Top 10 Must-Visit Bays for a Gulet Cruise in Turkey

Are you planning a gulet cruise in Turkey and wondering which bays to visit? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the top 10 must-visit bays for a gulet cruise in Turkey that will give you the perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure. From crystal clear waters to picturesque views, these bays will leave you awe-inspired.

Oludeniz

Oludeniz Bay, situated in the Fethiye district of Turkey, is an acclaimed and preeminent tourist destination within the country’s realm. This astounding and picturesque blue lagoon, hemmed in by grand and regal mountains, is considered one of the most widely photographed bays in Turkey. The crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming, an activity that both the natives and the visitors can delight in.

Paragliding is, without a doubt, one of the most famous and celebrated activities in Oludeniz Bay. The towering and colossal Babadag Mountain is the perfect launchpad for paragliders to embark and soar over the bay, affording a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the bay and its neighboring environs. A plethora of companies in the locale offer paragliding excursions, and one must not forego the opportunity to partake in this exhilarating experience.

For those who fancy staying closer to the water, there are a copious amount of other activities to indulge in while in Oludeniz Bay. The bay is a haven for diving, as there are several dive sites to explore the underwater world of the Mediterranean. There are many fun water activities to enjoy such as jet skiing, water skiing, and banana boating.

Oludeniz Bay is also home to a myriad of restaurants and cafes, in addition to its natural beauty and outdoor activities. While savoring the stunning views of the bay, visitors can relish in fresh seafood, traditional Turkish cuisine, or international delicacies.

To sum up, Oludeniz Bay is a destination that is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Turkey. Its natural exquisiteness and wide range of activities cater to both adventure enthusiasts and individuals who want to unwind and appreciate the serene and stunning scenery.

Butterfly Bay 

Butterfly Bay is situated in the Fethiye region of Turkey, which is only a short distance from Oludeniz Bay. The reason behind the name of this bay is the abundance of butterflies that grace the area, particularly during the months of May and June. The bay is surrounded by steep cliffs cloaked in verdant vegetation, and the crystalline waters are idyllic for swimming and snorkeling.

One of the most appealing features of Butterfly Bay is its sequestered and serene ambiance. Unlike some of the other celebrated tourist spots in the vicinity, the bay is not as bustling, making it a perfect haven for those seeking tranquility while indulging in the natural splendor of the Turkish coastline. There are a few diminutive cafes and restaurants in the locality, proffering authentic Turkish cuisine and refreshments.

Hiking is another favored activity in Butterfly Bay. The adjacent cliffs and hills present a myriad of hiking trails, affording captivating vistas of the bay and the Mediterranean Sea. Several caves in the area, such as the Afkule Monastery Cave and the Tlos Antique City Cave, are also worth exploring.

Moreover, Butterfly Bay is a well-liked site for yacht tours that offer an opportunity to explore the neighboring coastline and bays. Many of these tours comprise stops at other prominent destinations in the area, such as St. Nicholas Island and the Blue Cave.

Overall, Butterfly Bay is a gorgeous and placid retreat that is ideal for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the lap of nature. With its stunning topography, hiking trails, and scope for swimming and snorkeling, it is an unmissable destination for anyone traveling to the Fethiye region of Turkey.

Cleopatra’s Bath

Cleopatra Bay, also known as Sunken Bath, is a breathtaking cove located in Gocek, a small town situated in the Turkish Riviera. This secluded bay has become a popular destination for tourists seeking a tranquil and picturesque getaway. The bay’s serene waters and stunning scenery make it an ideal location for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.

One of the most notable features of Cleopatra Bay is the ancient ruins of a sunken bath, believed to have been built for Queen Cleopatra herself. Legend has it that the queen would stop in the bay during her voyages to bathe in the rejuvenating waters. The ruins are visible in the crystal-clear waters and provide an intriguing glimpse into the region’s rich history.

The bay’s natural beauty is unparalleled, with towering cliffs on either side and crystal-clear water that shimmers in the sunlight. The beach is small and secluded, surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for those seeking privacy and serenity. Visitors can access the bay via boat or by hiking down a steep path from the nearby town of Gocek.

For those looking for adventure, the bay offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling. The underwater landscape is teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles.. The visibility is excellent, allowing divers to explore the sunken ruins up close.

The surrounding area also offers several hiking trails, including the Lycian Way, a 540-kilometer route that stretches along the Mediterranean coast. The trail is marked by ancient ruins, stunning vistas, and rocky cliffs, providing hikers with a glimpse into the region’s rich history and natural beauty.

