DAY 1 : MARMARIS (Friday, Saturday or Monday)

1st days program:
Dinner on board, brief information by the captain, free time and overnight on board in Marmaris

Marmaris-Fethiye-Marmaris cruise route is one of the most popular of regular cabin charter boat cruises which are organized in paradise Southwestern cost of Turkey.

Departure: This cruise is available once a week starting on every Friday, Saturday and Monday, from the beginning of April till the end of October. Please ask for availability in April and October closer to departure time.

Embarking: You can check in to boats after 15:30. Those who came earlier can leave their luggage at our local agent's office until that time.  The cruise boats stay in the marina of Marmaris on the first night of the cruise program, therefore the guests can check-in  to the boats till late evening which gives you flexibility with arrival time of your flights or buses, especially useful if you are not staying in a hotel in Marmaris the previous night. Thus, you will also have a chance to discover lovely Marmaris town on the first day.

Arrival Info: Transfers from neighborhood hotels or airport can be organized at extra cost. There are regular bus connection to Marmaris from all major cities and towns of Turkey. Dalaman is the nearest airport to Marmaris (90 km) and there are frequent flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. There is airport shuttle service of HAVAS for each domestic flight from Dalaman Airport to Marmaris inner city bus terminal, which takes 90 minutes and costs around 15 Euro pp. Click here for the shuttle schedule of HAVAS for Dalaman airport.
 

Ottoman castle in Marmaris	Waterfront at the town center	Marmaris has an international port

Marmaris: Marmaris bay resembles a calm lake and offers ideal mooring for yachts. The Marmaris Netsel Marina, one of the largest and best-equipped in Turkey, and the Marmaris Albatross Marina, one of the best for wintering and maintaining yachts, make Marmaris an excellent starting point for the Blue Voyage tour of the Aegean Coast. Marmaris is an important port city and a tourist destination on the Mediterranean coast, located in southwest Turkey, in the Mugla Province.

It is a popular wintering location for hundreds of cruising boaters. There are regular ferry services to the Greek island of Rhodes, and large cruise ships call at the port. Although it is not certain when Marmaris was founded, in the 6th century BC the city was known as Physkos, and considered part of Caria.
 

DAY 2 : MARMARIS-EKINCIK BAY-DALYAN

You will get detailed briefing about the daily life on board, your boat and the route while you have your breakfast. After breakfast depart for Ekincik Bay. At a distance from the southeast of Marmaris where the guests will be met by a river boat which will take them to the site of ancient Kaunos in the delta of Dalyan River, and then upriver to the sulfide mud baths. The extensive sandy beaches of Dalyan delta are one of the last breeding zone of the Mediterranean sea turtle "Caretta Carettas"
Note: Optional Dalyan tour requires extra payment (25 Euro per person)
 

A view from Dalyan river

Dalyan: Dalyan achieved international fame in 1986 when developers wanted to build a luxury hotel on the nearby Iztuzu Beach , a breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle species. The development project was stopped and the beach is now a protected area. Iztuzu is also a popular area for sunbathing and swimming.

There are regular boat and minibus services to the beach. Dalyan's turtle beach, was voted the best beach in the world in 1995. Life in Dalyan revolves around the Dalyan River which flows past the town. The boats that ply up and down the river, navigating the maze of reeds, are the preferred means of transport to all the local sites. Above the river's sheer cliffs are the weathered facades of Lycian tombs cut from rock, circa 400 AC. The ruins of the ancient trading city of Kaunos are a short boat trip across the river.
 

DAY 3 : MANASTIR BAY-BEDRI RAHMI BAYS

Even before you wake up in the morning, the yacht will leave Ekincik Bay so as to profit from the morning wind which usually blows off Dalaman beach. With all sail set you’ll be served a simple sandwich breakfast. The boat will proceed on the crystal clear water and cast anchor in Manastir Bay for lunch. Later in the afternoon we’ll sail on to the Bedri Rahmi Bay and cast anchor in this lovely place for overnight.
 

Bedri Rahmi's fish painting on rock

Bedri Rahmi Bay is one of the most popular bays in the Fethiye Gulf, which is located opposite from Tersane (Dockyard) Island . Bedri Rahmi was a great writer and painter of Turkey. He and his close friends were the first blue voyagers of the country who discovered the beautiful Lycian coast and informed people about these beauties. On one of his cruises, he painted a fish on a rock (left) behind a fountain of the bay in 1973, and ever since the bay has been called by his name.

