The morning light at Cold Water Bay, near Fethiye, reveals the distinct blue-green clarity that defines the Lycian Coast. Freshwater springs rise from the seabed here, cooling the salt water as you swim from the aft deck toward the ruins of Kayaköy. High above on the cliffs, the scent of wild thyme and pine resin carries on the meltemi wind, which typically picks up after midday. This coastline, stretching from Göcek down to the sunken ruins of Kekova, offers a geography of sheer limestone drops and deep-water fjords that allow even 40-metre vessels to moor inches from the rock face.
The Turkish Cruising Grounds
The Lycian Coast is defined by its deep verticality. Unlike the flat, sandy expanses of the central Mediterranean, this region is a series of rugged pine forests meeting turquoise bays. The primary hub is Göcek, a 20-minute drive from Dalaman Airport. This town serves as the gateway to the Twelve Islands, a cluster of protected anchorages where the water is almost always flat.
Further south, the landscape becomes more dramatic. Kalkan and Kaş offer sophisticated harbour-side dining, while the Kekova region is a protected archaeological site where ancient Lycian tombs sit half-submerged in the shallows. The ability to anchor in a cove like Karacaören, where you can snorkel over volcanic reefs before taking a tender to a rustic beach restaurant, is what separates a Turkish charter from its Greek or Italian counterparts.
Months and Conditions
The season on the Lycian Coast is longer than in the Western Mediterranean, often extending from late April through to early November.
* **May and June:** The water temperature reaches 22°C. The landscape is still green, and the archaeological sites are manageable in the mild heat. * **July and August:** Temperatures frequently exceed 35°C. This is the peak of the meltemi season; while the wind provides relief from the heat, it can create a 1.5-metre swell in the afternoon between Kaş and Kalkan. * **September:** Widely considered the best month by experienced captains. The sea is at its warmest (26°C), the humidity drops, and the summer crowds depart. * **October:** Excellent for those focused on hiking the Lycian Way between moorings. Daytime temperatures hover around 25°C, though the evenings require a light jacket.
Charter Pricing and Tonnage
In 2026, the market for 25-35m crewed vessels in Turkey remains split between traditional wooden gulets and modern hull forms. Gulets offer exceptional volume-to-price ratios, while motor yachts and large power catamarans provide superior speed for covering long distances.
For a high-specification 30-metre crewed yacht, expect the following weekly base rates in July 2026:
* **Luxury Gulet:** EUR 45,000 to EUR 65,000. * **Sailing Catamaran (20-25m):** EUR 40,000 to EUR 55,000. * **Motor Yacht (30m+):** EUR 75,000 to EUR 110,000.
These figures exclude the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA), which covers fuel, food, and port fees, typically adding 30% to the total. Value Added Tax (VAT) in Turkey is currently 20%, though this can vary depending on whether the vessel is Turkish or foreign-flagged.
Notable Stops and Dining
The Lycian Coast balances remote wilderness with high-end Mediterranean hospitality.
* **Adaia, Sarsala Bay:** Only accessible by sea, this sophisticated restaurant in the Göcek islands focuses on organic local produce and wood-fired sourdough. * **Kalkan Harbour:** A steep-sided town known for its rooftop dining. *Likya Gardens* offers a refined escape from the more tourist-focused waterfront strips. * **Kekova/Kaleköy:** The village of Simena is accessible only by boat or on foot. Climb to the Byzantine castle for a panoramic view of the sunken city. * **Wall Bay:** Named for the underwater ruins of Cleopatra’s Baths, this is a prime spot for a long lunch at the *Bedri Rahmi* restaurant, named after the Turkish poet who painted a fish on a rock here in 1974. * **Ölüdeniz:** While the main beach is crowded, anchoring off the "Butterfly Valley" cliffs provides a dramatic backdrop for a sundowner.
7-Night and 3-Night Itineraries
A week allows for a linear journey from Fethiye to Kaş, while a short break is best spent within the sheltered Gulf of Fethiye.
**7-Night Lycian Explorer (Fethiye to Kekova)** * Day 1: Embarkation in Fethiye; short cruise to Turunç Pınarı. * Day 2: Gemiler Island; explore the 4th-century monastery ruins. * Day 3: Kalkan; dinner in the Old Town. * Day 4: Kaş; diving at the Dakota C-47 wreck or shopping for local textiles. * Day 5: Kekova; anchoring at Kaleköy and exploring the sunken Lycian tombs. * Day 6: Karacaören; a quiet bay for water sports and reef snorkelling. * Day 7: Return to Göcek for a final night in the Twelve Islands.
**3-Night Göcek Core** * Day 1: Depart Göcek; anchor at Boynuzbükü for the night. * Day 2: Cruise to Sarsala Bay; lunch at Adaia. * Day 3: Yassıca Islands for shallow water swimming; final night at Wall Bay.
Choosing the Right Vessel
The choice between a gulet and a motor yacht is a matter of priority. The modern Turkish gulet is a far cry from the utilitarian sponge-diving boats of the past. These are now custom-built luxury platforms with massive sun decks and aft dining areas that often outperform motor yachts in terms of stability and outdoor living space. However, they are slow, averaging 8-10 knots.
Power catamarans, such as the Sunreef 80 or Lagoon Seventy 8, are gaining popularity in these waters. Their shallow draught allows them to tuck deeper into coves like Tersane Creek where a 35-metre motor yacht might struggle with its keel. If your goal is to cover the 120 nautical miles from Göcek to Marmaris and back within a week, a motor yacht with a cruising speed of 18 knots is the only practical option.
The Reality of the Region
No cruising ground is without its complications. The Lycian Coast is increasingly popular, and the Gulf of Göcek can feel congested in August. Finding a private anchorage often requires your captain to weigh anchor at 07:00 to secure a spot in the most desirable coves.
Furthermore, the "Blue Card" system in Turkey is strictly enforced. Yachts must regularly pump out black and grey water at designated coastal stations, which can lead to queues at popular marinas. If you are crossing between Turkey and Greece (Meis/Kastellorizo is the most common stop), the paperwork and entry/exit fees can consume a full morning of your charter. Finally, the stretch of water around Patara Beach is open sea; it is unsheltered and can be uncomfortable for guests prone to seasickness if the wind is coming from the south.