Weighing anchor in Turunç's beautiful bay and heading further south across the deep blue waters of the Aegean, towards the heart of the Bozburun Peninsula… Watching the untouched coves and steep slopes that line the shore, then reaching by sea the peninsula's two most treasured gems that have still managed to stay authentic, Selimiye and Bozburun… This is more than an ordinary boat trip: it promises a true voyage of discovery and an unforgettable day at sea that touches the very soul of the Aegean.
Turunç may be known for its day trips to the nearby coves, but for those looking for a longer sea adventure, a route stretching towards Bozburun and Selimiye offers the chance to experience the region's natural and cultural riches in far greater depth. Let's take a closer look at this special boat route from Turunç and explore together the beauty you'll encounter along the way, the appeal of the destinations and how you can plan this special excursion.
Why Sail Beyond Turunç? The Appeal of This Route
The standard boat tours departing from Turunç usually cover relatively nearby coves such as Amos, Kumlubük, Kadırga and Gebekse, and they make for a wonderful day. However, planning a boat trip further south on the Bozburun Peninsula, towards Selimiye and Bozburun, promises you much more:
- Unbroken Coastal Views: Along this longer route you get to watch the dramatic and largely untouched coastline of the Bozburun Peninsula from the sea without interruption. Steep slopes that cannot be seen from land, tiny hidden coves and spots where pine forests reach right down to the water keep you company all the way.
- Discovering Two Special Villages from the Sea: Experiencing Selimiye's elegant, tranquil atmosphere and Bozburun's more authentic, seafaring character on the same day, arriving by sea, lets you understand the soul of these villages from a different perspective. Watching the settlements in the coves, their harbours and their daily life from the water is truly impressive.
- A More Complete Aegean Experience: This route takes you beyond Turunç's immediate surroundings and into the heart of the Bozburun Peninsula. It lets you see the region's geography, settlements and natural beauty in a broader context.
- A Quieter, More Private Journey: Especially when done as a private boat charter, this long route gives you more privacy, more flexibility and the chance to get away from the crowds. You can set your own course and stay longer in the coves you like best.
The Journey Itself: A Visual Feast from Turunç to the Peninsula
Once you cast off from the Turunç pier and set sail southwards, the journey itself becomes every bit as enjoyable as the destinations.
The First Leg and Familiar Sights: As your boat leaves Turunç Bay, you greet the hill that is home to the ancient city of Amos from the sea, and spot the Kumlubük shoreline and perhaps the wide beach of Çiftlik Bay in the distance. Even seeing places you have already visited on day trips from a different angle, out on the water, is a pleasure.
The Shores of the Bozburun Peninsula: As you head south-west, the scenery grows wilder and even more beautiful. Steep slopes covered in lush pine forest plunge straight into the sea. Hidden coves of all sizes appear along the shore, some so small that only a single boat could fit inside. The colour of the sea keeps changing, from deep blues to dazzling turquoise in the shallows. Sailing along this coastline, you witness once again just how generous and impressive nature can be. On a clear day you can make out the silhouettes of the Greek islands across the water.
Marine Life: During the voyage, sharp eyes may spot fish leaping above the water or, if you're lucky, even dolphins escorting your boat. Thanks to the clarity of the sea, you can also watch the underwater world drifting by beneath you.
Relaxing on Deck: This long journey also gives you plenty of time to sunbathe on deck, read a book, feel the Aegean breeze and simply enjoy the view. This meditative, relaxing side of the voyage is one of the best things about the tour.
First Port: Selimiye's Elegant, Tranquil Embrace
After a pleasant cruise along the peninsula, your boat usually drops anchor first in Selimiye's famously calm bay.
Arrival: Sailing into Selimiye Bay from the sea, you immediately feel the village's peaceful atmosphere. You're greeted by the still waters of the bay, elegant sailing yachts and boats at anchor, and tasteful stone buildings and restaurants lining the shore. Your boat usually moors at the village's small harbour or at a restaurant jetty, or anchors in the bay so that you go ashore by dinghy.
Exploring Ashore
Once you step ashore in Selimiye, there are a few things you can do during a short stop:
- A Seafront Stroll: The village's most enjoyable activity is a leisurely walk along the waterfront path. You'll pass seafront restaurants, stylish cafés and boutique shops selling original products.
- Boutique Shops: Selimiye is known for its boutiques offering distinctive designs. You can browse ceramics, jewellery, textiles or local artworks.
