Blue Ocean Club
Blue Ocean Club cruising guide

Yacht charter in Turkey

Cruising the south-west coast of Turkey offers deep pine-fringed bays, ancient coastal ruins, and sheltered gulfs between Bodrum, the Datça Peninsula, Göcek, and Fethiye. The cruising grounds suit families and groups seeking calm anchorages, historical sites accessible directly by tender, and relaxed itineraries. Modern motor yachts, sailing catamarans, and traditional wooden gulets operate throughout this region, supported by well-developed marina infrastructure and reliable coastal anchorages where yachts typically secure lines to the rocky shoreline.

Best time to charter

The cruising season runs from May to October. July and August bring temperatures exceeding 35°C, fresh afternoon meltemi winds, and the highest concentration of yachts. May, June, September, and October offer milder weather between 22°C and 28°C with lighter breezes and quieter bays. Sea temperatures remain comfortable for swimming through late October, while midsummer delivers the most reliable sailing winds across open stretches between the peninsulas.

Anchorages and harbours to know

Tomb Bay (Taşyaka)

Located in the Gulf of Fethiye, this sheltered cove features Lycian rock tombs cut into the cliffs and offers secure mooring using lines taken ashore.

Bozburun

A quiet village harbour sheltered by outlying islands, providing deep, protected anchorages along the Datça and Bozburun peninsulas.

Knidos

Positioned at the tip of the Datça Peninsula, this natural harbour allows anchoring within ancient basins adjacent to Hellenistic ruins.

Gemiler Island

Situated south of Fethiye, this island offers calm overnight anchorage in the lee of Byzantine ruins and coastal walking trails.

Sarsala Bay

A deep, pine-clad inlet within the Gulf of Göcek, offering clear water and sheltered positions secured with a stern line ashore.

Practical tips

  • Getting there: Dalaman (DLM) and Bodrum-Milas (BJV). Göcek is about 25 minutes from Dalaman airport; Bodrum's marinas are about 35–45 minutes from Bodrum-Milas.
  • Charter tax: Turkish VAT of about 20% is usually added to the charter fee (Applies to Turkish-flagged yachts; foreign-flagged yachts on a transit log are usually quoted without Turkish VAT.).
  • Yachts cruising Turkish waters must carry a valid transit log and use a registered Blue Card system to track waste pump-outs at coastal stations.
  • Provisioning is straightforward in hub ports like Bodrum, Göcek, and Fethiye, where large supermarkets routinely coordinate direct deliveries to the quay.
  • Dress respectfully when going ashore in smaller coastal villages or visiting historical sites, and respect designated swimming areas marked in quiet bays.
  • Fly to Dalaman (DLM) for Göcek, located 25 minutes away, or Bodrum-Milas (BJV) for Bodrum's marinas, which are 35–45 minutes from the airport.

Yachts listed for Turkey

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