Turkish Coast from Bodrum to Antalya
Bodrum, on the north shore
of the Gulf of Gokova, was the home of the first "Blue Voyager",
Cevat Sakir Kabaagac or the "Fisherman of Halikarnas". It is the undisputed
"hot-spot" of the Aegean Coast. This swinging, singing, dancing town, with its
bohemian atmosphere, gathers together Turkey's artists, intellectuals and lovers
of the good life. An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of
Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean
and the Mediterranean Seas meet. The Bodrum Castle now houses the Museum of
Underwater Archaeology. Known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, Bodrum is
the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of King Mausolus's Tomb (4th century B.C.),
one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
The yearly throng of visitors has encour-aged small entrepreneurs
who have made shopping in Bodrum a delight. Souvenirs abound, and on
certain streets local artists gather to sell their works - works that come
in all forms. The Bodrum Turban Marina is one of the loveliest and best-equipped marinas
in the region. A yachting tour of the Gulf of Gokova starts in Bodrum. The translucent
and deep waters of the Gulf on the southern shore of the Bodrum Peninsula vary
from the darkest blue to the palest turquoise, and the coastline is thickly wooded
with every hue of green. In the evening, the sea reflects the mountains silhouetted
against the setting sun, while at night it shimmers with phos-phorescence. One of the
best anchorages is the splendidly scenic Akbuk, hidden behind a forested promontory.
The excellent cozy restaurants comare as good a reason as any to linger for a tasty meal
after an afternoon of snorkeling and diving. Sedir Island (ancient Cedrai) boasts an
incredible beach with fine sandposed of fossils, and a splendid view of the
Kiran mountains across the bay. As you sail along the island's southwestern coast,
forests stretch out to meet the deep inlets of the bays. The jagged coastline,
known as the Bay of Sixty-Six Inlets, seems to have emerged from the oft-told tales
of pirates. The waters of the Gulf of Hisaronu lap the breathtaking shores that hold
the legacy of both ancient and modern civilizations.
At the end of the Datca Peninsula stands the ancient Carian city of Knidos,
described by Strabo as "a city that was built for the most beautiful of goddesses,
Aphrodite, on the most beautiful of peninsulas." Famous as a center of art and
culture in the fourth century B.C., the city had two harbors:one on the Aegean
and the other on the Mediterranean. The remains of a circular temple dedicated
to the goddess of love overlook remains of the two harbors; the arcaded way was built
of white marble heart-shaped columns. The legendary Aphrodite of Praxiteles statue,
reputedly one of the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity, once graced this temple.
The town of Datca has become a popular stopover for yachtsmen, and offers many colorful
seafood restaurants, pubs and discotheques. In the Gulf of Hisaronu is the peaceful Keci Buku Bay;
the Bay Marina is rich in natural beauty: the surrounding mountains and forests,
and the long "Kizkumu" (sunken 'pier'), a natural sand formation. Leaving the Gulf
of Hisaronu, hidden away in its own exclusive inlet is the town of Bozburun, famous
as one of the gulet building centers of Turkey. Loryma, at the tip of the Bozburun
Peninsula where the ruins of the ancient harbor and castle remain, can only be reached
by boat. Kumlubuk, a turquoise paradise, lies on the southern side of the bay; on the
north side, above the water, stands the ancient Rhodian city of Amos. At Turunc a
natural harbor opens out into a wide expanse of spectacular blue water. The next
port is Marmaris.
|
|
Marmaris Bay resembles a
calm lake and offers ideal mooring for yachts. Ancient Marmaris, Physkos,
was an important stage on the Anatolia-Rhodes-Egypt trade route. In the
16th century, Suleyman the Magnificent had a citadel built on a hill just
behind the harbor; today,its remains house the Marmaris Museum. Pine forests cover
the moun-tains which surround Marmaris; on shore a white line of sand and rock
separates green from blue. The beach areas sparkle, and provide visitors with a perfect
opportunity to dive, snorkel and swim in relaxing conditions.Yachts and boats decorate
the coast of this lovely tourist center where thousands con-verge to enjoy a fun-filled,
self-indulgent holiday.
