Bozburun is the soul of Turkey's maritime heritage, a place where time slows down and the tradition of wooden gulet building continues. To explore this serene and authentic peninsula on a modern catamaran is to experience the best of both worlds: the timeless beauty of the Hisarönü Gulf combined with the exceptional space, stability, and comfort of a contemporary sailing vessel. A catamaran charter from Bozburun is your ticket to a floating private villa, granting you access to pristine bays and charming villages in ultimate comfort.
Advantages of a Catamaran Charter in Bozburun
The Hisarönü Gulf, with its famously calm waters and gentle breezes, is an ideal playground for a catamaran. The twin-hull design provides a remarkably stable platform that doesn't heel (lean over), making it perfect for families, first-time sailors, or anyone who values comfort above all. The sheer volume of living space is a game-changer; the expansive saloon flows seamlessly into the cockpit, creating a vast indoor-outdoor social area. Add the iconic front trampolines for sunbathing, and you have a vessel designed purely for pleasure and relaxation.
Who Is It For?
- Families with Children: The stability, safety, and huge amount of deck space make a catamaran a secure and fun-filled floating playground for kids.
- First-Time Charterers: Those new to sailing will appreciate the level, stable ride, which greatly reduces the chance of seasickness and makes life on board easy and comfortable.
- Groups of Friends: The large, open-plan social areas are perfect for groups to dine, lounge, and enjoy their holiday together without feeling cramped. The separation of cabins in the two hulls also offers excellent privacy.
- Comfort and Space Lovers: Anyone who wants the freedom of a sailing holiday without compromising on space and luxury. A catamaran feels less like a boat and more like a private waterfront apartment.
Season & Weather
The sailing season in the Bozburun peninsula runs from May through October.
- May - June: A beautiful time with lush green landscapes, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds.
- July - August: The warmest months, perfect for swimming in the crystal-clear waters. A reliable afternoon breeze (the Meltemi) often provides perfect, gentle sailing conditions.
- September - October: Considered by many to be the perfect season. The sea is still wonderfully warm, the summer crowds have gone, and the weather is typically stable and sunny.
Sample Itineraries
1-Day Route: A Taste of Stability and Space
Depart from Bozburun and enjoy a short, smooth sail to the fjord-like bay of Serçe Limanı. Anchor in the turquoise waters, spread out on the trampolines, and enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The catamaran's easy-access swim platforms make getting in and out of the water effortless.
2–3 Day Route: The Villages Loop
- Day 1: Set sail for the chic village of Selimiye. Enjoy the incredibly stable ride before anchoring in its placid bay. Go ashore for dinner at a renowned waterfront restaurant.
- Day 2: A short morning cruise to the authentic village of Söğüt. In the afternoon, find a quiet spot to anchor and enjoy the panoramic views from your catamaran's spacious cockpit.
- Day 3: A leisurely sail back towards Bozburun, stopping at a secluded cove for a final swim before returning to port.
1-Week Route: The Classic Hisarönü Gulf Circuit
- Day 1: Embark in Bozburun, settle into your spacious cabin, and make a short trip to a nearby bay for your first night.
- Day 2: Cruise to Loryma (Bozukkale) to explore the impressive ancient fortress that guards the bay.
- Day 3: A beautiful sail across to the Datça Peninsula, stopping at the pristine bays of Bencik or Kocabahçe.
- Day 4: Arrive in the charming town of Datça. Explore its lovely harbour and old town.
- Day 5: Cross the gulf to its northern shore, anchoring in the stunning bay of Orhaniye. Walk on the famous Kızkumu sandbar.
- Day 6: A short cruise to the sophisticated village of Selimiye for a swim and perhaps a special dinner ashore.
- Day 7: Enjoy a relaxed final day of sailing, stopping at the popular sailors' haunt of Dirsek Bükü before returning to Bozburun.
Harbour, Transfer & Check-In
The main gateway is Dalaman Airport (DLM). The transfer to Bozburun's harbour is a scenic 2.5-hour drive through pine forests and mountains. Private transfers are easily arranged. Most charters start from the main harbour in Bozburun. Check-in is typically on Saturday afternoon, around 3:00-4:00 PM.
Vessel & Equipment
Catamarans are engineered for a comfortable and luxurious life on the water.
- Stability: The twin-hull design provides a stable platform at anchor and while sailing, eliminating almost all heeling.
- Space: A catamaran offers almost double the living space of a monohull of the same length. The saloon, cockpit, and forward trampolines provide multiple areas for relaxing and socializing.
- 360-Degree Views: The large windows in the saloon ensure that you are always connected to the stunning scenery outside.
- Privacy: With cabins located in separate hulls, catamarans offer excellent privacy for couples or different family groups.
- Shallow Draft: The ability to enter shallower bays gets you closer to the best beaches and more secluded anchorages.
Cost Components
- Charter Fee: The weekly fee for the yacht (either bareboat or with a skipper).
- Transit Log: A mandatory fee for a cruising permit in Turkish waters.
- End Cleaning: A compulsory fee for cleaning the yacht after your charter.
- Security Deposit: A refundable deposit held against any potential damages (for bareboat charters).
- Extras: Optional costs for a skipper, hostess/chef, outboard engine for the dinghy, and water toys like paddleboards.
- Running Expenses: You will pay for the fuel used and any mooring fees at private marinas during your trip.
Safety, Insurance & Rules
All charter catamarans are fully insured and equipped with all internationally required safety gear, including life vests, life rafts, flares, and fire extinguishers. If you hire a skipper, they are a professional mariner responsible for the safety of the vessel and everyone on board.
Local Highlights
- Loryma (Bozukkale): An immense and ancient citadel guarding the entrance to a perfectly sheltered natural harbour.
- Selimiye: A sophisticated and peaceful village with high-quality waterfront restaurants and boutique shops.
- Orhaniye & Kızkumu: Famous for the long, submerged sandbar that gives the illusion of walking on water.
- Söğüt: An authentic village with stunning sunset views and fantastic, simple seafood restaurants.
- The Gulet Shipyards: See the traditional wooden boats that made this region famous being built by hand on the shore.
Tips
- Embrace the Space: Use all the different areas your catamaran offers. Enjoy breakfast in the cockpit, sunbathe on the trampolines, and find a quiet spot on the flybridge (if available).
- Pack Soft Luggage: Duffel bags or other soft-sided luggage are much easier to store in the cabins than rigid suitcases.
- Provision Smartly: The large refrigerators and storage on a catamaran allow you to provision well for the week. Stock up on local produce, cheeses, and olives from the markets.
- Get Closer: Ask your skipper to take advantage of the shallow draft to anchor in beautiful, shallow coves that other boats can't reach.
- Enjoy the Stability: A catamaran is a perfect platform for activities like paddleboarding or morning yoga on deck, as it provides a solid, level base.