The summer season brings with it countless vacation idea alternatives. There are various programs aimed at those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city to relax in the sun and the sea. Growing popularity of culture and nature tourism in recent years has led to the emergence of new destinations and vacation concepts, yet, for most of us, vacation is synonymous with a trip to the seaside. Boat and yacht tourism take the combination of sun and sea to the next level, and Turkey has an astounding variety of seas and coves that is sure to amaze every boating enthusiast.
Boat and Yacht Cruises: A Journey into the Blue
Named after the brilliant blue waters of the Aegean, the Blue Voyage as a term dates back to the 1945, to the recreational boat trips taken by some of the most prominent Turkish artists of the time, including Bedri Rahmi Eyüpoğlu, Sabahattin Eyüboğlu, Necati Cumalı, upon the invitation of Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, also known as "The Fisherman of Halicarnassus". These journeys attracted other artists such as Azra Erhat and Alev Ebüzzia in the 50s, and ultimately were immortalized in Turkish literature and began to gain popularity. In contrast to its earlier iterations, the blue cruises of today involve fully equipped and advanced boats and yachts. The experience itself, however, remains an unforgettable experience in the heart of the blue, away from civilization.
What Awaits You on a Boat or Yacht Trip
As any boat owner will testify, a well-planned boat trip is an ideal escape from the crowded and stressful life in the city, and an amazing experience of freedom. You will get the opportunity to break your routine, marvel at the rhythm of nature from sunrise to sunset, appreciate the majestic view of the stars and sleep to the sound of the lapping waves.
Boat and yacht trips are also very enjoyable due to the fact that you are in charge of the content. You get to choose how many people will be with you, what route you will follow, what to eat, and how to spend your time.
It is an amazing experience to greet the morning in a new cove every day, going ashore whenever you feel like exploring the area, resting in your comfortable cabin and sleeping under the stars at night, in the perfect silence.
Most boats also offer a variety of water sport opportunities. You can fish, scuba dive, ride a jet ski, go canoeing, or even try your hand at parasailing.
Boat trips remind us how beautiful things are when they are plain and simple, like pleasant conversations with friends, board games in the evening, or a delightful dinner at a nice table.
Ideal Boat Types for Blue Voyage
Gulet
Gulet is a traditional, two-masted sailing vessel from the Aegean and Mediterranean region. It is a popular ship for blue voyages due to its size and comfort. The boat’s length ranges from 15 to 55 meters, and its capacity from 6 to 25 passengers. Multi-cabin variants offer a spacious and comfortable vacation experience for larger groups.
Motorboat
Motorboats range from two to three cabin yachts to luxury mega yachts, but generally offer great speed and comfort. Their ability to cover large distances in a short period of time will help you get the most of your vacation as you spend less time traveling between coves, allowing you to explore a wider area.
Sailboat
Enabling travelers to cover large distances without running the engines, sailboats allow are generally preferred among enthusiasts, and may also be ideal for you if you have no time constraints and wish to travel without the noise of an engine, or if you are looking to experience sailing yourself.
Catamaran
The dual-hull catamarans are a particularly good choice for larger groups due to their spacious hull. These watercrafts have motor and sail versions, and most are also capable of navigating shallow coasts.
How to Prepare for a Blue Voyage
When selecting a boat or yacht, take into account the number of people who will join the voyage and your expectations from the trip. Ask for detailed information about the cabins, kitchen, open spaces, common areas, and the additional services on offer.
On boat and yacht trips, the food and beverage supply is your responsibility. The boat crew will prepare the courses you of your choosing, using the ingredients you bring. Some small preparation will make this process go much more efficient however. You can make a list of your preferred main and side courses for every day of the trip, and purchase the ingredients according to your list and the number of people on board. Many markets in towns at the start point of the Blue Voyage also provide assistance in preparing a shopping list as well as deliver the supplies to your boat.
You can make your vacation much more comfortable starting with the trip, and take advantage of exclusive Âlâ Banking offers, including free service from IGA Fast Track, IGA Buggy and TAV Lounge, and access the airport easily and conveniently both on your arrival and departure with free VIP Transfer.
When preparing for a boat trip, pack lightly and bring only the essentials. All you will need during the voyage is your bathing suits, simple garments and comfortable slippers. Also make sure to bring with you a warm cardigan for cooler evenings, and hiking shoes for nature excursions.
The Best Blue Voyage Routes
Choosing your ideal route is essential for a pleasant boat trip. The coastline extending from Izmir to Antalya, known as the Turkish
Riviera, offers a wide variety of amazing routes to follow on your boat trip, each more captivating than the last. In fact, selecting one from all of these attractive alternatives might be the hardest part of the vacation that awaits you. We have made a list of a few more popular routes to make it easier.
Fethiye-Marmaris Route
A longer route full of delightful stops. Your trip will begin in Fethiye and drop anchor in various coves and harbors where you will get to go swimming surrounded by the refreshing scent of pine forests, including Yassıcalar Island, Ağa Limanı, Ekincik Cove, Kadırga Cove, Kumlubük, Cennet Island, Domuz Island, Cleopatra Cove, Turunç, Tarzan Cove and Samanlık Cove. The route can also be extended with a trip to Dalyan to view the Kaunian rock tombs and the mud baths.
Marmaris-Datça Route
Extending from Serçe Island to Datça and stopping by Bozukkale, this route includes both natural vistas and historical sites. You will get to enjoy the amazing coves of Datça, or go ashore to visit the Old Datça and the ancient city of Knidos. The route will take you over the Bencik Cove to the Orhaniye Cove, Selimiye, Dirsekbükü and Bozburun in the Hisarönü Gulf before returning to Marmaris over Arap Island and Kadırda Cove. As this is one of the longer routes, so it is recommended for week-long trips.
Bodrum-Gökova Route
Bodrum-Gökova is one of the most popular blue voyage routes, and encompasses Orak Island, Yediadalar Islands, English Cove, Cleopatra Island, Karacasöğüt, Löngöz Cove with its amazing walking route among pine forests, Tuzla Cove and Çökertme Cove before reaching Kargılı and Kisebükü. After Kisebükü, an archeological site, the route stops at Pabuç Point and Yalıçiftlik on the way back to Bodrum.
Göcek-Kaş-Kalkan Route
The first stop in this magnificent tour is Ölüdeniz followed by Gemiler Island. The route then extends to Kaş, Tersane Island, Demre, Kaleköy, Kalkan and Turunçpazarı before returning to Fethiye. Over the course of your trip, you will get to swim in breathtaking coves, visit the ruins of Simena, and even go paragliding in Babadağ.
Marmaris-Greek Islands Route
This longer and impressive route also encompasses neighboring geographies. From Serçe Port, Bozukkale, Bozburun and Dirsekbükü, the route reaches Bencik, the narrowest section of the Datça Peninsula. After stopping in Datça, the tour extends to the tranquil Symi and the historical Rhodes, finally stopping by Cennet Island before returning to Marmaris.
Have a great vacation. Fair winds and calm seas!
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