Discover the stunning coastline between Bodrum and Marmaris on a relaxing Blue Cruise. This unforgettable yacht tour takes you through ancient cities, hidden coves, turquoise bays, and peaceful villages. Explore the historic wonders of Knidos and Bozukkale (Loryma), swim in crystal-clear waters at Domuzbükü, Gebekse, and Kumlubük, and enjoy the serene beauty of Datça, Selimiye, Bozburun, and Orhaniye. With calm seas, untouched nature, charming coastal towns, and rich history at every stop, this route offers the perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery.
Bodrum has a history dating back to the 12th century B.C. The city, once known as Halicarnassus, was the birthplace of Herodotus—the “Father of History”—who lived in the 5th century B.C. The Mausoleum of King Mausolus (350 B.C.), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is also located here.
The ancient city of Knidos has the most impressive ruins on the Datca Peninsula. The solitary ruins of Knidos are scattered about the slopes above the ancient harbour. The setting is delightful and the ruins, only partly excavated, are a romantic overgrown jumble of huge rock blocks and pottery sherds. This was one of the Dorian hexapolis, the six cities of the Dorian Confederacy.
Domuzbuku (Pig Inlet) is a place ypu choose for a holiday when you want to get away from it all and forget all about cities, including such things as television. There is no road link to the cove; instead you get there by gulet. Apart from relaxing and swimming at Domuzbuku you can also make some short trips around the area. Nearby there is a cave and interesting stone formations that you can walk to see.
Datca is where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. One side of the 70 kilometre long Datca Peninsula, which stretches to the west from Marmaris, is lapped by the waters of the Aegean and on the other by those of the Mediterranean. Around the peninsula you will find as many as 52 bays, some of which for one full day will be yours alone. You will not be able to forget the beautiful sea with the stillness of an aquarium in Datca’s coves and beaches.
Aktur
The oldest and most beautiful summerhouse complex of the region is Aktur on Kurucabuk Cove.
Bencik
Bencik is a location much loved by the Blue Cruise boats/yachts/gulets, with its small coves that maket hem feel very special.
One of the most important tourism centres on the Gulf of Hisaronu, Orhaniye sees the yachts and gulets that come to Hisaronu pass through. The sea of Orhaniye is always as flat as a sheet. The coulour of the pine trees that surround the area are reflected on the sea, giving it a shade peculiar to this region. The area is so quiet that when you swim you can only hear the sound you create in the water.
After Orhaniye, you travel another popular stops for gulets on the Blue Cruise between Bodrum and Marmaris. The bay is green, the sea is clean and generally calm but there is not much in the way of sand beaches. There are small restaurants around the quay area. There is an eternal quietness that rules the area, perfect for those that want to have a holiday away from the crowd. There are also historical remains around the Selimiye region. There are ruins of three castles of the ancient city of Hydas in the area.
An other place in Hisaronu, named Bozburun is well known to Captains. In respect to tourism it is one of the most virgin parts of the region. Just like the coral waters of the tropical seas, the waters here turn into turquoise fromdark blue. It is highly recommended for those who want a quite and calm holiday.
Bozukkale (Loryma)
Bozukkale or the ruins of the ancient city of Loryma, which are among the poplar stopping points for the gulets running from Marmaris to Gulf of Hisaronu. The gulf of Bozukkale, which is sheltered against the wind, is one of the most important spot of the Blue Cruises.
Serce
Along the peninsula, and heading to the south-east, lies the bay of Serce – a large bay hidden behind steep cliffs. It was here that George Bass discovered a shipwreck, and its artifacts are now on display at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, in Bodrum Castle.
At the entrance of the cove there is a private island with a mansion on it. When you make a turn from the island, there is another openning to a long and narrow bay. This is Gebekse Cove. The rocky shores are good for those interested in diving. The end of the cove is like a pool with its White sand on the bottom. Those who go ashore may want to see the ru,ns od near by church. You will get great pleasure from swimming with goggles and seing the wondrful colours beneath the water.
Kumlubuk is famous for its beautiful beaches that you could spare one of your evenings or mornings to walk to the ancient city of Amos, which is half an hour on foot from Kumlubuk. Amos was one of the most important ancient cities of its time, though today little remains. On the narrow and long flat space on the hill top above the gravel beach between Hisar Burnu (Fortress Point) and Kumubuk, you will see the theatre and the cith walls.
