Imagine a place where the sea is as calm as a pane of glass, framed by pine-covered hills and dotted with sleepy, sophisticated villages. This is Selimiye, the tranquil heart of Turkey’s magnificent Hisarönü Gulf. Now, imagine experiencing this sanctuary from the deck of a modern catamaran-your own private, spacious, and incredibly stable floating villa. A catamaran charter in Selimiye is the perfect fusion of contemporary comfort and timeless natural beauty, offering the ultimate platform for relaxation, family fun, and effortless exploration.
Advantages of a Catamaran Charter in Selimiye
In the uniquely calm waters of the Hisarönü Gulf, a catamaran’s inherent advantages are amplified, creating a truly superior holiday experience.
- Supreme Stability and Comfort: The gulf is famously protected and placid. A catamaran’s two hulls create an exceptionally stable platform with virtually no rocking at anchor and minimal heeling while sailing. For anyone concerned about seasickness, this combination is a dream come true.
- Unrivaled Space and Light: Catamarans offer significantly more living space than monohulls. The bright, airy salon opens seamlessly into the vast cockpit, creating a superb indoor-outdoor social area. Separate hulls provide privacy, while the iconic front trampoline net offers a vast sunbathing and lounging space with the water just below.
- Effortless Access to Paradise: With a shallow draft, a catamaran can often anchor in coves too shallow for other yachts, getting you closer to quiet beaches. The dual swim platforms at the stern make getting in and out of the crystal-clear water safe and effortless for all ages.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- Families with Children: A catamaran is the undisputed champion for family holidays. The stability means kids can move around safely, the enclosed cockpit provides a secure play area, and the sheer amount of space prevents everyone from feeling cramped.
- Groups of Friends: The multiple, distinct social areas-the cockpit for dining, the salon for relaxing, the foredeck for sunbathing-allow groups to socialize together comfortably without ever feeling on top of each other.
- First-Time Charterers: The gentle motion and easy handling of a catamaran make it a perfect, stress-free introduction to life on the water. It feels less like a boat and more like a waterfront apartment that moves.
- Modern Comfort Seekers: For those who appreciate contemporary design, bright open spaces, and all the modern conveniences, a catamaran delivers a chic and comfortable base for exploring the coast.
Season & Weather
The season in Selimiye runs from May to October, and a catamaran is perfectly suited for all of it.
- May - June: The weather is pleasantly warm, the landscape is at its greenest, and the bays are wonderfully quiet.
- July - August: The hottest months are perfect for swimming. The afternoon breezes that can create chop elsewhere are barely felt on a stable catamaran in the protected gulf.
- September - October: The sea is at its warmest, and the air becomes milder. It's an ideal time for a peaceful and comfortable cruise as the summer crowds thin out.
Sample Itineraries
Itineraries from Selimiye are about short, relaxing hops between stunning locations.
1-Day Route: Island Hopping Fun
Depart Selimiye and enjoy a short, stable cruise to Aquarium Bay (Dişlice Island) for fantastic snorkeling. In the afternoon, hop over to Kamelya Island to see the ancient monastery on the hilltop. The front trampoline is the best seat in the house for these short passages.
2–3 Day Route: A Tour of the Western Gulf
- Day 1: Cruise from Selimiye to the wide bay of Orhaniye. Anchor and go ashore to see the famous 'Kızkumu' sandbar where you can walk in the middle of the sea.
- Day 2: A short trip takes you to the breathtaking, fjord-like inlet of Bencik Koyu. Anchor deep inside the fjord for a night of perfect silence.
- Day 3: Enjoy a leisurely sail back towards Selimiye, stopping at the legendary sailors' haven of Dirsekbükü for a long, lazy lunch and swim.
1-Week Route: The Complete Hisarönü Experience
- Day 1: Settle into your catamaran in Selimiye's peaceful bay.
- Day 2: A relaxed cruise to Orhaniye for swimming and exploring ashore.
- Day 3: Navigate into the stunning Bencik Koyu for a day of tranquility.
- Day 4: A slightly longer, but very comfortable, open-water cruise to the charming town of Datça.
- Day 5: A highlight trip to the magnificent Ancient City of Knidos at the peninsula's tip.
- Day 6: Begin the return journey, stopping at the authentic gulet-building village of Bozburun.
- Day 7: A final blissful day of swimming and relaxing at Dirsekbükü and other coves before your farewell dinner in Selimiye.
Harbour, Transfer & Check-In
The nearest airport is Dalaman (DLM), located a 2.5-hour scenic drive away. Selimiye has no large, formal marina. Instead, yachts anchor in the protected bay or moor at the private jetties of the excellent waterfront restaurants-an experience that is part of the village's unique charm.
Yacht & Equipment
A catamaran is a marvel of modern naval design focused on comfort and space.
- 360-Degree Views: The salon is typically on the same level as the cockpit and surrounded by large windows, offering panoramic views at all times.
- Indoor-Outdoor Living: Huge sliding doors connect the salon and cockpit, creating one vast, open-plan area for entertaining and relaxing.
- Privacy in the Hulls: Guest cabins are usually located in the separate hulls, offering a level of privacy not found on monohull yachts.
- The Trampoline: The net strung between the two hulls at the front is more than just a feature; it's a social hub, a sunbed, and the most exhilarating place to be while underway.
Cost Items
- Charter Fee: The base price for the yacht rental.
- Transit Log: A mandatory fee for cruising in Turkish waters.
- Security Deposit: A refundable deposit required for bareboat (self-skippered) charters.
- Skipper Fee: An additional daily fee if you hire a professional captain.
- Variable Expenses: These include fuel, provisions (food & drinks), and any fees for mooring at restaurant jetties or in other towns.
Safety, Insurance & Rules
All charter catamarans are fully insured and equipped with the latest safety gear. When skippered, your captain is a professional responsible for your safety. When chartering bareboat, you must have the appropriate licenses. The catamaran's wide beam (width) requires a bit more awareness when maneuvering in tight spaces.
Local Highlights
- The Bays of Hisarönü: The main attraction. The gulf is a treasure chest of pristine bays like Dirsekbükü, Akçabük, and Bencik.
- Orhaniye & 'Kızkumu': The unique underwater sandbar that creates the magical illusion of walking on water.
- Bozburun: A quiet, authentic town where you can still see master craftsmen building traditional wooden gulets.
- Söğüt: A tiny village with a huge reputation for its incredible, authentic seafood restaurants.
- Kamelya Island: A delightful anchorage with a historic Greek monastery on the hill, offering fantastic views of the gulf.
Tips
- Utilize All the Space: Don't just stay in the cockpit. Enjoy breakfast on the foredeck, read a book on the trampoline, and find your own favourite spot.
- Get Closer to Shore: Ask your skipper to use the catamaran's shallow draft to anchor in shallower, more secluded spots that other boats can't reach.
- Dine on a Jetty: Mooring at a restaurant's private jetty for dinner is a classic Hisarönü experience. It's convenient and a great way to enjoy the local culinary scene.
- Go for a Sail: Catamarans are stable and surprisingly fast sailing boats. In the gentle afternoon breezes of the gulf, ask your skipper to turn off the engines and enjoy the silence of sailing.
- Pack Light, Live Large: Despite the immense space, remember you are still on a boat. Soft, collapsible bags are always better than hard suitcases for easy storage.