An Unforgettable Blue Cruise Awaits You

About Blue Cruise Boat Charter.

The blue cruise is a type of holiday where you spend several days entirely at sea along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Instead of staying in a hotel, you live on the boat and wake up every morning in a different bay. The classic choice is a gulet: wooden boats with wide decks built in Bodrum and Marmaris shipyards. However, in recent years, many have also set sail on motor yachts, catamarans, and modern sailing boats.

The length of the itinerary is up to you. Most people prefer the classic seven-night tour from Saturday to Saturday; there are also shorter programs of three to four nights departing from Bodrum and Fethiye.

The blue cruise stands out as one of Turkey’s most popular holiday options, especially with boat tours departing from Bodrum, Marmaris, Bozburun, Göcek, and Fethiye. This special holiday experience in the clear waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean is an ideal choice for those seeking luxury yacht charter, gulet charter, boat holidays, and blue cruises.

Among the most preferred options are blue cruise boat charters and yacht charters, allowing you to create a private route whether with friends or family. All-inclusive blue cruise packages offer ideal solutions for those seeking a comfortable holiday, while more economical options with different blue cruise prices are also available.

Shorter holidays such as 3-day blue cruises or 4 nights 5 days blue cruises are also quite popular.

All-inclusive blue cruise packages provide a comfortable holiday while discovering beautiful bays, hidden beaches, and historical stops. Especially popular in summer, Turkey’s blue cruise routes are indispensable for both domestic and international tourists.

If you are looking for a free holiday instead of crowded hotels, you can start your dream sea holiday immediately with the best blue cruise prices, daily boat charters, and weekly gulet tours.

If you are planning an unforgettable holiday, you can start your blue cruise right away with the latest blue cruise prices, different route options, and professional services. A free and comfortable holiday awaits you in Turkey’s most beautiful bays.

What is a blue cruise?

The concept was born around Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (Halikarnas Balıkçısı), who was exiled to Bodrum in the late 1920s. Along with names like Azra Erhat, Sabahattin and Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, he boarded sponge divers’ and fishermen’s boats and toured the coast for weeks. Over time, these trips became known as the "blue cruise."

Today’s version is a bit more comfortable, of course. In the 1980s, as the number of boats increased, prices dropped and the blue cruise became a tourist product. But the essence did not change: the group decides the route, the day is shaped by the bay, and no one keeps strict time.

How does a day on a blue cruise go?

The morning usually starts in the bay where you are anchored. Breakfast is served on the deck, then the boat sails for a few hours to the next bay. Lunch is mostly eaten while anchored, and the afternoon is spent swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the shade.

In the evening, there are two options: stay anchored in the bay or dock at a fish restaurant with a pier. Usually, the pier fee is waived if you have dinner there. If you stay in the bay overnight, the generator is turned off and the boat becomes completely silent. This is often the part guests talk about the most.

What types of boats are rented?

Gulet. The symbol of the blue cruise. Usually between 15 and 40 meters, carrying 6 to 20 guests. Its wide deck, shaded areas, and low rolling motion make it the most comfortable option for groups not used to the sea.

Aynakıç. Very similar to a gulet, the difference is the square stern. This means more seating space on the aft deck.

Tirhandil. The oldest of these types, the classic Bodrum boat with a pointed stern. Between 11 and 30 meters, suitable for smaller groups.

Motor yacht. For those who want to cover the route quickly. If you want to see more bays in the same time, it makes sense, but fuel costs are noticeably higher than a gulet.

Catamaran. Because it has two hulls, it hardly rocks when anchored. Frequently asked by groups worried about seasickness.

Sailing boat. Those with a sailing license can rent without crew. Preferred by those seeking a sailing holiday rather than a blue cruise.

With skipper or bareboat?

There is a common misunderstanding here, let’s clarify: gulets, aynakıç, and tirhandil boats are not rented bareboat. They are classified as commercial passenger boats and by regulation operate with a professional skipper, usually with a cook and deckhand as well. So when you rent a blue cruise boat, the crew is already included in the price.

Bareboat rental applies to sailing boats and motor yachts. In that case, an Amateur Seafarer Certificate or its international equivalent (ICC) and a radio license are required. For crewed charters, guests need no documents other than passport or ID.

The main decision you need to make is not about the skipper but the rental model:

Private charter. You rent the boat entirely. The route, departure time, and menu are in the group’s hands. The standard method for families, friend groups, and corporate events.

Cabin charter. You rent only one cabin on the boat; other cabins have other guests. The route is fixed. Costs drop significantly for couples and small groups of two or three.

Popular routes

Gökova Bay (departing from Bodrum) is the most sheltered and shortest route. English Harbor, Seven Islands, Çökertme, Sedir Island are on this line. Usually recommended for first-time blue cruisers and families with children.

Hisarönü and Datça (departing from Marmaris) are quieter. Selimiye, Bozburun, Datça, Knidos. The route for those wanting to avoid crowds.

Göcek 12 Islands and Fethiye offer a dense cluster of islands in a short distance. Water clarity is noticeably good on this route.

Kekova and Kaş for history-focused groups. Underwater Lycian ruins, Simena Castle, Kaş’s diving spots. Sailing distances are longer than others.

When to go?

The season opens at the end of April and closes at the end of October.

In May and early June, bays are empty, prices are low, but the sea is around 20-22 degrees Celsius. If you plan a swimming-focused program, it might feel cool.

July and August are the busiest months. The sea is 26-28 degrees, you need to arrive early to find anchorage in bays, and prices peak. In the Aegean, the afternoon meltem wind strengthens, and skippers plan the program accordingly.

September is preferred by most experienced guests. The water is still warm, crowds have dispersed, and prices have dropped. October is calm and economical, but after mid-month the weather may change.

Regarding reservations: popular boats for July and August start filling up the previous autumn. Early booking discounts usually apply between December and February.

What determines the price?

Boat length, number of cabins, year built or last maintenance, season period, and service model. There are two common meal models: full board (all meals included, charged per person per day) and breakfast only. The standard in Turkey is the first.

Items usually listed separately in the contract include fuel, port and pier fees, drinks, and water sports equipment. Before booking, ask clearly what is included; differences between offers often come from here.

What should you bring?

Don’t bring hard suitcases, this is the most important point. Storage in cabins is limited and hard suitcases don’t fold, causing space problems. Use a soft travel bag.

The rest is simple: high-factor sunscreen (reef-friendly if possible), hat, sunglasses, light clothes, and a sweater for evenings. Shoes are usually taken off on deck, so no need for heavy footwear. Bring your personal medications; some bays have no pharmacy. Also carry cash; some bay restaurants do not accept cards.