Bodrum is one of Turkey’s great treasures: a whitewashed town of bougainvillea-draped lanes and lively waterfront restaurants, crowned by the medieval Castle of St Peter and surrounded by an elegant sweep of beaches and bays. Yet the most beautiful part of this coastline lies just beyond the town, in the long, mountain-ringed Gulf of Gökova. A 7-day gulet cruise from Bodrum to the Gökova coast takes you away from the crowds into a world of pine-covered hillsides, deserted coves and water so clear and still that the yacht seems to float in mid-air. It is the classic Turkish Blue Cruise, and for many of our guests it remains the most perfect week they have ever spent at sea.
This route is also ideal for larger groups. Several gulets in our Bodrum fleet are licensed for up to 18 guests in eight or more en-suite cabins, so extended families, groups of friends celebrating a milestone birthday or companies on an incentive trip can all sail together on a single yacht. The sheltered waters of the gulf, short daily cruising times and wealth of quiet anchorages make it suitable for every age, from toddlers to grandparents, and leave plenty of time for swimming, paddleboarding, snorkelling and simply relaxing in the sun.
Gulets for large groups on the Gökova coast
Your Week Day by Day
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Bodrum | Embark in the afternoon, welcome drinks and first dinner overlooking the castle |
| Sunday | Bodrum – Orak Island | Swim in the famous turquoise water around Orak, one of the clearest bays in the Aegean |
| Monday | Orak – Çökertme – Longöz | A traditional fishing village, then a peaceful overnight in a pine-fringed creek |
| Tuesday | Longöz – Cleopatra Island (Sedir) | Walk on Cleopatra’s legendary golden sand and visit the ancient city of Cedrae |
| Wednesday | Sedir – English Harbour – Seven Islands | Wartime history and a maze of quiet islets perfect for kayaking |
| Thursday | Seven Islands – Değirmen Bükü – Karacasöğüt | Hidden bays, waterside restaurants and possible sightings of sea turtles |
| Friday | Karacasöğüt – Kargıcık / Akvaryum Bay | A final day of swimming and a farewell dinner on deck |
| Saturday | Bodrum | Breakfast and disembarkation in the morning |
This itinerary is a guide rather than a timetable. Because the yacht is yours alone, the captain will adjust the route each day to the weather, the wind and the wishes of your group. Some guests choose to spend two nights at a favourite anchorage, others prefer to add a visit to the market village of Akyaka or a morning in the old town of Bodrum. In the gulf the cruising legs are short – often just one to two hours – so you will spend most of each day at anchor in beautiful surroundings.
Highlights of the Gökova Coast
Orak Island is famous for the extraordinary colour of its water, which shifts from emerald to deep sapphire over a white limestone seabed. Cleopatra Island, known locally as Sedir, has a beach of fine golden sand which, according to legend, Mark Antony shipped from North Africa for Cleopatra; today the beach is protected, but you can explore the remains of the ancient city of Cedrae with its amphitheatre and walls. English Harbour, a deep and hidden inlet, earned its name during the Second World War, when Allied boats used it as a secret base. The Seven Islands form a peaceful archipelago of small wooded islets and narrow channels, perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, and the bays of Değirmen Bükü and Karacasöğüt offer charming waterside restaurants and a relaxed, unspoilt atmosphere. Read more in our best Blue Cruise routes from Bodrum.
A week in the Gulf of Gökova
Recommended Gulets for This Cruise
Prices and Planning
A 7-day Bodrum–Gökova cruise on a private gulet for up to 18 guests costs from around €11,000–€21,000 per week for a classic eight-cabin gulet, and around €28,000–€40,000 for a larger, more luxurious eight-cabin yacht such as Queen of Salmakis. Divided between sixteen to eighteen guests, this is often remarkably good value. Food is usually arranged through a full-board menu package, drinks are charged at on-board prices, and a crew gratuity of around 10% is customary. For smaller groups who want more luxury, our best luxury gulets in Bodrum offer a superyacht-style alternative.
We recommend booking six to nine months ahead for July and August, and three to four months ahead for May, June, September and October. Your personal advisor will check availability across our Bodrum fleet, send a short list with cabin plans and prices, and arrange airport transfers from Bodrum–Milas Airport, which has direct flights from most major UK airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gulf of Gökova suitable for children?
Yes – it is one of the calmest cruising areas in Turkey, with short distances and safe, sheltered bays.
How many guests can sail on one gulet?
Most gulets are licensed for 12 guests, while several in our fleet are licensed for 16 to 18.
Can we visit Cleopatra Island?
Yes. The beach is protected, so there may be a small entrance fee and restrictions on taking sand.
Is fuel included?
Yes, fuel for a normal cruising itinerary is included on our gulets.
Planning your own week at sea? Discover our yacht charter in Turkey – private gulets, motor yachts and superyachts from Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris and Fethiye, arranged by our team since 2001.