Sailing Holidays

Yacht Charter from Bodrum

With its unique blend of ancient history, lively bars and restaurants and bustling bazaar, Bodrum is one of Turkey's most popular sailing destinations.

A sailing holiday is the only way to discover the beautiful coastline of Turkey. The scenery is breathtaking and the hospitality and warmth of the Turkish people will impress you. Don’t miss Bodrum’s imposing 15th-century Crusader Castle and the Underwater Archeology Museum, stuffed with fascinating aquatic finds and hauls from ancient shipwrecks, including the famous Glass Wreck, which sank in 1025 while carrying three tonnes of glass.

The coastline is deeply indented with secluded anchorages and the romantic ruins of an ancient civilization. Anchor in sheltered bays and swim off your yacht in clear turquoise seas. Discover small fishing villages and hidden coves where simple wooden jetties are provided by waterside restaurants.

Eating out is a way of life for the Turks and they are proud of their varied cuisine. The setting is often as memorable as the food, dining out under starry skies.

Sailing from Bodrum

Start your sailing holiday in Turkey from Bodrum marina, in the shadow of the magnificent Crusader castle, and plan your sailing holiday exploring the Gulf of Gokova. At the head of the gulf there are so many coves and bays for you to explore, either as lunchtime anchorages or overnight stays, such as Amazon Creek, Cleopatra's beach and the Seven Islands.

Or sail south into the Gulf of Datca via the ancient ruins of Knidos. Anchor in the bay and stroll among the ruins of a once thriving metropolis and the home of the famous statue of Aphrodite. Visit the delightful harbour towns of Datca and Bozburun.

A third choice is to sail north to the unexplored Gulf of Gulluk and visit the ancient site of Iassos and the charming villages of Gumusluk and Turgetreis.

DAY 1 : Embark at Bodrum Marina. Bodrum is a lively resort town with great restaurants and night life.
DAY 2 : Kormen (18nm) Spectacular setting beneath towering mountains. Small ferry harbour with very good fish restaurant right on the quay.
DAY 3 : Yedi Adalari (20nm) Seven Islands run in a chain close to the coast providing sheltered anchorages in a very scenic setting. There are other creeks and anchorages nearby, such as Amazon Creek, perfect for dinner afloat and a night under the stars.
DAY 4 : Degirmen Buku (10nm) A large, indented bay with numerous safe anchorages, such as English Harbour, where British torpedo boats were based during World War II. Find a quiet spot to moor for the night. Two restaurants cater for visiting yachtsmen.
DAY 5 : Lunch stop at Sehir Adalari, home to the famous ‘Cleopatra’s Beach’ – a pure white sand patch that looks out of place amongst its surroundings. Ruins and a small theatre are romantically sited among olive groves. Overnight at Sogut (6nm), a large bay just to the south of the island or Akbuk (7nm) to the north. A friendly restaurant above the jetty provides good food, home-baked flat bread and basic services to the yachtsman.
DAY 6 : Cokertme (18nm) This is a great place to swim with a choice of moorings and restaurants. The village behind is famous for its production of Turkish rugs and carpets. Lively evening at Captain Ibrahim’s.
DAY 7 : Return to Bodrum Marina (20nm).

DAY 1 : Embark at Bodrum Marina. Bodrum is a lively resort town with great restaurants and night life.
DAY 2 : Mersincik (15nm) is a charming, enclosed bay at the end of the Datca peninsula. Small hamlet ashore. Clear water for swimming.
DAY 3 : Knidos (10nm) is a remote cove nestled at the end of the Datca peninsula. Ancient ruins of a once thriving metropolis line the slopes. The city was home of the famous statue of Aphrodite. Many foundations still exist, including carvings, mosaics, walls, altars, and a large amphitheatre.
DAY 4 : Datca (20nm) is a pleasant town with good selection of restaurants and shops. Moor on the town quay.
DAY 5 : Bozburun (17nm) is a traditional sponge-fishing village surrounding a small harbour. Home to the famous ‘Roguish Osman’s’ restaurant. Great food and a delightful setting.
DAY 6 : Palamut (25nm)is a small village nestled on the south side of the Datca peninsula. A tiny fishing harbour offers good protection. A couple of restaurants line the harbour.
DAY 7 : Return to Bodrum (29nm) An early start from Palamut gives clients the chance to make a final lunch and swim stop at the beautiful “Aquarium” anchorage before returning to Bodrum.