Yassica Islands

The Yassica Islands, also recognized as the Yassiada Islands, are a set of four petite islets located in the Gulf of Fethiye, along the shore of southwestern Turkey. These islets are renowned for their lucid waters, picturesque coves, and breathtaking innate magnificence.

Yassiada, the largest island in the group, is likewise the most prevalent among visitors. This islet is the dwelling place of numerous isolated beaches and coves, offering tourists an opportunity to indulge in activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and basking in the sun. Additionally, the island is enclosed by exuberant vegetation and pine forests, providing a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

The other islets, namely Tersane Island, Kizil Island, and Gocek Island, are also worthy of note. Tersane Island, formerly utilized as a shipyard during the Ottoman Empire, boasts a collection of historic ruins and shipwrecks that are ripe for exploration. Kizil Island, recognized for its red cliffs and rocks, serves as a stunning contrast against the azure waters of the Gulf of Fethiye. Gocek Island, the smallest among the islets, primarily serves as a stopover for boats and yachts.

A yacht charter is one of the best ways to explore the Yassica Islands. Many local tour operators offer day trips to the islets, which include halts at various coves and beaches. Alternatively, visitors may rent a private yacht or boat to explore the islets at their own pace.

Vacationers can indulge in a plethora of exhilarating activities apart from the customary pastimes of swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. These include hiking, kayaking, and fishing, which offer an invigorating and stimulating experience in nature’s embrace.  

All in all, the Yassica Islands are a stunning destination that offers visitors an opportunity to escape the maddening crowd and immerse themselves in nature’s beauty. Their lucid waters, scenic coves, and serene ambiance make them an attractive location to visit while in southwestern Turkey.

Kekova Bay

Kekova Bay’s placement amid the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea imparts a distinctive character that makes it exceptional. The breathtaking scenery that envelops the bay sets the perfect tone for any escapade in the vicinity. The crystal-clear waters in the bay provide a gateway to explore the plethora of aquatic life through activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Beyond the sunken city of Simena lies a wealth of historical landmarks that are waiting to be explored. The most notable of these is the ancient city of Myra, which is a short drive from Kekova Bay. Myra is home to the famed Lycian tombs, hewn into the cliffs and dating back to the 4th century BC. Besides, the city boasts a well-preserved Roman theatre and other ancient ruins that bear the hallmark of a rich and vibrant history.

For thrill-seekers, Kekova Bay offers myriad opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Trails that meander through the hills and forests surrounding the bay present spectacular views of the coastline and the surrounding topography.

In contrast, if you seek a more serene experience, Kekova Bay has numerous beaches and coves to discover. Some of the most prominent spots include Tersane Bay, where you can glimpse the ruins of an old shipyard, and Kalekoy, which features a small castle and a picturesque pebble beach.

In essence, Kekova Bay is an exclusive haven that has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply want to soak up the sun on a pristine beach, Kekova Bay promises an unforgettable adventure.

Gemiler Island Bay (St.Nicolas Island)

Gemiler Island, an uninhabited islet near the popular tourist destination of Fethiye, Turkey, beckons visitors to uncover its historical and cultural legacy. The island may be small in size, yet it possesses a rich assortment of archaeological riches.

Upon the island, a distinguished point of interest is the remains of a Byzantine house of worship, hearkening back to the 5th or 6th century. The church was dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers, and functioned as an important pilgrimage site in the Byzantine era. Those who venture into the present era can scrutinize the vestiges of the church, encompassing an abundance of immaculately conserved mosaics and frescoes.

In addition to the church, there exist numerous ancient ruins on Gemiler Island. These include the vestiges of a medieval castle and several tombs from the Lycian epoch. The island also boasts a petite museum that showcases artifacts discovered across various archaeological sites.

Aside from its opulent past and cultural significance, Gemiler Island presents itself as a preeminent venue for various open-air pursuits, including but not limited to swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.The island’s crystalline waters are an ideal setting for underwater exploration, with plenty of subaqueous caves and rock formations to discover. Meanwhile, hiking enthusiasts can revel in the stunning vistas of the coastline and the adjacent mountain range.

In conclusion, Gemiler Island presents an unparalleled and captivating experience for all. Whether one’s inclinations lie in history, nature, or simply basking under the warmth of the sun.

Aquarium Bay

Located along the southwestern coast of Turkey, nestled beside the bustling tourist center of Kas, lies the resplendent Aquarium Bay. This remarkable cove is renowned for its iridescent waters and vibrant marine life, enclosed by rocky precipices and luxuriant flora, which collectively create a magnificent spectacle.

