Sail Turkey: Gulet Cruises for Mixed Age Groups

Thinking about a week-long trip along Turkey’s beautiful coastlines? This Gulet cruise from Fethiye offers a blend of sailing, swimming, and cultural exploration that appeals to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, part of a couple, or traveling with friends or family, this experience promises memorable views and unique stops.

What we love about this tour is the chance to sail along the Lycian coast on a traditional Turkish gulet and the variety of activities—from snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to exploring ancient ruins. Plus, the inclusion of onboard cooking classes adds a fun, hands-on element that many travelers enjoy.

But, a potential snag is the group’s schedule and pace, which can be quite busy with multiple stops in just a week. If you’re someone who prefers totally relaxing, unstructured holidays, this might feel a little rushed. It’s best suited for those who want a lively, activity-filled experience with a mix of adventure and culture.

All in all, this tour is a solid pick for those who appreciate scenic sailing combined with sightseeing, good food, and a touch of history. It’s especially appealing if you’re open to meeting new people and don’t mind a fairly packed itinerary.

Key Points

• Scenic sailing along the Lycian coast offers stunning views and a relaxing way to see Turkey’s coastline.
• Diverse activities like swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring ancient ruins keep the experience engaging.
• Cultural highlights include visits to Kekova’s Sunken City, Simena Castle, and Saint Nicholas Church.
• Onboard cooking classes provide a hands-on way to learn about Turkish cuisine.
• Group size and schedule may be fast-paced, which is great for activity lovers but less ideal for those seeking total relaxation.
• Value for price is solid considering the mix of included meals, activities, and accommodations on a traditional gulet.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Review of the Gulet Cruise Experience

Setting Out: From Fethiye to Butterfly Valley and Oludeniz

The adventure begins early in the morning at Fethiye Harbour, where the friendly crew welcomes you onto the traditional Turkish gulet. The first day sets a lively tone with a sail toward Butterfly Valley, one of the most picturesque spots along the coast. Here, you can swim, hike, and marvel at the butterflies fluttering around—truly a peaceful, natural spectacle. The highlight for many is the chance to enjoy a swim right in the sea or explore the lush surroundings.

Later, the boat heads to Oludeniz, renowned for its Blue Lagoon and paragliding opportunities. For adrenaline junkies, the chance to soar over the lagoon is a definite highlight. Even if you’re not a thrill-seeker, the views are spectacular, and it’s a perfect photo op. The day wraps up with a sunset in St. Nicholas Island, which offers a fantastic vantage point over the sea and ruins that add a touch of history to your sunset view.

Day Two: From St. Nicholas Island to Kas

Early morning, the crew guides the gulet along the coast to Hidayet Bay, near Patara. This is a good opportunity for a quick swim and to enjoy the peaceful bay before heading to the lively town of Kas. Kas is a charming fishing village with cobbled streets, shops, and cafes—ideal for a laid-back exploration and some shopping. The ancient theatre nearby adds a historical charm.

A standout feature here is the onboard Cooking Class, where you learn how to prepare Turkish Cheese Rolls and pancakes. We loved the interactive element—brushing up our cooking skills while chatting with fellow travelers. The brunch afterwards is a relaxed way to enjoy your culinary efforts.

That evening, the cruise anchors in a secluded bay between Kas and Kekova, allowing for a quiet, intimate night under the stars.

Day Three and Four: Exploring Kekova’s Sunken City and Surroundings

The highlight of the trip for many is the visit to the Sunken City of Kekova. It’s a UNESCO site, and while swimming isn’t permitted over the ruins—likely due to preservation efforts—you can cruise by for incredible views. Later, the boat anchors near Kekova Island where you can explore Simena Castle with panoramic views and walk around the quaint town.

On Day Four, after an early swim, the boat heads to Demre Harbor. Here, you have options: explore Lycian tombs, or visit Myra and St. Nicholas Church (for an extra fee). The highlight for many is the chance to swim at Turtle Beach, a tranquil spot where you can watch turtles in their natural habitat.

The afternoon includes a visit to Aquarium Bay, another scenic spot for swimming, and exploration of nearby sarcophagi. The day wraps with an overnight stay at Kocakari Bay, a quiet anchorage perfect for unwinding.

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Days Five and Six: Kas, Kalkan, Butterfly Valley, and Oludeniz

Back in Kas, the morning is relaxed—shopping, strolling, or just soaking up the atmosphere. Then, another onboard Cooking Class gives guests a chance to refine their Turkish cooking skills.

