Sailing The Göcek Islands of Turkey
Göcek’s 12 islands and many bays, clear and clean water, green pine and amber forests and pristine beaches were on the menu for our sailing trip out of Fethiye on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey.
We spent four perfect days and three balmy nights aboard the yacht called “Ros”, named after her Australian-born owner, with Before Lunch Cruises.
The yacht had 6 double cabins and one family cabin for 4, all with private ensuites, and one bunk cabin with shared bathroom and it accommodated 16 people on board, with Captain and 2 crew. We were fortunate to bag a double cabin at the front of the yacht.
Here’s how the yacht cruise unfolded:
- Departed Fethiye Harbour at approximately 10.30-11am on the day of the cruise
Departing Fethiye Harbour - Lunch stop at Turung Bay or Aquarium Bay
Yacht Sunbeds and Swimming off the Yacht - Stay overnight at Tersane Island or Dis Gobun Island
Relaxing on the Yacht - 2nd day – Pirate Bay or Aga Limani Bay – Optional walk to the Unknown Temple, or just relax and swim
Aga Limani Bay an Unknown Temple at top of Island - Stay overnight at Cleopatra’s Bay
Views from Island over Aga Limani Bay - Third day – Morning swim into Cleopatra’s Bath with an optional walk to the Lycian Rock Tombs
Snorkelling in Cleopatra Bay around Ruins - Have a look at Olive Island and Flat Island before mooring at Sunset Bay for the evening
Another Perfect Day in Paradise in Sunset Bay - Fourth Day – Back to Fethiye Harbour around 10.30am-11am
Our four days were absolutely scintillating. Our cabin was comfortable and well equipped, although we spent most nights along with all of the other passengers sleeping on deck on one of the sunbeds, as it was too hot to sleep below. We were looking at temperatures in the high to 30’s to low 40’s each day.
The uphill hikes on both islands were challenging and exhausting but the ruins and the views were well worth the discomfort. Swimming and snorkelling in the clean clear water was amazing.
As for food and beverages, the yacht had a well stocked fridge with a good range of beer, wine and soft drinks and it was an honour system – you marked your drink selection on a chart above the fridge. Meals were delicious and plentiful, prepared fresh by our Chef/Captain and mainly consisted of vegetarian plus fish or chicken.
We were fortunate to have a wonderful entertaining group of guests aboard with us on the yacht and of an evening we played cards, listened to one of the guests play her guitar or generally sat around having a few drinks and laughs.
I would highly recommend this yacht cruise for travellers to Turkey. It was an amazing four days of relaxing, devouring delicious food, enjoying the company of other guests aboard, swimming and snorkelling in the pristine Aegean Sea and exploring ruins and caves. When I dream about the perfect holiday this is where I go!
Have you been on a yacht cruise on the Aegean or Mediterranean Sea or somewhere else?
Linking up with Travel Photo Thursday
Magic, unfortunately for me, SEASICKNESS xxx
No you wouldn’t get seasick on this cruise. The water was as calm as can be. It was truly magical! :)
It sound fabulous. I once had the privilege of spending a couple of weeks on a yacht in the Greek Islands, it was a ‘bare boat’ so we catered for ourselves and had our own skipper but it was such a memorable experience. A great way to get into all those little coves and villages that a ferry or cruise ship cannot access :-)
I would love to do a cruise around the Greek Islands. It was a wonderful experience with only 16 guests aboard the yacht. We all felt like good friends at the end of the four days. :)
What a stunning place, your photos make me want to go there asap!
Yes they make me want to go back there! It is an amazing place Turkey. Thanks for dropping by my blog. :)
That would have been the most amazing experience Kathy. Most of the cruises I read about, the guests end up sleeping on deck. I think I would have to so that I didn’t get sick. But I worry that others on deck would complain about M snoring!
We were fortunate to have the fore cabin which had a window, but it was still too hot to sleep of a night. The sunbeds up on deck were comfortable and yes my fellow passengers we snoring!! With 40 degree temperatures you had no choice. :)
Turung Bay! Divine. Unfortunately I’m like Rae and get sea sick. Still it would be nice to swim in an ocean with no biteys.
It was all divine Michelle. The scenery, the people, the food, the wine and the gorgeous water in the Mediterranean Sea. I wish I was back there!!
This is great! I love sailing around beaches and islands. You have to give us more details about how to chose a good cruise. I have seen other people making similar trips but they end up not recommending the company they went with.
It was a fantastic cruise Ruth. This cruise was highly recommended by friends of friends and I guess because the yacht owner was an Australian also helped. Otherwise I’m a complete novice when it comes to choosing a good yacht cruise. I always like to look on Tripadvisor for reviews of tours and cruises so that would be a good place to start. :)
We did a bareboat charter on a 40′ catamaran out of Gocek. Was a fantastic experience! One of our best trips ever!
Hi Linda. I remember talking to you about your cruise around the Gocek Islands. It was a spectacular couple of days and I could certainly go back there. We are off tomorrow on a trip to Tasmania, which is a small island state at the most southern point of Australia. Hope you and Carl are both well. xx