The Bodrum blue cruise experience offers more than just sailing the clear waters of the Aegean — it’s an ideal way to unwind in peace. In recent years, this style of vacation has become increasingly popular among both local and international travelers, offering an escape into nature, away from the crowds. Whether you prefer a classic gulet for a traditional route or a luxury motor yacht, Bodrum-based boat trips cater to all tastes and budgets.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need about blue cruise routes from Bodrum, pricing, boat types, onboard activities, dining options, the booking process, and frequently asked questions. Whether it’s your first time or you want to plan more confidently this time, you’re in the right place.
What Is a Blue Cruise, and Why Is It So Popular in Bodrum?
The Blue Cruise, known locally as “Mavi Tur,” is a signature Turkish holiday experience where guests sail the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts on traditional wooden yachts called gulets. Also referred to as a “Blue Voyage,” this holiday style dates back to the 1980s and remains one of the most iconic ways to explore Turkey’s coast.
Bodrum is considered the birthplace of the blue cruise concept. The town’s coastal position makes it the perfect starting point for boat trips covering the southern Aegean and parts of the Mediterranean. These trips are a fresh and exciting alternative to traditional summer vacations.
The blue cruise season in Bodrum usually starts in May and continues until late October, with various routes and boat categories available.
Key Features of a Blue Cruise
Multiple bays or islands are visited each day
Onboard accommodation, meals, sunbathing, swimming, and rest — all in one experience
Options include gulets, sailing boats, motor yachts, and catamarans, suitable for different budgets
Most cruises last 3 to 7 days, but some extend up to 2 weeks
Why Choose a Blue Cruise or Yacht Holiday?
No Regrets Booking Advice
Offers a private and safe vacation with family or friends, away from crowds — ideal for those seeking isolation, especially in post-COVID times
Lets you explore hidden coves, pristine beaches, and ancient ruins that you can’t access with typical hotel stays
Opportunity to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, water sports, visiting charming coastal towns, and tasting regional dishes
Jump into the sea whenever you like, straight from the boat
Swim and walk along quiet beaches that feel like your own private paradise
Create unforgettable memories with your family, children, or group of friends
Enjoy a stress-free holiday with no worries about cooking, cleaning, or planning — everything is handled by the crew
Why Is Bodrum So Popular for Blue Cruises?
Geographic advantage: Its location at the entrance of Gökova Gulf allows access to stunning bays in a short time
Well-developed ports and marinas: Bodrum has some of Turkey’s most advanced infrastructure for yachts
Extensive route choices: Includes natural gems like Orak Island, Karaada, Kissebükü, and Sedir Island
Options for all budgets: From budget-friendly cabin charters to luxury yacht rentals, there’s something for everyone
Bodrum stands out as an ideal starting point — not only for seasoned sailors but also for first-time blue cruise guests. Its wide selection of tour operators, high-quality boats, and a balanced mix of nature and culture make it a truly unique destination.
Blue Cruise Routes and Bays Departing from Bodrum
Blue cruise routes from Bodrum are designed to suit different tastes and travel styles. Some routes focus on swimming breaks in quiet, untouched bays, while others offer cultural excursions to ancient cities. The most popular itineraries typically explore the Gökova Gulf, Hisarönü Gulf, and sometimes the Greek Islands.
Top Bodrum Blue Cruise Routes
1. Bodrum – Gökova Gulf – Bodrum
This route offers a short yet well-rounded experience. Popular stops include:
Orak Island – Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters
Karaada – Famous for its hot spring caves
Kissebükü Bay – A blend of nature and ancient ruins, perfect for swimming
Çökertme and Seven Islands – Peaceful coves and fishing villages
2. Bodrum – Hisarönü Gulf – Bodrum
Perfect for a longer and more tranquil cruise focused on nature:
Datça Peninsula
Bencik Bay
Dirsekbükü
Scenic towns like Orhaniye and Selimiye
3. Bodrum – Greek Islands (Kos, Kalymnos, Leros)
For those with a passport and visa, this route offers an international experience. Typically planned as 7-day tours, though prices and permit requirements differ from domestic routes.
