The Cariand flotillas give you a great cross section of what Turkey offers. Stops range from small bays with nothing but a single restaurant, to vibrant towns.
There lots to see along the way. Visit the extensive ruins at Knidos. Enjoy the calm of the mosque at Bozburun. See Turkish carpets being made the traditional way, by hand. Walk up to the remains of the citadel at Loryma. Climb the hills at Dirsek for stunning views. Or just take a dip in the bautiful clear waters.
The dramatic scenery is sparsely populated, with steep cliffs. Winds are good, especially in summer when the Meltemi can blow for days at a time. This can push winds up to force 5. This is less noticeable if you sail from west to east as the winds will usually be behind you.
There’s also the option to explore both the Carian and Lycian coasts on the populr two wee flotilla from Fethiye. This offers a range of flotilla sailing conditions, from the sheltered areas of Gocek Bay and the Hisaronu Gulf to stronger winds and more open seas at the west end. It includes some longer legs and some great sailing.
View the Bozburun flotilla - 2 weeksClose the Bozburun flotillaAbout the Bozburun flotilla
The Bozburun flotilla is an occasional 1 week route from Orhaniye. It is an intermediate flotilla.
Quick Choices - Turkey Flotillas
| Difficulty: | Easy | Base: Orhaniye | Airport: Dalaman |
| Flights from: | Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast |
| Qualifications: (to self sail) | Minimum RYA Day Skipper Practical or ICC. Those without qualifications may be accepted |
| Other options: | Skippers available for hire |
The flotilla travels west along the Hisaronu Gulf before heading south to the small town of Bozburun. Here you can view the impressive mosque and choose from a good selection of restaurants.
Next stop is the historic bay of Loryma, also known as Bozuk Buku, entered through a narrow gap in the cliffs. The entrance was guarded by a large citadel and you can visit the impressive ruins. For the less energetic, there are other ruins closer by.
The flotilla then heads east along the Carian coast towards Marmaris, stopping at the holiday bay of Ciftlik. As the flotilla heads back towards Orhaniye you will visit Sogut. If you’re lucky you will get to see them building traditional wooden Turkish sailing boats (gulets), usually without a ruler in sight.
2024 Dates
Flotilla Itinerary
View the Bozburun flotilla on a map
See About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the Carian gallery. The page on Flotilla inclusions and options is fairly self explanatory!
| Day | Miles | Destination |
| 1: Sat | 0 | - Orhaniye / Keci Buku
This large bay has become a base for several charter companies, encouraged by the development of the marina. For marina-phobics there are several other restaurants with their own quays clustered at the end of the bay.
The cost of using the marina has resulted in a number of the charter companies basing themselves at the restaurants ... Read more
|
| 2: Sun | 18 | - Bozburun
This small laid back town is a great place to stock up, clean up, and unusually, see traditional Turkish boat building first hand. With several anchorages nearby, there are some good opportunities for a swim too.
In a land where most quays are built by local restaurants, Bozburun actually has a traditional town harbour. The harbour itself is ... Read more
|
| 3: Mon | 14 | |
| 4: Tue | 16 | - Ciftlik
Pronounced chiff-lick, this bay contains several restaurants spread along the pebbled beach, along with a gift shop (in a tent) and basic provisions. For a short while, it also offered free drinks at the all inclusive resort in one corner until the staff got wise and started more diligently checking for wrist bands!
In usual Turkish style, the ... Read more
|
| 5: Wed | 28 | - Sogut
This small village is the port for a slightly larger village of the same name, up in the hills. It’s a popular stop with charter sailors. In recent years it has been adopted by one of the flotilla companies as their local sailing base.
A couple of restaurants sit near the quay with traditional wooden boat building still ... Read more
|
| 6: Thu | 11 | |
| 7: Fri | 9 | - Orhaniye / Keci Buku
This large bay has become a base for several charter companies, encouraged by the development of the marina. For marina-phobics there are several other restaurants with their own quays clustered at the end of the bay.
The cost of using the marina has resulted in a number of the charter companies basing themselves at the restaurants ... Read more
|
| 8: Sat | 0 | Check out and depart |
| Average | 16 | Note: you will do more miles than this! |
All routes may be subject to change for weather and operational reasons. Your Lead Crew will keep you advised during the week.
View the Knidos flotilla - 2 weeksClose the Knidos flotillaAbout the Knidos flotilla
The Knidos flotilla is an occasional 1 week route from Orhaniye. It is an intermediate flotilla.
