In order to give you the most up-to-date blue cruise information, I took a wonderful boat in Marmaris to the lace shores shaded by pine trees last week. Dark blue horizons, coves surrounded by forests, golden beaches, sweet winds that inflate the sails, the sound of the waves hitting the side of the boat and the smell of the sea to the fullest… In the early hours of the morning, we are greeted with a warm welcome at Marmaris Harbor, where colorful sailboats line up.
After being sent off from the port with my life and companion Filiz, we settle into our cabin. After breakfast, we listen to detailed information about our tour, which will end in the Gulf of Gökova, over the Datça Peninsula, as well as the characteristics of the boat and recommendations. On the first day, we will explore the bays around Marmaris. Overnight stay will optionally be in one of the quiet coves. At the exit of Marmaris Bay, short cruises to İçmeler Beach, Cennet Island and Kadırga Cape are waiting for us. Another option is to do water sports in Turunc offshore.
Swimming break, lunch
After a swimming break in Çiftlik Bay, we stop by the restaurants on the shore. My recommendation is octopus stew, fried calamari or sauteed meat on a sheet at Mehmet Place Restaurant. After returning to the boat, it is definitely a good idea to take a rest or sleep break of about an hour until Taşlıca offshore. When you regain energy, you will approach Bozukkale Bay towards the tip of Bozburun Peninsula. You can visit the ruins of the Loryma Ancient City in the bay, which is surrounded by steep hills and covered with olive trees and maquis. Rhodes Island will be right in front of you when you do not hesitate a little and climb the castle at the top. Our next stop is Serçe Harbor, the sailors’ haven for sloths. This deep cove, protected by giant rocks, is ideal for a quiet night. But if you ask me, it is necessary to take a two-hour walk from here to the skirts of Taşlıca and follow the traces of the past.
There are plenty of historical and natural beauties such as Marmaris Castle (on the left) You can collect lots of memories.
When you move through a narrow valley covered with giant almond, carob and olive trees, you will not only meet the wild wasps that are fond of freedom, but you will also be able to see the water wells that the local people have used for centuries. Moreover, Marmaris’s Kayaköy is also here. In this surprising valley, where you will feel as if you have come to another planet due to the cliffs that cover almost all sides, the abandoned Greek quarter houses on both sides of the valley evoke a ghost town… After an exciting journey of discovery, we return to our boat and sail towards the shores of Symi (Simi) Island. Then our boat enters Hisarönü Bay. Then we glide along the shores of Orhaniye, Selimiye and Bozburun, respectively. There are very nice fish restaurants in the coastal villages in the inner part of the bay. It is a great pleasure to take a walk on the green streets of Selimiye, where an endless tranquility prevails… If you have time, it is possible to stop by the waterfalls near Turgut Village.
The Blue Jesus fresco is very beautiful
The Kameriye Island on our route turns into an important stop on the way to faith tourism. The historical monastery on the rocky island is worth seeing with its mosaic courtyard and Blue Jesus fresco. After taking a short break here, we pass to Bencik Harbor, one of the frequent destinations of gulets. The harbor, covered with pine forests on both sides, is also the narrowest point of the Datça Peninsula. At the entrance of the harbor, Dişliceada stands out with its impressive rock masses. This volcanic islet hides small beaches on its shores. You can explore the nooks and crannies of the island or try diving in the surrounding area. Our mind is on the sea… After taking a swimming break off Datça, we stop by İnceburun, which protrudes sharply towards the sea in the south of the peninsula. After seeing the benches and coves that look like treasures buried in a long coastline, we arrive in Datça. We anchor at the foot of the pointed hill where the Deveboynu Lighthouse rises and visit the ancient city of Knidos. While wandering among the structures of the city, which takes me on a unique dream journey towards antiquity, I cannot help but think of the Lion of Knidos longing for its homeland and the lost Aphrodite of Knidos at the British Museum. And I remember my eyes filled with tears when I saw the Lion of Knidos between the four walls of the museum in London. Filiz, who touches me from afar, reminds me that I need to tighten my steps towards the boat. Before long, we are opening up to the blues again. This time, we turn off the Greek island of Kos (Kos) and increase speed towards the north. After about a three-hour cruise, we reach the Gulf of Gökova, where the blue cruise tours begin and gain their intellectual spirit. I remember the words of the Fisherman of Halicarnassus, who once sailed in the Gulf of Gökova, adorned with beautiful coves and islets, and I feel very lucky to be here: “See Rome and die, see Gökova and live!”
5 BLUE JOURNEY IN QUESTION
Tours how many days does it take?
Usually 3 (Thursday-Sunday), 5 or 7 nights (weekly). You can choose one of the short, medium or long routes. In addition to the fascinating natural beauties; You can explore the rich historical heritage of Lycia, Caria, antiquity and the Ottoman Empire. Blue cruises can be made from the beginning of April to the middle of November.
The details of boat and route selection…
We get these first hand from İdris Uçar, owner of Marmaris-based Sanda Yachting (sandayachting.com): “Last In years (since the beginning of the pandemic), blue cruise companies have started to leave the cabin charter market. At the moment, we only sell private tours. So we are renting the whole boat. We have boats with 3-4 and 8 cabins depending on the number of groups. Blue cruises in the South Aegean usually end at the port they started. Sometimes the starting and ending ports are different, but this final is definitely done in a place where logistics is easy, such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Bozburun, Göcek and Fethiye.”
How does the time pass?
The day starts early with the enchanting scenery and the energy of abundant oxygen. The hours close to sunset and before noon are seen as the most beautiful times of sea cruising. The scorching hours of the sun are the best times to anchor in a quiet cove and swim, sleep, explore, do shopping, or have a feast at a shabby fish restaurant…
Cleaning, food, etc. ..
There are private bathrooms in the cabins with large double beds and adjustable hot-cold air conditioning. An expert captain and one or two service personnel accompany you. Again, a boat is kept ready on your boat that will allow you to reach the shore practically. Bed linen and towels are changed frequently.
How much does it cost?
Weekly tour prices for small family groups of 6-8 people, with 3-4 cabins, on the South Aegean coast, start from 40 thousand liras in April, May and October. Starting price is 50-55 in June and September; 60-70 thousand liras in July-August. Including costs such as boat use, personnel, port, cleaning and insurance, excluding meals and drinks. The larger the boat, the higher the price. In 2022, the average cost per person can be estimated as 7-8 thousand liras for a 1-week vacation.