- Coffee Break: Sitting at one of the charming cafés on the waterfront with a coffee and watching the world go by is a wonderful way to soak up Selimiye's “bohemian-chic” atmosphere.
- Food: If your tour programme includes lunch here, you can enjoy a delicious break at one of Selimiye's quality seafood restaurants.
Atmosphere: Seen from the sea, Selimiye is just as elegant and inviting as it is on land. You can sense its tranquillity, its chic style and its harmony with nature. A stop here shows that this voyage is unhurried and all about enjoyment.
Second Port: Bozburun's Authentic Seafaring Spirit
After Selimiye, the route usually turns towards Bozburun, the peninsula's other important hub.
Arrival: The cruise from Selimiye to Bozburun also offers lovely views. Bozburun Harbour is somewhat larger than Selimiye's and feels more like a small town centre. As you come alongside, one of the first things to catch your eye will probably be the boatbuilding workshops (shipyards) on the shore or on the hillsides.
Exploring Ashore
During your stop in Bozburun, you can:
- Harbour and Square: Stroll along the harbour and see the fishing boats and the large wooden gulets under construction or being repaired. You can also sit in the village's central square and take in the local atmosphere.
- Gulet Shipyards: Bozburun is one of Turkey's most important centres for traditional wooden gulet building. If you have the time and interest, visiting a shipyard to see this craft up close can be fascinating (with permission).
- Food and Drink: Bozburun also has a variety of restaurants and cafés around the harbour and in the centre. They may be a little more rustic than those in Selimiye, but they still offer tasty options.
Atmosphere: Compared to Selimiye, Bozburun has more of the feel of a living, working town. The spirit of seafaring and boatbuilding is more evident here. It feels less like a “boutique” village and more like an “authentic” Aegean town.
Other Possible Gems Along the Route
Particularly on private charter tours, it's also possible to stop for a swim in the smaller, quieter coves between or around Selimiye and Bozburun. Sheltered coves popular with yachters, such as Dirsekbükü, or little-known, tiny “aquarium-like” spots that can only be reached by sea can be added to the route of this special tour. You can find out about extra stops like these by talking to your captain or by checking the tour programme in advance.
Logistics and Planning: How to Make This Special Tour Happen
Setting off from Turunç, visiting both Selimiye and Bozburun and returning on the same day means quite a long voyage (probably 8–10 hours in total, or even longer). For this reason, the route usually isn't part of the standard, crowded group day trips. Standard tours tend to focus on the area around Turunç.
The most common and practical way to make this special excursion happen is to charter a private boat.
Private Boat Charter: From Turunç or Marmaris you can charter a motor yacht by the day, with or without a captain (if you hold a licence suitable for the type of boat), or a gulet for a more authentic experience. This gives you complete flexibility on the route: you can stay as long as you like in the coves of your choice and decide on your own stops. However, this option is quite costly, especially for small groups. Prices vary depending on the size and type of boat, the length of the charter and the season. It's important to contact reliable charter companies or local boat owners and book in advance.
Special Tours: Occasionally, some tour operators or boat owners may organise non-standard day trips with longer routes aimed at smaller groups. You may need to look for such tours through local agencies or directly with boat owners.
When planning this tour, keep in mind that it will be a long day and the sun can be intense, and be sure to bring essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a change of clothes and a towel.
A Voyage by Sea to the Heart of the Bozburun Peninsula
A boat journey that starts in Turunç and stretches to Selimiye and Bozburun is far more than an ordinary outing: it is an in-depth exploration of the soul of the Aegean. It gives you the chance to see the most beautiful stretches of the Bozburun Peninsula's coastline from the sea, and to experience Selimiye's elegant calm and Bozburun's authentic seafaring identity. Although it takes more planning than the standard tours and usually a bigger budget, the unique views, special moments and sense of discovery it offers are well worth the effort. If you love the Aegean Sea, want to spend a special day away from the crowds and dream of reaching the heart of the peninsula by sea, this special route from Turunç promises you an unforgettable adventure and a deep sense of peace.
Whether you explore the coves around Turunç on day trips or set off on a longer sea adventure to Selimiye and Bozburun, a comfortable stay awaiting you in Turunç at the end of the day rounds off your holiday. Located in the heart of Turunç and offering a perfect starting point for sea explorations like these, the Turunç Resort and Turunç Premium hotels promise you an unforgettable holiday. With stunning views, modern facilities and a guest-focused approach, the Aegean holiday of your dreams is just a click away. Book your place now to combine all the beauty of Turunç and the exploration routes around it with an exclusive stay!
