7-Day Sailing Itinerary – Explore Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

Book a 7-day sailing itinerary and begin with a morning departure on a family-run gulet along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast to chase the best views.

Day 1: depart Bodrum and sail to covegokkaya, an anchorage tucked behind pine coves. Snorkel in crystal water along a sun-warmed reef, then share a simple dinner on deck as the breeze cools and butterflies drift past the rail.

Day 2–3 glide through fjord-like inlets, pausing at limani for lunch and a quiet swim. Taste a fresh meze, grilled fish, and lemon-scented olive oil while you soak in the views from the deck and watch the cliffs change hue at sunset.

Day 4: reach firnaz, then sail to the town with the name nicholas for a stroll through narrow streets, and you’ll also find a waterfront market and a lighthouse.

Day 5–7 continue toward Kas and Fethiye, with a final snorkel near a sheltered cove and a sunset that paints the water. Butterflies drift during the calmer hours, and you’ll already be planning your next voyage after you book a return trip.

Turquoise Coast Sailing Guide

Begin your 7-day voyage with a dawn departure from Fethiye harbor, youll head west toward Gemiler, anchor near a cennet bay, and set a steady pace for the day. Inspect the deck, prepare mooring lines for a smooth approach, and enjoy a refreshing swim before shore visits.

On day two, sail along the coast toward Oludeniz, pick a traditional anchorage near a town harbor for a comfortable stay, and keep enough water on hand for the heat.

By day three, enter Gocek’s westward bays, map in mind a plan for known places and safe moorings; youll find competence among crews who handle light airs or a brisk breeze.

The Gemiler visit offers ruins visible from deck and a chance to dive into water; keep deck shoes handy and prepare for a gentle entry if crowded.

As you head west toward bays near cennet and ferries, set a flexible pace and avoid rush; this plan leaves enough time to explore, swim, and reset if winds shift.

The day you sight greece across the blue is a reminder of the coast’s proximity; greece is visible on clear days from the west, adding a hint of cross-border charm to the itinerary.

For stay and safety, limit speed near ports and keep competence high on deck; check weather daily and adjust the plan to stay within your competence and comfort levels.

The places along turkeys west turquoise coast–Gemiler, cennet coves, and Gocek harbors–offer memories that stay long after the sails are furled.

Leg 1: Fethiye to Butterfly Valley – anchorages, provisioning, and weather-aware sailing

Leave Fethiye after breakfast and set course southwest along turkeys coast. Youll find gocek coves and covegokkaya sheltering anchorages, ideal for a round mooring with a full view of the sea and the surrounding cliffs. This week-long adventure starts with a calm hop, a quick swim, and sunbathing on sandy decks before the main push to Butterfly Valley; arriving early gives you a sheltered evening and a better chance to enjoy the sunset.

Anchorages

• covegokkaya – sheltered crescent, sandy bottom, 5–10 m depth, easy access to shore by dinghy; ideal for a calm night and a relaxing swim.
• Butterfly Valley outer bay – iconic inlet; anchor with bow toward the wind, keep clear of the inner beach; depth typically 6–12 m; dinghy access to the shore for a short walk and view of the valley walls.
• gocek coast coves – several family-run anchorages along the northern approach offer protection from northerly gusts and a quiet pace away from the rush of larger ports.

Provisioning

• Base market: Fethiye’s main market and fish market supply fresh produce, olives, cheese, bread, and coffee. Arriving early ensures you have the best selection; firnaz, a vendor youll meet at the stalls, can help with last-minute items.
• Bakery and dairy: pick up crusty bread, simit, yogurt, and feta from a family-run bakery to cover quick breakfasts and light meals on deck.
• Proteins and greens: stock fresh fish or chicken, plus greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemons for easy salads and quick pasta dishes; store in a small cooler with ice from the harbor.
• Water and supplies: fill water tanks before departure and carry extra jugs; a compact water-maker is handy if you have one. If youre arriving late, check gocek’s markets for overnight provisions.
• Plan ahead: have a simple week-long menu (pasta, grilled fish, salads) to minimize heavy storage and keep packing light for sunbathing and swimming days.

Weather-aware sailing

• Typical winds on the route are southwest, commonly 12–20 knots in the late morning to afternoon; mornings are usually calmer for a smooth start.
• Check the forecast before departure; if gusts push toward 25+ knots, shorten sail and consider delaying the hop to the next cove to avoid rough seas.
• Route strategy: use the round coastline to stay in lee of headlands; aim for covegokkaya as a first anchor, then press to Butterfly Valley if the breeze stays favorable.
• Safety notes: watch for loud ferries and tour boats near Olu Deniz; keep anchor gear ready, and maintain a conservative pace to allow for swift adjustments.
• Timing: depart after 09:00 to maximize daylight; plan 4–6 hours of sailing total for this leg, leaving flexibility for stops for swimming and sunbathing along sandy shores.

Leg 2: Göcek Islands Loop – preferred moorings, snorkeling routes, and sunset spots

Anchor at Bedri Rahmi Bay upon arriving, then loop toward the Gocek Islands for snorkeling; the firnaz blend of pine scent and turquoise water greets you along the shore, and the coastline cushions the transition into the next leg of the trip, quite long but rewarding.

Preferred moorings are D-Marin Göcek and Gocek Marina. Both offer reliable facilities: electricity, water, and secure berths, with a family-run team guiding arrivals and departures. In the town, you can walk to several restaurants for fresh seafood, including places like the waterfront options.

