Fethiye – Kekova – Fethiye Gulet Cruise - 6 nights - 7 days
Start & End: Fethiye, Türkiye
Experience one of the most popular Blue Cruise routes along the Turkish Mediterranean coast on this unforgettable 7-day, 6-night gulet cruise from Fethiye to Kekova and back. Sail aboard a traditional Turkish gulet, discover hidden bays, swim in crystal-clear waters, and explore ancient Lycian ruins while enjoying a relaxed and authentic gulet holiday in Turkey.
This scenic Fethiye to Kekova cruise combines breathtaking coastal landscapes, charming seaside towns, and historic landmarks with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, and optional adventure activities such as paragliding and scuba diving.
Your journey begins in Fethiye as you cruise towards the spectacular Butterfly Valley, one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural wonders. Here, you can enjoy your first swim in the turquoise Mediterranean waters or hike through the valley to discover a hidden waterfall surrounded by steep cliffs and lush greenery.
From Butterfly Valley, you will sail past the world-famous Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz, widely regarded as one of the most photographed beaches in Europe. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and calm turquoise waters, this iconic destination offers postcard-perfect scenery and optional paragliding from Babadag Mountain.
Your first evening on board is spent at St Nicholas Island (Gemiler Island), where ancient Byzantine ruins and breathtaking sunsets create an unforgettable atmosphere.
As the cruise continues east along the Mediterranean coastline, you will visit the charming harbour town of Kas, known for its boutique shopping, cobbled streets, local cafes, and vibrant atmosphere. Guests also have the opportunity to join an optional scuba diving experience in one of Turkey’s best diving regions.
Over the following days, you will explore the stunning Kekova region, home to some of the most fascinating historical sites along the Turkish coast. Highlights include:
- The famous Sunken City of Kekova
- Kalekoy (ancient Simena)
- Simena Castle with panoramic coastal views
- Lycian sarcophagi rising from the sea
- Secluded swimming bays and peaceful anchorages
The cruise also visits Demre Harbour, where guests can explore the ancient ruins of Myra and experience authentic local life before the journey back towards Fethiye begins.
One of the unique aspects of this route is the opportunity to revisit the major highlights from a different perspective while discovering new swimming spots, overnight bays, and hidden coves along the way.
Throughout your Turkey gulet cruise, you will stay aboard a traditional wooden gulet featuring comfortable twin or double cabins with private bathrooms. Solo travellers are paired with other solo guests, while private yacht charter options are available for groups seeking an exclusive sailing experience.
On board, you will enjoy freshly prepared Turkish cuisine, relaxed outdoor dining, and unforgettable sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea.
This Fethiye to Kekova to Fethiye Blue Cruise is the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, history, and authentic coastal charm — an unforgettable sailing holiday along the Turkish Riviera.
Day 1 - Fethiye - Butterfly Valley - Blue Lagoon - St Nicholas Island
Check-in for your Turkish Gulet Cruise begins between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM in Fethiye. After meeting your crew and fellow travellers, you will depart the harbour and cruise towards Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi).
Surrounded by towering cliffs reaching up to 350 metres high, Butterfly Valley is one of the most spectacular natural locations along the Turkish coast. Accessible only by boat, the valley is famous for its pristine beach, crystal-clear waters, and the rare Jersey Tiger butterflies found here during the summer months. Guests can swim, relax on the beach, or hike through the valley to visit the hidden waterfall.
After lunch, the cruise continues past the world-famous Oludeniz Blue Lagoon, renowned for its calm turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop. Often described as one of the most photographed beaches in Europe, Oludeniz is also one of the world’s top paragliding destinations.
Optional Activity: Paragliding in Oludeniz
Take off from Babadag Mountain, approximately 2,000 metres above sea level, and glide over the Blue Lagoon and Mediterranean coastline during a breathtaking 30–45 minute tandem paragliding flight.
Paragliding must be booked before the cruise to secure availability.
In the evening, you will anchor at St Nicholas Island (Gemiler Island), famous for its ancient Byzantine ruins and spectacular sunset views. Explore centuries-old chapels, stone pathways, and historic remains before watching the sunset from the island’s panoramic viewpoint.
Day 2 - St Nicholas Island - Aquarium Bay - Kas
In the early morning, the gulet cruises towards Aquarium Bay, where you can enjoy breakfast and a refreshing swim in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.
