Fethiye is the jewel of Turkey's Lycian Coast, a breathtaking region where pine-clad mountains plunge into turquoise waters and ancient history whispers from cliff-face tombs. To explore this world-class cruising ground, there is no vessel more suited to modern comfort and family adventure than a catamaran. With its immense space, superior stability, and luxurious amenities, a catamaran transforms your holiday into an experience of a private floating villa, offering the perfect platform from which to witness the wonders of Fethiye.
Advantages of a Catamaran Charter in Fethiye
Choosing a catamaran for your Fethiye adventure is choosing a smarter, more comfortable way to cruise.
- Unmatched Stability & Comfort: A catamaran's two hulls create a stable, solid platform that dramatically reduces rolling and heeling. This makes for a smoother ride, especially on the open-water passages towards Kaş and Kekova, and virtually eliminates seasickness-a huge plus for families and first-time sailors.
- Expansive Living Space: Catamarans offer a volume of living space that is unrivalled by monohulls of the same length. The vast, single-level salon and cockpit area creates a superb social space for dining and relaxing, while the iconic forward trampoline net is the best seat in the house for sunbathing and dolphin spotting.
- Access & Versatility: With a shallower draft than most monohulls, a catamaran can often anchor in more secluded spots and get closer to the shore in popular bays. The dual stern platforms provide easy and safe access to the water for swimming, paddleboarding, and using the dinghy.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- Families with Children: The number one choice for a family holiday. The stability, enclosed cockpit, ample play areas, and easy water access make it a safe and fun environment for all ages.
- Groups of Friends: The multiple social zones-cockpit, salon, and foredeck-allow large groups to socialise comfortably together without ever feeling crowded.
- First-Time Blue Cruisers: For those new to sailing holidays, the comfort and stability of a catamaran provide a gentle and incredibly enjoyable introduction to life on the water.
- Comfort-Seeking Adventurers: Guests who want to experience the epic landscapes and historical sites of the Lycian coast without compromising on the space, luxury, and comforts of a modern apartment.
Season & Weather
The sailing season in Fethiye is long and beautiful, running from May through October.
- May - June: Ideal weather with comfortable temperatures and lush green scenery. The seas are generally calm, perfect for relaxed cruising.
- July - August: The hottest and busiest months, with reliable afternoon breezes that are perfect for sailing. A catamaran's stability makes these windy passages comfortable and exhilarating.
- September - October: Often considered the best time to visit. The sea is wonderfully warm, the crowds have thinned, and the weather is consistently beautiful.
Sample Itineraries
1-Day Route: Fethiye Bay Highlights
Depart from Fethiye Marina for a relaxing day exploring the immediate bay. Cruise around historic Şövalye Island, anchor for lunch and a swim at pine-fringed Turunç Pınarı, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Aquarium Bay before a gentle sail back to port at sunset.
2-3 Day Route: Göcek Islands Taster Cruise
- Day 1: Set sail from Fethiye and head into the famous Gulf of Göcek. Spend the afternoon island-hopping around the Yassıca Islands.
- Day 2: Explore the submerged ruins at Cleopatra's Bath (Hamam Bay) and visit the historic Tersane (Shipyard) Island.
- Day 3: Enjoy a final morning swim in a secluded Göcek cove before a comfortable and stable sail back to Fethiye.
1-Week Route: The Classic Fethiye to Kekova Catamaran Adventure
- Day 1: Embark in Fethiye and enjoy a short shakedown cruise to a nearby bay for your first night at anchor.
- Day 2: Sail to the world-famous Ölüdeniz for a photo stop, visit Butterfly Valley, and anchor for the night at historic Gemiler (St. Nicholas) Island.
- Day 3: An exhilarating open-sea cruise to the charming harbour town of Kaş, where your catamaran's stability will be greatly appreciated.
- Day 4: Arrive in the protected Kekova region. Cruise silently over the mesmerising Sunken City of Simena.
- Day 5: Go ashore to explore the medieval castle at Kaleköy (Simena), which is only accessible from the sea.
- Day 6: Begin the relaxing journey west, stopping for swims in beautiful, secluded coves like Limanağzı or Firnaz Bay.
- Day 7: Enjoy a final day of swimming and sunbathing in Fethiye Bay before returning to the marina for your last evening.
Harbour, Transfer & Check-In
The main gateway is Dalaman Airport (DLM), located just a 45-minute drive from Fethiye. Charters typically depart from the modern and well-equipped Ece Marina or the Fethiye municipal harbour. Check-in for weekly charters is usually on Saturday afternoons.
Yacht & Equipment
A catamaran is your private, mobile beach club.
- Dual-Hull Design: The foundation of its stability and smooth ride.
- Indoor-Outdoor Living: The saloon and cockpit flow together into one enormous, single-level space perfect for entertaining and family life.
- The Trampoline: The forward netting is not just a feature; it's an experience. It's the most relaxing place to lie back, feel the sea spray, and watch the world go by.
- Privacy: Cabins are located in the separate hulls, offering greater privacy for couples and families.
Cost Items
- Charter Fee: The base rental price for the catamaran.
- Transit Log: A mandatory cruising permit for Turkish waters.
- Security Deposit: A refundable deposit required for bareboat charters to cover any potential damages.
- Optional Extras: Costs for hiring a professional skipper, hostess, or provisioning services.
- Running Expenses: Variable costs during your trip, including fuel, water, and mooring fees at private marinas like Kaş.
Safety, Insurance & Rules
All charter catamarans are fully insured and equipped to high international safety standards. For families, the enclosed cockpit, high guardrails, and stability offer an inherently safe environment. For bareboat charters, a recognised sailing license (such as an ICC or RYA Day Skipper) is required.
Local Highlights
- Ölüdeniz & The Blue Lagoon: One of the most photographed beaches in the world, best viewed from the deck of your private catamaran.
- Butterfly Valley: A stunning natural canyon accessible primarily by boat.
- Kayaköy (The Ghost Village): A short trip inland from Cold Water Bay, this abandoned Greek village is a poignant and unforgettable sight.
- Gemiler (St. Nicholas) Island: An open-air museum of Byzantine ruins that you can explore on foot.
- The Sunken City of Kekova: An ancient Lycian city submerged by an earthquake, visible through the crystal-clear water.
- Kaş: A vibrant and bohemian harbour town with excellent restaurants, shopping, and diving.
Tips
- Use the Space: A catamaran's size allows for multiple activities at once. Kids can play on the trampoline while adults enjoy a quiet drink in the cockpit.
- Get Closer to the Beach: Take advantage of the shallow draft. Ask your skipper to find those prime anchoring spots in shallower water, away from the deeper-keeled boats.
- The Perfect Watersports Platform: The stable platform and easy-access sterns are perfect for launching paddleboards, kayaks, and for snorkelling.
- Choose Your Adventure: Discuss with your skipper whether your group prefers the calm, relaxed vibe of the Göcek islands or the more adventurous, historical route to Kekova.
- Maximise Relaxation: Even if you're an experienced sailor, hiring a local skipper for a Fethiye charter allows you to fully relax and benefit from their invaluable knowledge of the best anchorages, restaurants, and historical sites.