Sailing Conditions

Great sailing with reliable winds. Afternoon breezes from the West-Northwest averaging Force 3-5 (light to moderate breeze) during the summer season. Temperatures are warmer than Greece with August  exceeding 30°C. The sailing season runs from early May to late October. Experience level 2.

Yacht charter from Bodrum

This superb fleet of yachts is based in Bodrum marina. The friendly, professional approach at the base ensures the yachts are well-presented for charter. 

Yachts and catamarans are also available for bareboat charter from Yalikavak marina in a quiet village on the northwest corner of the Bodrum peninsula. The first day's sail will bring you into the Gulf of Gokova. 

These yachts can start and finish charters on Saturday or Monday to fit flights from most UK airports. 

Click on the yacht names below to view yacht layout & specification

Yacht charter rates are shown WITHOUT flights giving you the flexibility to book your own flights.

If you want a flight-inclusive holiday Nautilus Yachting is a fully bonded ATOL tour operator and can book flights from the UK to fit your sailing holiday. Choose from a wide choice of airlines - we are not tied to any particular airline. All flight-inclusive holidays are fully bonded for your financial protection under our ATOL 3016. Airport transfers can also be pre-arranged.

FLIGHTS TO BODRUM:
easyJet have flights from Gatwick and Stansted to Bodrum on Saturdays and from Liverpool and Bristol on Mondays. Jet2, Monarch, Thomson and Thomas Cook have flights to Bodrum from most UK airports on Mondays. Transfer time to Bodrum Marina 30 minutes.

To charter a yacht bareboat or on flotilla you should be Day Skipper standard and be assisted by at least one competent crew.

At present you need an RYA Day Skipper qualification or RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for charters in Croatia, Montenegro, Mallorca, Tenerife and Malta.

The RYA ICC will be ever more required by overseas port authorities but if you have skipper experience it is easily obtained in a day from RYA sailing schools in the UK such as Hamilton Sailing or Brixham Sea School 

 

Whether you are an experienced sailor or setting foot on a yacht for the first time, we can offer you a holiday afloat to suit you. We have given all the sailing areas a level with 'Experience Level 1' suitable for less experienced crews and 'Experience Level 3' for the experts.    

This takes into account the wind strength, tidal range and currents, distances between stops and ease of mooring. Of course even experts may choose to sail in Level 1 areas as they still offer stunning scenery and great sailing.

Experience Level 1: Gulf of Fethiye

Generally light winds Force 2-4, line of sight navigation, shorter sailing distances under 20nm. You will be Day Skipper standard having sailed at least 1 week or 100nm as skipper.

Experience Level 2: Bodrum & Marmaris

Stronger winds up to Force 3-5 with some longer passages up to 30nm. You will be Day Skipper standard having sailed at least 2 weeks or 200nm as skipper.

Experience Level 3:  

Stronger winds up to Force 4-7 which can lead to bigger seas on long passages between the islands. You will be Coastal Skipper 
standard with experience to a higher level having sailed at least 4 weeks or 400nm as skipper.

 

Don’t miss Bodrum’s impressive 15th-century castle. Built by the Knights of St John from the ruins of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Wander around the courtyard with its displays of ancient amphoras and visit the Underwater Archeology Museum. It exhibits fascinating aquatic finds and hauls from ancient shipwrecks, including the famous Glass Wreck, which sank in 1025 while carrying three tonnes of glass.

The ancient Carian city of Knidos is one of the more impressive ruins in Turkey. In the 4th century BC Knidos was a rich cultural and artistic centre of the ancient world and home to the legendary statue of Aphrodite. The day trip boats leave just as the yachts arrive in the early evening and a peaceful calm descends on the ruins. In the evening or early morning you can wander freely around the ruins of streets, houses, temples, churches and amphitheatres of this once great city.

Cleopatra's Beach at Sedir Adasi has striking white sand  - rumour has it that Marc Antony had it shipped from the Egyptian desert to this Roman resort for Cleopatra's pleasure. The romantic ruins of a Roman amphitheatre amongst the olive trees overlooks the scenic anchorage. A magical spot not to be missed.

"Service from Nautilus was excellent. Boat and base staff at Nanny Cay could NOT be faulted. I would recommend them to anybody."
BVI 2013 - M.A.

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