Marmaris is the vibrant, beating heart of the Turkish Riviera, a perfect launchpad into the sailor's paradise of the Hisarönü Gulf. To explore this breathtaking region of tranquil bays, charming villages, and ancient ruins, there is no vessel more suited to modern comfort and style than a Catamaran. Chartering a catamaran from Marmaris is like being handed the keys to your private floating villa, offering an experience of unparalleled stability, space, and freedom on the turquoise Aegean Sea.
Advantages of Chartering a Catamaran in Marmaris
The combination of a catamaran's design and the geography of the Marmaris cruising grounds is a perfect match. The Hisarönü Gulf is renowned for its calm, protected waters and predictable winds, which is the ideal environment to leverage a catamaran's key strengths:
- Exceptional Stability: With two hulls, a catamaran barely heels (leans over) while sailing. This creates a supremely comfortable and stable platform, eliminating worries about seasickness and making it incredibly relaxing for everyone on board.
- Enormous Living Space: A catamaran offers almost double the space of a monohull of the same length. The vast, single-level saloon and cockpit area creates a fantastic open-plan space for socializing, dining, and relaxing.
- Shallow Draft: Catamarans can enter shallower waters than monohull yachts. This is a huge advantage in the popular bays of Hisarönü, allowing you to anchor closer to beaches and find prime spots in secluded coves.
Who Is It For?
- Families with Children: The stability, space, and safety features make catamarans the number one choice for families. The forward netting is a fantastic play area, and the easy swim access from the stern is a huge bonus.
- Groups of Friends: The large communal areas are perfect for socializing, while the separation of cabins in the two hulls provides excellent privacy.
- First-Time Sailors: The stable and secure feeling of a catamaran helps build confidence and ensures a positive and enjoyable first sailing holiday.
- Comfort-Seeking Cruisers: For those who love the idea of sailing but not the feeling of living at an angle, a catamaran offers all the joy of being on the water with the comfort of a luxury apartment.
Season & Weather
The charter season in Marmaris runs from May through October. The sailing conditions are ideal for catamarans. The prevailing summer wind, the 'Meltemi', is generally moderate and predictable within the sheltered confines of the gulf, providing perfect power for a gentle, relaxing sail. The abundance of deep, protected bays ensures you can always find a calm anchorage for the night.
Sample Itineraries
1-Day Route: A Taste of the Coast
Depart from your Marmaris marina and enjoy a comfortable sail to Paradise Island for a first swim. Continue to the beautiful bay of Kumlubük, relax on the forward "trampoline" nets, and enjoy a fresh lunch on the stable, spacious deck before returning to port.
2-3 Day Route: A Village Escape
- Day 1: Set sail from Marmaris to the charming village of Selimiye. The journey is a comfortable couple of hours. Anchor in the calm bay and take your dinghy ashore for dinner at a world-class waterfront restaurant.
- Day 2: Explore the bays around Selimiye, using your shallow draft to find a quiet spot. Sail to a secluded cove like Dirsekbükü for an afternoon of swimming and snorkeling.
- Day 3: Enjoy a final breakfast in paradise before a relaxing downwind sail back to Marmaris.
1-Week Route: The Classic Hisarönü Gulf Circuit
- Day 1: After check-in in Marmaris, make a short trip to anchor in Kumlubük for your first night.
- Day 2: Sail to the ancient city of Loryma in the vast, protected bay of Bozukkale. Explore the Hellenistic fortress walls.
- Day 3: A gentle sail brings you to the tranquil boat-building village of Bozburun.
- Day 4: Head to the jewel of the gulf: Selimiye. Enjoy its sophisticated atmosphere and fantastic restaurants.
- Day 5: Explore the bays around Orhaniye, using your catamaran's shallow draft to get close to the famous Kızkumu (Maiden's Sand) beach.
- Day 6: Visit some of the stunning bays on the north side of the gulf, such as Bencik or Dirsekbükü.
- Day 7: Enjoy a final day of beautiful sailing as you make your way back towards Marmaris for your last night.
Harbour, Transfer & Check-in
Marmaris is home to several large, modern marinas, including Netsel Marina and Marmaris Yacht Marina, where all major charter fleets are based. The closest airport is Dalaman Airport (DLM), with a transfer time of about 90 minutes. Check-in for weekly charters is a professional process, typically taking place on Saturday afternoon.
Vessel & Equipment
The modern cruising catamaran is designed for life in the sun:
- Indoor-Outdoor Living: A large sliding door connects the saloon and cockpit, creating one enormous, seamless space for your group to enjoy.
- The "Trampoline": The forward netting is the most popular spot on the boat for sunbathing and relaxing while under sail.
- 360-Degree Views: The raised helm station and large windows in the saloon offer fantastic panoramic views.
- Easy Water Access: Wide stern platforms, known as "sugar scoops," make getting in and out of the water for a swim safe and effortless.
Cost Components
- Charter Fee: The weekly hire fee for the boat (bareboat or with a skipper).
- Extras: A compulsory charter pack that includes transit log, final cleaning, linens, and towels.
- Security Deposit: A refundable deposit held against any damages during a bareboat charter.
- Provisions, Fuel & Water: These are variable costs based on your consumption.
- Marina Fees: For any nights you choose to stay in private marinas outside your home base. Be aware fees are higher for catamarans due to their width.
Safety, Insurance & Rules
All charter catamarans are fully insured and equipped with all necessary safety gear. If chartering bareboat, the designated skipper must have the appropriate qualifications and experience. The captain's authority regarding safety is absolute.
Local Highlights
- Selimiye: A chic and peaceful village renowned for its tranquil bay and exceptional seafood restaurants.
- Bozukkale (Loryma): A massive, perfectly sheltered natural harbour guarded by the impressive ruins of an ancient citadel.
- Dirsekbükü: A stunning, secluded cove with crystal-clear water, a favorite stop for a swim.
- Orhaniye & Kızkumu: Famous for the natural sandbar that allows you to "walk on water," a destination where a catamaran's shallow draft is a real asset.
- Bozburun: A quiet, traditional village, once the centre of Turkish gulet building, that offers a glimpse into authentic local life.
Tips
- Embrace the Space: Use the huge cockpit table for alfresco meals, card games, and evening cocktails. It's the social heart of the boat.
- Use the Shallow Draft to Your Advantage: In a crowded bay, look for the shallower spots close to the beach where monohulls can't go. You'll often get the best view.
- The Net is Your Friend: The forward trampoline is the best place to be while sailing. Lie back, relax, and enjoy the show.
- Stay Cool: Most modern catamarans have excellent ventilation, and many are equipped with generators and air conditioning, providing a comfortable escape during the peak summer heat.
