What You Need to Know About Gulet Voyage and Gulet Tours
1. What is a Gulet Voyage?
Blue Voyage is the name given to boat tours made on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Türkiye. It usually departs from coastal regions such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Göcek, Kaş and Antalya. It is traditionally done with wooden boats called gulets.
2. What is a Gulet?
A gulet is a traditional Turkish-made wooden boat. First developed in the Bodrum region, gulets are famous for their comfortable accommodation areas, large decks and suitable equipment for cruising.
General features of gulets:
They are made of wood (pine, mahogany and teak wood are used).
They usually vary between 15-35 meters in length.
They have cabins, toilets, showers, kitchens and common areas.
They can be used as motorized and sailboats.
3. Most Popular Blue Voyage Routes
Bodrum-Gökova Bay: It covers calm and natural wonders such as Cleopatra Island, English Harbour and Çökertme bays.
Marmaris-Datça-Bozburun: Includes bays such as Hisarönü Gulf, Selimiye and Datça region.
Fethiye-Göcek Gulf: Includes places such as Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Göcek Islands.
Kaş-Kekova Region: Includes Sunken City, Simena (Kaleköy) and Kekova bays.
4. What to Consider When Taking a Gulet Tour?
Boat selection: Evaluate according to criteria such as the boat’s capacity, comfort level, crew quality.
Route planning: Select the tour by determining the places you want to visit and the duration.
Security: Make sure that you have all the safety equipment (life jacket, fire extinguishing equipment, etc.).
Food and drinks: Find out in advance whether meals and drinks are included in the boat tour.
Things to Take with You: Don’t forget sunscreen, hat, glasses, swimsuit, sea towel, comfortable clothes and your personal medications if you have any.
5. What are the Advantages of a Blue Voyage?
The opportunity to relax in quiet and isolated bays, away from crowded tourist areas.
The opportunity to swim and do sea activities in crystal clear waters, surrounded by nature.
The chance to taste traditional Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine on a boat.
The opportunity to spend quality time with your friends or family.
6. Best Time for Gulet Tours
The best time for a blue cruise on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey is generally between May and October.
July and August are the busiest periods. If you want a quieter tour, prefer June and September.
Life on a Gulet
Living on a gulet offers a comfortable, enjoyable and unforgettable seaside holiday experience. Here are the things you need to know about living on a gulet and important tips that make life easier:
🔹 1. Gulet Living Areas
A gulet usually consists of three basic living areas:
Cabins:
Private bed, wardrobe and storage area for personal belongings.
Private toilet and shower sections (standard on luxury gulets).
Air conditioning (common in luxury categories).
Salon & Interior:
Common dining and seating area.
TV, sound system and relaxation areas.
The kitchen is usually near this section.
Deck & Open Areas:
Comfortable sun loungers and cushions.
Sunbathing areas and awning seating areas.
Dining table, barbecue area, bar (available on some gulets).
🔹 2. Daily Life Routine
Daily life on the boat usually follows the following routine:
Morning:
Breakfast is served outdoors.
The route of the day is determined and the cruise begins.
Noon Hours:
Lunch is eaten on the boat in a beautiful bay where the boat is anchored.
Time is spent swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling or water sports.
Evening:
You can cruise to another bay or start preparing for the evening in the bay you stay.
Light snacks are served with tea and coffee.
Evening:
Dinner is eaten outdoors on the deck.
Chatting, games or relaxing under the stars on the boat.
🔹 3. Comfort and Facilities on the Boat
Electricity and Water Usage:
Electricity on the boat is provided by generators and is activated at certain hours.
Fresh water is stored and should not be wasted.
Air Conditioning:
Air conditioning usually works at certain hours or when the generator is on.
Windows and covers in cabins are used for ventilation.
Toilet Use:
Sea or vacuum type toilets are used.
Waste such as paper is thrown into special waste bins so that the system does not clog.
Internet and Communication:
There may be Wi-Fi on boats, but the connection may vary from bay to bay.
Telephone and internet connections may be weak in the open sea and in remote bays.
🔹 4. Food and Drinks
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually included in the tour package.
Meals usually consist of seafood, local vegetables and fresh fruits.
If you have special dietary needs or requests, it is useful to inform us in advance.
🔹 5. Entertainment & Activities on the Boat
Snorkeling, swimming and diving.
Paddleboard (SUP) and canoe use.
Fishing and various water sports.
Land excursions, trekking or local visits can be made.
🔹 6. Things to Consider on the Boat
The deck can often be wet; you need to walk carefully.
Wearing shoes on gulets is often prohibited or soft-soled shoes such as slippers are preferred.
Do not leave your waste in nature to protect the marine ecosystem.
🔹 7. Things to Take with You
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
Sea towel, beach clothes and comfortable clothes.
Books, music players, cameras and chargers.
Medicines and personal hygiene products.
🔹 8. Safety and Emergency on the Boat
Safety instructions are given by the crew when boarding the boat.
The locations of life jackets and fire extinguishers should be learned.
In case of emergency, the crew should be notified immediately.
🛳️ Conclusion and Recommendations
Life on a gulet is a unique holiday experience for those looking for calmness, comfort and peace. In order to get the most out of life in this environment, it is recommended that you cooperate with the crew and try to adapt to marine life.
