Bareboat Yacht Charter in Turkey: Fethiye, Göcek & Kekova
Bareboat Yacht Charter in Turkey: Sail Fethiye, Göcek & Kekova Your Way
Bareboat Yacht Charter Turkey: Best Routes from Fethiye, Göcek & Kekova
Bareboat yacht charter Turkey is the best way for confident skippers to explore Fethiye, Göcek and Kekova at their own pace.
If you’re a confident skipper who wants full freedom on the water, a bareboat charter in Turkey’s
southwest coast is one of the best ways to explore the Mediterranean. You choose the pace, the anchorages, and
the route—swimming in turquoise coves, stopping in harbour towns, and discovering quiet bays that are simply
better reached by sea.
Below, you’ll find a practical bareboat-focused guide to Turkey’s most popular cruising areas—Fethiye,
Göcek, and Kekova—plus what to prepare before you arrive and how Joy Yachting helps
you charter smoothly from day one.
Why Turkey is ideal for bareboat sailing
- Turquoise waters & protected bays: Ideal for relaxed anchoring, swimming, and short daily hops.
- Variety in one region: Pine-lined coves, islands, harbour towns, and history-rich stops in a single itinerary.
- Flexible routes: You can build a week around calm bays (Göcek) or add iconic scenery and culture (Fethiye & Kekova).
Who bareboat charter is for
Bareboat is designed for guests who want to skipper the yacht themselves. It’s a strong fit if you:
- Have practical sailing experience and feel comfortable handling docking, anchoring, and route planning
- Prefer privacy, independence, and a self-managed schedule
- Want to explore at your own rhythm—no fixed programme, no rigid timetable
What you need for a bareboat charter
Bareboat charters typically require valid skipper qualifications and experience that meet local and marina regulations.
Requirements can vary by yacht type and itinerary, so the safest approach is simple:
- Skipper certification: Provide your sailing qualification details in advance so we can confirm compliance.
- Comfort with basics: Navigation, weather awareness, anchoring, and docking.
If you want the same route and yacht experience without skippering yourself, you can also ask about
skippered options—but this article is written specifically for bareboat guests.
Top bareboat areas to explore
1) Fethiye: iconic scenery and classic “Blue Voyage” routes
Fethiye is one of the most popular gateways to Turkey’s yacht cruising culture. For bareboat guests, it offers
access to memorable coastal scenery and standout nature stops.
Ölüdeniz
Famous for its striking colours and postcard views—an excellent highlight to include in a Fethiye-based route.
Butterfly Valley
Known for dramatic cliffs and a wild, untouched feel. Approaching by yacht delivers some of the best perspectives
of the coastline.
2) Göcek: calm waters, island-hopping, and relaxed bareboat days
Göcek is often the first choice for guests who want an easy-going bareboat rhythm: short hops, beautiful bays, and
plenty of time for swimming and sunset anchoring.
Popular stops include:
- Yassıca Islands
- Çiftlik Bay
- Bedri Rahmi Bay
3) Kekova: history, calm anchorages, and a unique coastal atmosphere
Kekova (with Kaleköy and surrounding waters) is a distinctive option for skippers who want more than “just bays.”
It blends nature with a strong historical character, including areas known for ancient coastal remains and
memorable viewpoints.
Bareboat planning tips that make your trip smoother
Route planning
- Keep it flexible: Pick a few “must-stop” highlights, then leave space for spontaneous anchorages.
- Plan for comfort: Balance scenic stops with practical marinas/bays for water, supplies, and rest.
- Don’t overpack the itinerary: Bareboat is best when your days aren’t rushed.
Helpful tools for bareboat skippers:
Check wind and marine forecasts on Windy, review anchorages and marinas on Navily, and track vessel traffic on MarineTraffic.
Provisioning & onboard routine
- Stock smart on day 1: Focus on breakfasts, snacks, and easy meals; enjoy coastal restaurants when you dock.
- Water & power awareness: Keep an eye on consumption—simple habits prevent surprises.
- Lines & fenders: Make docking and mooring easier by assigning roles before you approach.
Safety & local rules
Always follow local guidance on mooring/anchoring, protected areas, and harbour procedures. If you’re unsure,
ask before you depart—clear rules make bareboat stress-free.
How a bareboat charter with Joy Yachting works
- Send your dates + group details: We recommend yacht options based on size, comfort level, and route goals.
- Share qualification details: We confirm what’s needed for your bareboat booking.
- Choose add-ons if needed: Extra comfort items, onboard essentials, and practical upgrades.
- Check-in & briefing: You’ll receive handover guidance so you start confidently.
- Sail your route: Enjoy full independence with a plan that suits your style.
Request a bareboat quote
Tell us your preferred dates, departure area (Fethiye, Göcek, or Kekova), number of guests, and the yacht style
you prefer. We’ll come back with suitable bareboat options and route suggestions.
Quick bareboat FAQ
Can we do bareboat if only one person is a skipper?
Yes—typically one qualified skipper is enough, but it’s strongly recommended to have at least one other adult
able to assist with lines, fenders, and basic onboard tasks.
Which area is best for a relaxed bareboat week?
Göcek is a popular choice for an easy rhythm: bay-focused days, short hops, and plenty of swimming stops.
Fethiye and Kekova add more “iconic highlights” and historical atmosphere depending on your preferences.
Do you help with route suggestions?
Yes. If you share your priorities (quiet bays, island hopping, restaurants, history, etc.), we can suggest a
practical route outline that matches your timeframe and comfort level.