Göcek Island Getaways

Cruising in the Göcek Islands: The Ultimate in Relaxation

Turkey's Göcek Islands region is a popular yachting hub in the Mediterranean, frequented by everyone from local families enjoying a daily boat trip to royalty and movie stars in their multi-million Euro super yachts. You'll be in good company if you choose to cruise in the Göcek Islands region.

(This page describes a hypothetical cruise with Arkadaslik Yachting. If you'd like more information about the Göcek Islands region, please visit the Göcek Islands Destination page.)

A Sampling of What to Expect during a Göcek Islands Cruise

Welcome on-board Arkadaslik!

Once everyone has boarded, we'll lift anchor and head out of the harbour and into the beautiful Göcek islands.

Sue and the sailor will immediately start making their rounds – offering refreshments and making sure you're comfortably settled for the journey.

Upon arriving at our first bay of the day, you can enjoy a swim, take one of the kayaks for a paddle, challenge your travelling companions to a game of Backgammon, or simply sit back and relax amidst the stunning Mediterranean scenery.

As evening falls, the crew will commence preparations for the first dinner of your trip. The chef typically prepares the mezes, salads, and desserts, Captain Oktay oversees the barbecue, and Sue and the sailor are responsible for setting the table and guest service. Dinner is a relaxed affair, served family style on the big table on the back deck. Help yourself from the platters of hot and cold mezes, salads and bread, plus the main course.

When the meal is complete, the crew will clear everything away and re-set the table for the fruit plate. You are welcome to linger at the table as long as you like. When you start to get sleepy, head to bed in your cabin or stake out one of the sun beds on the mid-deck with your pillow and blanket. Fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat.

Each day, Captain Oktay will take you to several gorgeous anchorages and you'll quickly lose track of time as the days blend one-into-the-next. Sunbathe in bays where Cleopatra once frolicked. Snorkel in water so clear you can see turtles resting on the sea floor 20 meters down. Hike trails to ancient ruins. (Tip: If you're a hiking or climbing enthusiast, Sue can easily be convinced to accompany you on a trek along some of the trails in the area.) All from the comfort of your own floating hotel.

Depending on the length of your cruise, you'll visit places like:

• Tersane Island, which features the partially submerged ruins of a Byzantine monastery and ancient boat-yard, plus goats, cows and sheep
  

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• Aquarium Bay, which features the submerged foundation of an ancient lighthouse
  

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• Bedri Rahmi Koyu, which features rock tombs in the cliffs high above the bay, and a stylized fish painted on a rock by Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğluö, a Turkish writer and artist who first popularized the Blue Cruise
  

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• Martılı Bay, featuring the silhouette of a flying seagull diving into the sea crafted in white stones laid out on the shore
  

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• Cleopatra's Hamam Koyu, with the ruins of an ancient hamam reputed to have been used by Cleopatra and Marc Antony in 40BC
  

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• Flat Island, so beautiful it is featured on almost every travel brochure for the region
  

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• Merdivenli Bay, with its mysterious stairway and cave
  

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• Şeytanlı Island, named Devil Island in English, because more than a few boats have met their end in the shallow, rock-filled water
  

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• Sarsala Bay, favoured by the luxury motor yacht crowd, so you may spot somebody famous

No matter the route, you'll find yourself surrounded by beautiful clear water, stunning scenery, and fresh air galore!

Each morning starts with a leisurely Turkish Breakfast, followed by some cruising, then a stop for a swim.

Lunches are laid-back affairs, followed by time for swimming, napping or catching some rays, before we lift anchor and head to the next idyllic spot for more swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Between stops, sit on the front deck and sip a cool drink as we cruise through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Relax on the shaded back deck with a good book. Or stretch out on the mid-deck to work on your suntan under the warm Mediterranean sun.

Around 4:00 each afternoon, the Chef will prepare a treat for "afternoon tea". This civilized practice whets your appetite for the feast being served a few hours later.

You'll continue to be amazed by the dinners prepared by the team, each one more delicious than the last.

Evenings are filled with laughter, good conversation and fun. Listen to your favourite music on the boat-wide sound system. Enjoy a midnight swim. Sit on the foredeck and watch the stars. Play cards or board games with your travelling companions. Your imagination is the only limit to things you can do on-board!

Your last night on Arkadaslik will be bitter-sweet, knowing you'll return to life on land in the morning.

On your last morning, you'll have the chance to enjoy a final swim and leisurely Turkish Breakfast before returning to the harbour in Göcek to say our goodbyes. Until next time… Güle güle!

Beyond the Göcek Islands

If you have 4 or more days to spend on board, and you want an exhilarating open water crossing, we can expand the area of your cruise to include Ölüdeniz and Gemiler Island. This option is fantastic for anyone who wants to add a little sailing time to an otherwise relaxing cruise!