What to Consider When Choosing a Route
Trip duration
Preference for lively or quiet environments
Nature-based or culture-based itinerary
Boat type and comfort level (some routes are better suited to specific vessels)
Bodrum routes offer flexible options for both short and extended blue cruises.
Types of Boats Used on a Bodrum Blue Cruise
The boats available for blue cruise holidays in Bodrum vary depending on your group size, travel style, and budget. From traditional gulets to high-end motor yachts, there’s a wide range of options. Choosing the right boat has a major impact on your overall experience.
1. Gulet
Traditional wooden yachts — the symbol of the blue cruise
4–10 cabins, ideal for groups of 8–20 people
Cruise at a slower pace for a relaxed experience
Usually comes with chef, captain, and crew
2. Motor Yacht
Preferred by those wanting fast travel
Offers luxury features, spacious cabins, and large living areas
More expensive but allows you to visit more bays in less time
3. Catamaran
Twin-hulled, offering extra stability and space
A fun and cost-effective option for sailing with the wind
Great for families and groups with children
4. Sailing Boat
Best for experienced sailors wanting a quiet, sea-focused holiday
Can be rented with or without a captain
Provides a silent and eco-friendly cruising experience
Which Boat is Best for Whom?
Families and large groups of friends → Gulet
Couples seeking comfort and speed → Motor Yacht
Adventure-seekers looking for stability → Catamaran
Experienced sailors → Sailing Boat
To enjoy a successful blue cruise, choosing the right boat is as important as the crew and service quality.
Bodrum Blue Cruise Prices and Budget-Friendly Options
Bodrum blue cruise prices vary based on boat type, group size, season, duration, and included services. Instead of looking for exact figures, planning around price ranges gives a more realistic expectation.
Average Price Ranges (2025)
Cabin charter (per person, weekly): €400 – €900
Private gulet rental (daily): €800 – €3,000
Motor yacht rental (daily): €2,000 – €10,000
Catamaran rental (daily): €1,200 – €4,500
What’s Included in the Price?
Captain and crew
Bed linen and towels
Fuel (for standard routes)
Basic meal service (on some boats)
Insurance and standard tour gear (e.g., snorkels, fishing rods, kayaks)
What May Cost Extra?
Alcoholic beverages
Luxury menus or special meal requests
Land excursions and entrance fees
Airport transfers
Tips (usually 5–10% of the total cost)
Money-Saving Tips
Cabin charters allow you to join a tour without organizing a full group
May and October are ideal in terms of both weather and pricing
Renting a private boat with 6–8 friends can significantly reduce the per-person cost
With the right research, you can enjoy a memorable Bodrum blue cruise experience without straining your budget.
Life and Dining Onboard: What to Expect?
A blue cruise isn’t just about sailing from bay to bay — most of your day is spent on the boat. That makes the living space, meal planning, and daily routine especially important. Knowing what to expect in advance helps make the experience more enjoyable.
What’s a Typical Day Like on Board?
The captain usually sets off early in the morning for the next bay
Days are filled with swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, and water sports
Evenings are spent anchored in a bay or near a small harbor town
Boats often feature large decks, shaded areas, sun mattresses, sound systems, and Wi-Fi
How Does Dining Work?
Most standard blue cruise packages include full board:
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner
Meals are prepared on board, often featuring fresh seafood, mezes, and olive oil dishes
Vegetarian, vegan, and other special diets can usually be accommodated with prior notice
Alcoholic drinks are typically extra or can be brought by the guests
Comfort and Cleanliness
Cabins are equipped with private showers and toilets
Daily cleaning is provided on most boats
Towels and linens are changed weekly — more frequently on luxury yachts
Life onboard is simple yet comfortable. Spending your days in nature, away from crowds, makes this a uniquely peaceful way to enjoy the sea.
How to Join a Blue Cruise or Yacht Holiday
To join a blue cruise from Bodrum, or other popular spots like Fethiye, Göcek, or Marmaris, the first step is to find a certified charter agency authorized to offer these services.
When you book through a professional agency, everything is planned for you — from itinerary to logistics — giving you peace of mind.
You can also contact boat owners or captains directly to organize your cruise. In this case, you’ll need to handle more of the details yourself.
Blue cruises are usually planned as weekly or 10-day programs, with most trips running from Saturday to Saturday.
