Fethiye Yacht Charter: how to discover the Lycian coast from a new perspective in 2025

Have you ever wondered what paradise looks like from the water? Those who have rented a yacht in Fethiye at least once know the answer to this question. This city on the Turkish Riviera is not just a resort with beaches. It is a portal to a world where turquoise bays are hidden behind rocky headlands, and ancient Lycian tombs are carved right into the sheer cliffs above the sea.

In 2025, Fethiye remains the capital of “blue cruises” — the very format of travel when you do not just rent a yacht, but acquire the key to hundreds of hidden coves where no ordinary tourist has set foot. Here, renting a yacht is not a luxury, but the most logical and beautiful way to explore the coast, where each new bay surpasses the previous one in beauty.

Why a yacht? Fethiye, which you won’t see from the land

From the shore, Fethiye is a cozy town with a lively promenade, pine hills and a famous market. But his soul belongs to the sea. It is worth moving just a mile away from the pier, and you will see a completely different Turkey — one where there are no hotel complexes, but only rocks, sea and silence, broken by the cry of seagulls.

Renting a yacht with a captain in Fethiye is about gaining freedom. Freedom to make a route according to your desires: today — a noisy party in Cleopatra Bay, tomorrow — complete privacy on the wild Kabak beach. Your captain is not just a skipper, but a guide, fisherman and a connoisseur of local lore all rolled into one. He will lead you to the places where the best fish are caught for dinner, show you the bay where pirates were hiding, according to legend, and help you negotiate fresh fruits with a passing local resident’s boat. You are relieved of the worries of navigating among the reefs and can fully surrender to the state of “kluft” — the very blissful peace that many people go to Turkey for.

Culture on board: from sunrise to sunset in Turkish

Life on a yacht in Fethiye is governed by natural rhythms and filled with simple but deep pleasures. The morning begins with a dip in the water, which still keeps the night cool, and the first glass of strong Turkish tea, which is drunk here from glass cups in the shape of a tulip. Breakfast on deck is always a feast of freshness: sliced tomatoes and cucumbers with crystal sea salt, several types of sheep and goat cheese, olives, honey and fried eggs with hot pepper.

But the main gastronomic performance begins at sunset. After a day sailing between the islands, the captain or flight attendant turns the yacht’s stern into an open-air restaurant. First, dozens of small plates with “meze” appear: djadzhik (yogurt with cucumber), eggplant caviar, dolma in grape leaves, octopus in olive oil. This is the art of a feast stretched out in time for a leisurely conversation. And the highlight will be a hot dish — maybe dorada grilled right in front of your eyes, or maybe guvech — stewed seafood in a clay pot. Dinner by the light of lanterns, with the sounds of water and distant Turkish music coming from the shore — this is the core of a yacht trip.

Where to sail: in the footsteps of ancient sailors

The classic week—long route from Fethiye is a trip to the southeast, along the rugged Lycian coast. This is not a voyage between points on the map, but between epochs and natural wonders.

Your path will almost certainly lead to the Blue Lagoon (Oludeniz). Its turquoise, almost unreal water, fenced off from the open sea by a sandy spit, is a must-see. Or even better, sail along it on a yacht, watching hang gliders soar above your mast, starting from Mount Babadag.

Next, you will find Kekova Island and its main mystery — the sunken city of Dolkhiste. Sailing on a yacht over the ruins of ancient streets, staircases and house foundations that go several meters into the transparent depths, you witness an amazing dialogue between history and the sea. This place has a special, almost mystical atmosphere. It is mandatory to disembark at the fishing village of Kalekey (ancient Simena), where you can climb to the ruins of the Lycian fortress to drink tea with a view of the ancient sarcophagi scattered on the water.

The journey can lead you to other gems: to the wild beaches of Kabak Bay, which can only be reached by sea or by a difficult path; to the island of Gemiler with its Byzantine churches; or further east, to the ancient city of Mira, famous for its rock tombs.

How to rent a yacht in Fethiye in 2025: practical tips

The cost of renting a yacht with a captain starts from about 1000-1500 euros per day for a comfortable sailing yacht or a spacious catamaran for 6-8 people. This amount usually includes the rental of a ship, the services of the captain (and often a sailor or cook) and insurance. A separate budget is formed for food, fuel and port charges (the so-called APA, Advanced Provisioning Allowance), which is 30-50% of the charter cost. It is from these funds that the captain will purchase the freshest fish, vegetables and fruits from the Fethiye markets that will become part of your trip.

What to pay attention to:

• Book in advance: For high season (July-August) Yachts in Fethiye should be booked in advance, especially if you need a specific model or dates.
• The best time: The “velvety” months of May, June and September offer the perfect balance of warm water, mild sun and absence of crowds.
• What to take: Be sure to take soft travel bags (suitcases are inconvenient to store in cabins), powerful sunscreen, a headdress, light clothing and a willingness that communication will only be in some bays.
• Tips: It is customary to leave the crew a tip of 5-10% of the charter fee if you are satisfied with the service.

Renting a yacht in Fethiye is not a way of moving, but a way of life for a week. This is an opportunity to become a part of the maritime culture that everything breathes here, to see Turkey through the eyes of the ancient Lycians and discover the very “paradise on earth” that will forever remain in memory not as a picture from a booklet, but as a living, breathing adventure.

The Anyships team has a detailed knowledge of the Fethiye yacht market. We will select a yacht for you that will be an ideal houseboat, introduce you to a trusted Russian or English-speaking captain and help you plan a route that will take into account all your wishes — from diving to gastronomy. Trust us with the organization, and get ready for a trip that will change your idea of rest.