Sail Turkey: Olympos to Fethiye Gulet Cruise

The appeal of this four-day gulet cruise is the mix of ancient Lycian coast and open-water downtime. You pass the Sunken City of Kekova, stop near Simena Castle, visit Kas and finish among the ruins on St Nicholas Island, with plenty of chances to swim along the way.

I like two things in particular: the route gives you a change of scene each day, and full-board meals make the $591 fare easier to judge as a package rather than just a boat ticket. The main consideration is comfort: the cabins have private bathrooms, but one passenger’s feedback noted that the rooms could use modernization.

The essentials at a glance

• Kekova’s Sunken City is a major early stop, paired with time around Simena Castle.
• Kas adds a town visit to the itinerary, with time for shopping and swimming.
• Butterfly Valley and Oludeniz bring dramatic coastal scenery, with a chance to hike at the valley.
• St Nicholas Island is the final overnight stop, with ruins to explore and sunset views.
• Meals, water and basic onboard gear are included; drinks, entry fees and optional activities cost extra.

Four days on the Turquoise Coast

This cruise follows one of Turkey’s best-known Blue Cruise routes, from Olympos or Demre toward Fethiye. The coastline carries traces of Lycian, Greek, Roman and Ottoman eras, while the itinerary balances those remains with swims and time on deck.

The route is designed for variety, not for long stays in one place. You’ll move between coastal sites and bays, with the boat serving as your lodging, dining room and transport. If you want a trip that combines history with a holiday pace, that rhythm makes sense. If you’d rather spend a full day in each town, this itinerary may feel quick.

The departure information gives two pickup options: Bayram’s Tree House at 10:30 or Demre Bus Station at 12:30. The cruise ends at Fethiye harbor on day four, around lunchtime. Confirm which pickup applies to your booking, and plan your onward travel with that arrival time in mind.

Kekova’s submerged ruins and Simena Castle

The first major section takes you into the Kekova area, known for the remains of the Sunken City. The ruins are part of the coastal setting rather than a conventional museum visit, so the boat gives you a different perspective on the site. This is a good moment to keep your camera ready, but also to look beyond the lens: the draw is the meeting of ancient traces and clear Mediterranean water.

Simena Castle adds a more tangible historic stop. You can visit the castle for an entrance fee of €4, while the Sunken City is included among the route’s highlights. The cruise description places much of the day in the Kekova area, giving you time to take in the surroundings rather than simply passing by.

The castle is also singled out as a sunset spot. Sunset timing can make the stop feel special, but the exact schedule depends on the day’s sailing plan. Bring a little cash for the €4 entry fee, and remember that any extra drinks are not included in the cruise price.

A stop in Kas, with time to wander

The following day brings a visit to Kas, a small fishing town on the route. You’ll have time for shopping as well as swimming, which gives the cruise a useful change of pace after a day centered on Kekova’s historic sites.

Kas is the itinerary’s main town stop, so treat it as a chance to stretch your legs and pick up anything you need. Don’t expect a long urban stay: the cruise continues along the coast, and the schedule has several places to cover in four days. That trade-off is part of the route’s appeal, but it means you should prioritize what you want to do while ashore.

Back on the boat, you can return to the easy pattern that defines the trip: meals, a swim when the boat is anchored, and time to enjoy the coast from the water. Snorkeling equipment and a paddle board are included, so you don’t need to bring your own for a casual session.

Butterfly Valley, Oludeniz and the Blue Lagoon

The next morning begins at Butterfly Valley. You can hike or stay put and enjoy the view, so this stop offers a choice between some activity and a slower start. Entry costs €1. The available information doesn’t specify hike length or difficulty, so don’t assume a particular route or plan your day around a strenuous trek.

The boat then passes Oludeniz, described as one of Europe’s most photographed beaches, and anchors behind the Blue Lagoon. Seeing the coast from the water is a different proposition from spending the day on the beach: you get the view and a chance to swim, but the stop is part of a moving cruise rather than a beach holiday based in Oludeniz.

Paragliding is offered as an optional activity, as is diving. Both are extra-cost choices, and neither is needed to enjoy the route. If you’re interested, check the details and price before committing; the cruise fare does not include optional activities.

The last night at St Nicholas Island

The final overnight stop is St Nicholas Island, where you can explore ruins and watch the sunset. The island visit costs €3 to enter. That fee is small next to the cruise fare, but it is worth keeping the separate charges in mind when you work out your total.