Quick Choices - Turkey Flotillas
| Difficulty: | Easy | Base: Orhaniye | Airport: Dalaman |
| Flights from: | Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast |
| Qualifications: (to self sail) | Minimum RYA Day Skipper Practical or ICC. Those without qualifications may be accepted |
| Other options: | Skippers available for hire |
The flotilla travels along the Hisaronu Gulf then along the full length of the Datca peninsula. It reaches as far as the historic ruins at Knidos. Here you can wander amongst the remains of temples and view the two amphitheatres.
Along the way, it’s a mix of small towns and isolated bays. You can walk up the hill at Dirsek and drink in the superb panoramic view. Sailor’s Paradise is so peaceful it’s like heaven on earth.
For livelier nights, explore the bars in Datca or socialise with the locals in the small fishing town of Palamut. Datca is also a good place to provision.
And of course there are plenty of swimming opportunities, whether you prefer beaches or a dip off the back of the boat. The Knidos flotilla has something for everyone and is an excellent taster for cruising in Turkey.
2024 Dates
Flotilla itinerary
View the Knidos flotilla on a map
See About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the Carian gallery. For details of what’s included see Flotilla inclusions and options.
| Day | Miles | Destination |
| 1: Sat | 0 | Check in. - Orhaniye / Keci Buku
This large bay has become a base for several charter companies, encouraged by the development of the marina. For marina-phobics there are several other restaurants with their own quays clustered at the end of the bay.
The cost of using the marina has resulted in a number of the charter companies basing themselves at the restaurants ... Read more
|
| 2: Sun | 11 | |
| 3: Mon | 15 | - Datca
This is a small town of contrasts. Walk around the harbour to the sandy beach and it’s a tranquil harbour town. Head in to the town itself and it’s a thriving commercial centre. Moor opposite the bars and come evening it’s a thriving tourist spot. Fortunately, it’s too far from an airport to have suffered ... Read more
|
| 4: Tue | 20 | - Knidos
Knidos is an ancient Greek city. It is located at the end of the Datca Peninsula though the current site is probably a sucessor to the original city, thought to have been located near present da Datca.
Knidos: Roman ruins, looking across the north bay towards the lighthouse
Boasting two amphitheatres and other significant ruins including the ... Read more
|
| 5: Wed | 8 | - Palamut
The village is named after a local fish, which we would call Bonito. Though it boasts a number of guest houses, other than yachtmen, most visitors are Turks.
Many yachts that call here are refugees from Knidos who appreciate the more sheltered moorings. Once tied up you can relax on board or head to the long ... Read more
|
| 6: Thu | 27 | |
| 7: Fri | 9 | - Orhaniye / Keci Buku
This large bay has become a base for several charter companies, encouraged by the development of the marina. For marina-phobics there are several other restaurants with their own quays clustered at the end of the bay.
The cost of using the marina has resulted in a number of the charter companies basing themselves at the restaurants ... Read more
|
| 8: Sat | 0 | Check out and depart |
| Average | 13 | Note: you will do more miles than this! |
All routes may be subject to change for weather and operational reasons. Your Lead Crew will keep you advised during the week. Route names may differ from those used by the operator.
View the Datca flotilla - 2 weeksClose the Datca flotillaDatca Flotilla Route
Difficulty: Intermediate Departs from: Saturdays from Fethiye Nearest airport: Dalaman
Starts: Alternate weeks from July to September
2025 Dates
| Flotilla | Apr | May | June | July | August | Sept | Oct |
| Datça 2 weeks | | | | 26th | 9th 23th | 6th | |
2026 Dates
| Flotilla | Apr | May | June | July | August | Sept | Oct |
| Datça 2 weeks | | | | 25th | 8th 22nd | 5th | |
Datca Flotilla Itinerary
View the Datca flotilla on a map
See About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the Carian gallery. For details of what’s included see Flotilla inclusions and options.
| Day | Miles | Destination |
| 1: Sat | 0 | Check in. - Fethiye
This popular tourist town is something of a contrast to the many one restaurant bays in the area. As well as the obligatory souvenir shops, you’ll also find local artists and cartoonists who set up their stalls on the front near the town centre. To sooth your aching muscles, there’s also a Turkish bath.
Culture vultures will find ... Read more
|
| 2: Sun | 12 | - Kapi Creek
A small bay now completely filled by the restaurant and its moorings. A short walk up the hill behind the restaurant offers panoramic views of the approaches to Gocek Bay. For those with a little more energy, the local village is a little further away – ask the staff for directions.
