A blue cruise is not only about swimming. Along the way you can step ashore to explore crusader castles, ancient cities, stone villages and colourful harbours. Here are the best shore breaks to plan into your private gulet, motor yacht or motorsailer charter – from Bodrum to Datça, Dalyan and the Greek islands.
35 m luxury gulet Grand AcarHistory in Bodrum town
Castle of St. Peter
Crusader castle & museumBuilt by the Knights of St. John, the castle guards the harbour and houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology – a perfect first-morning visit before you set sail.
Ancient Halicarnassus
Mausoleum, theatre & Myndos GateVisit the site of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the ancient theatre above town and the Myndos Gate.
Knidos & Datça
Knidos
Ancient cityAn ancient city spread across terraces above two harbours, with theatres and temples looking out to sea. Anchor in the bay and walk among the ruins.
Datça & Old Datça
Harbour town & stone villageA relaxed harbour town for a stroll, and nearby Old Datça with its stone houses and bougainvillea.
37 m motorsailer Queen Of MakriVillage stops in the Hisarönü Gulf
Selimiye
A fishing village with waterfront restaurants and a laid-back evening atmosphere.
Bozburun
Famous for its gulet-building tradition and quiet harbour.
Orhaniye & Kızkumu
A sheltered bay known for its sandbar stretching into the sea.
Dalyan, the Lycian coast & Greek islands
Kaunos & rock tombs
Take a boat up the Dalyan river from Ekincik to see the rock tombs and ancient Kaunos.
Kekova & Simena
See the sunken city ruins and climb to the castle above Simena.
Symi, Rhodes & Kos
Colourful harbours, medieval Rhodes Town and Lindos below its acropolis.
Ephesus
On our Bodrum to Ephesus route, visit one of the greatest ancient cities.
Making the most of your shore breaks
Go early
Visit ancient sites in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Bring the basics
Comfortable shoes, a hat and water are all you need ashore.
Greek islands
Passports and border formalities apply for Greek island stops.
Opening hours and entry rules at museums and sites can change – please check before your visit.
42 m motorsailer Perla Del MareFrequently asked questions
Can we go ashore during a blue cruise?
Yes. Your captain plans the route so you can go ashore by tender for sightseeing, lunch, markets or a walk – just tell the crew what interests you.
Which ancient sites can be visited by yacht from Bodrum?
Popular stops include Knidos at the tip of the Datça Peninsula, Kaunos near Dalyan, Myndos at Gümüşlük and, on longer routes, Ephesus. In Bodrum itself you can visit the Castle of St. Peter and the ancient theatre.
How long should a shore excursion be?
Most stops take between one and three hours, so you can combine sightseeing with swimming the same day.
Build shore breaks into your route
Tell us what you love – history, villages, food or islands – and we will plan the perfect mix of bays and shore stops.