Sailing the Gulf of Gökova: A 7-Day Blue Cruise Itinerary from Bodrum

The Gulf of Gökova is where Turkey's famous blue cruise was born, and at Blu Yachting it is the route we are most proud to sail. A slow, blissful week drifting between pine-fringed bays, ancient islands and sleepy fishing villages is everything this coast was made for. Starting and ending in Bodrum, our Gulf of Gökova blue cruise itinerary maps out seven days of swimming, history and turquoise water aboard a traditional gulet. Here is exactly where we sail, day by day.

What is a blue cruise in the Gulf of Gökova?

A blue cruise (mavi yolculuk) is a relaxed sailing holiday aboard a wooden gulet, drifting between secluded coves with stops for swimming, lunch and overnight anchorages. The sheltered, pine-backed bays of Gökova are perfectly suited to it, which is why our blue cruise holidays from Bodrum remain the classic way to experience this coast. It is the trip we recommend most.

What is our 7-day Gökova blue cruise itinerary?

Below is the popular round-trip Gökova yacht route we follow. Days and anchorages can shift with weather and our captain's advice, and we always prioritise the best experience on the water over a rigid schedule.

Day 1 – Bodrum

We welcome you aboard your gulet in Bodrum's lively port in the afternoon. You settle into your cabin, and we encourage you to explore the historic old town and marina before returning for your first dinner on board and an overnight stay in the harbour.

Day 2 – Bodrum to Çökertme (via Kissebükü)

After breakfast we sail into the gulf, pausing at Kissebükü (Alakışla), one of our favourite stops, to swim and explore Byzantine ruins among the olive trees. We then continue to the sheltered fishing village of Çökertme for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3 – Çökertme to English Harbour (via Tuzla Bay)

We cruise to the dazzling turquoise water of Tuzla Bay for a morning swim and lunch at anchor, then make our way to English Harbour, named for the British navy that sheltered here during the Second World War, for a calm and peaceful night.

Day 4 – English Harbour to Karacasöğüt (via Cleopatra Island)

We sail to Sedir (Cleopatra) Island, an open-air museum of ancient ruins famous for its protected golden sand beach. In the afternoon, we anchor at the quiet village of Karacasöğüt for dinner ashore and an overnight stay.

Day 5 – Karacasöğüt to Seven Islands (via Löngöz Bay)

We swim at Löngöz Bay, beautifully ringed by lush pine forest, before continuing to the tranquil Seven Islands (Yedi Adalar), a maze of islets that offers some of the finest snorkelling in the entire gulf. We spend the night at anchor here.

Day 6 – Seven Islands and the bays of Gökova

We give this day a slower rhythm, setting aside time for more swimming, sunbathing and exploring hidden coves at a leisurely pace. We anchor in a secluded bay for a memorable final night in the gulf.

Day 7 – Orak Island to Bodrum (via Pabuçburnu)

We head to Orak Island, known as the Turkish Maldives, for one last dazzling swim, with a stop at Pabuçburnu, before cruising back to Bodrum to disembark. Sun-kissed, rested and, in our experience, already planning the next trip.

When is the best time for a Gökova blue cruise with us?

Our blue cruise season runs from May to October. July and August are the warmest and busiest months, ideal for swimming but with more boats in the popular bays. For calmer anchorages, comfortable temperatures and the clearest water, we particularly love late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), and we actively recommend these windows to guests with flexibility.

How do you plan a 7-day yacht charter from Bodrum with us?

Our 7-day charters from Bodrum can be arranged as a private gulet, exclusively for you and your group, or as a cabin charter where you share the boat with other guests, our most budget-friendly option. Most of our charters are broadly all-inclusive of meals, with drinks and the Cleopatra Island entrance fee typically charged separately.

We recommend booking ahead for summer. Pack light: swimwear, sun protection, water shoes and a light layer for evenings are all you need. Bring some cash in euros or lira for village dinners ashore. We always confirm exactly what is included before you sail with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a blue cruise from Bodrum?

  A blue cruise is a relaxed gulet sailing holiday through bays like the Gulf of Gökova, with daily swimming stops, scenic anchorages and meals served on board by our crew. It is the experience we are built around at Blu Yachting.

• How long is a Gökova blue cruise with you?

  Our classic round trip is 7 nights, departing from and returning to Bodrum. We also offer shorter 3 to 4 night cruises for guests with less time.

• What does a 7-day yacht charter from Bodrum include?

  Our charters typically include cabin accommodation and meals on board. Drinks, optional excursions and site entrance fees such as Cleopatra Island are usually extra, and we always confirm every detail upfront.

• What are the highlights of your Gökova yacht route?

  The stops our guests love most are Çökertme, Tuzla Bay, English Harbour, Cleopatra (Sedir) Island, the Seven Islands and Orak Island. Every one of them is worth the journey.

• Is a blue cruise suitable for families?

  Absolutely. The calm, sheltered bays, regular swimming stops and home-cooked meals on board make our Gökova blue cruises genuinely relaxing and enjoyable for guests of all ages.

• Do I need sailing experience for a blue cruise with Blu Yachting?

  Not at all. Our professional crew handle all the sailing, cooking and navigation. Your only job is to relax and enjoy the water.

• When should I book a Bodrum gulet cruise with you?

  We recommend booking several months ahead for peak summer, particularly for private gulet charters and popular departure dates. Get in touch with us early and we will secure everything you need.