When I first visited, you ... Read more
|
| 3: Mon | 36 | - Ciftlik
Pronounced chiff-lick, this bay contains several restaurants spread along the pebbled beach, along with a gift shop (in a tent) and basic provisions. For a short while, it also offered free drinks at the all inclusive resort in one corner until the staff got wise and started more diligently checking for wrist bands!
In usual Turkish style, the ... Read more
|
| 4: Tue | 17 | |
| 5: Wed | 13 | |
| 6: Thu | 15 | - Datca
This is a small town of contrasts. Walk around the harbour to the sandy beach and it’s a tranquil harbour town. Head in to the town itself and it’s a thriving commercial centre. Moor opposite the bars and come evening it’s a thriving tourist spot. Fortunately, it’s too far from an airport to have suffered ... Read more
|
| 7: Fri | 16 | |
| 8: Sat | 7 | - Selimiye
Once a sleepy village, Selimiye has become a place to be seen, with an up market feel attracting well heeled Turks from far afield. It’s kept it’s charm though and with a good choice of restaurants and several mini markets one wonders how it ever coped before the quay was extended.
Selimiye has also welcomed home ...
|
| 9: Sun | 17 | - Sogut
This small village is the port for a slightly larger village of the same name, up in the hills. It’s a popular stop with charter sailors. In recent years it has been adopted by one of the flotilla companies as their local sailing base.
A couple of restaurants sit near the quay with traditional wooden boat building still ... Read more
|
| 10: Mon | 16 | - Serce Limani
A stunningly pretty inlet, voted best stop of the trip by my crew on my last visit. The one restaurant, Captain Nemo’s, offers fairly standard fare but the setting is delightful and the owner is a character (though husbands are advised to place a guard around their wives).
Though there’s a road in to the bay, ... Read more
|
| 11: Tue | 30 | - Ekincik
This large bay is a popular stop for those heading between Marmaris and Gocek Bay and also provides the base for the popular boat trip to the famous Turtle Beach and Dalyan village.
Ekincik village itself is rarely seen – it’s on the far side of the bay away from the yacht moorings provided by the ...
|
| 12: Wed | 8 | - Asi Koyu
Asi Koyu is a small bay with a beach and restaurant (with showers)! It’s a convenient stop off for yachts transiting between Marmaris and Gocek/Fethiye Bay that don’t want to detour to Ekincik.
The restaurant has provided a jetty for yachts but the bay is also accessible by road (albeit a rather basic one) so sailors ... Read more
|
| 13: Thu | 23 | - Sarsala
Tucked in amongst the pine trees, this is another one restaurant bay. The speciality here is pide, traditional Turkish pizza which is served as a starter.
The restaurant also offers home made pine honey which makes a better souvenir than some of the tat available in the souvenir shops in many of the larger towns.
Those feeling ... Read more
|
| 14: Fri | 13 | - Fethiye
This popular tourist town is something of a contrast to the many one restaurant bays in the area. As well as the obligatory souvenir shops, you’ll also find local artists and cartoonists who set up their stalls on the front near the town centre. To sooth your aching muscles, there’s also a Turkish bath.
Culture vultures will find ... Read more
|
| 15: Sat | 0 | Check out and depart |
| Average | 17 | Note: you will do more miles than this! |
All routes may be subject to change for weather and operational reasons. Your Lead Crew will keep you advised during the week.
View the Loryma flotilla - 2 weeksClose the Loryma flotillaAbout the Loryma flotilla
The Loryma flotilla is an occasional 2 week route from Orhaniye. It is an intermediate flotilla.
Quick Choices - Turkey Flotillas
| Difficulty: | Easy | Base: Orhaniye | Airport: Dalaman |
| Flights from: | Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast |
| Qualifications: (to self sail) | Minimum RYA Day Skipper Practical or ICC. Those without qualifications may be accepted |
| Other options: | Skippers available for hire |
The flotilla explores the full length of the Datca peninsula, reaching as far as the historic ruins at Knidos. Here you can wander amongst the remains of temples and view the two amphitheatres.
For the second week, the flotilla cruises the dramatic south Carian coast with its steep cliffs. Several bays are accessible through gaps in the cliffs though these can be hard to spot if you are not close in to the shoreline.
Along the way, other stops include Sogut where if you are lucky you can see traditional Turkish Gulets being made. The workmanship is fantastic, with the craftsmen rarely resorting to such modern technology as tape measures!
The Loryma flotilla is a charming mix of small towns and isolated bays. Turkey at its best.
2024 Dates
Loryma flotilla itinerary
View the Loryma flotilla on a map
See About the maps for Key and more information. You can see photos of the area in the Carian gallery and the Lycian (west) gallery. For details of what’s included see Flotilla inclusions and options.
