turkey yachting tourism and hotels, yachting in antalya, yachting in belek, yachting in istanbul, yachting in bodrum, yachting in fethiye, yachting in marmaris

Yachting in Turkey
The azure waters of the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Black Sea, as well as the Sea of Marmara, surround Turkey to the south, west and north.With over 8,333 kilometers of coastline along the four seas, Turkey is a treasure chest of coves, inlets, bays and beaches at which yachtsmen can choose a different and private anchorage each night.

The sailing paradise of Turkey is also home to the Blue Voyage. This idyllic cruise means sailing with the winds, into coves and over the seas and becoming one with nature. It is also an experience of the history of man from the perspective of the sea rather than from the land, a journey which carries you to the private beach of Cleopatra, the eternal fires of remains of ancient civilizations. For lovers of the active life, sailing in clear waters provides great opportunities for swimming, fishing, skiing, surfing and diving.Sailing in Turkey also allows you to experience a truly enriching cultural exchange with the hospitable and gracious people of the coastal villages and towns. The tempered winds which generally blow from the west and northwest make the long summers ideal for yachting, and seem to encourage an appreciation of nature. From some of the turquoise coast's unspoilt and sheltered bays you can see mountain peaks rising to almost 3,000 meters above sea level. In Turkey modern facilities and comfort have not overshadowed ancient hospitality and the slower pace of life. The pleasure of yachting in Turkey will tempt you to come back again and again, to explore yet another stretch of coast and to relive the luxurious ease of life on the sea.

Marinas
Yachting remains a popular activity for residents as well as visitors to Turkey. Over the past 40 years the industry has grown, and today a large number of marinas dot the coastline between Istanbul and Antalya. These provide supplies, easy access to the shore at major resorts and safe harbors, as well as often becoming local entertainment venues in themselves.

Yachting Enquiries
Turkey's most established marinas lie on the southern Aegean and Mediterranean coasts at Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Ayvalik, Mersin, Datca, Bozburun, Marmaris, Gocek, Fethiye, Kalkan, Kas, Finike, Kernel" and Antalya. In these well-equipped harbors, yachtsmen can find the services and provisions they require. Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, izmir and istanbul airports provide quick links to all of Turkey's marinas. After an easy flight you can board your yacht and sail off all within a day.

Gullets
The singular design of the gulette, Turkey's indigenous sea-going vessel, blends practicality and tradition in a relaxed style that embodies the Blue Voyage. Over the years gulettes have evolved from traditional fishing and cargo vessels into their present profile of a broad beam and wide deck.

Constructed mainly in the shipyards of Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris and Istanbul, and along the Black Sea Coast, these boats are equipped with motors as well as fully functional rigging. The number of passengers a gulette carries depends on the boat's size, although most of them accommodate between eight and twelve people. These vessels have speparate accommodation for passengers, and chartering one will also include services and entertainment. Modern gulettes are comfortably equipped with most home comforts, and encourages a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all the passengers with a friendly relationship with the crew.

Travel agencies can arrange charters and fixed tours for a specific group or individually. Unlike cruises on large ocean liners, a gulette can explore the secluded and often deserted bays and coves of the coastline. The small harbours and settlements offer an intimate view of coastal life which large ships simply cannot. In many ways a gulette is like a full-service hotel where every room has a sea view and the scenery changes constantly.
Yacht Voyages
Istanbul and Surroundings
Sailors will love the wonderful natural landscape surrounding Istanbul, the open seas and magnificent sunsets, as well as a voyage through Byzantine and Ottoman history as they sail past the impressive castles, palaces and mosques. After navigating the Bosphorus and sailing under the two enormous bridges spanning Europe and Asia, meandering along the mosque-lined Golden Horn or cruising in the coves and bays of the Princes' Islands, it is easy to return to one of the two large marinas in the area. Both Ataköy Marina (on the European side) and Kalamis-Fenerbahçe Marina (Asian side) offer a 24-hour service.

From the North Sea through the European interior, yachts can sail down the European channel system, the Rhine and Danube Rivers, into the Black Sea harbours and to the Istanbul Strait and Istanbul marinas, which is a safe and short way to reach the Turkish coasts.

Hotels in Istanbul and Surroundings
Istanbul Hotels Beyoglu Hotels Taksim Hotels Sultanahmet Hotels
Adalar Hotels Eminonu Hotels Besiktas Hotels Kadikkoy Hotels
Sariyer Hotels Sile Hotels Sisli Hotels Uskudar Hotels

From Izmir to Kusadasi
The city of Izmir lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships. Art galleries, theatres and cultural events give this cosmopolitan city its special vibrancy. Levent Marina is an excellent place to begin: Between Urla Iskelesi (Urla Pier) and the Karabun Peninsular, small islands dot the coastline, with beautiful beaches and excellent moorings with swimming, snorkelling and diving available. Karaburun has pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish restaurants, located between the mountain backdrop and the sea.