If you’re traveling with family or friends, you can rent a private gulet or yacht, meaning you won’t share the boat with strangers — this is called private charter.
If you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, you can book a cabin charter, where you share the boat with others as part of a mixed group.
How to Book a Blue Cruise? What Should You Consider?
Booking a Bodrum blue cruise starts with choosing the right boat and route. Since boats fill up fast in summer, early planning offers a big advantage.
Step-by-Step Booking Process
Set your dates: Decide how many days you want to travel and the exact dates.
Define your group size: Your group size will determine whether you book a private boat or go for a cabin charter.
Choose the boat type: Pick a gulet, motor yacht, sailing yacht, or catamaran depending on your comfort expectations and budget.
Pick your route: Decide between Gökova Gulf, Hisarönü Gulf, or the Greek Islands.
Research agencies: Check references, reviews, and service details.
Request quotes: Get offers from several agencies and compare.
Sign a contract: Reliable companies will provide a written agreement. Make sure services and cancellation terms are clearly outlined.
Pay a deposit: Most agencies require a 30–50% deposit, with the remainder paid at the start of the cruise.
Things to Pay Attention To
What does the insurance cover? Is the boat insured? Is passenger insurance included?
Are food and drinks included? Ask for a clear breakdown of the menu.
Crew details: Confirm the number of crew and their responsibilities.
Cancellation policy: Know how much you’ll be refunded in case of emergency.
How to Choose a Trustworthy Agency
Check social media reviews and Google ratings
Prefer agencies that specialize in blue cruises
Listen to feedback from those who have used their services before
A well-planned reservation is half the holiday — the rest is just sailing into the sunset.
📊 Bodrum Blue Cruise Statistics and Trends (2025)
45% increase – Demand for blue cruises departing from Bodrum rose by 45% in summer 2025 compared to 2024.
70% foreign tourists – 70% of participants are travelers from the UK, Germany, and France.
60% prefer full-board – 60% of guests choose boats that offer full-board meal service.
May–June bookings reach 80% – The highest booking rates are seen in late May and early June.
50% increase in longer routes – Compared to 2023, demand for 10-day cruises over standard 7-day tours has gone up by 50%.
Gulet charters lead with 65% – Gulets are the most preferred boat type, chosen in 65% of bookings.
72% early bookings – 72% of travelers make reservations at least 2 months in advance.
20% price increase – Average blue cruise prices have risen by up to 20% compared to 2024.
35% family travelers – 35% of guests are families with children, showing increased demand for safe and comfortable boats.
150% increase in social media interaction – Posts using #maviturbodrum have increased 2.5 times compared to last year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a blue cruise and a boat rental?
A blue cruise usually refers to a pre-planned, multi-day voyage with a fixed route and meal plan. Boat rental allows for more freedom in both route and duration — you’re in charge of the itinerary.
What affects Bodrum blue cruise prices?
Prices vary depending on the type of boat, season, group size, and included services. For example, a luxury motor yacht in peak season costs significantly more than a cabin charter in May.
Is it safe to go on a blue cruise with kids?
Yes. With the right boat and experienced crew, blue cruises with children can be enjoyable. Boats with spacious decks, protected swimming areas, and life vests offer added comfort and safety.
Is there internet access on board?
Most boats offer basic Wi-Fi, but signal strength depends on the bay. In remote areas, connection may be limited or unavailable.
What are the comfort levels on board?
Gulets and motor yachts come with private cabins, showers, and toilets. Amenities like air conditioning, refrigerators, and TVs vary. Catamarans and motor yachts tend to offer higher levels of comfort.
Are food and drinks included in the price?
Some boats offer full-board service included in the package. Alcoholic beverages are usually extra or guests are allowed to bring their own.
Is seasickness a concern?
Most anchorages are calm and sheltered, so seasickness is rarely an issue. However, those prone to motion sickness may want to bring medication.
Are pets allowed on board?
Yes, some private boats accept pets. Always confirm this with the agency before booking.
What documents are needed to visit the Greek Islands?
A valid passport and Schengen visa are required. Some agencies charge extra fees and need additional time to arrange Greek Island visits.
When do Bodrum-based tours start?
Cruises usually begin at the end of April and continue until the end of October. The peak season is between June and September.