Aquarium Bay captivates its visitors with a plethora of opportunities for snorkeling and diving, where a profusion of marine creatures, spanning from multicolored fish to sea turtles, and even octopuses, are plentifully abundant. The scintillating and limpid aqueous expanse of the bay furnishes a remarkable getaway for the intrepid souls who venture to delve into the unfathomable depths of the bay, an experience that is poised to etch an indelible mark on their consciousness.

Apart from subaquatic expeditions, Aquarium Bay is a preferred destination for tourists to luxuriate in the sun and partake in leisurely activities. The shore is draped with diminutive pebbles, introducing a distinctive and comfortable twist to the experience of lounging under the sun’s warmth. The tranquil and turquoise waters of the bay proffer a rejuvenating dip for visitors to revive their spirits.

For the daring voyagers who seek further escapades, various trekking trails meander through the nearby hills, which present breathtaking vistas of the bay and its environs.

In summary, Aquarium Bay is an unquestionable must-see destination for anyone voyaging to the southwestern coast of Turkey. With its magnificent natural beauty and diverse range of activities, it is an ideal haven to unwind and relish the Turkish charm at its most exquisite.

Sarsala Bay

Located on the southwestern coast of Turkey lies the tranquil Sarsala Bay, an intimate cove encompassed by breathtaking natural allure. This bay is renowned for its clear, lucid waters, sandy shores, and untroubled ambiance, rendering it an alluring retreat for those yearning to evade crowds and embrace a more serene and placid holiday.

Although relatively petite, the beach at Sarsala Bay offers an idyllic and picturesque panorama, perfect for indulging in sunbathing, swimming, and unwinding. Its sandy shores are an ideal choice for families with young children, as the shallow waters enable delightful paddling and frolicking.

Beyond its sandy oasis, Sarsala Bay is a diver’s and snorkeler’s haven, harboring an abundance of vibrant marine creatures such as iridescent fish, sea turtles. 

For those who crave exploring the neighboring terrain, several hiking paths meander through the nearby hills, offering spectacular vistas of the bay and the surrounding topography.

In general, Sarsala Bay is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers a perfect retreat for people who want to escape from the chaos and noise of everyday life and connect with nature. With its stunning natural allure, translucent waters, and array of activities, Sarsala Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the southwestern coast of Turkey.

Inceburun Bay

Inceburun Bay, or the Inceburun Cove, is an isolated and tranquil inlet that lies on the southwestern shoreline of Turkey, proximate to the town of Marmaris. The bay is bordered by verdant hills and boasts transparent, sapphire-colored waters, which draw swimmers, snorkelers, and sunbathers to this captivating spot.

Moreover, apart from swimming and sunbathing, the bay offers a multitude of other recreations to indulge in. The bay is an exceptional locale for snorkeling, featuring a profusion of colorful fish and marine life to observe. Visitors may also rent kayaks to explore the adjacent coves and bays, or take a boat tour to witness the awe-inspiring coastline from a divergent vantage point.

Hiking is another prevalent pursuit in Inceburun Bay, with several trails traversing through the nearby hills and forests. These trails proffer awe-inspiring vistas of the bay and the adjacent terrain, thus providing an exceptional mode to explore the area’s natural beauty.

For history aficionados, numerous ancient ruins are located within the proximity of Inceburun Bay. Amongst these ruins is the eminent ancient city of Amos, which dates back to the 6th century BC and lies just a short hike from the bay. The Amos ruins comprise a theater, a necropolis, and several temples, and furnish a fascinating insight into the ancient past of the region.

Overall, Inceburun Bay is an obligatory destination for those seeking to relish in the natural beauty and rich history of Turkey’s southwestern shoreline. Its transparent waters, unblemished scenery, and array of activities render it an idyllic sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Bedri Rahmi Bay

Bedri Rahmi Bay, also known as Tasyaka Cove, is accessible by yacht, a stunning inlet located in the Göcek region of Turkey. It is named after the famous Turkish painter Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, who, in 1973, drew a fish on a rock at the entrance to the cove, which has since become a famous landmark.

The bay is surrounded by lush green hills and has crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The underwater world of the bay is also fascinating, with a variety of marine life to observe.

Bedri Rahmi Bay is a popular stop for gulet cruises, and many boats anchor here to give passengers a chance to enjoy the stunning scenery and the turquoise waters. Visitors can relax on the deck of the yacht, swim in the sea, or explore the rocky shoreline.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bedri Rahmi Bay is also known for its rich history. There are several ancient ruins in the area, including the remains of a Byzantine church, a medieval castle, and a Roman bath. Visitors can explore these historical sites and learn about the region’s fascinating past.

Overall, Bedri Rahmi Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Göcek region of Turkey. Its natural beauty, fascinating history, and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs alike.