Snorkeling routes start at Bedri Rahmi Bay’s shallow edges, then drift along the eastern rocks of Domuz Island, and return through the calm lanes between Yassi Island and the mainland coastline. Each stop reveals different underwater features–sea grass beds, small caves, and reef fish–with visibility typically around 5–12 meters in summer. Some mornings, the water feels a touch cold, but the shallows stay comfortable for swimming. Anchorages along the route are straightforward and provide safe places to rest between swims.

Sunset spots present two standout options. Amongst the many coves, Bedri Rahmi Bay’s western shore offers amber coastline as the sun sinks behind pine hills. Second, a wind-sheltered cove between the Gocek Islands near the marina, where masts silhouette the horizon and the breeze cools as colors deepen.

In the late afternoon, consider strolling a secluded beach on the island chain; butterflies drift along the shore and the water stays clear for a final swim. For a longer day, plan a short hop to ancient ruins on the mainland and back to your anchor for a night under the stars; источник notes that weather can shift with the wind, so check forecasts and keep a link to the harbor master for updates.

Leg 3: Kas to Kalkan – sheltered harbors, fuel stops, and shore-excursion ideas

Fuel up in Kas Marina before departing, then switch southwest toward Ekincik Bay for a sheltered first hop. Offshore depths run 10–25 meters, which makes arrivals calm for an experienced crew. In Kas you can check fuel and water supplies so youre ready for the long leg ahead. From Ekincik, a short hop to Fethiye works if winds rise; even with shifting winds, Ekincik Bay shelters the boat for a calm stop.

The next leg to Fethiye offers a reliable pace, typically 6–8 hours at 6–7 knots, roughly 35–50 NM depending on current and wind. Fethiye harbor provides protection from SW gusts, plus a great link to traditional shore markets. If you want a greek history pause, plan a land visit to Demre to see Nicholas tombs, a site blending Greek influence with Lycian history and a link to Greece.

From Fethiye, the coastline to Kalkan is long but forgiving, with several sheltered bays along the way. A quick swim at Kaputaş Beach or Patara Beach makes the day memorable, while the views from cliff edges frame turquoise water from many angles. Arriving near Kalkan, you can anchor in calm coves or use the marina for a comfortable night; the harbor area supports a steady pace for your yacht with experienced crew.

Leg 4: Kekova Bay & Simena – sunken-city views, safe snorkeling, and cliffside walks

Anchor down in kekova Bay at morning light and suit up for a safe snorkeling session in the calm coves. Yourself ready with mask and fins, you’ll spot the sunken city and Lycian tombs just below the surface.

Then sail into Simena and climb a cliff path to the medieval castle. The route offers viewpoints where you can pause, even catch a view over the harbor and the blue coves.

From the cliff, descend to sheltered inlets for close looks at the tombs and the faint silhouettes of ancient walls. Afterwards, wander the village to explore restaurants and enjoy genuine hospitality, with maps at the pier showing each short loop you can take. источник notes that these ruins stay visible from the water in the morning.

During this period of the itinerary, this leg links kekova with other destinations along the south coast, delivering great balance between safe snorkeling, cliffside walks, and deck time.

Generally, begin the day with a morning start from Kalkan-based charters, then cruise into calm coves and enjoy a resetting of energy after a light lunch. Then head to beaches for a dip and finish with a sunset meal at a couple of restaurants.

Leg 5: Patara Beach to Oludeniz – beach access, permit notes, and wind/sea-state checks

Get the Patara National Park permit before departure and anchor in the gemiler area or Sarsala Bay rather than the main Patara sands. The park enforces beach-access rules, and you should carry the permit qualifications (boat registration, skipper credentials, and insurance) if asked by rangers. This coast boasts plenty of sheltered anchorages and easy options for an overnight, with hospitality in nearby towns along the route. The area also offers rich history, including Byzantine tombs visible from Gemiler Island, a reminder of the region’s long ties to Greece and the broader Mediterranean trade network.

Beach access notes: Sand beach time is limited and controlled; you won’t find a marina, and mooring directly on the beach is not allowed. Moor in a lee behind the protective reefs in the bays and follow posted guidelines. If you want shoreline time, plan a short tender ride to a nearby town that has restaurants and daylight hours for visiting sites like tombs and small museums. Patience and a careful approach save you from fines and protect nesting sites and local habitat.

Anchorages and routing: The starting point off Patara lets you slide along the coast toward gemiler and Sarsala, which offer safe, comfortable places to drop the hook. The gemiler site is famous for its Byzantine tombs and shallow shelves; Sarsala Bay provides a quiet, sheltered middle option with snorkeling opportunities just offshore. Generally, you should keep an eye on traffic from local fishing boats and tour operators; a well-marked approach makes the final leg to Oludeniz straightforward, with the town’s harbor and beaches giving you many dining options, including cennet coves to explore in the afternoon. If conditions permit, snorkel around the rocky shelves near Gemiler to see small fish and clear water.

Wind and sea-state checks: In late spring and summer, wind tends to build in the afternoon, often from the west or northwest, while the sea state can quickly shift as swells from the southwest arrive. Check forecasts 24 hours ahead and again 3 hours before departure; if swells exceed 1.5 m or winds are sustained over 20 knots, delay or use sheltered anchorages. Generally, choose Gemiler or Sarsala as forward safety zones and push to Oludeniz in good light. The cennet coves near the bays offer easy water access and are worth a short snorkel if conditions permit.