What exactly is a Blue Cruise?

A Turkish-born boating tradition where you explore pristine coves on a weekly yacht trip—often on a crewed wooden gulet—moving with the rhythm of the sea rather than a rigid schedule.

Which yacht type should I choose?

Gulet for traditional comfort and crewed service; motor yacht for speed and luxury; sailing yacht for a hands-on, license-required experience; catamaran for space and stability (great for families).

For July–August, book 6–8 months ahead for better availability and pricing. Early booking secures your preferred boat and itinerary.

How do food and drinks work on board?

Provisioning is either DIY with your shopping list or arranged by the agency. Plan fully before departure, especially for multi-day routes.

What does a typical day look like?

Morning swim and breakfast at anchor, short cruise to a new bay, lunch and siesta, afternoon activities or relaxation, and dinner under the stars.

What activities can I expect?

Swimming, SUP/canoe, snorkeling, shore hikes to viewpoints or ruins, cultural stops in coastal towns, plus fishing and photography.

What Is a Blue Cruise? Beginner’s Guide & Planning Steps

Waking up in a new paradise cove every morning, listening only to the sound of waves far from city noise, and gliding freely over turquoise waters with your loved ones… That is the Blue Cruise: more than a holiday, it’s a lifestyle and an unforgettable escape. So what exactly is this trendiest travel concept of recent years, and where should you start to set sail on the journey you’ve been dreaming of?

This comprehensive guide is designed to answer all your questions and prepare you step by step for your dream Blue Cruise.

What Is a Blue Cruise? More Than a Holiday

The Blue Cruise (Mavi Yolculuk) is a Turkish-born boating culture whose roots go back to intellectuals like the “Fisherman of Halicarnassus” exploring the Aegean on wooden boats. At its core lies the philosophy of moving with the rhythm of the sea and wind—free from rigid itineraries—discovering pristine coves and reconnecting with nature. In its modern form, it usually means weekly cruises on traditional wooden gulets, where a crew serves you and comfort meets adventure.

Planning Phase: Create the Holiday You Imagine

The secret to a smooth Blue Cruise is solid planning. Here are the essential steps to follow.

1. The Charter Process: The Backbone of Your Trip

Choosing the boat where you’ll spend most of your time is the most important decision of your holiday. Everything from the number of guests to your expectations influences the choice. Getting support from a professional holiday consultant helps you make the right call.

Boat Type: Gulet for traditional comfort, Catamaran for spacious family-friendly living, Motor Yacht for speed and luxury, or Sailing Yacht for adventure—each has different advantages.

Timing: The best boats are booked months in advance. If you’re planning a trip in high season, booking early both increases availability and helps you secure better rates.

For the full process, see our Step-by-Step Yacht Charter Guide.

2. Provisions (Shopping): Setting the Blue Table

On board, the food-and-beverage organization is called “provisions.” You have two options: prepare a shopping list and do it yourself, or hand it to your agency and focus solely on enjoying your holiday. Because you’ll be at sea for several days, make sure everything you need is ready before departure.

For comprehensive shopping lists and practical menu ideas, check our On-Board Dining Guide.

Life on Board: Days and Nights on Deck

From the moment you step on board, a unique rhythm of life—very different from being on land—awaits you. On the first day, after a short safety briefing from your captain, you set off. Mornings often begin with a swim in a calm cove, followed by a long breakfast on deck. Around midday you cruise to a new bay, then lunch and siesta. Afternoons are for activities, swimming, and relaxation. Evenings are crowned with sunsets, dinner under the stars, and long conversations. Thanks to experienced captains, you reach the region’s most beautiful spots safely.

For practical rules of life on board and insider tips, be sure to read our What to Watch Out For on a Boat Holiday guide.

No Time to Be Bored on a Blue Cruise: Activities

Contrary to popular belief, a Blue Cruise can be highly active and full of variety.

Water Sports: Most chartered boats carry basic gear like canoes and paddleboards. If you want more, many coves offer watersports services.

Hikes Ashore: Many islands and bays you visit have trails that lead to great viewpoints or ancient ruins. Pack a pair of comfortable trainers.

Cultural Excursions: Stop by coastal towns such as Fethiye and Kaş along your route to explore history and local life on land.

Fishing & Photography: Casting a line for dinner or capturing postcard-worthy scenes at every turn are among the most enjoyable moments of a Blue Cruise.

For a deep dive into options, see our Blue Cruise Activities Guide.

What Is a Blue Cruise? Beginner’s Guide to an Unforgettable Journey