Luxury Gulet Cruise Turkey: From Fethiye To Kekova Return Sailing Trip

The day begins with the quintessential gulet experience: diving into turquoise waters before breakfast. The first stop is Butterfly Valley, a hidden canyon framed by sheer cliffs. Those who swim or take a dinghy ashore can hike to a small waterfall, often accompanied by swarms of colorful butterflies in season.
We then continue to Ölüdeniz, home to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, one of the most photographed beaches in Turkey. After a leisurely swim, the gulet anchors overnight at St. Nicholas Island, scattered with Byzantine ruins. Guests can wander among ancient churches and watch the sun dip into the Aegean from the island’s summit a magical, once in a lifetime sunset spot.

After a morning swim at Aquarium Bay, named for its clarity, we cruise along the rugged coastline to reach Kaş. This charming town is beloved for its whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and colorful bougainvillea. Kaş is also renowned for jewelry boutiques, cafés spilling onto the cobblestones, and one of the best scuba diving scenes in the Mediterranean. Guests may choose to explore the town, relax at a waterfront café, or take an optional diving excursion. Dinner and overnight in Kaş harbor.

Departing Kaş, the gulet sails eastward into the Kekova region, a stretch of coastline dotted with islands and ancient relics. A swimming stop at Limanagzi offers a chance to soak in calm turquoise waters before we arrive at the sleepy fishing village of Üçağız. Here, time slows to a different rhythm: narrow lanes wind between stone houses, fishing boats bob gently in the harbor, and Lycian tombs rise eerily from the water. The evening is spent onboard with the serenity of this timeless village as the backdrop.

This morning is dedicated to one of the region’s highlights: the sunken city of Kekova. Destroyed by earthquakes centuries ago, its remains — stairs, houses, and harbor walls — can be glimpsed beneath the surface. The best way to explore is by sea kayak, gently gliding over the ruins with a guide explaining the site’s history.
Later, we visit Simena Castle, perched above the seaside village of Kaleköy. The climb is rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the bays and islands. In the evening, the gulet anchors in Gokkaya Bay, a lively spot where travelers are ferried to Smugglers Island for a fun night of dancing and music under the stars.

Today is a celebration of the sea itself. The gulet meanders through a series of remote coves, offering ample opportunities to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. By late afternoon we reach Firnaz Bay, near the town of Kalkan. Here the crew prepares a family-style dinner featuring fresh local ingredients, served on deck with the water gently lapping against the hull. The night is quiet, perfect for stargazing in an anchorage far removed from towns and lights.

The final full day begins at Gemiler Beach, overlooked by the ruins of ancient churches scattered along the hillside. Guests may choose to take an optional land excursion to Kayaköy, the hauntingly beautiful “ghost village” once home to a Greek community that left in the 1920s. After lunch, the gulet sails back to Fethiye. The last evening together is marked with a special farewell dinner onboard, with an optional night out in Fethiye’s lively bars and clubs for those who want to celebrate the journey.

After a leisurely final breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to the crew and fellow travelers. Disembarkation is by mid-morning, leaving plenty of time for onward travel. Guests depart with memories of hidden bays, starlit nights, and the unique camaraderie of life at sea.