Best Blue Cruise Routes from Bodrum: Gökova, Hisarönü, Bodrum Peninsula & the Greek Islands

Best Blue Cruise Routes from Bodrum: Gökova, Hisarönü, Bodrum Peninsula & the Greek Islands blog

Bodrum is the most popular starting point for a blue cruise in Turkey. Within a few hours of the harbour you can be swimming in the pine-fringed bays of Gökova, anchoring off ancient Knidos, or crossing to the Greek islands of Kos, Kalymnos and Symi – on a traditional gulet, a fast motor yacht, a comfortable trawler or an elegant motorsailer.

45 m luxury gulet Halcon Del Mar – yacht charter in Turkey with Aren Yachting45 m luxury gulet Halcon Del Mar
Route by route

The best blue cruise routes from Bodrum

01

Bodrum – Gulf of Gökova – Bodrum

7 nights · Round trip

The classic blue cruise from Bodrum. Sheltered from the open sea, the Gulf of Gökova is a long, green gulf of deep turquoise bays and quiet anchorages – many reachable only by boat. Our most recommended route for first-time guests and families.

Orak IslandÇökertmeSeven IslandsEnglish HarbourSedir (Cleopatra) IslandLongöz BayKisebüküYalıçiftlik
Best forFamilies, couples, honeymoons
Ideal yachtGulet or motorsailer
Start portBodrum
View itinerary →
02

Bodrum – Gulf of Hisarönü & Datça

7 nights · Round trip

Round the Datça Peninsula into one of the most beautiful sailing areas of the Aegean: fishing villages, olive groves, quiet bays and the ancient city of Knidos at the tip of the peninsula.

PalamutbüküAktur & BencikEmel Sayın BayOrhaniyeSelimiyeBozburunDirsekbüküDatçaKnidos
Best forCouples, friends, food lovers
Ideal yachtGulet or motor yacht
Start portBodrum
7-night itinerary →4-day version →
45 m luxury gulet Halcon Del Mar – yacht charter in Turkey with Aren Yachting45 m luxury gulet Halcon Del Mar
03

Symi Island & the Gulf of Hisarönü

7 nights · Turkey & Greece

Combine the Turkish coast with the Greek island of Symi and its colourful neoclassical harbour. After Knidos and Datça, cross to Symi, then explore Bozburun and Selimiye on the way back.

KnidosKargı BayDatçaSymiBozburunSelimiyeBencikPalamutbükü
Best forCouples, culture lovers
Ideal yachtMotor yacht or motorsailer
Start portBodrum
View itinerary →
04

Bodrum Peninsula, Türkbükü & Çökertme

3–7 nights · Round trip

Swimming by day, Bodrum nightlife by evening. The peninsula is lined with lively bays and stylish villages – perfect for short breaks and groups of friends.

GümüşlükYalıkavakGündoğanTürkbüküTorbaBitezOrak IslandÇökertme
Best forFriends, birthdays, short breaks
Ideal yachtMotor yacht or trawler
Start portBodrum
Peninsula cruise →4 days & Orak →Türkbükü – Çökertme →
05

Bodrum to the Greek Islands

7 nights · Dodecanese

The perfect island hop: the northern route visits Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos and Lipsi; the southern route visits Nisyros and its volcano, Tilos and Symi, returning via Datça and Knidos.

KosPserimosKalymnosLerosPatmosLipsiNisyrosTilosSymi
Best forIsland hoppers, culture lovers
Ideal yachtMotor yacht
Start portBodrum
North Dodecanese →South Dodecanese →Kos day trip →
06

One-way routes from Bodrum

7 nights · One way

See more of the coast on a one-way charter: to Marmaris via Knidos and Hisarönü, to Göcek past Ekincik and Dalyan, or north to Ephesus for history lovers.

KnidosDatçaSelimiyeBozburunEkincikTwelve IslandsDidymaEphesus
Best forLonger holidays, explorers
Ideal yachtMotor yacht or gulet
Start portBodrum
To Marmaris →To Göcek →To Ephesus →

Crossing to the Greek islands requires passports and border formalities – we help you prepare everything before your charter.

Match your occasion

Which route for which occasion?

Gökova

Honeymoon & anniversary

Quiet bays, sunsets and privacy. Add our Anniversary at Sea touches.

Gökova or Hisarönü

Family holiday

Calm, sheltered water and short sailing days.

Bodrum Peninsula

Birthday & friends

Bays by day, Bodrum by night – see Birthday on a Yacht.

Sunset anchorage

Marriage proposal

Our Proposal on a Yacht package helps with every detail.

Knidos & Ephesus

Culture & history

Ancient cities, museums and Greek island chapels.

Greek Islands

Island hopping

Kos, Patmos, Symi and more in one week.

35 m luxury gulet Grand Acar – yacht charter in Turkey with Aren Yachting35 m luxury gulet Grand Acar
Timing

When is the best time to go?

May & JuneFresh green coast, warm days and quieter bays.
July & AugustPeak season – hottest weather and liveliest harbours. Book early.
September & OctoberWarmest sea of the year and a relaxed atmosphere.
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What is the best blue cruise route from Bodrum?

For a first blue cruise, the Gulf of Gökova is the classic choice: sheltered water, green bays and short sailing days. Guests who want more variety often choose the Gulf of Hisarönü or a Greek islands route.

How long is a typical blue cruise from Bodrum?

Most blue cruises are 7 nights, but shorter routes of 3–4 nights are available, for example around the Bodrum Peninsula or to the Gulf of Hisarönü.

Can I visit the Greek islands from Bodrum?

Yes. Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, Nisyros, Tilos and Symi can all be visited on a private yacht from Bodrum. Passport and border formalities apply.

When is the best time for a blue cruise from Bodrum?

The season runs from May to October. June and September offer warm water with fewer crowds; July and August are the busiest months.

Plan your Bodrum blue cruise

Send us your dates and group size – we will suggest the best route and yacht and send a personal quote.