For four days, a gulet becomes your home and the Mediterranean your backyard. Each morning brings a new cove, turquoise waters under the midday sun, and an open sky filled with stars in the evening. This route stretching from Olympos to Fethiye brings together Kekova's ancient underwater city, the historic streets of Kaş, the white houses of Kalkan, and the legendary lagoon of Ölüdeniz in a single journey.
This 3-night, 4-day overnight boat tour departs from Olympos on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Conducted aboard traditional Turkish gulets accommodating 12 or 16 passengers with meals included, this voyage is designed for those who truly wish to get lost in Turkey's blue waters.

Olympos – Fethiye Blue Cruise: A 4-Day Mediterranean Journey

A blue cruise is an overnight boat tour along Turkey's southwestern coastline, conducted on traditional wooden gulets, offering the opportunity to anchor and sleep in secluded coves. This style of travel was discovered and introduced in the early 1970s by Turkish author Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (Halikarnas Balıkçısı) and has since become one of Turkey's most iconic holiday experiences.
The Olympos – Fethiye route covers the most richly rewarding stretch of the Mediterranean coastline between the provinces of Antalya and Muğla. Along this route, some of Turkey's most valuable natural and historical landmarks are found together: the underwater ruins of Kekova, known as the Sunken City; Lycian-era rock-cut tombs; the peaceful town atmospheres of Kaş and Kalkan; the unspoiled nature of Butterfly Valley; and the world-renowned lagoon of Ölüdeniz.
The tour departs from Olympos on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Meals are included on the journey, which takes place aboard traditional Turkish gulets accommodating 12 or 16 passengers; breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared daily in the boat's kitchen and served on board.

4-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Departure from Olympos: Burç Cove and Kekova

Departing from Olympos harbor on Tuesday or Thursday, the gulet anchors at Burç Cove, the first stop on the route. A swimming break of approximately 1 hour is given at this cove, known for its mud bath experience. In the afternoon, the route continues to Kekova Island. As the gulet moves slowly along the northern shore of the island, the ruins of an ancient Lycian settlement submerged by 2nd-century earthquakes become visible beneath the boat. Swimming and anchoring are prohibited in this area as it falls within a protected zone; the underwater ruins are observed from the boat deck. The first night is spent anchored off Kaleköy or in a suitable cove.

Day 2 — Kaş: Ancient City and Town Tour

On the second day, the gulet arrives at Kaş harbor early in the morning. The longest land stop of the tour, approximately half a day of free time is given here. Kaş is an archaeologically rich town with monumental Lycian-era tombs, a rock-cut theater, and a small island. Kaş is also a well-known diving center among scuba divers, and paid scuba diving activities are available. The town's cobblestone streets are home to local shops and restaurants waiting to be explored. In the afternoon, the gulet departs Kaş and moves toward the waters off Kalkan, where dinner is served on board.

Day 3 — Kalkan and Butterfly Valley

On the third day, the route extends westward via Kalkan. Known for its whitewashed houses and Mediterranean views, Kalkan is worth a short land stop. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Butterfly Valley. As guests descend into this valley, surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs and accessible only by sea, its unique microclimate and endemic flora are striking. The valley takes its name from the many butterfly species that inhabit it. The third night is spent anchored in a sheltered cove off Ölüdeniz or in Göcek Bay.

Day 4 — Ölüdeniz and Arrival in Fethiye

The final day opens with the tour's most celebrated destination: Ölüdeniz. A morning swimming stop is made at this lagoon, renowned worldwide for paragliding and its natural beauty. The turquoise color of Ölüdeniz and its vibrant beach atmosphere offer a striking contrast to all the tranquil cove experiences throughout the tour. Around midday, the tour is completed with arrival at Fethiye harbor, and participants bid farewell over a farewell lunch before going their separate ways.

What is a Gulet? About the Boat

A gulet is a traditional wooden boat unique to Turkey. Originally used for fishing and trade, these spacious vessels have evolved over time into some of the most comfortable means of travel on the Mediterranean. With wide deck areas, private cabins, a fully equipped kitchen, and sunbathing areas, gulets offer holiday comfort and the freedom of the sea in equal measure.
The gulets used on the tour accommodate 12 and 16 passengers. Each gulet features private cabins, a communal salon area, deck sun loungers, and a fully equipped kitchen. Life jackets and all necessary safety equipment are available on board.

What's Included and Not Included

Included

• 3 nights gulet accommodation (private cabin)
• Full board meal service (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and refreshments
• Fuel costs for all coves and throughout the route
• Boat crew (captain, cook, sailor)
• Life jackets and safety equipment
• Snorkel and diving mask

Not Included

• Beverages (water, soft drinks, alcohol)
• Museum and ancient site entrance fees (Kekova, Myra, etc.)
• Personal expenses on land (shopping, restaurants, etc.)
• Optional activities (scuba diving, jet ski, etc.)
• Return transfer from Fethiye

What You Need to Know About the Blue Cruise

• The tour departs from Olympos on Tuesdays and Thursdays and lasts 3 nights and 4 days.
• Gulets accommodate 12 and 16 passengers; the small group format provides a more intimate experience.
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included in the tour price. Beverages and museum entrance fees are charged separately.
• Swimming and anchoring are prohibited in the Kekova Sunken City area; this site is under conservation protection.
• Reservations must be made several days in advance; earlier booking is recommended during high season.
• Boat cabins are limited; requests for double cabins must be specified at the time of reservation.
• Please note that the tour ends in Fethiye; advance planning for the return transfer is recommended.
• Comfortable, lightweight clothing and plenty of sunscreen are advised for life on deck.
• Those prone to seasickness are advised to take medication in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Price of the Olympos Blue Cruise?

Please contact us for current pricing information.

How many days does the blue cruise last?

The Olympos – Fethiye blue cruise lasts 3 nights and 4 days. Departure is from Olympos on Tuesday or Thursday, with arrival at Fethiye harbor around midday on the 4th day.

Where do you stay on the blue cruise?

Accommodation takes place on the gulet, anchored in coves. Each night is spent in a different cove or harbor. Gulet cabins include basic comfort features such as a private bathroom and air conditioning.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as refreshments are included in the tour price. Meals are prepared daily by the boat's cook using fresh ingredients, and a menu centered around Turkish cuisine is served. Beverages are charged separately.

How many passengers does the gulet hold?

The gulets used on the tour accommodate 12 and 16 passengers. The small group format ensures a quieter and more personal experience.

Is swimming possible in Kekova?

Since the Kekova Sunken City is under conservation protection, swimming and anchoring are prohibited in this area. However, swimming stops are made throughout the route at Burç Cove, Kaleköy, and other locations.

How do I get back from Fethiye?

The tour ends at Fethiye harbor; the return transfer is not included in the tour. Transport from Fethiye to Olympos or Antalya can be arranged by bus, minibus, or private vehicle. Planning the return journey in advance is recommended.

What should I do if I get seasick?

Those prone to seasickness can use seasickness medication available from pharmacies before the tour begins. Sitting on the open deck and focusing on the horizon is also an effective method. As the tour route largely follows coastal and sheltered waters, rough open-sea conditions are rarely encountered.

What season is best for the blue cruise?

Late April to early October is the most ideal period. June through September is the peak season, during which sea conditions are also at their most favorable. May and October offer a balanced option in terms of both weather and crowds.

Can children join the blue cruise?

Yes. The blue cruise is suitable for participants of all ages. Life on deck can be a thoroughly enjoyable experience for young children; however, parents are advised to continuously supervise their children's safety. Life jackets are available on board.