Symi Island and Hisaronu Gulf
Boarding starts at 15:30 from Bodrum Harbor. Your captain and crew will be waiting for you on board. After drop up your luggage to the yacht, this is a perfect time to visit this wonderful city and enjoy your first taste of Bodrum. Bodrum is a jewel surrounded golden sunsets and azure waters. You really should partake in all the local cuisine, cultural attractions and visit the waterfront outside the famous Bodrum Castle, built from the stones of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. It houses an amazing underwater archeology museum and is a must see when in Bodrum. Spend the first night on board in Bodrum harbor or in a bay close by.
Leave Bodrum sailing across the Gulf of Gokova to the site of Knidos, the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. At the extreme southwest of Turkey, along the Datca peninsula, sits the small archeological town of Knidos. This is one of Turkeys finest historical legends preserved in amazing condition. You find the Statue of Demeter in one location, and in the ancient harbor there were two Lions that stand guard but are now in the British Museum in London. The main attractions are the temple of Aphrodite and the Necropolis. Excavations are ongoing, and have been unearthing more and more amazing finds for over half a century. Since Knidos is considered to be remote, the best way to reach it is by yacht. This is a must stop for all yacht charters and one site that will provide a lot of great memories as well as photos.
In the early evening moor near the idyllic Kargi Bay. Kargı that faces the Mediterranean side of the peninsula is one of the beautiful bays of Datça. The bay with about one-kilometer long coast is sheltered against the northern winds and southwestern. A natural pond, the Kargı Creek that is fed via the spring waters that flow from the northern slopes, ruins of a church that doesn’t quit the fight for survival, a boat yard, a few cafes, and a beach club take place in the bay. Dinner and overnight stay in Kargi Bay.
Early morning set sail to picturesque resort of Datça. Enjoy a stroll through town, offering some lovely shopping and cafés. Renowned for its natural beauty and climate, this town provides a window into the life of rural Turkey of 50 to 100 years ago. Datça, which has taken beautiful features of both the Mediterranean and the Aegean, is among the rare locations that have been able to protect the virginity of their nature and purity. Village life is still based on agriculture, fishing, and the building of the gulet yachts. Pine, oak, and myrtle filled mountains plunge down to a serene beach and two natural harbors.
Set sail for the tiny Greek Island of Symi in the straights of Marmaris, directly hugging the Turkish Coast. The scenic natural landscape consists of jagged coastline with sheer cliffs, narrow fjords, private coves and high mountains. Ever since the classical times, Symi flourished due to the success of it sponge-diving and boat-building industries, launching up to 500 ships a year. It became the third richest island of the Dodecanese. The islands well-protected natural harbors led to the Italian occupation in the beginning of the 20th century along with the German occupation in World War II. After this Simi never recovered and the mansions built in better times slowly crumbled. Today elaborate churches, elegant boutiques, seafood restaurants and cafés line the fairytale-like harbor, painted in numerous shades of pastel colors. It is different than the other Dodecanese islands, remaining refined with an aristocratic charm, seen both in the carefully restored neo-Classical homes and in the gracious hospitality of the island’s inhabitants. Early evening arrive in the fairytale harbor filled with pastel, neo-classical homes.
Depart Symi harbor and cruise to the island’s western side to the peaceful setting of the Panormitis Monastery of the Archangel Michael, with its Byzantine frescos. Enjoy a swim break at the Bay of St. George, before returning to the Turkish coastline. Sail into the Gulf of Hisarönü for re-entering Turkey in the fishing village of Bozburun. It is used to be the center of sponge diving along the Turkish coast, but nowadays locals here earn their living in a much less dangerous way by building the typical broad-beamed wooden gulets. This is a quiet port town, and the way to reach it is as picturesque as the town itself.
Afterward cruise into the wide Bay of Selimiye, one of the safest natural harbors in the Gulf of Hisarönü. Surrounded by magnificent scenery and largely unspoiled, Selimiye village seems as though it was frozen in time. In the Gulf of Hisaronu lies the village of Selimiye. What can be added to the already pantheon of words praising this amazing location? One of the most prominent and distinctive natural phenomena occurs during sunset when the villages color changes into a deep red. There is an ancient Hellenistic castle south of the village and there is a tomb situated around 100 meters offshore. The tomb has been a guide for shipping for centuries. Selimiye offers a lighthouse, theater and monastery as well as its pristine waters and amazing local cuisine. The village is a farming town as well, and the local produce is collected and served alongside the freshly caught seafood. All prepared and provided alongside a great local wine.
Bencik Bay resembles a miniature fjord. The inlet extends inland about 1.5 nautical miles and has steep wooded slopes on either side. Bencik is located at the narrowest part of the peninsula that divides the Hisaronu Gulf from the Gokova Gulf. The crosswinds in this region are excellent for sailing. Then we will cruise north to Ciftlik Bay, a hidden cove with a small sandy beach, halfway up the Datca peninsula.
Cruise to this, the most western anchorage in the Gulf of Hisaronu. Palamutbuku is well known for its sparkling clean sea, fresh fish, and delicious locally grown almonds which are produced locally. This amazing quiet town is home to some of the most desired long and quiet beaches, green streets, and walled gardens. Like a fairytale town come to life, as you walk along the seaside and look down into some of the clearest waters in the Aegean. In fact, you can walk well into the sea, and be able to see every stone and fish around your feet even when the waters reach head high.
We will set sail to Mersincik Bay in the Gulf of Gokova; a stunning bay ringed with high mountains and woods, its clear waters and seclusion make it a favorite spot for spending the night. With yellow sand beaches and the clearest of blue waters, this is one of the yachting scenes favorite stops in the area. The locals call it Mersincik Limanı, and you will enjoy plunging into these waters as you take a short respite from sailing.
Kise Buku (known locally as Alakisla Buku) is a cove located only 3 miles away from Orak Island, and it is named after the ruins of an old church found in the area. This is a large cove and is a must stop for Blue Cruises. Here you will get a chance to enjoy some of the local attractions, including the ruins of the church in the cove, are Yalikoyu, Akarca, Fork, the Summerhouse, Bath and Cistern. The whole area is surrounded by Oleander trees and the view of the cove from uphill is awe inspiring. After enjoying your walk and exploration, take some time to enjoy the cool waters of the sea before retiring to relax on board your yacht.
One of the best locations for marine life is Orak Island. This lovely island is only 10 miles sail from Bodrum and the clear waters invite you to dive in and swim amongst the inhabitants of the sea. Orak has a lot of good anchor places, with plenty of secluded coves.
Akvaryum Bay is a pristine cove with long sandy beaches and aquamarine waters. This amazing bay located between Bitez and Gumbet provides an amazing respite during your Blue Cruise voyage. Enjoy a relaxing respite in an explorable cove within the bay area and watch as ducks and geese join you in these amazing waters. Dinner and overnight stay will be Aquarium Bay.
We will leave the boat by 10:30 after breakfast.