The bay is well protected against the wind and suitable for anchoring. Pine, olive trees and oleander flowers on the surrounding slopes, small beach and crystal - clear water complement the historical remains on the hill and create an idyllic setting.

There are many Lycian rock tombs hidden behind the trees, as well as ones shaped like pigeonholes on a great rock. You can also see a rock tomb with an ornamented door and a triple tomb on the slope. According to the ancient historians, the city that is located behind of the hill was the Lycian town Crya.

Manastir Bay : The people also call this beautiful bay Cleopatra's Bath because of the ruined Roman bath lying in the water southeast of the bay. It is certain that there is no relation between the bath and Cleopatra but local people like to say so. The volcanic structure of the natural hillside of the bay also confirms the existence of a crater lake, which gave warm waters to the bath house in ancient times. The pine trees in the bay cover the slopes from the seaside to the top of the hill, where you also see carob trees as well. A long ancient wall stretches west of the bay, seemingly the defense wall of the Lycian city Lydae that is located behind the hill. South of the bay, where the remains of the bath are, is an ideal anchorage spot closed to wind.
 

DAY 4: TERSANE ISLAND-GOCEK

After spending some time in Bedri Rahmi Bay we will set sail for Tersane (dockyard) Island where the people of the region used to built their wooden ships here, many centuries ago. You can still see the ruins of the ancient dockyard.

Later in the day we will sail on to Göcek where the cruise ship will anchorage for overnight.

Tersane Island is the largest island in Fethiye Gulf. Entrance of the harbor-like bay of the island is via a deep narrow channel. The Eastern side of the bay is very suitable for anchor because it is quite shallow and protected from the wind. According to ancient sources, the island was inhabited and named Telandria in the past and was also used as a dockyard for the ships during the Ottoman period. Many houses from past ages can be still seen on the island, which give an idea of the population of the island during the Byzantium and Ottoman periods. As with Kaya Köyü in Fethiye, inhabitants of Tersane Island migrated to Greece in 1922 as a result of an agreement between Turkey and Greece to exchange the foreign populations in the two countries. North of the Island is another anchorage called Summer Port, another nice spot for swimming.
 

Waterfront of Gocek

Gocek is located 22 km from Dalaman International Airport and 35 km from Fethiye. Positioned at the furthest north end of Fethiye bay. Göcek hosts four significant marinas that serve the yacht tourism in the region. A prominent characteristic of the town is the fact that it harbors islands and coves located in a large and secluded bay. Due to its location, it naturally enjoys a high potential for yacht tourism.

Göcek was relatively small village until 1990's and is known as Turkey's greatest chromium reserve. The recent development of several yacht marinas in Göcek bay and the town's proximity to the pretty islands and bays in the Fethiye Gulf, has made it a popular harbor town offering every kinds of service to yachtsmen, a laid-back nightlife and quaint streets lined with pretty buildings. Göcek Bay makes an excellent overnight stop on any cruise
 

DAY 5 : KARGI BAY-FETHIYE OLUDENIZ

After breakfast the boat will leave Gocek for beautiful Kargi Bay, where the guests will have time for swimming or snorkeling. There are also windsurfing activities in Kargi Bay for those who are interested, but not a part of the cruise. the boat will sail to Fethiye in the afternoon. You can either spend the rest of the day on your own in the town or join the optional Oludeniz tour. Guests staying in town will have a chance to walk about in exotic back streets and discover the town or do shopping until early evening. Fethiye's colorful nightlife offers variety of alternatives such as sea-side restaurants, numerous bars and clubs for the ones who are looking for a little fun later in the evening.

Dinner and overnight on board in Fethiye
 

Fethiye and Blue Lagoon	Market street in old Fethiye	Fethiye from Rock Tombs

Fethiye is one of the most popular resorts of Turkey located on a wide bay, strewn with many islands. Fethiye is 135 kms southwest of Marmaris and has an outstanding and busy marina. The ancient name of the city is Telmessos and you will see a fortress on the hill overlooking the city which was built by Knights of Rhodes Island. Fethiye is also known for its rock tombs carved into the faces of the high cliffs by the Lycians. Among these tombs especially remarkable one is the tomb of Amnytas dating from the 4th century BC, elaborately carved in Doric architectural style. It is worth well visiting. Other historical places around the town are the Sarcopaghi and the Fethiye Tower.