Around Cesme, the large Altin Yunus Setur Marina and the harbours in Ilica and Dalyan are all noted for their safety. In July, the Cesme International Song Contest attracts world famous performers, adding glamour and excitement to the town. The thermal baths in the area, and the natural springs that mix with the sea-water in Ilica Bay, provide soothing relaxation.

The Kusadasi Gulf spreads south and south-east, with attractive beaches, bays and coves.

Hotels in Izmir and Surroundings
Izmir Hotels Bergama Hotels Selcuk Hotels Konak Hotels
Cesme Hotels Tire Hotels Cigli Hotels Urla Hotels
Kusadasi Hotels Didim Hotels Nazilli Hotels Cine Hotels

From Kusadasi to Bodrum
Kusadasi boasts wonderful seafood restaurants, lively bars and cafes, beautiful parks and superb beaches. The shopping is rich with everything from beads and bangles to leather, jewellery and carpets. Kusadasi Turban Marina is one of the best-equipped in Turkey, with wintering facilities for boats both afloat and on shore. The town is also renowned for its nightlife, thanks to its numerous bars, jazz clubs, discos and cabarets.

South of Kusadasi, the beautiful waters of the Dilek Peninsula National Park welcome yachts into its serene inlets and coves. The Temple of Apollo in Didim was once a sacred site, and although looted and burned many times in its history, it still has an elegant beauty. Nearby, Altinkum’s beautiful beach tempts visitors with sailing, swimming and relaxation.

The fishing village of Gulluk has an attractive port and numerous guest-houses and small hotels, and a little further north in Kiyikislacik is said to be the birth place of the mythological Dolphin Boy. The Bodrum Peninsula comes into view while sailing out of this gulf.

Hotels in Bodrum and Surroundings
Mugla Hotels Bodrum Hotels Golturkbuku Hotels Gumusluk Hotels
Gundogan Hotels Konacik Hotels Mumcular Hotels Ortakent Hotels
Turgutreis Hotels Yali Hotels Yalikavak Hotels Pamukkale Hotels

From Bodrum to Marmaris
The undisputed hot-spot of the Aegean Coast, Bodrum is a swinging, singing, dancing town and its bohemian atmosphere gathers together Turkey's artists, intellectuals and lovers of the good life. An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet. The Castle of St Peter (Bodrum Castle) now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Shopping here is a delight for souvenirs hunters, and the Bodrum Turban Marina is one best-equipped in the region.

One of the best anchorages is the scenic Akbuk, hidden behind a forested hill. Sedir Island (ancient Cedrai) boasts an incredible beach with fine sand scattered with fossils, and great views of the Kiran Mountains across the bay.

The town of Datca has become a popular stopover for yachts, and offers many seafood restaurants, pubs and discos.

In the Gulf of Hisaronu is the peaceful Kecibuku Bay. The mountains and forests surrounding the Korfez Marina has a rich natural beauty, and the long Kizilkumu has a natural sand formation. After the Gulf of Hisaronu, the town of Bozburun is hidden away in its own exclusive inlet, and famous as one of the gulette-building centres in Turkey. Kumlubuk, a turquoise paradise, lies on the southern side of the bay, and above the water on the northern side is the Rhodian city of Amos. The natural harbour at Turunc opens out into a wide expanse of spectacular blue water, and Marmaris is next port.

Hotels in Marmaris and Surroundings
Marmaris Hotels Armutalan Hotels Beldibi Hotels Bozburun Hotels
Turunc Hotels Icmeler Hotels Datca Hotels Koycegiz Hotels

From Marmaris to Fethiye
Marmaris Bay resembles a calm lake and offers ideal mooring for yachts. The Marmaris Netsel Marina, is one of the largest and best-equipped in Turkey, and the Marmaris Albatros Marina, one of the best for wintering and maintaining yachts, make Marmaris an excellent starting point for the Blue Voyage tour of the Aegean Coast.

Delikli Island lies on right off the coast, southeast of Ekincik. Dalyan Delta, has a long, golden, sandy beach at its mouth and is a nature conservation area and a refuge for sea turtles (caretta caretta) and blue crabs. At a bend in the river, high on the cliff-face above the fascinating ancient harbour-city of Caunos, magnificent tombs were carved into the rocks. Sailing southeast from Delikli Island, the next destination is Sarigerme.

The Gulf of Gocek is one of the Mediterranean's best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymaxa, an ancient city at the southern tip of the gulf, lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on Tersane Island stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards.

Hotels in Fethiye and Surroundings
Fethiye Hotels Esen Hotels Gocek Hotels Kadikoy Hotels
Oludeniz Hotels Ciftlik Hotels Camkoy Hotels Yesiluzumlu Hotels
Karadere Hotels Karaculha Hotels Kemer Hotels Kumluova Hotels

From Fethiye to Kas
The resort town of Fethiye has an important marina and overlooks a beautiful bay strewn with islands, and has a great historical interest with Lycian rock tombs cut into the cliff face, reproducing the facades of ancient buildings. Belcegiz Bay and Oludeniz are interesting to explore, where the calm, crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, diving and other water sports. On Gemiler Island, Byzantine ruins lie tucked among the pines.

Hotels in Kas and Surroundings
Kas Hotels Dalyan Hotels Sarigerme Hotels Gombe Hotels
Kinik Hotels Ova Hotels Yesilkoy Hotels Kemer Hotels
Finike Hotels Kumluca Hotels Yesilyurt Hotels Sahilkent Hotels

From Kas to Antalya
An ancient theatre on the long Kas Peninsula is within walking distance of the town. The island of Kekova is a one hour sail from Dalyanagzi (ancient Andriace), and there are many more picturesque islands with numerous bays and ancient cities. These bays provide natural harbours throughout the year.

Along the northern shore of Kekova Island, at Apollonia, earthquakes once disturbed the land causing some of the ancient houses to sink under the clear water and creating a sunken city.

Demre (Kale) is the site of ancient Myra, 25 km from west of Finike, with many interesting carved rock tombs overlooking the magnificent Roman theatre. St Nicholas (better known around the world as Santa Claus) was the bishop of this Mediterranean city during the 4th century and died here.

Slipping around the Kirlangic Peninsula into the Gulf of Antalya, the first sight is the ancient city of Olimpos, on the southern side of Mt. Tahtali. Oleander and laurel bushes shade the Olimpos Valley, which can be approached by land and sea.

The fully equipped Park Kemer Marina has facilities for all activities and yachtsmen can enjoy the unspoiled bays and beaches south of the town.

Today Antalya’s palm-lined boulevards, beautiful parks, historical buildings, monuments, museums and the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici, (with the Kaleici Turban Marina) blend together to create the ideal holiday atmosphere. The Antalya Marina and Leisure Centre, which has won several awards, is considered one of most beautiful marinas in Turkey. Setur Antalya Marina is quieter, but either makes a suitable break from a voyage around the Turquoise Coast.
Turkey Yachting Tourism and Hotels
Istanbul
Istanbul Maiden's Tower - Kiz Kulesi Istanbul Bosphorus Istanbul Dolmabahce Palace
Istanbul Bosphorus Istanbul Bosphorus Istanbul Bosphorus
Izmir
Istanbul Watch Tower - Saat Kulesi Izmir Pergamon - Bergama Izmir Pergamon - Bergama
Izmir Cesme Izmir Ephesos - Efes Izmir Ephesos - Efes
Travel Guides
 
 
Entry and Exit of Foreign Flagged Yachts
Yachts entering or leaving Turkey must do so only at frontier ports.

Ports of entry along the Turkish coasts are:

Trabzon, Giresun, Ordu, Samsun, Hopa, Rize, Sinop, Zonguldak, Tekirdag, Istanbul, Canakkale, Bandirma, Akcay, Ayvalik, Dikili, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Didim (Soke), Gulluk, Bodrum, Datca, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kas, Finike, Kemer, Antalya, Alanya, Anamur, Tasucu, Mersin, Botas, Bartin, Gemlik, Mudanya, Bozyazi, Inebolu, Derince, Eregli, Iskenderun harbours.

Formalities concerning the documentation of yachts departing from their last port of call, or entering a port or mooring for a winter lay-up, shall be carried out at that port.

When entering Turkish Waters, foreign yachts must be recorded in the yacht owner's or captain’s passport by the customs authorities. This will be cancelled by the customs authorities on departure for foreign ports, or when leaving the yachts for winter lay-up in marinas.
Leaving Yachts in Turkish Marinas
Foreigners may leave their yachts in Turkey at a licensed yacht harbour or docking area for the purpose of storage, maintenance or repair, for a period of two years and leave the country.

In such cases, they must apply to the regional customs office with a document issued by a yacht harbour or docking area, and the requested process will be recorded in their passports. Owners may leave their yachts for up to five years, provided that the yachts sail from the harbour at least once every two years. At the end of 5 years, the Ministry of Tourism has the right to extend the length of stay.

Documents to be requested during time extension:
  • Yacht ownership certificate
  • Certificate proving the stay of yacht for five years
  • Certificate proving the usage of yacht by yacht owners at least once every two years
  • Yacht Registration Form copies
  • Certificate of stay in yacht harbour or yacht docking area licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
  • Docking agreements
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