a quick swim before sunset.

Day 2: Butterfly Valley and Oludeniz

The cruise’s first major highlight is Butterfly Valley, a stunning cove accessible only by boat or hiking. Many reviews praise this spot’s crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs—perfect for swimming or a gentle hike. You might find yourself surrounded by butterflies (hence the name), and the scenery is genuinely postcard-worthy.

Later, you’ll cruise past Oludeniz, famous for its paragliding and stunning lagoon. While most travelers choose to admire it from the boat, those eager for adventure can opt for paragliding or just enjoy the panoramic views from deck.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 3: Kekova Sunken City and Simena Castle

The Sunken City of Kekova is a major draw—part of the Lycian civilization, now partially submerged due to seismic activity centuries ago. Here, you can snorkel over ancient ruins and admire the fascinating underwater remains. The cruise often includes a kayaking or swimming stop, so bring your gear.

Later, the boat will anchor near Simena Castle, where you can explore ruins perched high above the sea. The quaint village below is perfect for a quick walk, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into traditional Turkish life.

Day 4-6: Exploring Secluded Bays and Ancient Sites

Over the next days, you’ll visit additional secluded bays like Aquarium Bay, known for its crystal waters and excellent snorkelling. You can choose to stay on the boat, enjoy sunbathing, or hop into the water to explore marine life.

Optional activities include water sports like paddleboarding, or simply relaxing with a book on deck. The crew is friendly and accommodating, making your experience personalized. Some reviewers love the way the schedule offers freedom: “You can either explore or just lounge, which means this cruise really suits different moods,” one guest said.

Day 7: Return to Fethiye

On the final day, you’ll head back to Fethiye, often with a last swim or breakfast on deck. The cruise ends where it began, leaving you with a collection of memories and stunning photos. Some travelers note that the schedule may shift due to weather, but the crew does their best to keep things on track.

The Practicalities and Value

This cruise costs $971 per person—a price that covers a lot. Meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea—are included, along with port fees and fuel. The onboard WiFi is available but not reliable everywhere, so don’t expect constant connectivity. Water is included, but alcohol and drinks are sold separately, and you can’t bring your own onboard.

What makes this a solid value is how the all-inclusive package simplifies your trip. No need to worry about extra bills for port fees or meals, and the crew’s friendly service heightens the feeling of a carefree holiday. The boat itself is traditional, offering an authentic Turkish sailing experience, and the stops are carefully selected for their natural beauty and historical significance.

It’s worth noting that there’s no guided commentary onboard, so if you’re craving detailed historical narratives, you might want to do some prep beforehand. Also, children under 6 and wheelchair users might find this experience less suitable due to the nature of the boat and the itinerary.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This cruise appeals most to adventurous travelers who enjoy scenic sailing, relaxing days at sea, and exploring off-the-beaten-path sites. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with a flexible schedule, don’t mind a bit of disconnection, and appreciate authentic, less commercialized locations.

Couples and friends who want a shared adventure will find this cruise offers both romantic vistas and fun social moments. Solo travelers looking for a laid-back way to meet others will also feel at home. However, if you prefer guided tours with detailed explanations or require special access accommodations, this may not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those seeking a unique, scenic, and authentic experience along Turkey’s coast, this 7-day gulet cruise offers excellent value. The combination of stunning views, secluded anchorages, and cultural sights makes it a memorable journey. The all-inclusive setup reduces hassle, allowing you to focus on relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

This trip is especially suitable for water lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a gentle escape on the water. The cruise’s flexibility and natural beauty make it a compelling choice for travelers wanting to experience Turkey in a relaxed, immersive way.

While it’s not a guided educational tour, the stunning vistas and serene bays speak for themselves. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, this cruise can be a highlight of your Turkish holiday.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for families?
It’s not recommended for children under 6 years old, so it’s better suited for older kids or adults. The experience is more about relaxation and exploration rather than activities for young children.

Do I need to bring my own drinks?
Yes, drinks are not included in the package, and you are not allowed to bring your own onboard. All beverages are sold at the onboard bar, with a tab set up for the week.

Is WiFi reliable during the cruise?
WiFi is available but not guaranteed in all areas, especially in remote bays. Expect some disconnection, which might be a good opportunity to unplug.

Can I explore sites on land?
Absolutely. The cruise offers the chance to explore sites like Simena Castle and Kekova’s Sunken City on land or by boat, depending on your preference.

What should I pack?
Bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, beachwear, and cash for onboard drinks or optional activities. A beach towel isn’t provided, so pack yours or buy one at ports.

Are meals and port fees included?
Yes, all meals, port and marina fees, fuel, and taxes are covered in the price. Just remember that drinks (besides water) are extra.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s a non-guided cruise, so you’ll explore sites independently or with crew assistance, but without a dedicated guide explaining historical details.

In the end, this gulet cruise offers a relaxed and scenic way to experience Turkey’s coast. With its mix of natural beauty, historic sites, and flexible schedule, it’s well worth considering if you’re after an authentic, worry-free escape on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: