Nature and Activities

7 Unforgettable Activities for Your Gocek Blue Cruise & Boat Holiday

Holidaymakers having fun on a 'Great Big Mable' towed by a speedboat in the turquoise waters of Gocek. An adrenaline-filled and fun water sports activity.

Those who think a blue voyage is just about sitting back and relaxing on a boat are greatly mistaken. Your boat is, in fact, a "mobile adventure platform" that takes you to the heart of a different adventure every day. You can snorkel among ancient ruins in the morning, cool off in a canyon in the afternoon, and enjoy the fish you caught under the stars in the evening. The bays of Göcek and Fethiye offer you a limitless playground in this regard.

Here are the most popular blue voyage activities for every taste to make your boat holiday unforgettable:

The Magic Underwater: Snorkeling and Diving

The crystal-clear waters of Göcek invite you to explore the underwater world. With snorkeling, the easiest and most enjoyable activity for all ages, you can follow colorful fish, interesting rock formations, and, if you're lucky, even a sea turtle. For those who want to go deeper, scuba diving can become the most memorable moment of the holiday. You can take your first step into the underwater world with introductory trial dives that require only brief training.

A scuba diver exploring the underwater life in the clear waters of Gocek. Popular diving spots for discovering Gocek's rich marine biodiversity.
A scuba diver exploring the underwater life in the clear waters of Gocek. Popular diving spots for discovering Gocek's rich marine biodiversity.

Special Spots in Göcek:

  • Akvaryum Bay:

    Perfect for snorkeling with its clarity that lives up to its name (Aquarium Bay).

  • Cleopatra's Bath Bay:

    Snorkeling over historical ruins is a magical experience.

  • Diving Tours: Licensed diving centers in Fethiye and Göcek can meet your boat and take you to special dive sites like Dalyan Bay.

Speed and Fun: Water Sports

A person having fun on a Seabob in the turquoise bays of Gocek. The ultimate luxury water sports experience, with Seabob rentals available.
A person having fun on a Seabob in the turquoise bays of Gocek. The ultimate luxury water sports experience, with Seabob rentals available.

If you want to add a bit of adrenaline to your holiday, water sports are perfect for you. You can take a peaceful ride on a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) or canoe in calm bays, or for more excitement, you can try motorized sports like a Jet Ski, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Ringo, or Banana boat. These activities are both incredibly fun and a great way to stay in shape.

Gocek Online Tip: Many rental boats come with a canoe and paddleboard as standard. For activities that require an extra fee, like motorized water sports, you can arrange for them to be brought to your boat by speaking with your charter agency during the booking process.

On the Trail: Trekking and Scenery Hunting

Nature lovers trekking on the Lycian Way towards the summit of Babadag in Oludeniz. A hiking activity accompanied by the magnificent view of Oludeniz.
Nature lovers trekking on the Lycian Way towards the summit of Babadag in Oludeniz. A hiking activity accompanied by the magnificent view of Oludeniz.

A blue voyage isn't just about the sea. The paths in the bays where you anchor are secret gateways that lead you to magnificent views, small villages, or historical ruins. A short walk in the cool of the morning is wonderful for both your health and your soul.

Special Routes in Göcek:

  • Gemiler (St. Nicholas) Island: By following the path up to the Byzantine churches at the top of the island, you can reach one of the most spectacular spots to watch the sunset.

  • Merdivenli Bay: A path starting from the shore and climbing up the hill takes you to a small village where you can find local products.

  • Kayaköy - Ölüdeniz Trail: For a longer, planned hike, you can arrange a land excursion from your boat to walk this famous stage of the historic Lycian Way.

  • Saklıkent Canyon: You can anchor at Fethiye Harbor or a nearby bay and arrange for a vehicle to take you to walk in the ice-cold waters of Saklıkent.

  • Dalyan & Kaunos: Anchor at Ekincik Bay and take a memorable trip from there on small river boats through the reeds to Dalyan, the rock tombs, and the Ancient City of Kaunos.

Stepping Ashore: Canyon and Ancient City Adventures

Your boat can be a starting point that connects you to adventures on land. By coordinating with your captain, you can take day-long land tours with a vehicle that picks you up from an anchored bay. This will add a completely different dimension to your holiday.

Popular Land Tours:

The Catch of the Day: Fishing

Perhaps the most meditative and delicious activity of a blue cruise is fishing. Casting your line from the back of the boat at first light or at sunset and waiting patiently is a great pleasure. Especially in bays rich with fish populations, you have a high chance of catching a fresh sea bream or porgy for your dinner. The joy of having the fish you caught prepared by your boat's chef and served at your table is priceless.

Immortalizing the Moment: Photography

General view of the Yassica Islands in Gocek; small islets close to each other and the shallow waters between them. One of the most popular swimming and break stops for boat tours.
General view of the Yassica Islands in Gocek; small islets close to each other and the shallow waters between them. One of the most popular swimming and break stops for boat tours.

A blue voyage is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. You will capture hundreds of moments where you can't put your camera or phone down: different light in every bay, different colors at every sunset, reflections on the water, the texture of historical ruins... It is also a unique opportunity to try night star and Milky Way photography, far from city lights.

The Art of Doing Nothing: Books, Music, and Stars

Remember, one of the best activities of a blue voyage is "doing nothing at all." Swinging in a hammock on the deck of your boat anchored in a quiet bay with a book in your hand, sipping your drink accompanied by your favorite playlist at sunset, and chatting with loved ones under millions of stars in the pitch-dark night... These simple yet profound moments can become the most precious memories of your holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to plan these activities in advance during a blue cruise?
For simple activities like fishing and snorkeling, there is no need to plan in advance. However, for special excursions like scuba diving or land tours to places like Saklıkent Gorge, it is recommended to make arrangements through your captain or agency either before your vacation or on the first day.
Are activities like water sports included in the boat rental fee?
Generally, non-motorized activities such as canoeing, paddleboarding, snorkeling gear, and simple fishing equipment are included in the boat rental fee. However, motorized sports that require extra equipment like Jet Skis, water skiing, or Seabobs are subject to an additional charge and must be organized separately.
Which activities are most suitable for families with children?
The most enjoyable activities for children are swimming in calm bays, snorkeling, and using canoes and paddleboards. Also, trying to catch fish with a simple fishing line and taking short nature discovery walks on the trails ashore will be unforgettable for them.
Can the boat captain organize a land tour for us?
Yes, most experienced captains have good relationships with local tour providers and taxi services in the area. Upon your request, they can anchor in the most suitable bay for you to go ashore and help you organize a vehicle and a tour to pick you up from there.