Sail Turkey: Gulet Cruise Olympos to Fethiye

Sail Turkey: Gulet Cruise Olympos to Fethiye

If you’re eyeing a trip along Turkey’s southwest coast, a 4-day Gulet cruise from Olympos to Fethiye offers an ideal mix of scenic sailing, cultural sights, and relaxing swims. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, it’s a popular choice for travelers wanting to see the Lycian coast without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

One thing I love about this experience is how it combines historic sites like the Sunken City of Kekova with natural beauty—think crystal-clear waters and lush bays. Plus, the delicious Turkish cuisine onboard, including cooking classes, is a real highlight. That said, keep in mind that the cruise does involve some early mornings and a busy itinerary, so it’s not for those seeking total relaxation or a very slow pace.

This tour would suit travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and culture, and who don’t mind being part of a group in a lively, yet comfortable setting. It’s especially good for anyone looking to explore multiple stops with minimal fuss, all while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic sailing along the Lycian coast offers spectacular views and memorable photo opportunities.
• Swim and snorkel in well-chosen bays, with snorkelling gear included.
• Explore historic sites like the Sunken City of Kekova and Simena Castle.
• Enjoy Turkish cuisine, with onboard cooking classes that highlight local flavors.
• The itinerary is energetic, with early mornings and many stops—ideal for active, curious travelers.
• Budget-friendly at around $516 per person, considering the included meals and activities, the value is quite good for a 4-day experience.

What to Expect from the Journey

This cruise is designed to blend adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery over four days. Starting from Demre, you’ll be picked up from several locations, making it convenient to join without stress. Once aboard the Gulet, the journey winds through some of Turkey’s most beautiful spots, each with its own unique appeal.

Day 1: From Olympos / Demre to Gokkaya Bay

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from Olympos or Demre, followed by a short transfer to Demre Harbour where your boat awaits. From here, the highlights begin—first, Turtle Beach, where you can snorkel and potentially spot five of the eight turtle species native to the Mediterranean. If you’re into marine life, this is an exciting start. The waters here are clear, and swimming opportunities abound.

By late morning, you’ll cruise toward the Sunken City of Kekova. This UNESCO-listed site is a highlight for many, offering a chance to peer right over the submerged ruins from the boat’s deck—an extraordinary photo op and a reminder of how history and nature blend here. From Kekova, you’ll visit Simena Castle, where a self-guided exploration lets you wander through charming streets, take in sweeping views, and browse local shops.

Your first night is anchored at Gokkaya Bay, a peaceful spot perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. The bay usually hosts the boat overnight, so you’ll enjoy a full evening of swimming and relaxing under the stars.

Day 2: From Kekova to Kas

The second day starts early with a short cruise to Kas, a lively yet laid-back town with cobbled streets and eclectic stores. After a swim stop, you’ll have a couple of hours to explore at your own pace—ideal for browsing local markets, grabbing a coffee, or just soaking up the atmosphere.

More than just sightseeing, you’ll get to learn how to make Turkish cheese rolls and pancakes in a onboard cooking class—adding a fun, interactive element to your trip. Brunch with your homemade dishes is a lovely way to start your day of culinary discovery.

In the afternoon, the boat departs for Firinaz Bay, where you’ll spend the night. The scenery here is stunning, with quiet waters perfect for swimming and relaxing.

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Day 3: From Kas to Butterfly Valley and Oludeniz

The third day is packed with some of the most iconic sights. Early morning, the boat heads towards Butterfly Valley, a spot renowned for its wide variety of butterflies and lush surroundings. You can take a stroll or just relax by the water after a hearty breakfast.

From there, the cruise passes the famous Oludeniz and the Blue Lagoon, both photographers’ favorites for their turquoise waters and stunning landscapes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try paragliding off Baba Dagi—considered one of the world’s best spots for this activity. Even if you stick to swimming and taking photos, you’ll love the views.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit St. Nicholas Island, where ruins await exploration, and the top offers an incredible sunset view. Climbing to the top to watch the sunset is a bucket-list moment for many on this trip.

