What is the Twelve Islands tour?

It's the classic Fethiye blue cruise — a relaxed loop around the gulf's islands and coves, offered as a day trip from Fethiye harbour or as part of a longer private charter.

Where do Fethiye Gulf charters depart from?

Most start from Fethiye harbour; some Twelve Islands and Göcek itineraries also leave from nearby Göcek, about 25 minutes away. The closest airport is Dalaman (DLM), roughly 45 minutes from Fethiye.

Is Ölüdeniz part of a Fethiye Gulf cruise?

Boats anchor off the Ölüdeniz coast and Blue Lagoon area, though the lagoon itself is a protected nature park; many charters combine a sail past Ölüdeniz with a stop at Butterfly Valley.

When is the best time to sail Fethiye Gulf?

April to October. July and August are hottest and busiest; May, June and September bring warm seas, calmer bays and fewer boats.

Fethiye Gulf Yacht Charter

Fethiye sits at the head of one of the Mediterranean's great natural harbours — a wide, island-dotted gulf sheltered by pine-covered hills and the long sweep of the Lycian coast. It is the classic starting point for the “Twelve Islands” blue cruise, a gentle loop of bays and islets where you can swim, snorkel and anchor barely a few minutes apart.

A Fethiye Gulf charter packs an extraordinary amount into a short cruising range. Drop anchor below the Byzantine ruins of Gemiler (St Nicholas) Island, swim in the cool freshwater of Boynuzbükü, or tender ashore at Butterfly Valley beneath its waterfall and cliffs. Just outside the gulf lies Ölüdeniz, the turquoise blue lagoon that has become the emblem of the Turkish coast.

Whether you book a private gulet for the family or a cabin charter by the week, Fethiye Gulf offers calm, sheltered water, short hops between anchorages, and a backdrop of ancient Lycia — rock tombs, sunken cities and pine-scented bays, with Fethiye's lively marina and market waiting back in port.