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8-Day Boat Trip Itinerary from Bodrum to Hisaronu

Let’s talk about the ultimate way to explore the stunning Aegean coast of Turkey – a weekly yacht charter from Bodrum to Hisaronu and back! Buckle up and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.

Day 1 – Bodrum

Bodrum – the perfect starting point for this epic voyage. With its sunny disposition, crystal clear waters, and endless blue skies, this coastal gem is one of the best cruising areas in Europe. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a newbie, you’ll be blown away by the diversity this coast offers. From unspoiled natural beauty to charming coastal settlements and villages, there’s something for everyone. And let’s not forget about the friendly locals who will welcome you with open arms.

As you enter the Gulf of Gokova, you’ll be greeted by the picturesque city of Bodrum. Fun fact – did you know that this city was once called Halicarnassus of Caria in ancient times? It’s famous for housing the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. And don’t forget to visit Bodrum Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 15th century, which overlooks the harbour and marina. Make sure to explore the castle grounds which include a Museum of Underwater Archaeology and host several cultural festivals throughout the year.

Day 2 – Palamutbuku, Inceburun

Welcome to Palamutbuku – home to some of the best beaches in the Datca peninsula. These small but stunning beaches are surrounded by majestic mountains and dotted with lush gardens. And the best part? The tranquillity and fresh sea air will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

This gem is located at the end of the peninsula and is also renowned for the remains of the historic city of Knidos, which is located about 12 kilometres away. And let’s talk about the water – it’s so clear that you can see a needle at the very bottom of the sea! Take a sea tour to explore the area or simply lounge on the beaches and watch vibrant birds take flight. And the people? They’re warm, friendly, and welcoming. Palamutbuku epitomizes peace, tranquillity, and happiness. With its immense natural beauty and charming locals, Palamutbuku is a little paradise in its own right.

Day 3 – Aktur Bay, Bencik Bay

Get ready to experience the ultimate breath of fresh air at Aktur Bay – the world’s very own oxygen tank! This slice of paradise is blanketed by stunning pine trees and has been bestowed the title of the ‘most beautiful bay in Turkey’. It’s no wonder that it’s a top tourist destination! Aktur Bay is comprised of two units – Datca and Kurucabuk – which are located just 4 km apart. Hisaronu Bay, located close to the narrowest strip of the Datca peninsula, separates the Gulf of Gokova from the Gulf of Hisaronu. It served as a defence line against the Persian army around 550 BC, who aimed to capture both the Hisaronu and Gokova Gulfs by digging a kilometre-long tunnel. With its location on a small island between the two gulfs, it was a strategic point of defence. Despite the great effort put in, the Persians eventually conquered the city.

On the other side of the bay from Selimiye lies Bencik Bay, offering a peaceful and secure anchorage amidst a picturesque pine forest. While there are no facilities, it is possible to disembark onto a grassed area. Bencik Bay boasts a narrow entrance, but once inside, you’ll be rewarded with a unique and stunning view. Situated at the narrowest point of the peninsula that separates the Hisaronu Gulf from the Gokova Gulf, it’s located on the Hisaronu side.

Day 4 – Emel Sayin Bay, Selimiye Bay, Orhaniye Bay

On Day 4, you can visit three different bays in Turkey. Emel Sayin Bay is named after a famous Turkish classical music singer and is a great destination for a holiday. The bay is surrounded by pine trees and offers a clear sea coast and stunning views of the bays. The people in the area are welcoming and friendly.

Selimiye Bay is located in the Mugla district of Marmaris and is known for its beauty. The village was previously named Hydas and has ancient ruins dating back to the archaic period. The village is surrounded by mountains, and the sunset gives the scenery a rich red hue. The region is also visited by tourists interested in exploring castle ruins from the Hellenistic era. Selimiye is renowned for its clean seawater, a great bounty of fish, vegetables, fruits, almond and olive trees, fresh thyme and oregano scents, pollution-free air, peaceful environment and warm people.

Orhaniye Bay is famous for its deep blue sea and the Kizkumu beach. The village has a historic castle of the black knight and offers picturesque views of yachts floating in the bay. Orhaniye has many things to offer to tourists, including local culture, cuisine, and a bustling dock frequented by local and foreign yachtsmen.

Day 5 – Dirsekbuku, Bozburun

Dirsekbuku is located between the Aegean Sea and the Gulf of Hisaronu. Many tourists traveling from Bodrum to Marmaris stop here for rest, which is why this region is full of sheltered bays. Dirsekbuku offers a great cruising experience, especially if you are exploring the different islands and sailing around Hisaronu in the morning.

Bozburun is famous for its thriving sponge business and gulet yacht construction industry. Some of the best wood and craftsmen for building strong and beautiful gulet boats can be found in this region, which is why leading names in the business employ Bozburun’s boat makers. Because of its gulet and yacht manufacturing industries, Bozburun has become a central attraction visited by tourists from all over the world.

Day 6 – Datca, Knidos (Cnidus)

Datca is a peninsula located between the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, founded by the Dorians who settled in the Aegean islands and the southern coast of Ionia. At the end of the peninsula, about 38 km away, lies the ancient Carian city of Knidos, which was described by Strabo as the “city built for the most beautiful goddess, Aphrodite, on the most beautiful peninsula.”

According to legend, Spanish pirates left leprosy patients to die here about 500 years ago, but the fair weather of the peninsula cured the lepers. Take a walk in Datca Harbor and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Knidos is one of the most magnificent ancient cities in Anatolia that you should visit. As the first settlement in the east of the Datca peninsula, Knidos has splendid ruins and unique beauty. A theater is located right next to the harbor of the ancient city of Knidos.

A short walk towards the harbor will take you to the remains of two churches built during the Byzantine period. Knidos has been a site of archaeological excavations since 1960. The Statue of Demeter discovered here and the lion statues that protected the harbor in ancient times now adorn the halls of the British Museum.

The sacred temple of the goddess Aphrodite is a major center of attraction. The city, with its huge necropolis, double harbor, and magnificent acropolis with the temple of Aphrodite, truly impresses all visitors.

Day 7 – Black Island, Meteor Bay, Poyraz Harbour

Black Island (Kara Ada) is located around 5 km away from Bodrum and is renowned for the immense healing power of its sulphurous waters and mud baths. The hot water and mud from the cave are believed to restore beauty and health.

The hot water has a temperature of about 29-32 degrees and flows into the sea. Here you will have the opportunity to swim in hot waters and take a mud bath. Meteor Hole is a place on the Black Island. It is said that a long time ago, a meteor fell down here. Therefore, it is named Meteor Bay.

When you reach the termination of the sea ground, you will understand that you have arrived at Meteor Bay. The sea is a delightful turquoise colour. Poyraz Bay is an ideal place for diving, whether you are experienced or a novice/first-time diver. You can watch rock formations that start to appear at the depth of 5m and descend up to 20m. Orfoz, moray eels, starfish, octopus, and various other small fish meet you on your journey. Fragments of ancient amphorae can be found at this dive site.