Marmaris is one of the rare towns in Turkey where you can swim right in the city centre, despite the increased construction, as enviromental and water treatment facilites have been installed. For those who seek cleaner seas and quieter spots there are many gulet trips that go to other bays. Stroll and explore the bustling Marmaris bazaar, getting the feeling of being in Asia Minor. Marmaris in recent years has spread out with new hotels and apartments but the old centre still retains its village atmosphere. Marmaris has a great choice of shops and restaurants many with an international flavour. is accessible by international travellers via Dalaman International Airport (DLM) – Marmaris being 90 minutes and Bodrum Milas International Airport (BJV) – Marmaris being two and half hours.
Bodrum has a rich history dating back to the 12th century B.C. Formerly known as ‘Halicarnassus,’ it was the birthplace of Herodotus (the ‘Father of History’ who lived in the 5th century B.C.). The city is home to the Mausoleum of King Mausolus (350 B.C.), celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The ancient city of Knidos boasts the most impressive ruins on the Datça Peninsula. These solitary ruins are scattered along the slopes above the ancient harbor. The setting is delightful, featuring partially excavated, romantic overgrown jumbles of huge rock blocks and pottery sherds. Knidos was historically one of the Dorian Hexapolis—the six cities of the Dorian Confederacy.
Domuzbuku (Pig Inlet) is the perfect escape from city life and technology. There is no road link to this secluded cove; it is accessible only by gulet. Beyond relaxing and swimming in the pristine waters, you can take short trips to explore the nearby cave and interesting stone formations.
Datça is the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. This 70-kilometer-long peninsula stretches west from Marmaris, offering as many as 52 distinct bays. The water here is renowned for its beauty and stillness, resembling an aquarium, making the coves and beaches unforgettable.
Aktur: Located on Kurucabük Cove, this is the oldest and most beautiful summerhouse complex in the region.
Bencik: A location much loved by Blue Cruise yachts. It features small, intimate coves that offer a very special and private atmosphere.
As a key tourism center on the Gulf of Hisarönü, Orhaniye is a popular pass-through for yachts. The sea here is known for being as flat as a sheet, with unique colors created by the reflection of the surrounding pine trees. The area is exceptionally quiet—when swimming, the only sound you hear is the water moving around you.
A popular stop for gulets between Bodrum and Marmaris, Selimiye offers a green bay with clean, generally calm waters. While there are few sandy beaches, the area is ruled by an eternal quietness, perfect for escaping the crowds. You can visit small restaurants along the quay or explore historical remains, including the ruins of three castles from the ancient city of Hydas.
Bozburun is a well-known stop for captains and remains one of the most untouched parts of the region. The waters here shift from dark blue to turquoise, resembling the coral waters of tropical seas. It is highly recommended for those seeking a quiet and calm holiday.
Bozukkale: Here you will find the ruins of the ancient city of Loryma. Sheltered against the wind, this gulf is one of the most important spots for Blue Cruises.
Serçe: A large bay hidden behind steep cliffs. This is the historic site where George Bass discovered a famous shipwreck; its artifacts are now on display at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Bodrum Castle.
At the entrance of the cove lies a private island with a mansion, leading into the long, narrow Gebekse Cove. The rocky shores are excellent for diving, and the end of the cove features a pool-like white sand bottom. Visitors can explore nearby church ruins or enjoy snorkeling to see the wonderful colors beneath the water.
Famous for its beautiful beaches, Kumlubük is also a gateway to history. You can take a 30-minute walk to the ancient city of Amos, one of the most important cities of its time. On the hilltop between Hisar Burnu (Fortress Point) and Kumlubük, you can view the remains of the theatre and city walls.
Marmaris is a rare town where you can swim right in the city center thanks to excellent water treatment facilities. It offers a mix of modern hotels and a historic “village atmosphere” in the old center. You can explore the bustling Marmaris bazaar to get a true feeling of Asia Minor, enjoy international cuisine, or take gulet trips to quieter bays. It is accessible via Dalaman (90 mins) and Bodrum Milas (2.5 hours) airports.
Explore the featured collection from Nalora Yachting. Access highly exclusive luxury yachts and top-tier private jets selected for superior quality. We provide meticulously crafted bespoke travel experiences, perfect for your next air or sea charter.