Day 4: Return to Fethiye

On the final day, after a last swim, the boat heads back towards Fethiye, stopping in beautiful bays for lunch. The cruise usually arrives in Fethiye harbor around 1 p.m., giving you time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers before continuing your journey.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour’s itinerary is carefully crafted to showcase both natural beauty and historical sites, with plenty of swimming, sightseeing, and cultural experiences. The stops include beautiful bays like Karemlik, Gokkaya, and Firnaz, along with key cultural sites like Kekova Sunken City, Simena Castle, and Gemiler Island.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of active exploration and relaxing downtime. For example, at Kekova and Butterfly Valley, you’ll get to swim, snorkel, or walk through scenic spots, while at Kas, you’ll have leisure time to soak up local atmosphere.

The route also offers plenty of opportunities for photo stops, especially around scenic islands and bays. The boat’s schedule is busy but rewarding, covering a good mix of history, nature, and local life.

Included and Not Included

The price of $516 per person covers most essentials, including full-board meals—three breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners—plus drinking water and snorkelling equipment. That’s a pretty decent value considering the locations and activities.

However, some extras are not included. You’ll need to budget for drinks outside of mealtime, and entry fees to sites like Simena Castle (€4), Butterfly Valley (€1), and St. Nicholas Island (€3). These are small sums but worth noting if you’re keen on exploring every site fully.

Real Traveler Insights

From reviews, we see glowing feedback—”Overall an excellent experience, highly recommended”—which is pretty consistent among happy guests. Many mention the stunning views and delicious food, especially the local-style meals and tapas. The experience of cruising the coast and seeing multiple sights without the hassle of logistics gets high marks.

Some point out that the itinerary is quite full, which is true—if you prefer more relaxed days, this might feel a bit hectic. But if you’re eager to see as much as possible and enjoy active days, you’ll likely love the pace.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise caters well to travelers who thrive on a mixture of sights, swims, and social activity. If you’re looking for a well-organized group experience with scenic views and cultural highlights, this is a strong pick. It’s also suitable for those interested in trying Turkish cuisine through onboard cooking classes.

While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the activities are generally suitable for older children and teens who enjoy swimming and exploring. Just keep in mind the overall pace and some early mornings.

Final Thoughts

A 4-day Gulet cruise from Olympos to Fethiye offers a uniquely memorable way to explore Turkey’s coast. From sunbathing on deck to wandering ancient ruins, the experience balances natural beauty with cultural discovery. The included meals and snorkelling gear add value, making it an accessible option for many travelers.

If you’re after a combination of adventure, history, and relaxation with friendly crew service, this tour really hits the mark. Just be prepared for an active schedule and a lively group atmosphere—perfect if you want to pack a lot into your trip but still enjoy the laid-back charm of the Turkish coast.

FAQs

Is this cruise suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed for families, the activities like swimming, sightseeing, and snorkelling are generally suitable for older children and teens comfortable with water activities. Check with the provider if you have younger children.

What is included in the price?
Full-board meals (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners), drinking water during meals, and snorkelling equipment are included. Entrance fees to certain sites are not included.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, entrance fees for sites like Simena Castle (€4), Butterfly Valley (€1), and St. Nicholas Island (€3) are extra. Drinks outside of mealtimes are also not included.

How long are the stops at each site?
Stops vary but generally include around 15-30 minutes for photo ops or swimming, with some longer stops like at Kas or Gemiler Island lasting about 2 hours.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Comfortable shoes for exploring, and possibly a hat for sun protection.

Is there an onboard cooking class?
Yes, you’ll learn how to make Turkish Cheese Rolls and pancakes, which you can enjoy during brunch.

How early in the day does the cruise start and end?
The schedule begins with pickups in the morning, with the last stop in Fethiye around 1 p.m. on the final day, giving you some time for onward plans.

What’s the typical group size?
While not specified, group cruises like this tend to have a moderate size, creating a friendly, social atmosphere without feeling crowded.

Can I cancel or change my reservation?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Exploring Turkey’s coast on a Gulet cruise like this can be a truly enriching experience—perfect for those eager to see a variety of sights, enjoy good food, and relax on the water. I hope this review helps you decide whether it’s the right adventure for you.

You can check availability for your dates here: