Four days, one floating sun deck. This Olympos to Fethiye gulet cruise is built for slow travel: you sleep on the boat for three nights, eat well every day, and hit remote bays that feel far from real life. I especially love the all-inclusive meals and the way the route mixes big-name spots with quieter corners along the Lycian Coast. One drawback to plan for: cabins are basic, and the toilets can smell a bit if you’re sensitive.

The pace is relaxed, and the group stays small—up to 15 people—so you’re not stuck with a huge crowd every time you stop for a swim. It runs in English, includes hotel pickup in the Olympos area, and then hands you off in Fethiye at the end. Bring comfy walking shoes and a little patience with boat life.

Key highlights at a glance

• Three nights onboard with a private bathroom, so you don’t waste time checking in and out of hotels
• All-inclusive meals plus unlimited tea and coffee, with a food style that often leans vegetarian
• Remote swimming stops across bays like Gokkaya, Firnaz, Butterfly Valley, and Samanlik
• Myra and St. Nicholas Church time mixed into Day 1, then back to the water for the rest of the day
• Oludeniz and St. Nicholas Island on Day 3, with optional paragliding
• Small-group feel (max 15) with a mix of international ages

Entering The Trip: Olympos Pickup, Demre Options, and a Smooth Start

Your cruise begins either with pickup from hotels in Olympos (as offered) or by meeting at Demre bus station using your name to get sorted quickly. From there, you transfer to the boat in Demre Harbor. It’s an easy start, but it’s also worth going in mentally prepared for travel-by-transfer—not a single “walk here and hop on” situation.

Once you’re on board, you can settle in fast. The boat is your home base for three nights, so you’ll live with the usual gulet rhythm: short transitions, then long stretches of swimming, lounging, and eating. That’s the real point of this style of trip. You’re not just seeing places; you’re staying close to the sea long enough to feel the difference.

What I’d do on Day 1 morning

Show up ready to move—have your passport info ready (you’ll need the passport details at booking), and consider wearing shoes you don’t mind getting wet or sandy. The itinerary includes a walk component later, and you’ll thank yourself.

Day 1: Myra and St. Nicholas Church to Pirates Cave and Kekova Views

Day 1 starts with Church of St. Nicholas and some time in Myra. At 10:00 a.m., you’re picked up from Olympos area tree houses or you meet in Demre, then you get transferred to the boat. After that, you get free time for the church and surrounding area, plus a chance for shopping or banking before the cruise portion fully takes over.

Then lunch hits on the boat, and the scenery shifts to coastal highlights. Sea conditions permitting, your cruise sails toward Pirates Cave—a stop that can feel like the Turkish Riviera’s action scene without the crowds. Next comes the Sunken City of Kekova. The key detail here: swimming is forbidden, so you view it from above instead. That changes the vibe in a good way. You’re not chasing the “jump in” moment; you’re taking in a landscape that’s meant to be watched.

After Kekova, you head toward Simena, a traditional fishing village with no car access. It’s the kind of place where you notice how small everyday life is compared to the tourist map. There’s also a Byzantine/Ottoman castle in the area, though the itinerary doesn’t promise a long guided deep ticketed visit—so treat it as a “see what you can while you can” stop.

The day closes in Gokkaya Bay, with optional water sports available for an extra fee. Dinner and overnight happen onboard, with two mood options: chill at Pirates Haven or enjoy more of a party atmosphere at Smugglers Inn.

Day 1 trade-off to consider

The itinerary gives you a satisfying day, but it’s also full. If you hate transitions, this might feel busy. If you like a well-paced day followed by relaxing boat time, it’s perfect.

Day 2: Kas to Firnaz Koyu and a Quiet Swim in a Bay

After breakfast, you cruise toward Kas. Kas is one of those towns where the ruins don’t take over, but they’re never far away. You get a swim stop in a quiet bay in front of the little town—an underrated moment because it’s calmer than the main beaches and you’re often sharing it with fewer people.

Then you’re back onboard for lunch, followed by time to explore. Kas used to be Antiphellos in ancient times. What remains today includes Lycian rock tombs and sarcophagi plus a Roman theater. The itinerary keeps it flexible, so you can focus on what you like—ruins, views, or just strolling the town streets.

Near Kalkan, you make a stop in Firnaz Bay. It’s a good pairing with the Kas area because it balances sightseeing with the “quiet bay” feeling. Dinner and overnight are onboard again, which is part of the value. Two nights into the cruise, you stop thinking about logistics and start thinking about swims, sunsets, and where the shade is best.

A practical tip for Day 2

If you want photos, aim to capture Kas/Tomb viewpoints when the light is lower. You’ll still have time, but you’ll get better contrast when you’re not shooting in midday glare.

Day 3: Butterfly Valley, Oludeniz Blue Lagoon, Paragliding Option, and St. Nicholas Island

Day 3 is the big “wow” day, with nature plus one of Turkey’s best-known beach icons.

You wake up in Butterfly Valley and get breakfast there, with time to swim and/or visit the nature reserve. The reserve is home to 136 kinds of different butterflies and moths, which is a detail I love because it turns the visit into something more than just scenery. It’s not only pretty; it’s specific.

There’s also a walking aspect. One real-world note from experience: if you plan to do the Butterfly Valley walk, wear proper shoes. The terrain can be the kind that punishes flip-flops.

Next up is Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon), sea conditions permitting. This is where you’ll likely see a mix of day-trippers and cruise guests, but the boat stop helps you arrive at a calmer rhythm than you’d get if you were racing buses. You also have the option of paragliding—not included in the base package, so treat it as a choice if you want the adrenaline.

After lunch, the last stop is St. Nicholas Island. You’ll see Byzantine ruins and get more time for swimming. This is a smart contrast to Butterfly Valley: one side is nature-focused and quiet, the other is ruins-and-sea.

Dinner and overnight remain onboard.

Day 3 drawback to plan for

Because the itinerary hits major spots, it’s also more “active.” You’ll be swimming, walking (optional but common), and moving between stops. If you want a totally low-energy day, consider how you feel about the walk and the general pace.

Day 4: Samanlik Bay Swim, Lunch, and Fethiye Harbor Drop-Off

Your final morning starts with breakfast onboard, then you head to Samanlik Bay for a swim and lunch. This is a good closing move because it keeps the focus on the coastline rather than “last-minute sightseeing.”

After that, you sail to Fethiye Harbor, check out of the boat, and transfer to your hotel in Fethiye. The handoff is included, which makes the ending feel simpler than many cruises. You don’t need to immediately figure out transport after four days at sea.

How to think about Day 4

It’s not trying to squeeze in a museum visit. It’s designed for the most comfortable ending: swim, eat, and then go to shore for the last leg of your trip. If you’re planning the rest of your Turkey itinerary afterward, schedule something easy on Day 4 evening—your legs and hair will need it.

Food on Board: All-Inclusive Meals, Tea and Coffee, and the Vegetarian-Friendly Reality

The biggest day-to-day value here is food. The trip includes meals aligned to the itinerary: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus unlimited tea and coffee. That matters on a boat because you’re not constantly hunting for snacks at ports. Meals are part of the “stay on board” rhythm.

One detail that stood out from the experience notes: the meals are often mainly vegetarian, with fish showing up at times. That’s a win for many people, and it’s also useful if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t eat meat often. Alcohol isn’t included (you can buy it), so if you love wine or beer, you should budget a bit extra.

What I like most is how the cruise gives you room to snack without stress. You can bring extra snacks like fruit, nuts, muesli, yogurt, chocolate, and similar items.

Best way to enjoy the meals

Eat when it’s served. Don’t wait for perfect hunger timing. Boat kitchens run on schedules, and you’ll get more relaxed if you go with the flow.

Snorkels, Board Games, and the Comfort Stuff You Actually Use

This cruise includes standard yacht features that make a difference in real use:

• Snorkels and masks
• Fishing lines
• Board games
• Unlimited tea and coffee

There are also snorkel moments built into the itinerary’s sea stops. Even if you don’t snorkel, masks and quick gear make you braver about the water. And board games are a sneaky advantage when you want downtime between stops.

If you’re the type who packs lightly, this is helpful. You don’t have to buy or rent basic gear during the trip.