Itinerary
| Day | Miles | Destination |
| 1: Sat | 0 | Check in. - Orhaniye / Keci Buku
This large bay has become a base for several charter companies, encouraged by the development of the marina. For marina-phobics there are several other restaurants with their own quays clustered at the end of the bay.
The cost of using the marina has resulted in a number of the charter companies basing themselves at the restaurants ... Read more
|
| 2: Sun | 12 | - Datca
This is a small town of contrasts. Walk around the harbour to the sandy beach and it’s a tranquil harbour town. Head in to the town itself and it’s a thriving commercial centre. Moor opposite the bars and come evening it’s a thriving tourist spot. Fortunately, it’s too far from an airport to have suffered ... Read more
|
| 3: Mon | 16 | |
| 4: Tue | 14 | - Knidos
Knidos is an ancient Greek city. It is located at the end of the Datca Peninsula though the current site is probably a sucessor to the original city, thought to have been located near present da Datca.
Knidos: Roman ruins, looking across the north bay towards the lighthouse
Boasting two amphitheatres and other significant ruins including the ... Read more
|
| 5: Wed | 10 | - Palamut
The village is named after a local fish, which we would call Bonito. Though it boasts a number of guest houses, other than yachtmen, most visitors are Turks.
Many yachts that call here are refugees from Knidos who appreciate the more sheltered moorings. Once tied up you can relax on board or head to the long ... Read more
|
| 6: Thu | 29 | Free sailing. I suggest: - Bozburun
This small laid back town is a great place to stock up, clean up, and unusually, see traditional Turkish boat building first hand. With several anchorages nearby, there are some good opportunities for a swim too.
In a land where most quays are built by local restaurants, Bozburun actually has a traditional town harbour. The harbour itself is ...
or- Kuruca Buku & Ciftlik
The long pine lined beach of this pretty anchorage provides a great spot for some sunbathing and swimming. A short walk across the spit at the west side of the bay, reveals Ciftlik bay, with an up market chalet resort and camp site amongst the trees.
There’s at least one restaurant on the beach and there’s ...
|
| 7: Fri | 7 | |
| 8: Sat | 13 | - Kumlu Buku
This large beach lined bay offers several restaurant options, though as often the case in Turkey, the quays are provided by the restaurants so you have to chose before you tie up.
Notable for being different is the Yacht Club which offers Chinese food, perhaps not what you went on holiday for but a welcome change ... Read more
|
| 9: Sun | 7 | - Ciftlik
Pronounced chiff-lick, this bay contains several restaurants spread along the pebbled beach, along with a gift shop (in a tent) and basic provisions. For a short while, it also offered free drinks at the all inclusive resort in one corner until the staff got wise and started more diligently checking for wrist bands!
In usual Turkish style, the ... Read more
|
| 10: Mon | 16 | - Sogut
This small village is the port for a slightly larger village of the same name, up in the hills. It’s a popular stop with charter sailors. In recent years it has been adopted by one of the flotilla companies as their local sailing base.
A couple of restaurants sit near the quay with traditional wooden boat building still ... Read more
|
| 11: Tue | 16 | Free sailing. I suggest: - Selimiye
Once a sleepy village, Selimiye has become a place to be seen, with an up market feel attracting well heeled Turks from far afield. It’s kept it’s charm though and with a good choice of restaurants and several mini markets one wonders how it ever coped before the quay was extended.
Selimiye has also welcomed home ...
or- Serce Limani
A stunningly pretty inlet, voted best stop of the trip by my crew on my last visit. The one restaurant, Captain Nemo’s, offers fairly standard fare but the setting is delightful and the owner is a character (though husbands are advised to place a guard around their wives).
Though there’s a road in to the bay, ... Read more
|
| 12: Wed | 15 | It's beach party night. Dine ashore under the stars in the bay at Comcalik |
| 13: Thu | 19 | |
| 14: Fri | 24 | - Orhaniye / Keci Buku
This large bay has become a base for several charter companies, encouraged by the development of the marina. For marina-phobics there are several other restaurants with their own quays clustered at the end of the bay.
The cost of using the marina has resulted in a number of the charter companies basing themselves at the restaurants ... Read more
|
| 15: Sat | 0 | Check out and depart |
| Average | 15 | Note: you will do more miles than this! |
All routes may be subject to change for weather and operational reasons. Your Lead Crew will keep you advised during the week. Route names may differ from those used by the operator.
Datca: Fishing boats in the harbour
