What is a Blue Voyage
“Blue Voyage,” or “Blue Voyage,” as it’s known in English, is a peaceful, exploratory boat tour along Turkey’s southwestern coast—especially the turquoise waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean—taking place on traditional wooden gulets
Origin and History
The concept of “Blue Voyage” entered literature in 1957 with Azra Erhat’s book of the same name. The name originated from the exploratory trips along these coasts undertaken by Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (“The Fisherman of Halicarnassus”), Sabahattin Eyüboğlu, and Erhat.
These trips were initially conducted with an amateur spirit, but with the development of the tourism industry from the 1980s onward, they evolved into commercial tours.
What Does It Offer?
Weekly tours are typically organized, and itineraries include Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Göcek, Kaş, Kekova, and sometimes even the Greek islands.
Marmarisim – Marmaris’s Holiday Gate
Throughout the journey, guests can anchor in hidden coves and swim, participate in water sports, sunbathe, enjoy the view while enjoying coffee on the hillside, visit ancient cities, and sample local cuisine.
About the Boats
These are typically two-masted, wide-decked traditional gulets, but sailing yachts, motor yachts, or catamarans are also available.
Gulets are generally 15–55 meters long and can accommodate 6–24 people.
Why Choose Them?
Nature, history, and comfort are experienced together on these tours – an ideal escape from the pace of modern life.
You can choose your own itinerary and choose from luxury or budget-friendly options – individual, couple, or group tours are available.
Where Should We Go Today?
Blue Voyage: A relaxing, adventurous, and exploratory seaside holiday aboard traditional gulets in the clear waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean. An experience that combines history, nature, the sea, and culture; with personalized routes and boat options, it’s preferred by thousands of local and international holidaymakers every year.
If you’d like more detailed information about routes, boats, or prices, I’d be happy to assist you!
Blue Voyage Routes
Popular Blue Voyage routes are located along Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. These routes typically depart from Bodrum, Marmaris, Göcek, Fethiye, Kaş, and Antalya. Here are some popular Blue Voyage routes:
1. Routes Departing from Bodrum
Bodrum – Gökova Gulf Route (Most Popular)
Stops: Bodrum → Orak Island → Yedi Adalar → English Harbour → Cleopatra (Sedir) Island → Karacasöğüt → Çökertme → Bodrum
Features: Quiet bays, natural beauty, and the ancient Cleopatra beach.
Bodrum – Hisarönü Gulf Route
Stops: Bodrum → Datça → Aktur Bay → Bencik Bay → Selimiye → Bozburun → Orhaniye → Bodrum
Features: Peaceful and tranquil bays surrounded by lush greenery.
2. Routes Departing from Marmaris
Marmaris – Fethiye Route
Stops: Marmaris → Ekincik (Dalyan) → Göcek Islands → Fethiye Gulf (Gemiler Island, Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley)
Highlights: Rock tombs in Dalyan, loggerhead turtles, and unique views of Ölüdeniz.
Marmaris – Datça – Marmaris Route
Stops: Marmaris → Serçe Limanı → Bozukkale → Datça → Palamutbükü → Bencik → Orhaniye → Marmaris
Highlights: The quiet bays of the Datça Peninsula and crystal-clear waters.
3. Routes Departing from Fethiye and Göcek
Göcek 12 Islands Route (Short route, highly preferred)
Stops: Göcek → Yassıca Islands → Hamam Bay (Cleopatra Bay) → Bedri Rahmi Bay → Tersane Island → Göcek
Features: Sheltered bays, history and nature intertwined.
Fethiye – Kekova Route (Long route, historically significant)
Stops: Fethiye → Gemiler Island → Ölüdeniz → Butterfly Valley → Kaş → Kekova (Sunken City, Simena Kaleköy) → Demre
Features: Traces of the ancient Lycian civilization, sunken city views, deep blue bays.
4. Routes Departing from Kaş
Kaş – Kekova Route (A combination of history and the sea)
Stops: Kaş → Limanağzı → Aperlai → Üçağız → Kekova (Sunken City, Simena Kaleköy) → Demre → Kaş
Highlights: Ancient city ruins and Kekova’s famous sunken city.
5. Routes Departing from Antalya
Antalya – Olympos – Adrasan Route
Stops: Antalya → Sıçan Island → Olympos → Çıralı → Adrasan → Porto Ceneviz → Antalya
Highlights: Natural beauty, the Lycian Way route, and the legendary fires of Yanartaş.
Alternative Routes:
Routes departing from Bodrum or Marmaris and including Greek islands such as Rhodes, Kos, and Symi are also popular.
Customized itineraries can be prepared for those renting a private boat.
Route Duration
Typical blue cruises last 4–7 nights.
Short tours (3–4 days) usually depart from Göcek or Bodrum.
Best Time
The ideal time for a blue cruise is between May and October.
