Top Fethiye Cruises & Sailing

Turkey’s Turquoise Coast—named because the Mediterranean here is so blue that it almost defies reality—is best discovered by boat. Visit ancient ruins, white-sand beaches, numerous islands, and more. A day cruise offers the perfect regional taster, while a multi-day outing makes for an idyllic immersion. Here are the best ways to get out on the water from Fethiye.

 

Fethiye, with its lovely natural harbor and proximity to numerous islands, is an ideal jumping-off point for so-called “blue cruises.” Most itineraries include trips aboard a gulet (a traditional wooden yacht). The 12 Islands—a scattered island group located in Gocek Bay—is one of the most popular destinations for day trips, and tours typically comprise multiple island stop-offs, plus swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Other popular coastal destinations include the resort village of Oludeniz and Butterfly Valley (which is, as its name suggests, home to rare butterfly species). For an alternative day-cruise experience, set off for a sunset jaunt or swap the Mediterranean for the Dalyan River, where you can enjoy a mineral-rich mud bath and the chance to see the ruins of Kaunos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

If you want to make the most of your time along Turkey’s exquisite Riviera, a multi-day cruise is a tempting way to explore. Many longer tours trawl the stretch of coastline between Fethiye and the resort city of Marmaris, including stops at such destinations as Manastir Bay (famed for its half-sunken Roman baths) and Cennet Island (nicknamed Paradise Island). Other tours head down the coast to the seaside town of Kas, the sunken city of Kekova, and the ancient ruins of Olympos. In between stop-offs, enjoy comfortable cabin accommodation, on-board meals, and languid sunbathing opportunities.