Sail Turkey: 18-39’s Olympos to Fethiye Gulet Cruise

Embarking on a 4-day gulet cruise along Turkey’s southern coast sounds like a dream, and from what travelers say, it’s an adventure rich in stunning scenery, memorable stops, and tasty food. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, detailed reviews paint a vivid picture of what you can expect, making it easier to decide if this voyage fits your travel style.

What we love about this experience? First, the beautiful blend of history and nature, with stops at ancient sites and picture-perfect bays. Second, the excellent value for money—you get a lot packed into the price, including meals, Wi-Fi, and guided visits. Third, the friendly crew and authentic atmosphere that often feels like exploring with friends rather than a big tour group.

One thing to keep in mind is the group size is limited to 16 travelers, which is great for intimacy but might mean early bookings are necessary. This tour would suit those who love scenic sailing, cultural spots, and relaxed, social travel.

Good To Know

• Stunning coastal scenery and historic sites like the Sunken City and Simena Castle make every day memorable.
• Good value for the price, with meals, Wi-Fi, and guided visits included.
• Authentic, friendly crew creates a welcoming atmosphere on board.
• Multiple stops at beautiful bays and islands offer ample swimming, relaxing, and exploring opportunities.
• Moderate physical activity involved, especially on optional hikes and walking through towns.
• Limited group size ensures a more personal experience but requires early booking.

Introduction: A Taste of Coastal Turkey on a Gulet

If you’ve ever dreamed of floating along Turkey’s stunning coastline aboard a traditional gulet, this trip might tick all your boxes. It promises a mix of beautiful scenery, historical exploration, and plenty of time to unwind in some of the most picturesque spots along the Mediterranean.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the itinerary covers a fantastic range of locations—from ancient ruins to lively villages—and offers a chance to see the coast from a different perspective. Plus, the inclusive meals and Wi-Fi make it a practical option for those wanting to stay connected while soaking in views.

However, keep in mind that this is a group experience with a maximum of 16 travelers, so it’s more intimate but also popular—early booking is recommended. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of culture, nature, and socializing with like-minded adventurers.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: From Olympos to the Sunken City & Kekova Island

The adventure kicks off with pickups from Olympos around 10:30 am, moving through Demre and onto Ucagiz Village harbor. The smooth transfer process, with multiple pickups, ensures everyone arrives comfortably, which is appreciated, especially after a morning travel.

The first stop is the Sunken City of Simena, a Lycian town submerged after a 2nd-century earthquake. Travelers often mention cruising slowly over the site, appreciating the chance to view ancient ruins from the comfort of the boat. Since it’s a protected UNESCO site, no swimming is allowed, but the view alone is worth the trip.

Next, the group heads to Kekova Island, where a visit to Simena Castle provides panoramic views of the region. Walking through the cobbled streets of the town and exploring the castle offers a taste of local life and history. Reviewers consistently point out how the castle’s vantage point allows for fantastic photos of the coastline.

Day 2: Exploring Kas and the Coastal Charms

The second day involves heading further west to Kas, a charming fishing village with a lively, laid-back vibe. Travelers love wandering through the local shops, especially the handmade jewelry and clothes stores, which often stand out as some of the best shopping on the trip. The tour’s timing in Kas allows for a relaxed exploration, with plenty of opportunities for coffee breaks or browsing local crafts.

After Kas, the boat moves past Kalkan and anchors in Aquarium Bay or Frnaz Bay for the night. These spots offer calm waters and beautiful settings for swimming and relaxing onboard—perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

Day 3: Nature and Ancient Ruins

Wake-up at Butterfly Valley, renowned for the vast number of butterfly species that inhabit the area. The reviews highlight the possibility of an optional hike to the waterfall, which adds a bit of adventure for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Visitors often note that over 136 butterfly species have been spotted here, though during summer months, their presence can be elusive as the butterflies seek cooler spots.

Next, the cruise stops at Oludeniz, famous for the Blue Lagoon and its postcard-perfect scenery. The water here is so clear and vibrant that it’s hard to believe it’s real. Many take the opportunity to swim, relax on the beach, or watch paragliders soaring overhead.

The final stop is St Nicholas Island (Gemiler Island), where the ruins and sunset views make for a memorable evening. Reviewers emphasize how the ruins are perfect for wandering and exploring, and the sunset adds a magical touch to the experience.

