Sailing
Bodrum Region

Bodrum Sailing Holidays

Set your sails and start the most relaxing sailing holiday in Bodrum, the ancient city of Halicarnassus, located in the southwestern region of Turkey. The entrance to this picturesque bay, where the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet, is guarded by the medieval Bodrum Castle. Hop off your charter yacht to explore the numerous caves and reefs, and swim in the clear and warm sea. This place is extremely rich with history and culture - it is the birthplace of the ancient historian Herodotus and the site of the Tomb of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Yacht Charter in Bodrum

Bodrum is a perfect combination of old and new, a mix of East and West. Charter a yacht in Bodrum and stroll around the famous Turkish bazaars and do not miss a chance to relax in Hamam, a Turkish bath. Discover old fishing villages and try delicious seafood. Traditional yachts have been built here since the ancient times. The Bodrum Cup, a regatta for gulets that takes place in October, will also be something that you may find interesting.

With hot and dry summers and mild and humid winters, you can sail here throughout the whole year. Here, the temperature is the most pleasant in spring and autumn, while summers are pretty hot.

The Sailing Beginners - Complete Guide for First Time Sailors

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Sailing routes - Bodrum

Bodrum route

7 days
Day 1
Saturday
Bodrum – Knidos/Cnidus (23 NM )
Day 2
Sunday
Knidos/Cnidus – Yediadalar (the Seven Islands) (32 NM )
Day 3
Monday
Yediadalar – English Harbor (15 NM )
Day 4
Tuesday
English Harbour – Akbuk (12 NM )
Day 5
Wednesday
Akbuk - Çökertme (19 NM)
Day 6
Thursday
Çökertme – Bodrum (19 NM )
Day 7
Friday
Bodrum
Day 1 - Saturday
Bodrum – Knidos/Cnidus
Day 1
Saturday
Bodrum – Knidos/Cnidus (23 NM )
Your sailing holiday begins in Bodrum located on the Turkish Riviera. It is a perfect starting and ending destination of the Blue Cruise along the Riviera due to ideal sailing conditions and beautiful surroundings. Arrive to any of five surrounding airports, head to Bodrum and complete the check-in procedure, and make your way towards Knidos, an ancient Greek port city located in the Byuk Limani Bay on the tip of the Datca Peninsula where you can moor or anchor. The port is sheltered, so you will be able to have a safe and peaceful time on your boat. There are plenty of archaeological sites for you to explore, such as the agora, the amphitheater, the temples, and the statue of Aphrodite. Get to know rich history of once a very important marine city, and have a swim. You can stock up on your provisioning at the shop and restaurant.
Day 2
Day 2 - Sunday
Knidos/Cnidus – Yediadalar (the Seven Islands)
Day 2
Sunday
Knidos/Cnidus – Yediadalar (the Seven Islands) (32 NM )
You will be sailing towards the Seven Islands called Yediadalar (five islands and two islets). The uninhabited Islands are located in the Gökova Bay and are sheltered from winds, so you will be able to explore all of them with ease. Make sure to visit the Amazon Creek ideal for watching the sunset. Since this area in the Aegean Sea is away from urban areas, you will be able to have fun under the stars. Anchor in the popular north cove which is perfect for swimming in the clear waters and for relaxing overnight.
Day 3
Day 3 - Monday
Yediadalar – English Harbor
Day 3
Monday
Yediadalar – English Harbor (15 NM )
While you are still in the Gökova Bay, sail to the island of English Harbor. The name comes from the harbor being for British Motor Torpedo Boats, but do not worry because you can unwind and enjoy the warm sea surrounded by nature. Try a grilled octopus or a steamed grouper in two restaurants on the eastern side of the cove. There are multiple turquoise bays around the island where you can relax both on your yacht and in the water, so make sure to sail to the bay of Köy Limani or the White Cove.
Day 4
Day 4 - Tuesday
English Harbour – Akbuk
Day 4
Tuesday
English Harbour – Akbuk (12 NM )
Continue your relaxed journey by visiting a small traditional tourist holiday resort destination surrounded by hills, Akbuk. It is located on a peninsula that offers a good anchoring spot in the western corner of the bay behind it. Another round of exploring the ancient ruins awaits for you – the ruins of Keramos will amaze you with the Terrace Wall and the Temple of Zeus. Get some tan on the beach and do some snorkeling. Have a taste of delicious Turkish cuisine that includes fish, bread and boza (fermented barley tonic) in local restaurants and bars (Garden Restaurant, Liberte Bar).
Day 5
Day 5 - Wednesday
Akbuk - Çökertme
Day 5
Wednesday
Akbuk - Çökertme (19 NM)
Çökertme, also known as Vasilika and Fesiliyen Koyu, is located in a beautiful secluded bay with pine trees and olive groves on land. Beware of occasional strong gusts of wind. You can anchor in the bay, or you can approach one of the waterfront restaurants that offer moorings, shower and washing facilities, as well as food made from local fresh produce.. What might be interesting is to watch the locals weave carpets. Explore the town or go hiking, after which you can go to a pebbled beach where you can give yourself time to relax and dip into the crystal-clear sea.
Day 6
Day 6 - Thursday
Çökertme – Bodrum
Day 6
Thursday
Çökertme – Bodrum (19 NM )
Finish your journey in style and come back to Bodrum, the city resort of bustling bazaars and lively open-front bars and world-class restaurants. The marina is usually crowded, but also equipped with all the amenities a sailor needs. When you step out of your boat, the first thing you need to see are the remains of one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Mausoleum of Halikarnassus. What was once a fishing and sponge diving city is now a tourist mecca with the magnificent Bodrum Castle where you can learn about the history of the city and Turks (for example, Herodotus was born here). There are various cultural festivals organized there.
Day 7
Day 7 - Friday
Bodrum
Day 7
Friday
Bodrum
If you have time, have a stroll around the city and explore its streets. Drink a strong Turkish coffee and have a kebap/kebab! Take a bit of the country with you by visiting souvenir shops. All in all, Bodrum area is excellent for sailing due to its numerous bays and beaches, clean turquoise waters, quality anchorages and interesting culture. The sailing conditions are good, but occasionally sailors should be aware of the Meltemi winds.

Best time to sail

April - October

Number of boat bases

-

Closest airports

Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV)

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY)

Languages spoken

Turkish

Tips

St Peter’s Castle, Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Bodrum Bazaar, Gümüslük Village, Bardakci Cove

Interested in Sailing Holiday in Bodrum?