Perhaps one of the most enjoyable and luxurious experiences of a Turkish holiday is a day spent on one of the many charming gullets.
Boats can be hired by groups privately or guests can join with other holiday makers where spaces are available. Boats anchor at different points throughout the day to allow guests to enjoy the waters, snorkel or simply admire the views. The price is paid per person if you are joining other holiday makers and if you are privately hiring for your couple/group the price will be given for the boat for the day. Included in the price is a fantastic buffet lunch with hot and cold fresh turkish dishes. Tours leave the harbour at 9- 10 a.m. returning between 5- 6 p.m and drinks are available for a surcharge. In some areas moonlight tours with dinner served on board are available, a truly magical way to spend an evening under the stars. Boat trips depart form Fethiye, Oludeniz, Dalyan, Göcek, Kalkan and Kaş.
We have compiled a list of the most well-loved boat tours in various areas in close proximity to our villa locations:
12 Island Day Cruise- Departs from Fethiye
The route passes along the unspoiled Mediterranean coastline stopping at 12 different islands. Stunning views of the mountains, pine forests, and seascapes are enjoyed throughout the day. Several stops are made to discover the islands’ history and culture from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. Tour operators who runs this excursion include pick up from your accommodation to the harbour where you board the cruise ship and return after the cruise has finished.
Dalyan River Cruise- Departs from Dalyan
For visitors who are willing to travel a little further afield, swap the glittering waters of the Mediterranean for the serene Dalyan River, located approximately 1.5 hours from Fethiye and surrounded by natural beauty. Explore the natural scenery of the Dalyan delta as you float around the islands and reed beds, stopping to view the ancient Lycian tombs of Kaunos, carved high in the cliff sides. Spot loggerhead turtles on İztuzu Beach, cool off with a swim along the coast and take a dip in the mineral-rich mud pools, then enjoy lunch at a riverfront restaurant. During the tour, you will also visit a Turkish gold shop. Note: this tour does not include lunch.
Butterfly valley & St. Nicholas island day cruise- Departs from Oludeniz
Make your first stop at the Blue Cave where you will have the opportunity to swim in the bright blue waters of the bay and into the cave. Continue sailing to the Butterfly Valley nature reserve where there is another chance to swim in the clear waters and sunbathe on the stunning beach. After this, enjoy a short hike through the natural scenery and climb up to see the waterfalls. Visitors will see wildflowers and spot colourful butterflies perhaps even the rare Tiger Butterfly. After this stop lunch is served on the boat. Finally, continue your adventure as you sail on towards the next attraction, St. Nicholas Island. When you arrive, discover the ancient ruins of the 5th-century churches.
Kekova Sunken City- Departs from Kaş
Set sail from Kaş in the direction of the Kekova region which encompasses the island of Kekova, the villages of Kaleköy and Üçağız and four ancient towns of Simena, Aperlae, Dolchiste and Teimioussa. Along the edge of the Kekova island lie the fascinating half-submerged remains of a Lycian sunken city, and some remains from the Byzantine times. This tour passes 7 different bays and stops at four of them to allow guests to swim in the turquoise waters. Swimming at Kekova itself is prohibited as the region has been declared as specially protected but the views of the sunken city are mesmerising enough from the boats- many of which have glass bottoms for viewing the ruins that lie beneath.
Meis Island Tour- Departs form Kalkan and Kaş
Meis is a small Greek island located directly opposite of Kas which can only be accessed by boat. There are about 400 people who inhabit the island, where there are churches, museums and restaurants located around it's picturesque harbour. Another highlight of a visit to Meis is the opportunity to swim in the enchanting 'Blue Cave' where sunlight passes through the first layers of sea water, reflecting the famous blue lights in the cave and making bodies in the water shimmer in silver. This is a wonderful spot for taking incredible underwater photographs. Some guests may need visas to cross over into Meis and this can be arranged by the local tour companies who run the Meis tours.