Day 4: Fethiye and Final Relaxation

Your last day starts with a morning swim from St Nicholas Island—many mention how peaceful it is to wake up in such a stunning setting. After breakfast, the boat cruises around a nearby bay for a final swim and lunch, with the gulet arriving in Fethiye around 1-2 pm.

Disembarkation is straightforward, although transfer services to hotels are not included, giving you the freedom to organize your onward journey. Reviewers appreciate the friendly crew’s flexibility in helping with last-minute arrangements or advice.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour price of $470 per person covers a lot, making it a good value for a 4-day experience. Included are Wi-Fi, unlimited drinking water, and all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), which means you won’t have to worry about constantly searching for food or drinks.

However, some of the entry fees—such as St. Nicholas Island (2 Euros), Butterfly Valley (1 Euro), and Simena Castle (1 Euro)—are not included, so bring some small change. Also, note that water sports or additional excursions are not included, but there’s plenty of free swimming and walking to keep everyone busy.

Quality of Food and Comfort

Multiple reviews emphasize the delicious, well-cooked meals, with many calling out the fresh seafood and local specialties. The food is seen as a highlight, with guests noting it’s tastefully prepared and ample for everyone onboard.

The gulet itself is described as comfortable, clean, and well-organized, creating a welcoming environment for both solo travelers and groups.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 16 travelers, expect a cozy, friendly atmosphere. The reviews mention that the crew is very friendly and professional, although language barriers are minimal, and everyone feels safe and welcomed. The small group size allows for a more authentic, less touristy vibe.

Practical Considerations: Timing, Booking, and Physical Activity

The tour operates year-round but is best booked at least a month in advance, given its popularity. It’s suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as some stops involve walking through town streets or optional hikes.

Transportation to the start point is included, but transfers to your hotel after disembarkation are your responsibility. The tour’s schedule is well-paced, with most days involving about 8-10 hours of activity, including cruising and exploring.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One reviewer pointed out that although the staff doesn’t speak perfect English, “this wasn’t a problem as we always felt safe and welcomed,” highlighting the genuine hospitality onboard. The same traveler also praised the phenomenal cleanliness and organization of the boat, which adds to the overall comfort.

Another noted that the “food was so delicious” and that the boat was very comfortable, making it clear that the experience isn’t just about the scenery but also about relaxing and enjoying good company and good eats.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This Sail Turkey Gulet Cruise offers a balanced package of spectacular scenery, cultural exploration, and relaxation. It’s especially well-suited for travelers seeking an affordable way to see Turkey’s coast from a different perspective, with the added bonus of meeting like-minded adventurers.

If you love history, stunning views, and fresh local food, this trip checks all those boxes. However, if you’re sensitive to boat movement or prefer a very structured schedule, you might want to consider your comfort level.

Overall, for around $470, you’re getting a lot of value—beautiful days on the water, cultural insights, and memorable sunsets. It’s a trip that stays with you long after the boat has docked.

FAQ

Is transportation to and from the cruise included?
Transportation is included for pickups from specific locations (Olympos, Demre), but transfers to Fethiye hotels after the cruise are not included. You can arrange these separately or ask the crew for assistance.

What meals are included during the tour?
Breakfast is provided on three mornings, along with four lunches and three dinners. The meals are well-cooked and feature fresh ingredients—reviewers often mention how tasty the food is.

Are there any entry fees I need to budget for?
Yes, some sites like St Nicholas Island (€2), Butterfly Valley (€1), and Simena Castle (€1) require small entry fees, which are not included in the tour price.

What kind of group size should I expect?
The maximum number of travelers is 16, creating an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Early booking is recommended to secure a spot.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While mainly targeted at 18-39-year-olds, the moderate physical activity and relaxed pace make it suitable for most travelers with a reasonable level of fitness.

Can I expect Wi-Fi onboard?
Yes, Wi-Fi is included, allowing you to stay connected while enjoying the scenic views.

To sum it up, this gulet cruise offers a wonderful balance of history, nature, and leisure for those eager to explore Turkey’s coast in a relaxed, friendly setting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time sailor, the combination of scenic stops, good food, and small-group intimacy makes it a worthwhile choice.