Those who surf and waterski will thrill at the possibilities in Marmaris. Energetic
entertainment at a lively bar, or dancing until dawn at a sophisticated
discotheque can end an ideal day. There are many good buys in Marmaris boutiques,
colorful bazaars and markets. You can find excellent leather and suede goods,
copper and brassware, jewelery, and objects carved of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles
and embroidery make good handcrafted souvenirs, and the locally produced pine-scented
honey called cambali is superb. The Marmaris Netsel Marina, one of the largest and
best-equipped marinas in Turkey, and the Marmaris Albatros Marina, one of the best
for wintering and maintaining yachts, make Marmaris an excellent starting point
for the Blue Voyage tour of the Aegean Coast.
In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an opportunity to meet the
captains and their crews. With plenty of provisions aboard, you set
sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the spectacular
beauty of southern Turkey. At Ekincik, a delightful yacht-mooring, you can
enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this area and the friendly hospitality of
its people. Delikli Island lies right off the coast, southeast of Ekincik.
Yachtsmen enjoy a change of pace when they anchor at the island and take a
smaller craft excursion into the Dalyan Delta. The Delta, with a long, golden,
sandy beach at its mouth, is a nature-conservation area and a refuge for sea
turtles (caretta caretta) and blue crabs.
At a bend in the river, high on the cliff face above the fascinating
ancient harbor-city of Caunos, magnificent tombs were carved into the rock.
From Delikli Island, sailing southeast, you arrive at Sarigerme with its pleasant
holiday complexes, nestled in cozy pine forests. Yachtsmen will want to anchor at
Baba Island, across from the pristine sandy beaches. The Gulf of Gocek, with the friendly
Club Marina set in a beautiful pine forest, is one of the Mediterranean's
best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and
seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymaxa, an ancient city at the southern
tip of the gulf, lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on Tersane Island,
stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards. From the Gulf of
Gocek sail on into Fethiye.
Like most towns on the
Lycian coast, Kas lies wedged between mountains and sea. Kas, once ancient
Antiphellus, still exhibits a few remains of the old settlement. An ancient
theater on Kas's long peninsula is within walking distance of the town.
Kekova, "home of the sun", is an island an hour from Dalyanagzi by sea,
as well as the name of a whole ensemble of picturesque islands, numerous bays
and ancient cities.
These bays provide natural harbors in all seasons, and yachtsmen particularly
enjoy exploring the unspoilt landscapes. Along the northern shore of
Kekova Island, at Apollonia, earthquakes have disturbed the land causing
some of the ancient houses to sink under the clear water, creating a sunken city.
Kalekoy Castle (ancient Simena) offers a bird's-eye view of the bays, inlets,
islands and colorful yachts sailing peacefully on the glassy water.The colors in
a Van Gogh painting, blue skies, orange sunsets, starry, starry nights, peace and
tranquility, playful dolphins, mythological mysteries, and the sparkling sea - Kekova
provides all this and more.At Demre (Kale), the ancient Myra, (25 km west of Finike),
many splendidly carved rock tombs overlook the magnificent Roman theater.
St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) was
the bishop of this Mediterranean city during the fourth century and died here
in 342. An official entry-port, Finike is surrounded by citrus trees and gardens.
Thirty-two kilometers from the Finike Marina lie the remains of the beautiful
and ancient Lycian city of Arikanda. This excursion inland, a mountain trek,
rewards you with superb views, fabulous ruins and fresh mountain air.Slipping
around the Kirlangic Peninsula brings you into the Gulf of Antalya. The first
sight you come to is the ancient city of Olympos, on the southern side of Mt.
Tahtali (Mt. Olympos). Oleander and laurel bushes shade the Olympos Valley, which
you can approach by land as well as by sea. Nearby at Yanartas (at a height of 300 meters),
according to mythology, the Lycian hero Bellerophon mounted on his winged horse
Pegasus slew the fire-breathing monster, Chimaera. Gas which seeps from the
earth burns brightly at night. The Byzantines also considered this place a
religious area. Alexander the Great's favorite winter resort was at Phaselis,
the famous ancient commercial harbor north of Olympos. South of the harbor,
look up at Mt. Tahtali for a spectacular view.
Sail on to Kemer, a resort town
carefully designed to blend in with the surrounding scenery, that offers an ideal
environment for a wonderful holiday. The fully equipped Kemer Turban Marina has
facilities for all activities so that yachtsmen can enjoy the unspoilt bays and
beaches south of the town.
Shoppers will delight at
the wonderful range of high-quality souvenirs. April is the month of
the colorful Kemer Carnival. Also in the spring are the yacht races between
Kemer and Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Sailing around this
coast towards Antalya will give you a glimpse of some of Turkey's most modern and
luxurious holiday villages. Antalya, Turkey's principal holiday resort city on the
Mediterranean, embodies the contrast between the majestic coastline of beaches and
rocky coves, and the towering Taurus Mountains.
The ancient Attaleia, named after King Attalus II of Pergamon, Antalya
was founded in the 2nd century B.C. Today palm-lined boulevards, beautiful
parks, historical buildings, monuments, museums and the picturesque old
quarter Kaleici, (with the Kaleici Turban Marina) blend together to create
an ideal holiday atmosphere.
The Antalya Marina and Leisure Center,
which has won several awards, is considered one of the most beautiful marinas
in Turkey; Setur Marina, the other marina in Antalya, is, on the other hand,
quiet and peaceful; but both welcome you after your unforgettable voyage
in the turquoise paradise of Turkey's water
Frequently Asked Questions
A. What does Cabin Charter exactly mean?
Q. An alternative to chartering an entire boat is to join one of our regular
departures and charter one cabin. You will have a chance to meet people from
around the world while enjoying one of the most unique and relaxing holidays
in the Aegean. Cabin charter is the ideal way for a single person or a couple to
enjoy a cruise of the Aegean or Mediterranean, a much cheaper option than whole
gullet charter. The itineraries and ports of embarkation and disembarkation are
fixed and cannot be altered. This is a great holiday for meeting new people.
Q. How many will we be on the boat?
A. The gullets used for Cabin Charter are 6 - 8 cabin boats, which means you
will be with a max. of 12 or 16 persons together. Often you ask as well who will
be with you, as we ourself do not know up to the last day who has booked, we can
not give any information about that.
Q. What time do the boats leave the harbour?
A. As many of you do organize their flights and are afraid not coming in time,
we have this information for all cabin charter: the first day is the arriving day
with evening meal on board, so you may come to the boat from early afternoon on,
then the next morning after breakfast the boat leaves the harbor. The late
afternoon on the day 6th the boats coming back to the harbor or anchoring in a
close by secluded bay, on the seventh day after breakfast you say good bye to the crew.
Altogether full 7 day week on the boat.
Q. Where do I find the boat I've booked?
A. If you have not booked a special boat which we also offer, you will get
exact information on what boat you will stay and where to find your boat, a
day or two before the cruise starts. With cabin charter we all work like a
cooperative group of agencies here in Bodrum or Marmaris and when not specially
arranged the cabins are arranged and given due to availability. That may sound a
bit strange to you but I like to use the compare to a bus station, you book a trip to Istanbul
and they can not give you the numberplate. But to give you a save feeling: all
our cabin charter is with 6 to 8 cabin standard gulets and all cabins have en-suite WC/shower.
Q. What should I pack?
A. First of all do NOT FORGET to bring your CAMERA!.
Comfortable, informal clothing and equally comfortable shoes are a must for sightseeing
in cities as well as ancient sites. Soft or rubber soled footwear or boat shoes on the boat.
Wear standard shoes and sandals for on-shore use only. During the summer months, you'll
need lightweight clothing, T-shirts, shorts and lightweight cotton slacks, jeans and shirts.
In April and May and from mid-September through October, evenings and even days may be cool,
so please bring a sweater or sweatshirt. And keep in mind that when you visit mosques or
churches, you should avoid wearing either shorts or short sleeves. Life on a boat will
generally be informal, so keep in mind - don't come with suitcases - they are difficult
to store on a boat. And you'll probably want to bring at least two swimsuits along with
some beach towels - as these are not supplied on all of the boats.
Q. Do I need a visa?
A. Usually, British and US citizens need an entry visa, these can be purchased
at the airport on arrival. For citizens of other countries, it is advisable to
contact the Turkish Consulate in your own country before traveling.
Q. What should I do about money?
A. It's best to wait until you arrive to change into local currency. In Turkey,
US dollars, Euros and travelers checks are easily changed in to Turkish Liras
everywhere, although you can save a bit of money by changing your cash at currency
exchange offices. The *Döviz* offices obtain an excellent rate of exchange.
Q. Will my hairdryer/electric shaver work on the boat?
A. The boats have a 220V electric system. Plugs are European style round pin.
Buy an adapter and transformer before arrival. Deluxe boats generally have a
hairdryer as standard. Please note, it is also possible to charge mobile phone batteries.
