Bodrum to Gulf of Hisarönü Blue Cruise: 7-Night Private Gulet Itinerary
Blue Voyage
7 Nights / 8 Days · Round trip from Bodrum · Private gulet charter
Cruise route · numbered pins mark each night's anchorage
This seven-night private gulet cruise sails from Bodrum across the Gulf of Gökova to the Datça Peninsula and into the Gulf of Hisarönü, then returns to Bodrum at the end of the week.
Along the way you anchor in quiet fishing villages and sheltered bays, swim in some of the clearest water on the Turkish coast, and visit the ancient city of Knidos, best reached by yacht.
Every Aren Yachting charter is private, so the route below is a guide rather than a fixed schedule. Your captain adapts it to the wind, the sea and your own pace.
At a Glance
Why Sail the Gulf of Hisarönü
The Gulf of Hisarönü lies between the Datça and Bozburun peninsulas. Its bays are sheltered, its villages are small and traditional, and wooded hills run down to the water.
- Sheltered anchorages: Selimiye is one of the safest natural harbours in the gulf, and Bencik winds inland like a small fjord.
- History: The ancient city of Knidos, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, and the Hellenistic castle near Selimiye.
- Village life: Bozburun, still known for building traditional wooden gulets, and Palamutbükü with its fresh seafood and local almonds.
The Route Day by Day
Day 1 – Bodrum
Your charter begins at Bodrum Harbour, with boarding from 15:30. Your captain and crew welcome you on board and help you settle into your cabins.
Bodrum is the ancient Halicarnassus, birthplace of Herodotus and home of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visit the Castle of St Peter and its Museum of Underwater Archaeology, the ancient amphitheatre and the Myndos Gate. Dinner and your first night are on board in Bodrum.
Day 2 – Palamutbükü
The gulet crosses the Gulf of Gökova to the Datça Peninsula. Palamutbükü lies near its western tip, close to the ruins of ancient Knidos.
The bay is known for exceptionally clear water, freshly caught seafood and locally grown almonds. Its long, quiet beach is perfect for a swim before dinner and a night at anchor.
Day 3 – Aktur & Bencik Bay
Today you sail into the Gulf of Hisarönü. Aktur, on the Datça Peninsula, is surrounded by pine forest and clear water, ideal for a morning swim.
Bencik Bay looks like a miniature fjord. The inlet runs about 1.5 nautical miles inland between steep, wooded slopes, at the narrow neck of land that separates the Gulf of Hisarönü from the Gulf of Gökova. Dinner is served at anchor.
Day 4 – Emel Sayın Bay, Orhaniye & Selimiye
The morning starts at Emel Sayın Bay, then continues past Orhaniye to the wide bay of Selimiye, one of the safest natural harbours in the Gulf of Hisarönü.
Selimiye is a quiet farming village. At sunset it glows in a deep red light. A Hellenistic castle stands south of the village, and an ancient tomb about 100 metres offshore has guided sailors for centuries. Dinner brings fresh local produce and seafood.
Day 5 – Bozburun & Dirsekbükü
Bozburun was once a centre of sponge diving. Today it is known for building traditional wooden gulets, and its small, modern marina sits beside a relaxed fishing village with good local food.
In the afternoon the gulet moves to the quiet anchorage of Dirsekbükü for swimming and an evening at anchor.
Day 6 – Datça & Knidos
Datça is a small resort town with shops, cafés and two natural harbours. Pine, oak and myrtle cover the hills, and life here still follows farming, fishing and gulet building.
At the western tip of the peninsula, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, lies ancient Knidos. Walk among the Temple of Aphrodite, the theatres and the necropolis, where excavations have continued for more than half a century. Dinner and the night are at anchor.
Day 7 – Kara Ada & Orak Island
The gulet sails back across the gulf towards Bodrum. Kara Ada is known for its warm sulphur springs and mud, long believed to have healing effects.
Orak Island, about ten nautical miles from Bodrum, has some of the clearest water on this coast and many sheltered coves for snorkelling. Your farewell dinner is served on board.
Day 8 – Bodrum
Enjoy a final breakfast on board in Bodrum and disembark by 10:30.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Bodrum to Gulf of Hisarönü blue cruise?
It is a 7-night, 8-day round trip from Bodrum. Boarding is from 15:30 on the first day and disembarkation is by 10:30 on the last morning.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every Aren Yachting charter is private, so the route is a guide rather than a fixed programme. Your captain adapts it to the weather and sea conditions, and we can shorten it, extend it or combine it with other bays to suit you.
When is the best time for a Hisarönü blue cruise?
The gulet season runs from May to October. July and August are the warmest and busiest months, while late spring and early autumn offer warm sea temperatures and quieter anchorages.
Which yachts can sail this route?
The route can be sailed on most gulets and motorsailers based in Bodrum, from family-sized yachts to large luxury gulets. Tell us your dates and group size and we will recommend the yachts that suit you best.
What is included in the charter price?
Inclusions vary by yacht and are confirmed in your written offer and charter contract before you book, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Plan Your Hisarönü Blue Cruise
Share your dates, group size and preferences, and our team will match you with the right gulet and tailor this route around you.