As the cruise heads toward Firnaz Bay near Kalkan, you’ll find another enchanting spot for swimming and relaxing. The next day begins early again, with a trip to Butterfly Valley—a place we found to be absolutely photogenic and peaceful. You can swim, hike, or simply admire the scenery. The option to do paragliding again over Oludeniz makes this day even more memorable.

In the evening, the boat returns to St. Nicholas Island for a stunning sunset, which many describe as a “majestic” moment. It’s a fitting end to days filled with beautiful sights and fun activities.

Final Day: Returning to Fethiye

The last morning is leisurely, with a final swim and breakfast, followed by a cruise back along the coast. The boat makes a final stop near Fethiye for a quick swim before returning to the harbor in the early afternoon. This gives you just enough time to say farewell to the crew and reflect on the week’s adventures.

Practical Considerations: What to Expect

The cost of $959 per person covers full-board meals, including breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner, which on a gulet often means hearty, freshly prepared meals. Snorkelling equipment is provided, so you don’t need to pack your own. Entrance fees to sites like Butterfly Valley, Gemiler Island, and Simena Castle are not included, but are modest (ranging from 1 to 4 euros).

The tour runs for 7 days, with check-in at 09:30 am and board at 10:30 am. It’s designed to be flexible with a “reserve and pay later” option, which is handy if your plans are still shifting. The experience is guided in English, and the group size tends to be moderate, making it easy to mingle but still have some personal space.

What to Bring

Pack essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Be prepared for plenty of sun, especially on deck. Comfortable clothing for walking and hiking is also recommended, especially for visits to sites like Kekova and Saint Nicholas Church.

Group Dynamics and Age Range

While the tour is described as suitable for mixed age groups, reviews suggest it attracts a diverse crowd—from young adults to older travelers. The pace and activities are generally balanced, but some days are quite full, so it’s better suited for those who enjoy a bit of activity.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re the type of traveler who loves sailing, exploring historic sites, snorkeling, and trying local food, this cruise is a great fit. It’s ideal if you enjoy a social, community vibe but also appreciate some quiet moments by the sea.

Those who prefer a more relaxed, less scheduled holiday might find the itinerary a bit packed, but if you’re up for a lively adventure with scenic views, this trip will deliver.

Families or less mobile travelers might want to consider the physical demands of some hikes and site visits, but overall, it’s a flexible experience that offers a good mix of activities for most.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
The tour suits most travelers, but given the busy schedule and some physical activity, it’s best for families with children comfortable with boat travel and walking.

Are meals included?
Yes, full-board meals are included, with breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner onboard.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
Yes, entrance fees for Butterfly Valley, Gemiler Island, and Simena Castle are not included and are modest—typically between 1 and 4 euros.

Can I join if I don’t snorkel?
Absolutely. Snorkelling equipment is provided, but if you prefer not to snorkel, you can enjoy swimming or relaxing on deck.

What if I want to skip a site?
The itinerary is quite structured, but you can usually choose to relax on the boat or explore nearby areas if you prefer not to visit certain sites.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
The tour description doesn’t mention Wi-Fi, so it’s safe to assume connectivity might be limited.

Are there opportunities for shopping?
Yes, especially in Kas and Fethiye, which have lively markets and shops.

How many people are typically on the tour?
While not specified, group sizes are manageable, making it easy to mingle but still enjoy some privacy.

What should I pack?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, towels, sun hat, comfortable walking shoes, and casual clothing.

Is transportation included?
Transportation to and from the boat is included, but there’s no mention of airport transfers.

Final Thoughts

For travelers eager to combine sailing, swimming, and cultural exploration, this Turkish gulet cruise offers a well-rounded adventure. It pairs scenic views with historical sites, and the onboard activities like cooking classes add a personalized touch.

While the itinerary can be busy, it’s that very liveliness that makes the trip memorable. The knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery earn high marks, and the modest price point makes it accessible for many. If you’re looking for a fun, active way to see Turkey’s coast with a group of like-minded travelers, this cruise is worth considering.

This experience is perfect for those who want to balance relaxation with adventure and are open to a friendly, social atmosphere. It’s a great way to see multiple highlights in just one week, leaving you with plenty of stories and snapshots to cherish.

You can check availability for your dates here: