Marmaris Fethiye Blue Cruise Turkey
Marmaris: Center-City Swim & Historic 1522 Ottoman Castle Getaway
Marmaris stands out as one of the rare Turkish towns offering swimming right in the city center, facilitated by modern environmental and water treatment installations. Visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of the bazaar, evoking the rich cultural feel of Asia Minor, while the old town preserves a charming village atmosphere amidst newer construction. The town boasts a wide selection of international shops and restaurants. Historically, the most important structure is the Ottoman castle, rebuilt in 1522 upon original Ionian foundations. Marmaris is not only famous for its clean sea and shopping but also for its vibrant nightlife
Ekincik: Crystal-Clear Gulet Haven and Protected Serene Forest Anchorage
Ekincik Cove is a main stopping point for gulets cruising along the bays between Marmaris and Gocek. Cruisers first see the beautiful village of Ekincik, surrounded by green. The cove itself is notably extremely clean and has successfully avoided being suffocated by heavy building. Visitors are surrounded by dense forests, offering a sharp contrast to the beautiful beach and clean water. Popular nearby stopping coves include Semizce, Kargi, and Karacay. The port offers two anchoring points: Koy Onu (In front of the village) and a dedicated quay where the road meets the beach, suitable for yachts to moor.
Dalyan : Caretta Turtle Sanctuary & 4th Century BC Lycian Cliff Tombs
The cute holiday destination Dalyan is located on the natural Calbis channel linking Lake Koycegiz to the sea. Due to the threat of environmental danger from tourism, it was declared a special protection district in 1998, saving it from excessive development. Boats are available to take tourists along the channel to see the ancient city of Kaunos, the impressive 4 BC rock tombs, and Iztuzu coast. Kaunos was a significant trading port, accessible via a short walk from the wharf. Iztuzu coast, a beautiful 4-km gift of nature, gained world fame as a vital nesting ground for the imposing Caretta Caretta turtles, which can weigh up to 150 kg. The delta area provides magnificent scenery resembling a labyrinth across the marshes.
Aga Port and Kocabuk: Hidden Bays of the Gocek Gulf
Aga Port and Kocabuk mark the approach to the stunning Gocek Gulf, designated a Special Environment Protected Region since 1988. Aga Port features both a large and a small harbor, each culminating in a desirable beach area. Explorers can ascend from Buyuk Aga Port to discover Roman and Byzantine ruins in the Koyici region. Alternatively, a path west leads up the hill of the Kapidag Peninsula, revealing a lake and rewarding visitors with a spectacular panoramic view from above. After navigating the beauty of Aga Port, travelers proceed to Kocabuk and Gobun Island before reaching the main expanse of the Gulf of Gocek, an area filled with popular coves.
Fethiye : Ancient Lycian Telmessos & Turkish Turquoise Sea
Fethiye is intrinsically linked to the color turquoise—a blue shade with a vibrant hint of green, deriving its name from the colors used in Turkish tile work. This perfect hue settles upon the sea, defining the area’s visual appeal. The pleasant bazaar, with its narrow, shady streets and tiny squares, creates a uniquely welcoming atmosphere where visitors quickly forget about being foreigners. Built on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, Fethiye was historically one of Lycia’s most important western centers. Today, it is globally recognized for offering Turkey’s best paragliding, stunning historical sites, beautiful bays, diverse cuisine, shopping, and opportunities for aqua sports. Fethiye seamlessly blends history, culture, and nature.
Knight Island & Kizilada: Timeless History and Tranquil Bays
Knight Island (Sovalye Adası) strategically guards the entrance to the Gulf of Fethiye, having once served as a base for the Knights of St John. Today, the island remains a frequented stopping point on the popular 12 Islands tour, hosting settlements, summerhouses, and cafes. Nearby, Kizilada (Red Island) derives its evocative name from the phenomenon where the beach’s sand and gravel acquire a beautiful reddish hue as the sun sets. Kizilada maintains an untouched atmosphere, featuring only a solitary lighthouse. Cruisers favor its east side for safe anchoring and swimming, as it is naturally sheltered from strong waves.
Tersane Islands: Gocek Gulf's Largest Cove Hosting Shipyard Ruins
Tersane Island (Shipyard Island), the largest island in the Gulf of Gocek, is named after the shipyard and monitoring tower located there. Its namesake cove is the largest in the gulf and is a popular anchorage on the Blue Cruise itinerary. Following the 1922 population exchange, the area, which was mainly inhabited by Greeks, saw its settlements fade. Today, the flatlands behind the main cove display the ruins of old houses and a church, offering a historical glimpse into the past. Sailors often refer to the island’s two popular anchoring spots as the “summer” and “winter” coves, both ideal stopping points for boat tours.
Sarigerme : Indispensable Blue Cruise Stop, Famed for
Its Unique Blue Tones
Sarigerme is rapidly growing as an international tourism hub, supported by its proximity to Dalaman and modern facilities. Its appeal lies in a long sandy beach backed by pine forests. Gulets anchor near Baba Island, known for clear waters, a sea cave and hilltop ruins marking the start of the Kapidag Peninsula and the calm Gulf of Fethiye.