Cabins and Bathroom Reality: Private Bathroom, But Basic Rooms

You get three nights accommodation on the boat with private bathroom. That’s a big selling point because it cuts down the awkwardness of shared facilities.

Still, cabins are described as minimalistic, and the toilets can be smelly. That’s not a deal-breaker for everyone, but it’s a genuine consideration if you’re picky about bathroom odor. I’d treat it as a heads-up rather than a horror story: pack your patience, keep a small personal freshening kit, and don’t over-plan “spa” expectations.

Also remember: you’re living on a moving boat. What feels totally fine on land can feel different after sea air and wet towels. If you’re sensitive to smells, plan accordingly.

Transfers and Group Size: Where This Cruise Fits in Your Plans

Logistics are part of the value. Pickup is offered in the Olympos area, and there’s a transfer from the boat to hotels in Fethiye. The trip also notes transfer from hotels in Cirali and Olympos, so if you’re basing yourself nearby, it’s easier than you might think.

The group max is 15, which is small enough to feel like a shared experience without constant crowds. It’s also offered in English, which helps you understand what you’re seeing at each stop without guesswork.

One more note: you’ll receive a confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, and you’ll need a current valid passport with details submitted at booking.

Is It Good Value at Around $906.97? Here’s How I’d Judge It

At $906.97 per person (approx.), this is not the cheapest way to do the Lycian Coast. But it’s also not just “sit in a seat and get ferried around.” You’re buying several things at once:

• Three nights onboard with private bathroom
• All-inclusive meals across multiple days
• Transfers from Olympos/Cirali area to the boat, and from Fethiye Harbor to your hotel
• Boat-based access to remote bays and swimming points
• Basic included onboard gear like snorkels and masks

If you’d otherwise spend money on lodging, constant local transport, and daily food stops, the cruise starts to look more reasonable. The price also tends to include admissions in the flow of the itinerary (not itemized in your summary, but included per day), which reduces “surprise ticket” stress.

Where value can drop is if you don’t use optional add-ons. Alcohol and sea sports aren’t included, and paragliding is optional. If you plan to do those, you should budget extra.

Who Should Book This Olympos to Fethiye Gulet Cruise

This cruise is best for you if you want:

• A small-group boat experience instead of a big bus tour
• Regular swimming and scenery from a moving deck
• A mix of church/ruins and nature stops, without deep, time-consuming excursions
• A trip style where meals are handled and you don’t spend the day budgeting food

It may not be the best fit if:

• You’re ultra-sensitive to bathroom smells and minimal cabin setups
• You hate any kind of walking, even optional walks
• You want a strict schedule with no sea-condition changes (some sailing/swim stops are “sea conditions permitting”)

Bottom Line: Should You Book It?

I’d book this if your ideal Turkish trip includes boat days that feel like a reset, plus strong “anchor stops” like St. Nicholas Church, Kekova views, Oludeniz, and St. Nicholas Island. The combination of meals included, small group size, and access to quiet bays is the main reason it feels like good value.

If you go, pack good walking shoes, expect basic cabin comfort, and plan your energy around swimming and short excursions. Then lean into the best part: time on the water where the route itself becomes the highlight.

FAQ

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered from Olympos hotels. The trip also mentions a meeting option at Demre bus station to transfer you to the boat.

How long is the cruise?

It’s a 4-day cruise, with timing across the four days in the schedule.

How many nights do I stay onboard?

You spend three nights onboard the boat.

Are meals included?

Yes. Meals are included according to the itinerary: breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Are tea and coffee included?

Yes. Unlimited tea and coffee service is available.

Is alcohol included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately.

What swim or water activities are included?

Snorkels and masks are included, and there are swimming stops. Sea sports may be available as optional extras and have separate fees.

Is there anything I can do besides swimming?

There are optional activities such as paragliding at Oludeniz and optional water sports at stops like Gokkaya Bay.

Where do I get dropped off at the end?

After you check out in Fethiye Harbor, you’re transferred to your hotel in Fethiye.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. You need a current valid passport, and passport details are required at booking.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund, and the refund amount changes if you cancel closer to the start time.

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