Olu Deniz is 14 km (9 mi) south of Fethiye. The town is a beach resort, and remains one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean. It has a secluded sandy bay at the mouth of Olu Deniz, a blue lagoon. The lagoon is legally recognized as a natural reserve and constructing buildings is strictly prohibited. Olu Deniz is famous for its shades of turquoise and aquamarine, and is an official blue flag beach frequently rated among the top 5 beaches in the world by travelers and tourism journals alike.
 

DAY 6 : DISIBILMEZ BAY

In the morning the boat will sail across the quiet expanses of Fethiye Bay to Disibilmez bay. This little bay is a paradise for snorkeling fans, in addition the bay is a intersection place for numerous fish species of Mediterranean just waiting to be caught. Good luck to any fishermen!  
It will be an unforgettable evening with the dinner which will be served on the beach.
 

DAY 7: KADIRGA BAY-MYRA ISLAND-MARMARIS

After breakfast we will set sail for Kadirga Bay, where the guests will spend some more time for swimming and surfing. Then the boat will sail on to Myra Island, and to Paradise Island for a last diving into the crystal-clear water of outer Marmaris Bay. With the setting sun, we will make a fast trip to the Marmaris Bay.
After your arrival to Marmaris and have your dinner, you will have a chance for some shopping or have time discover the night life of Marmaris. It is possible to check out from the boat in Marmaris this evening for those who need to depart earlier.

Overnight in Marmaris.
 

DAY 8 : GOODBYE IN MARMARIS

Disembarking after your last breakfast until 10:30 am.

Please let us know if you need any airport transfers, domestic flight or bus tickets, hotels booking, ferry ticket to Greek Island of Rhodes after the cruise
 

PRICE LIST

2009 Summer Prices (Full Board- Per Week)

This gullet cruise is available on Friday, Saturday and Monday only.

Prices include:
* All services and harbor taxes*
* Basic snorkeling equipments and board games*
* Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the cruise period*
*Please kindly bring your own towels and swimming materials*
*7 nights accommodation in private cabins with one double bed & en-suite baths*

Prices do not Included.
Airport and hotel transfers from/to boats.
Optional excursion tours at the stopover places. (Not compulsory)
Drinks are not included but available at the boat with very reasonable prices.
Surcharges in case of credit card payments ( Visa and Master, and American Express)

 

PAYMENT AND RESERVATION

Payment and reservation: We will request 30% of the total tour price for guaranteed reservations. We will send you a detailed reservation contract by e-mail after all details are confirmed mutually.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

This is not an exclusively gay cruise. We organize this cruise in cooperation with other non-gay boat operators or boat owners, but we choose the gay friendly ones as much as possible. Therefore it is a coincidence if there will be other gay or lesbian clients joining the same cruise, same day with you.
This blue cruise starts regularly only on mentioned days only. Private charter version of the same or similar route can be organized starting any day for private groups if requested. Private charter cruises can also be shorter or longer than 7 nights, if required.
This cruise is classified as cabin charter and the boats are standard quality. Private charter version of the same or similar route can be organized with standard, deluxe or superior quality boats if requested by private groups.  We have direct contacts with the boat owners and boat operators in Marmaris but there will be a considerable price difference depending on the number of participants, the size and the quality of the boat.
There may be small changes with the cruise route. This is the most common route for this destination but the captain can make some minor changes with the route due to weather conditions and technical reasons. We may reserve you and alternative cruise form another boat operator with similar route if there is no vacancy.
What you should bring: Bed sheets and some towels are provided for guests. But still we recommend you to bring your own extra towels as well as swimming and sun bathing materials,  a couple of slippers and walking shoes, a pullover and may be a wind-breaker for windy nights.

Click here to have an idea about blue cruises and gullet boats

Click here for more the map of the blue cruise destinations in southwestern Turkey.
 

Gay Friendly Marmaris Hotels
	INTERNATIONAL ONLINE SECURE SYSTEM Book Your Hotels Online via International Secure Reservation System with the Guarantee and Protection of Istanbul Pride Travel. Pride Travel has special rates agreements with hotels from all over Marmaris. Easy to search, hotels listed starting from the cheapest	Search Hotels
	ACT MARMARIS 4 * Location: Icmeler, Marmaris  Double:  130-150 Euro Officially Gay and Lesbian accommodation.  ACT Hotel is actually a special hotel built for disabled people, but the administration is especially welcoming gay and lesbian clients visiting Marmaris.	Book It