The island gives the route a fitting final evening: historic remains, sea views and a last night aboard the boat. The cruise ends in Fethiye harbor the next day around lunchtime, so you’ll have a morning at sea before disembarking. Leave room in your plans for that arrival window rather than booking a tight connection.

Life aboard a standard Turkish gulet

The boat is a standard Turkish gulet, a traditional style of yacht used for coastal cruising. Each cabin has a private bathroom and space to store bags. Linen and bath towels are supplied, but beach towels are not, so pack one if you want a separate towel for swimming.

Cabins offer privacy and practicality, but the onboard setup is not presented as luxury accommodation. A passenger who rated the cruise four out of five found the coast and organization very good and the meals excellent, while noting that the rooms could use an update. That is a useful expectation to carry: choose this trip for the route, crew and time on the water, not for a newly refurbished cabin.

The cruise includes Wi-Fi, though signal and speed are not specified. Treat it as a handy extra, not a reason to expect a reliable connection everywhere along the coast. The host speaks English, and no individual crew or guide names are provided.

What the $591 fare covers

At $591 per person for four days and three nights, the simple daily calculation is about $148 per day. That includes accommodation aboard, full-board meals, drinking water, Wi-Fi, snorkeling equipment, a paddle board, linen and bath towels. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and five o’clock tea are included, which makes the price more useful than a bare fare that leaves every meal to your wallet.

The package suits you best if you’ll make use of the boat and meals throughout the trip. But budget for extras: drinks, the €3 St Nicholas Island entrance fee, the €4 Simena Castle fee and the €1 Butterfly Valley fee. Together, those three listed entries add €8 per person. A beach towel and optional paragliding or diving also cost extra.

The strongest value is the combination of transport, lodging and meals across several coastal stops. A passenger who gave the trip five out of five described it as good value and praised the crew, scenery and sea. That fits the itinerary’s strengths: you cover a lot of coastline without arranging separate hotels and transport for each stop. Still, the fare won’t cover every expense, and cabin condition matters if comfort is your main priority.

Food, swimming and optional activities

Full-board service is one of the practical advantages here. You get three meals plus afternoon tea, and the food received particular praise. No menu or dietary details are provided, so contact the operator directly if you need to check specific food requirements.

The trip’s water-based activities are flexible. You can swim and snorkel in bays, and the included equipment makes it easy to take part without packing a mask and snorkel. The paddle board is also included. Paragliding and diving are optional and paid separately, so you can keep the cruise quiet and relaxed or add an activity if it suits your budget and interests.

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. Since the supplied towels are for bathing rather than the beach, bring an extra one for shore stops. Drinks are not included, while drinking water is, so account for that difference when you plan what to spend onboard.

Who should book this cruise?

I’d recommend this route if you want a compact coastal trip with a mix of historic sites, town time and swimming. It suits couples, friends and solo bookers who are comfortable sharing a boat setting and value a full itinerary over settling into one destination. The English-speaking host and included meals help keep the basics simple.

It is less suited to anyone who wants a guaranteed modern cabin, long stays in each place or a trip built around included excursions on land. You’ll also need to be comfortable with optional activities and entry fees adding to the headline price. The total value is strongest when you enjoy the boat itself and plan to use the meals, swim stops and onboard gear.

Should you book?

Book if you want to see several highlights of the Turquoise Coast in four days, and you’re happy with a standard gulet rather than a polished resort room. The route, scenery, meals and crew are the clearest reasons to go; the cabin feedback is the main caution. Pack a beach towel, set aside money for the listed entries and drinks, and leave your Fethiye arrival day flexible until around lunchtime. If those terms suit you, this is a practical way to combine Kekova’s history with three nights at sea.

FAQ

How long is the Olympos to Fethiye cruise?

It lasts four days and three nights, ending in Fethiye harbor around lunchtime on the fourth day.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is listed at Bayram’s Tree House at 10:30 or Demre Bus Station at 12:30. Check which option applies to your booking.

What meals are included?

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and five o’clock tea are included as part of the full-board meals.

Is drinking water included?

Yes. Drinking water is included, but other drinks are not.

What equipment is provided for water activities?

Snorkeling equipment and a paddle board are included.

Are towels provided?

Linen and bath towels are included. A beach towel is not provided.

What entrance fees should I budget for?

St Nicholas Island costs €3, Simena Castle costs €4 and Butterfly Valley costs €1.

Are paragliding and diving included in the fare?

No. Paragliding and diving are optional activities that cost extra.

What language does the host speak?

The host speaks English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.