Cruise Stories

The Bytof-Renner Family Cruise

Highlights of the first cruise of the 2025 season featured an engagement, fabulous barbequed chicken, lots of mayo, and some wild, windy weather!

Mother Nature Demanded a Change in Itinerary for the Bytof-Renner Family's Cruise

Fethiye - Gemiler Island

After the long drive from Ephesus, the Bytof-Renner family arrived and boarded in Fethiye harbour.
We made the 3 hour, somewhat wavy journey to Gemiler Island, where we spent the remainder of the day.
Activities including swimming and hiking through ancient ruins on the island.
Barbequed sea bream and all the fixings for dinner.

Gemiler Island - Firnaz Bay (Kalkan) - Bayinder Bay (Kaş)

Early morning start to take advantage of low winds, but still a "rock and roll" journey as we made our way to Firnaz Bay outside of Kalkan for breakfast.
After breakfast, everyone spent some time enjoying the turquoise water in the bay.
Late afterneoon, we made our way east for another 2 hours, anchoring in Bayinder Bay near Kaş for the night. (Captain Oktay raised the sails for a portion of the journey.) The bay is used for scuba diving lessons, so ceramic pots and columns are scattered on the sea bed as points of interest.
Barbequed chicken for dinner - definitely a hit with Kyle!

Bayınder Bay (Kaş) - Kastellorizo - Aquarium Bay - Sunken City of Kekova - Castle Village of Simena

After breakfast, we made our way to the mouth of Kaş harbour and dinghied in to town. Points of interest included the restored limestone theatre overlooking the sea and the Greek island of Kastellorizo, the King's Tomb in the heart of the shopping district, and ice cream.
Upon returning to the boat, Captain Oktay raised the Greek flag and we took a quick tour of the Kastellorizo harbour before returning to Turkish territory.
Lunch was in Aquarium Bay, which we had to ourselves for a good portion of our visit. The bay features amazingly clear water, and a small stone canyon and beach.
Other boats started to arrive in the bay, so we lifted anchor and made our way to the Kekova region. We cruised past the Sunken City and anchored in front of Simena Castle for the night.
Sue escorted Linda, Kaitlin, and Xania to the top of the castle village.
Ottoman casserole prepared in a clay pot for dinner.

Castle Village of Simena - Demre Harbour - Myra - St. Nicholas Church - Demre Harbour - Gökkaya Region (San Lorenzo Bay)

After breakfast, we made our way to Demre harbour for a day of excursions. Transfer driver Fezay arranged visits to the site of ancient Myra and the Saint Nicholas Church.
We tasted smokey ice cream and did a bit of shopping in the local grocery store (Migros) before returning to the boat.
Winds were high as we left Demre harbour, necessitating a change to our plans for the night. Captain Oktay was able to find a lovely, private cove (informally referred to as "San Lorenzo Bay") where everyone was able to relax and enjoy an evening of peace and tranquility amidst ancient ruins.

Gökkova Region - Castle Village of Simena - Üçağız - Kekova Region (Baby William Bay)

We went in search of fresh water after breakfast, eventually anchoring at the foot of Simena Castle for a few hours to fill Arkadaslik's tanks. This gave everyone the chance to explore the winding walkways through the Lycian village.
Tanks filled, we made the short journey to Üçağız to pick up some essentials - toilet paper, milk, soda water, and gin.
And then we hunkered down in a nearby by for the rest of the day to wait out the windy weather and enjoy the sea.
Chicken casserole prepared in the oven for dinner.

Kekova Region - Bayınder Bay (Kaş) - Kalkan - Firnaz Bay

Captain Oktay lifted the anchor around 7AM and we made our way towards Kaş quite early to take advantage of the calmer seas. We returned to Bayinder Bay near Kaş for breakfast and a short swim before continuing onwards towards Kalkan.
At Kalkan, we were able to anchor inside the harbour for a few hours to allow everyone the chance to explore the charming, upscale resort. It was a chance to dress up a bit!
Upon returning to the boat, Alberto proposed to Marisa - and she said "YES"! Everyone celebrated with Prosecco and horn blowing. Congratulations to the wonderful couple!
Then we made our way to Firnaz Bay just outside of town for the remainder of the day.

Firnaz Bay

We spent the entire day enjoying the spectacular water at Bayinder Bay, protected from high winds along the coast.
Sea bream on the barbeque and deep fried mussels for dinner.

Firnaz Bay - attempt to return to Fethiye - Firnaz Bay - Kalkan Harbour

The crew were up early to attempt a return to Fethiye. Captain Oktay turned around and returned to the protection of Firnaz Bay after about 30 minutes.
After breakfast, we made our way to Kalkan harbour to meet Mustafa the Transfer Driver. We said goodbyes to a wonderful family, who then made their way to Antalya for the next stage of their Turkish holiday. Safe travels everyone - we hope our paths will cross again!

Click on any image to expand.