Q. What will the weather be like?
A. April, May and October's temperature range between 20 and 26 Degrees Centigrade
and are much cooler than at the height of the season. Temperatures for June, July
and August are hot, ranging form 30 to 38 Degrees Centigrade. It is not humid and
you are very unlikely to see rain at the height of summer.
Q. What is there to do on board all day?
A. This type of holiday is flexible, you can do as much or as little as you choose.
There is opportunity to lie back and relax and sun-bathe, read a book, listen to
music, chat with new or old friends. You may like to while away the time with a game
of backgammon, (there will always be a member of crew willing to teach you or play against you!).
You can swim, snorkel, or even try out other water-sports if they are available when you
are at anchor, such as banana boat or doughnut rides,(please ensure you are covered by
your insurance before trying these activities). Some of the boats also carry a canoe
or a even a surf board.
Q. Can we bring snorkeling equipment?
A. Certainly! It is actually advisable to bring your own snorkel. There are usually
masks on board, however, you can never be sure how many people have used the snorkel
before you. Scuba diving equipment is not advisable unless you have booked a scuba holiday.
There are areas in the Aegean and Mediterranean where scuba is prohibited.
Q. What type of food will be served?
A. Unless otherwise arranged beforehand, a typical Turkish menu will be served daily.
Breakfasts are a delight with mainly 2 types of cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumber,
salami, eggs, jam, honey, butter, and fresh bread. Lunches are usually a light,
cooked vegetable dish served with rice or pasta or bulgur wheat and large salads,
followed by fresh fruit. The evening meal is either chicken, meat or fish, two or
three meze (starters), salads and a rice, pasta or bulgur wheat dish, once again
followed by fresh seasonal fruit. The menus are fixed, however, the cook will
endeavor to meet special requests or dietary needs.
Q. How can we arrange excursions?
A. Just tell us what you would like to do and where you would like to go & we
will put you in touch with the right people, we will even arrange it on your
behalf if you wish. Places worth visiting are Ephesus and Pamukkale, Myra,
Arykanda, Batik Hamam, Kekova, Simena Castle, Dalyan and Caunos, Termessos,
Ölü Deniz...the list is endless.
Q. What about flights?
A. Airfare is not included in any of our Blue Cruise arrangement, nor are domestic
flights within Turkey. When you've settled on a tour and departure date, make
certain you provide us with your right arrival information, so that we can arrange
either to meet you or arrange a transfer to your boat. Please note, that unfortunately
we do not arrange flights.
Q. What about sea-sickness?
A. Buy Dramamine, an inexpensive sea sickness remedy available at Greek Pharmacies
and even harbor kiosks. It deadens stomach muscles and is highly recommended if you
are prone to sea-sickness. Take it before you feel bad... not after! Before boarding even.
Jump for a few minutes a couple of times a day. You will condition your vestibular system to
the motion and reduce your susceptibility to seasickness significantly. Your neighbors will also think you're crazy, but this is just an added benefit and should not enter into justifying the purchase to your spouse.
You might want to try taking some ginger root with you while at sea and also eating some ginger root
prior to leaving port. Talk to your doctor about this option.
Q. What can you say about Seasickness?
A. Seasickness is caused when the minute inner ear organs that enable a human to
balance are disturbed by the motion of the boat swaying and pitching. This movement
sets off alarm signals to the brain causing nausea, headache, dizziness, and sometimes
vomiting. This condition can be intensified by the lack of fresh air and inactivity.
It can also be a person's worst nightmare at sea.
Seasickness affects many people to varying degrees - even sailors with years
of experience. Looking on the bright side, the body adapts after time.
Fortunately, several remedies can be taken before setting sail. Pills can be obtained
over the counter which help most people by sedating the balancing organs. The pills
can cause drowsiness and should be taken with care. Some people find special wrist
bands effective. There are also stick-on patches that can be worn on the skin behind
the ear, but these are obtained by doctor's prescription only.
You can often avoid seasickness by staying busy and keeping your mind occupied by taking
over the helm or any other activity that will keep you above decks. Look at the distant
horizon rather than the water close at hand. Take deep breaths and drink plenty of water.
The worst thing that a person can do is go below decks with no land or horizon to look at.
Reading or staring at an object will assuredly bring on the affects of seasickness.
If you are seasick and can't bear it anymore, lie down on your back with your eyes closed.
This will greatly reduce the affects.
|