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Bodrum vs Marmaris Blue Cruise
Comparison Guide

Bodrum vs Marmaris Blue Cruise

Two of Turkey's greatest sailing hubs — which should you choose for your 2026 Blue Cruise?

15 min read Updated 2026

Choose Marmaris if…

  • • You want the classic Blue Cruise experience
  • • You prefer more secluded, less touristy bays
  • • You want the widest choice of gulets
  • • You're flying into Dalaman Airport
  • • You want the Marmaris–Fethiye route

Choose Bodrum if…

  • • You want a cosmopolitan resort base
  • • You want access to Gökova Gulf's bays
  • • You prefer a more lively atmosphere
  • • You're flying into Bodrum-Milas Airport
  • • You want the Bodrum–Gökova route

Marmaris and Bodrum are Turkey's two most popular Blue Cruise departure points. Both offer stunning sailing, beautiful gulets, and access to the Turquoise Coast's legendary bays. But they deliver different experiences — and the right choice depends on what you're looking for. Here's the complete comparison.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor⚓ Marmaris⚓ Bodrum
Gulet fleet size200+ gulets150+ gulets
Signature routeMarmaris–Fethiye (7 days)Bodrum–Gökova (7 days)
Nearest airportDalaman (90 min)Bodrum-Milas (30 min)
Resort atmosphereLively but not overwhelmingVery cosmopolitan
Seclusion of baysExcellentExcellent
Ancient ruins en routeAbundant (Kaunos, Knidos)Good (Knidos, Iasos)
NightlifeGood (Bar Street)Excellent (Türkbükü, Gümbet)
Price levelSlightly lowerSlightly higher
Best for families✅ Excellent✅ Good
Best for couples✅ Excellent✅ Excellent
Best for groups✅ Excellent✅ Good
One-way charter optionMarmaris–Bodrum (7 days)Bodrum–Marmaris (7 days)

Signature Routes Compared

Marmaris Blue Cruise Route

Marmaris → Fethiye

Turkey's most celebrated Blue Cruise route. 7 days, ~120 nautical miles.

Day 1–2: Ekincik Bay, Dalyan River (sea turtles)

Day 3–4: Göcek, 12 Islands, Cleopatra Island

Day 5–6: Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kabak Bay

Day 7: Arrive Fethiye

Bodrum Blue Cruise Route

Bodrum → Gökova Gulf

Turkey's most beautiful bay collection. 7 days, ~100 nautical miles.

Day 1–2: Orak Island, Çökertme, English Harbour

Day 3–4: Cleopatra Island (Sedir Adası), Longöz Bay

Day 5–6: Karacasöğüt, 7 Islands (Yedi Adalar)

Day 7: Return to Bodrum

The Best of Both: Marmaris ↔ Bodrum One-Way Charter

Can't decide? The Marmaris–Datça–Bodrum route (or reverse) gives you the best of both worlds. This 7-day one-way charter covers the stunning Datça Peninsula, the ancient city of Knidos, the Bozburun Peninsula, and arrives in Bodrum — or departs from Bodrum and arrives in Marmaris.

7 days
Duration
~130 nm
Distance
2 airports
Fly in/out different

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bodrum or Marmaris better for a Blue Cruise?
Both are excellent. Marmaris offers the classic Blue Cruise experience with the famous Marmaris–Fethiye route, more secluded bays, and a larger gulet fleet. Bodrum is better for those who want to combine sailing with a vibrant resort town, access to the Gökova Gulf's stunning bays, and a more cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Which is cheaper — Bodrum or Marmaris for a gulet charter?
Prices are broadly similar. Marmaris tends to have slightly more budget options due to its larger fleet. Bodrum has more luxury gulets at the premium end. Both destinations offer full-charter gulets from €3,000/week and cabin bookings from €600/person/week.
Can I do a Blue Cruise from Bodrum to Marmaris (or vice versa)?
Yes. The Bodrum–Datça–Marmaris route (or reverse) is a popular 7-day one-way charter. You fly into one airport and out of the other. This route covers the stunning Datça Peninsula and Bozburun Peninsula.
Which has better beaches — Bodrum or Marmaris?
Both have excellent beaches. Marmaris has İçmeler and Turunç — quieter, more scenic beaches. Bodrum has Bitez, Gümbet, and Türkbükü — more developed with beach clubs. For secluded bays accessible by gulet, both are equally spectacular.

Start Planning Your Blue Cruise

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