Blue Cruise on The Aegean Coast
If someone was claim that the most scenic vistas in Anatolia can be found on the coasts of the Aegean, he could not be accused of exaggerating. In the words of Heredotus, the Aegean coasts “have the most beautiful sky and the best climate in the world.” The bays and peninsulas, coves and golden beaches stretch the length of these beautiful shores. In this region where the countless events of mythology took place, at almost every turn, you will encounter the theaters, temples and agoras of ancient cities.
Bodrum peninsula, located on the Aegean Sea across from eastern Greece, is full of pristine sandy beaches, meaning you can get your fabulous beach getaway and traditional experiences.
Homer describes Bodrum as “The land of eternal blue” and the words of another resident of Bodrum, Cevat Şakir, who said “The heavenly bliss of life in Bodrum is better than any eternal bliss that may await us” were not without foundation in reality. Throughout history of Bodrum, known as Halicarnassos in ancient times, has always been fought over and people have been unwilling to share its beauty with others.
Built on a peninsula formed by the meeting of the eastern and western harbors, Bodrum, with its narrow streets winding down to the sea, is famous for its castle, its world-renowned yachts, its shipyards and the dazzling white houses and tombs lining the shores of its two harbors.
Bodrum, has the all facilities to meet the expectations of tourists from all income levels, ranging from the rich yacht owners to the penny counting tourists who just want a reasonable room to make his vacation last all summer.
With Bodrum is the center of yachting in everything from manufacturing and maintenance to repair and operation in Türkiye. The tradition of building schooners continues in the İçmeler Shipyard, whose name has become almost synonymous with Bodrum itself. As big as many modern shipyards, luxury sailboats up to 50 meters can be built here using the latest available technology.
Bodrum Marina has a capacity of 275-yachts. It has 12 slips for the maintenance and repair of yachts as well as wintering.
Yalıkavak Palmarina is located 18 km away from Bodrum center and voted the 2020 International Marina of the Year & 2018-2019 World’s Best Superyacht Marina. As of 2021, Yalıkavak Marina became the first and only Turkish marina awarded with 5 Gold Anchor Platinum rating by TYHA and ranked among the top 10 marinas in the world. Yalıkavak Marina has room to accommodate 620 berths and provides high-class lifestyle choices and unmatched services for yacht owners and visitors alike, while providing comfortable facilities and experiences technical services for yachts of up to 140m LOA.
D-Marin’s Turgutreis elegant flagship marina is located just 20km away from beautiful Bodrum and features an award-winning marina village and heliport.
The yacht races in Bodrum are probably is the only ones in the world that completely inexperienced people can participate in, even children have participated. The Bodrum Cup is the most comfortable competition for 15-30 m. luxury yachts in the world.
The Blue Voyage Starts
Stretching from Bodrum to the south-east, Gökova Bay has been named after Halikarnas Balıkçısı and Azra Erhat as ‘the Blue Voyage” when they first discovered it. Boats which pull up anchor in Bodrum and head for Gökova will soon discover the ultimate harmony of green and blue and the beauties which lie under the crystal clear waters. A center for manufacturing boats for centuries, the demand of sea-faring visitors has made yacht tourism one of the principal sources of income in Bodrum. Among the first places seen on “The Blue Journey” are Karaada, Kargacık Bükü, Pabuç Burnu, Kargı Adası, Alakışla and Çökertme. Other important stops on “The Blue Journey” are the forested and crystal clear coves of Küçük Çatı, Büyük Çatı, Yedi Adalar, Longöz, Değirmen Bükü, and Karacasöğüt. Besides the natural beauty, historic sites such as Sedir Island, the ancient city of Keramos and Yedi Adalar are frequent stopping places. You need to allow 7-10 days for this journey, which is open to anyone who wants to join one of the groups.