Unforgettable charter adventure aboard a traditional Turkish luxury gulet along the southern part of the Turkish Riviera /

Last month we traveled aboard a traditional sailing gulet and enjoyed the sights and sounds of Turkey’s northern Aegean coast. This time, the southern turquoise coast plays host as we discover more beautiful and fascinating Turkish delights.

To refresh your memory, a gulet is a classic wooden sailboat, traditional in Turkey and popular with charterers around the Eastern Mediterranean for its style and elegance. Many are staffed by experienced locals who love to share their passion and devotion to their beloved Turkey.

After exploring the north, there are plenty of options to continue your journey from Bodrum to the Greek Islands, but our journey continues along the coast. Your captain expertly navigates the Gulf of Gokava around the Datca Peninsula and past the ancient city of Knidos, where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. This once prosperous port dates back to 400 BC and the remains of the Temple of Aphrodite and the 8,000-seat Hellenistic Theater are popular visitor attractions. Looking up from your anchorage you will see steep terraced slopes dotted with olive groves and fruit trees and you may even be lucky enough to see a Mediterranean Monk Seal swim by.

As you head towards the Bozburun Peninsula, there’s another opportunity to dip your toe in Greek waters with a visit to Symi, a cosmopolitan island where you can lose yourself in the winding alleys of Gialos harbour. Symi is simply charming and without an airport, it is a haven that is not easily accessible to the masses, making it perfect for charter yachts.

Another exclusive for charter guests are the three restaurants in Bozukkale Bay, which are only accessible by boat. Anchored at their private jetties, you can enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine served with a backdrop of azure waters and lush green landscapes. Atop the hill, Bozuk Buku Castle has a fascinating and unusual history; an old tale of ambition, failed naval battles and the creation of one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Your local captain is sure to expand on this gripping tale as you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail on board!

After you’ve been busy cruising and sightseeing, it’s time to sit back and let your crew pamper and entertain you with the collection of water toys. Most yachts have a choice of electric toys, perhaps a jet ski or tender with tugs, and more relaxing options, such as stand-up paddle boards or snorkeling equipment. An experienced charter broker will ensure that the onboard chef knows your favorite dishes or local cuisine you would like to try, which the crew will attentively serve alongside a selection of your chosen beverages.

After a restful night’s sleep on board, and as the sun rises on a new day, your gulet will set sail for Marmaris, a once tranquil fishing port that now boasts Turkey’s largest charter marina and an old town bustling with restaurants, bars and bazaars. Climb the 15th-century Ottoman battlements for panoramic views of the harbor or take a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian promenade that runs all the way from the marina to the quiet seaside town of Icmeler. A short sail south takes you to Ekincik Bay, which makes a perfect overnight anchorage and has a wonderful restaurant in the nearby village.

The Dalyan Delta offers the option of transferring to a riverboat that sails to the ancient city of Caunos through the eerie rock tombs, reminiscent of small porticoes in the cliff edges. Dalyan means ‘fish trap’ and the delta is teamed with Mullet and Bass swimming upstream to spawn and provide a catch of the day for local restaurants. For those who want to appreciate nature at its best, the aptly named Turtle Beach is a narrow spit of land that forms a natural barrier between the freshwater delta and the Mediterranean and is the main breeding ground for loggerhead turtles. If you’re visiting between May and October, the turtles have priority on the beach between 8pm and 8am, but if you’re anchored close to shore you might be lucky enough to witness these magnificent creatures. Your crew can organize a riverboat trip or excursions to another inland destination.

The charter season in Turkey runs from April to October with a peak in July and August when the weather is hottest. If you prefer cooler days, April, May and October not only offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, but also warm seas that are perfect for water sports, snorkeling and diving. The sun in Turkey is hot and can be dangerous, especially on yachts where an enormous amount of light is reflected off the water. So be prepared with enough sunscreen, a good hat and clothing that covers you. Most yachts offer advice, and some offer a selection of awnings suitable for use on board – usually not oil-based – that won’t damage the teak deck.

Charter holidays offer flexibility and choice for everyone on board, so if part of your party is tired of history and culture, the next stop at Ölüdeniz and its famous blue lagoon is sure to please. Often voted one of the best in the Mediterranean, this beautiful beach is also one of the most photographed – we dare you not to pull out your phone! It is also a center for paragliding thanks to its unique panoramic view and the high Babadağ mountain. If you would like to give this a try, your crew can organize this on your behalf with local operators.

Water sports are a big part of the charter experience and your crew knows the best anchorages to get the most out of it while on board. If you are an avid diver or would like to learn in some of the best diving waters in the world, specialized diving equipment and guides can be arranged in advance by your charter broker.

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Three of the best dive sites in Turkey are located on the coastal strip south of Gocek:

• Kaş offers a variety of diving opportunities for all experience levels with several wrecks, vibrant aquatic fauna and ancient underwater scenery.
• The waters around Fethiye offer an archaeological wonderland with caves, tunnels, caverns and wrecks galore. Also known as Aladdin’s Cavern, Akfule is a popular area to see coral and other colorful formations, plus an ancient shipwreck teeming with marine life.
• Kalkan has around 20 dive sites around the mouth of the bay with rocky reefs, beautiful walls and wrecks offering something different every time you visit. Watch out for turtles – more often than not, the diverse species are the most fun to watch.

Gocek and Fethiye are both bustling towns where you can rest your sea legs with a visit to shore. With strict planning regulations, Gocek retains its charm with no threat of overdevelopment, and the town’s four marinas are home to visiting yachts of all sizes. Shopping, sightseeing and dining are all available, with bazaars and boutiques concentrated along the main street and an eclectic selection of restaurants serving fine dining experiences or more rustic local fare. Fethiye is also a popular destination for yacht charters due to its beautiful marina. Visitors are drawn to the region to visit the rock tombs built by the ancient Lycians and to experience the vibrant nightlife of the modern city.

Your last night on board can be a special party or just a quiet last sunset dinner on deck. However you choose to say goodbye to your friends and your charter holiday, the dedicated crew is sure to leave you with lasting memories of true Turkish hospitality.

Trina Howes is a director of CharterWorld America. CharterWorld is a luxury private yacht charter company that creates outstanding vacations with outstanding yachts at amazing prices – worldwide.

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