Ultimate 7-Day Türkiye Sailing Itinerary: From Marmaris to the Hidden Gulfs
Tired of crowded resorts and fixed schedules? A yacht charter along the Turkish Riviera offers something completely different. Known as a ‘Blue Cruise,' the region offers calm seas and waters of almost every shade of blue.
From our base in Joya del Mar Marina, your Turkish Riviera yacht charter begins not in a busy port but at a private marina and beach resort. From here, you can dip your toes in the crystal-clear waters or enjoy a welcome cocktail while our team handles check-in.
Over the next seven days, you’ll loop around the Hisarönü Gulf, discovering the wild beauty of the Turkish coast on short sailing legs. Each stop offers something unique, from stylish beach clubs and pine-clad hills to ancient fortresses and sleepy fishing villages.
If you’re thinking about booking a yacht charter in Türkiye, let us be your guide as we lay out the ultimate 7-day itinerary below.
Day 1 – Embarkation at Joya del Mar
Spend your first morning settling in at the Joya del Mar beach resort and marina. Swim at the hotel’s private beach, indulge yourself in the spa facilities, and let our base crew brief you on your boat rental.
Rather than rushing out onto the water, enjoy a special dinner at the Joya del Mar restaurant and sample the flavors of Türkiye. Savor real Turkish cuisine and local dishes while soaking up the restaurant’s famous sunset views over the Marmaris Bay.
Day 2 – Joya Del Mar To Kumlubük (8 NM)
Wake up at your own pace before setting sail on a relaxed 1-2-hour hop southeast to Kumlubük Bay. This wide, curving inlet is famous for its dark-sand beach and upmarket restaurants.
Drop anchor in its 'aquarium-like' waters and enjoy a snorkel on the southern side of the bay. And if you feel like stretching your legs, a 20-minute hike leads up to the ruins of the ancient city of Amos. Here, an amphitheater and fortifications offer breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding hills.
After a day of swimming and adventuring, take your dinghy ashore for a sundowner at one of Kumlubük's chic beachfront clubs. When you return to your charter, dine under the stars and get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s longer sail.
Day 3 – Kumlubük to Bozukkale (16 NM)
Today’s route takes you around the rugged Carian headland toward Bozukkale, a horseshoe-shaped harbor guarded by the massive walls of ancient Loryma. Built around 300 BC, this fortress once protected merchant ships. Today, it offers one of the most sheltered anchorages on the coast, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and elevated sunset views.
The best part? You can only reach Bozukkale by boat, making it a peaceful treat that only those with a yacht charter get to enjoy. Before the day is done, be sure to visit Ali Baba or Sailors’ House, rustic family-run restaurants with private wooden docks for those arriving by boat.
Day 4 – Bozukkale to Datça (22 NM)
Leaving the bay behind, set a course for the Datça Peninsula. This longer stretch of roughly 22 nautical miles of open water allows you to flex your sailing skills and test the performance of your Navigare monohull or catamaran.
Once you arrive in Datça Town, fuel up, restock your provisions, and enjoy a bite to eat at one of many sophisticated waterside restaurants.
This place is so rich in culture too! For a taste of the old world, take a taxi or walk up to Old Datça. This inland village has cobblestone streets and stone houses draped in vibrant pink and purple Bougainvillea.
And if you’re on the lookout for souvenirs, pick up a jar of artisanal honey or a packet of almonds – foods the Datça Peninsula is famous for.
Day 5 – Datça to Selimiye (15 NM)
Head deeper into the Hisarönü Gulf, where the water turns mirror-smooth and pine-covered hills line the horizon. After a couple of hours, you’ll reach Selimiye Village – the ‘chic’ heart of the Turkish coast that blends traditional life with a touch of glamor.
Selimiye is one of the best seaside villages in Türkiye for foodies. Many of the local restaurants follow a farm-to-table (or sea-to-table) philosophy, guaranteeing some of the freshest meals you’ll ever eat. The surrounding area also produces almonds, sage, and pine honey, so keep an eye out for these star ingredients on local menus. And with most restaurants placing their tables right by the sea, you can enjoy their home-grown delights with fantastic views of the bay.
Day 6 – Selimiye to Söğüt & Bozburun (10 NM)
Sail east for an hour to the hillside village of Söğüt. Often called the most authentic fishing village left on the coast, this tranquil spot is renowned for its fresh seafood, with fried calamari being its standout dish.
After sampling the fruits of the sea, continue west toward Bozburun, a charming harbor town famous for its wooden boat-building heritage. Wander the waterfront and watch carpenters shape huge planks into curved hulls. Bozburun is also known for hidden coves, hiking trails, and excellent seafood, so there’s something here for everyone.
Moor in the harbor or anchor in a nearby cove and enjoy a quiet evening swim. Whatever you choose to do, the spectacular sunset will provide the perfect backdrop for a final night on the boat.
Day 7 – Bozburun to Kadırga Bay (18 NM) and Return to Joya del Mar
On your final full day, sail north around the Datça Peninsula towards Kadırga Bay. This dramatic cove is framed by steep cliffs and offers deep, stunningly blue water and a raw, untouched feel. There are no facilities, just clean water and pebble beaches. Swim, snorkel, and enjoy a tranquil lunch on deck.
By mid-afternoon, round the headland and sail back past pine-covered slopes towards Joya del Mar by 5pm. Hand your yacht back to our team and enjoy a final cocktail at the beach bar while reminiscing about your week spent sailing Türkiye.
Tips for Your Yacht Charter in Türkiye
Sailing Türkiye promises an unforgettable experience, and these tips will make your trip even better:
Best time to rent a yacht in Türkiye
Türkiye’s sailing season runs from April through mid-October. Summer brings hot days and warm seas, with water temperatures ranging between 25°C and 28°C. The Meltemi wind peaks between mid-June and September, often blowing around 25 knots, so inexperienced sailors might prefer spring or autumn or opt for a skippered yacht charter. Spring (April-May) and late summer (September-October) provide lighter winds, quieter anchorages, and lower costs.
Connectivity and accomodation
Our base in Joya del Mar is just a short taxi ride from the vibrant, budget-friendly port city of Marmaris, but its tranquility feels a world away. So if you’re looking for more affordable accommodation either side of your yacht charter, or want a livelier spot to stay than Joya del Mar, Marmaris is ideal.
Plan Your Blue Cruise Today
A Turkish Riviera yacht charter offers a mix of chic beach life and timeless tradition. From the ancient walls of Loryma to Selimiye’s seafood scene and impossibly blue waters, this 7-day Turkish sailing itinerary balances relaxation with exploration.
Ready to dive in? Explore our Joya del Mar and Marmaris yacht charter page to see available boats, or contact our charter sales team to customize your itinerary. With Navigare Yachting’s award-winning service and insider knowledge of the Turkish coast, your blue cruise is only a booking away!
Navigare Yachting is a 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner. Since 2001, over 400,000+ charter guests have set sail with Navigare - it’s safe to say that your yachting adventures will be in capable hands. With 8 exotic locations worldwide, the possibilities are endless! Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-time adventurer, Navigare Yachting opens up a world of exploration, discovery, and sailing that comes with complete peace of mind.