Later, you will continue towards the charming coastal town of Kas, one of the highlights of the Turkish Riviera. Once a traditional fishing village, Kas has become a lively yet relaxed harbour town filled with boutique shops, artisan jewellery stores, cafes, and historic stone streets.
You may also visit the ancient Antiphellos Amphitheatre, offering panoramic sea views over the coastline.
Optional Activity: Scuba Diving in Kas
Kas is one of Turkey’s top diving destinations, known for its excellent visibility, colourful marine life, reefs, caves, and underwater archaeological sites. Both beginners and certified divers are welcome.
Diving must be booked before the cruise to secure availability.
After exploring Kas, the cruise continues towards the Kekova region before anchoring overnight in peaceful Kocakari Bay.
Day 3 - Sunken City of Kekova - Simena Castle - Gokkaya Bay
Following breakfast, you will cruise along the famous Sunken City of Kekova, one of the most remarkable historical sites on the Turkish Mediterranean coast.
This ancient Lycian settlement partially submerged after earthquakes centuries ago, leaving walls, staircases, and foundations visible beneath the clear turquoise waters. As the gulet slowly passes the coastline, guests can admire the fascinating underwater ruins from the deck.
The journey then continues to Kalekoy (ancient Simena), a small village accessible only by boat or on foot. Here you can explore narrow stone streets, traditional houses, Lycian sarcophagi, and the hilltop Simena Castle, which offers panoramic views across the Kekova archipelago.
In the afternoon, the gulet anchors in tranquil Gokkaya Bay, surrounded by pine-covered hills and small islands. Guests can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply relax on deck.
Optional Evening Activity: Smugglers Inn
Guests may choose to visit the famous Smugglers Inn, a rustic waterfront bar accessible only by boat, offering music, dancing, and a unique atmosphere beneath the stars.
Day 4 - Demre - Karemlik Turtles Bay - Kekova
After breakfast, the gulet cruises towards Demre Harbour. Here, some guests completing the shorter cruise will disembark while new passengers join the journey.
Guests may also visit the ancient city of Myra, famous for its Lycian rock tombs and Roman theatre.
Later, the cruise continues to Karemlik Turtles Bay, a peaceful bay known for its population of endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles. Swimming and snorkelling opportunities are available in the calm, clear waters.
In the afternoon, the gulet returns towards Kekova and Kalekoy, offering another chance to admire the Sunken City and Lycian tombs from the sea.
The evening is spent anchored once again in beautiful Gokkaya Bay.
Day 5 - Kekova - Limanagzi Bay - Kas - Firnaz Bay
Today’s cruise begins with a visit to Limanagzi Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters, peaceful setting, and excellent swimming conditions.
Later, the gulet returns to Kas, giving guests additional time to explore the town, shop for local crafts, relax in seaside cafes, or visit Kucuk Cakil Beach.
Optional Activity: Scuba Diving
Guests have another opportunity to join an optional scuba diving excursion in the Kas region.
The day ends at Firnaz Bay (Aquarium Bay), where you can enjoy swimming and dinner on board surrounded by calm Mediterranean waters.
Day 6 - Butterfly Valley - Blue Lagoon - St Nicholas Island
This morning, you return to Butterfly Valley for another opportunity to swim, relax, or hike through the valley’s lush scenery.
The cruise then continues once again to Oludeniz and the famous Blue Lagoon, where guests can enjoy the beach, swim in calm turquoise waters, or simply admire the spectacular coastal views.
In the evening, you return to St Nicholas Island, where you can explore the island’s ancient ruins or walk to the summit viewpoint for one final unforgettable Mediterranean sunset.
Day 7 - Tarzan Bay - Fethiye
On your final morning aboard the gulet, you will cruise towards Samanlik Bay or Tarzan Bay for breakfast and a final swim before returning to Fethiye Harbour between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM.
After disembarkation, it is time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and crew as your unforgettable Blue Cruise Turkey experience comes to an end.
This Fethiye to Kekova to Fethiye gulet cruise offers the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, swimming, history, and authentic Turkish coastal charm — an unforgettable sailing holiday along the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye.
Important:
All efforts are made to follow the planned itinerary. However, routes and overnight stops may change due to weather or sea conditions at the Captain’s discretion. Passenger safety is always the highest priority.