Sail Turkey: Gulet Cruise Olympos to Fethiye

Discover the Charm of the Gulet Cruise from Olympos to Fethiye

This 4-day Gulet cruise with SAILNSTAY offers a scenic journey along Turkey’s celebrated Lycian coastline for $516 per person. Departing from Olympos in Antalya Province, this tour combines ancient ruins, vibrant bays, and lively fishing villages with the relaxing pace of sailing on a traditional Turkish yacht. The itinerary highlights include swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, exploring the Sunken City of Kekova, visiting Kas, and enjoying Butterfly Valley and Oludeniz.

The trip is ideal for travelers seeking a combination of culture, nature, and leisure, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, sightseeing, and local food experiences. The cruise’s structure allows for ample exploring time at each stop while maintaining a smooth sailing rhythm. Keep in mind that entrance fees are not included, and drinks are separate, but the full-board meals and snorkeling equipment add significant value.

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Key Points

• 4-day sailing adventure along Turkey’s Lycian coast with full-board meals included
• Highlights include Kekova Sunken City, Kas, Butterfly Valley, and Oludeniz
• Swimming and snorkeling are core activities, with equipment provided
• Stopovers include Gokkaya Bay, Kas, Firnaz Bay, and Gemiler Island
• Optional activities like paragliding from Baba Dag at Oludeniz
• Entrance fees for some stops are extra, as well as drinks

Starting Point and Group Logistics in Olympos and Demre

The cruise begins with pickups in Olympos and Demre, ensuring a smooth transfer to the Demre Harbour where the gulet is moored. The organized pickup service makes starting easy, especially for those already staying nearby. The tour is designed for small groups, making for an intimate experience on the traditional Turkish gulet. English-speaking hosts are available to guide you through the journey, ensuring clear communication and a smooth experience.

Sailing the Scenic Lycian Coastline

The Lycian coastline is the star of this cruise, with beautiful bays and rugged cliffs providing stunning views. The boat cruise offers plenty of chances to photo the coastline and enjoy the sea breeze. The journey includes scenic cruising above notable spots like the Sunken City of Kekova and Simena Castle, where you’ll get sweeping vistas.

The overnight stops at Gokkaya Bay and Firnaz Bay are designed to give travelers relaxing evenings aboard with calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. These bays are known for their peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

Exploring Kekova’s Sunken City and Simena Castle

One of the tour’s main highlights is the visit to the Sunken City of Kekova, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, cruising slowly over the ruins allows for unique photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the ancient remains submerged in the water.

The nearby Simena Castle offers spectacular views across the coastline and self-guided exploration of the fishing village at its base. This area provides a glimpse into local life and traditional architecture, making it a favorite stop on the route.

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Kas: A Charming Coastal Town

In Kas, travelers enjoy around two hours to wander the cobblestone streets, browse handicraft stores and souvenir shops, and relax at local cafes. The town’s vibrant atmosphere complements the cruise, offering a taste of authentic Turkish coastal life.

Most guests prefer to dine in Kas during their visit, relishing fresh seafood or local dishes. The cruise also features an onboard cooking class, where you learn to make traditional Turkish Cheese Rolls and pancakes, then enjoy your creations for brunch.

From Kas to Butterfly Valley and Oludeniz

An early morning transfer takes the crew from Kas to Butterfly Valley, a beautiful valley famous for its butterfly species and scenic walks. Here, travelers can stroll, swim, or snorkel, enjoying the serene natural environment.

Next, the cruise passes the world-famous Oludeniz beach, known for its blue lagoon. Guests have several hours to swim, snorkel, or try paragliding from Baba Dag, often regarded as one of the top places globally for this activity. Later, the boat heads to St. Nicholas Island, where ruins and a sunset climb provide a peaceful end to the day.

The Final Day and Return to Fethiye

On the last day, the cruise begins with a morning swim before heading back toward Fethiye. The boat makes a lunch stop in a nearby bay, allowing guests to enjoy the sea one last time. The journey concludes at Fethiye Harbour in the early afternoon, around 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., where travelers can disembark and continue their Turkish adventures.

Stops and Excursions: What’s Included and What’s Extra

The itinerary includes several notable stops, with entry fees for Simena Castle, Butterfly Valley, and St. Nicholas (Gemiler) Island costing 4 Euros, 1 Euro, and 3 Euros respectively. These are paid on-site, and the cruise’s full-board package does not cover drinks or entrance fees.

The tour features snorkeling equipment, making the underwater explorations accessible even for beginners. The group size remains manageable, fostering a personalized experience.

Taste of Turkish Cuisine and Onboard Meals

Throughout the 4 days, the cruise provides 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners, all included in the price. The meals are served full board, with drinking water during meals. An onboard cooking class allows participants to learn traditional Turkish recipes like cheese rolls and pancakes, which they then enjoy for brunch.

While drinks are not included, the emphasis on fresh, homemade meals enhances the overall value, and guests often appreciate the variety and quality of the onboard food service.

Practical Tips for the Trip

Expected essentials include sunglasses, swimwear, towels, and sunscreen—all necessary for days spent swimming, sunbathing, and exploring. The tour is suited for travelers comfortable with short walks and moderate outdoor activity. Since the cruise is on a traditional gulet, it offers a relaxed pace, but some stops involve self-guided exploration, so a basic level of mobility is helpful.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

This Gulet cruise appeals to those who appreciate scenic sailing, cultural exploration, and relaxing days by the water. It’s especially suitable for families, couples, or small groups eager to discover Turkey’s coastline without the hassle of organizing individual boat trips. The full-board meal plan and snorkeling gear further enhance the experience.

Travelers looking for adventure can enjoy paragliding at Oludeniz, while history and nature lovers will relish visits to ancient ruins and natural parks. The tour’s 4-day pace offers a good balance of activity and relaxation, fitting comfortably into most travel plans.

The Bottom Line for the Olympos to Fethiye Gulet Cruise

This cruise offers a well-rounded experience of Turkey’s Lycian coast, blending sailing, sightseeing, and leisure. The moderate price point includes meals and snorkeling equipment, with optional entrance fees to some sites.

The small group atmosphere and the beautiful stops make it a memorable way to explore Turkey from the water. It’s especially suitable for those who value authentic sailing experiences, scenic views, and cultural insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $516 per person?
The price covers full-board meals (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners), snorkeling equipment, and organized transfers from Olympos and Demre.

Are entrance fees to attractions included?
No, entrance fees for Simena Castle, Butterfly Valley, and St. Nicholas Island are paid separately and typically cost between 1 and 4 Euros each.

Is paragliding available at Oludeniz?
Yes, paragliding is offered at Oludeniz, and it is considered one of the best places in the world for this activity.

How flexible is the schedule?
The itinerary follows a pre-set route, with free time during stops for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing. The cruise is designed to balance sailing time with exploration.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, towels, and sunscreen. Comfortable shoes for self-guided walks and light clothing are also recommended.

This Gulet cruise from Olympos to Fethiye combines scenic sailing, cultural stops, and relaxing bays, making it an attractive choice for travelers eager to experience Turkey’s coast in a comfortable, authentic setting.

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