Everyone writes about Turkey’s beaches – but few write from the deck of a yacht.
This isn’t a list pulled from tourist brochures – these are the beaches we actually send our clients to. The ones that feel different when approached from the sea. The ones that reward you for sailing in, dropping anchor, and diving straight off the stern.
Some are well-known (for good reason). Others are tucked into coves you’d never reach by road. All are places where having a yacht doesn’t just help – it changes everything.
Whether you’re planning a route along the Turquoise Coast or just dreaming of where to go, here are the 10 best beaches in Turkey to visit by yacht — chosen not for hype, but for how incredible they are to experience from the water.
1. Ölüdeniz Beach (Blue Lagoon) – Fethiye
Standout: World‑famous turquoise lagoon | calm waters | postcard scenery
There’s a reason Ölüdeniz regularly tops “most beautiful beaches” lists globally — its nearly perfect crescent of white sand and ultra‑calm, shallow turquoise water is unforgettable.
From a yacht, you can drop anchor just outside the protected lagoon and take a tender in for a swim or paddle. The striking contrast of the lagoon against the dramatic mountains makes for stunning photos at sunrise and sunset.
This stop is ideal for sailors seeking classic Turkish coast beauty and easy water access right from your boat.
2. Butterfly Valley Beach – Kelebekler Vadisi, Fethiye
Standout: Dramatic canyon beach | secluded | nature lovers
Butterfly Valley isn’t just a beach — it’s a hidden canyon opening out to a narrow, pebbly shoreline backed by towering cliffs. Accessible by yacht or a steep hike, it rewards adventurers with a sense of discovery. From the water, the scene is unforgettable: sheer walls dropping into deep blue sea.
We love this stop for its seclusion and raw nature, and charter guests often linger here for an afternoon of snorkeling or just basking in a unique setting away from crowds.
3. Kaputaş Beach – Between Kaş and Kalkan
Standout: Iconic turquoise inlet | great photos | short dinghy swim
Kaputaş packs a visual punch – a vibrant streak of blue water tucked between limestone cliffs. It’s one of Turkey’s most photographed beaches for a reason.
You can anchor offshore and tender in for a refreshing swim. While it’s small and can get busy from land access, the view from the water and the sudden drop into deep sea make it a perfect quick stop on your south‑west itinerary.
4. İztuzu Beach – Dalyan
Standout: Loggerhead turtle nesting beach | protected wildlife area
İztuzu beach is one of Turkey’s most important conservation beaches, famous for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). It’s a long, sandy spit separating a lagoon from the sea, giving shallow swimming and space to stretch out.
Yacht access is a bit different – you anchor outside the river mouth and tender in – but the experience is worth it, especially for nature lovers who want to appreciate the beach and its protected status. Pair this with a guided river trip or evening anchorage nearby.
5. Cleopatra Island Beach – Sedir Island, Gökova
Standout: Legend says Cleopatra’s sand was brought from Egypt | calm bay
This is the beach of legend: local lore says the sand was a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra. Whether or not that’s true, the soft, golden sand and gently shelving bay are captivating.
Anchor just off Sedir Island and step ashore for an easy swim or stroll. The surrounding ruins add a rich historical layer, making it more than just a swimming stop – it’s a story you can feel in the sand beneath your feet.
6. Cennet Koyu (Paradise Bay) – Bodrum Peninsula
Standout: Classic yacht cove | pine‑fringed hills | calm anchorage
This is the beach of legend: local lore says the sand was a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra. Whether or not that’s true, the soft, golden sand and gently shelving bay are captivating.
Anchor just off Sedir Island and step ashore for an easy swim or stroll. The surrounding ruins add a rich historical layer, making it more than just a swimming stop – it’s a story you can feel in the sand beneath your feet.
7. Aquarium Bay (Ada Boğazı) – Bodrum
Standout: Glass‑clear water | abundant marine life | swimmer’s paradise
Named for the water’s clarity, Aquarium Bay lives up to it. From your yacht, the sea here looks like a giant deep pool – vibrant blues and greens mixing with sunlight. It’s a superb place for snorkeling and simply floating in calm waters.
Because it’s a popular charter stop, the atmosphere feels sociable but still relaxed. A great choice for midday swims and lunch on deck.
8. Gemiler Island – Near Ölüdeniz
Standout: Byzantine ruins | peaceful coves | panoramic views
Gemiler Island isn’t a wide sandy beach, but it feels quintessentially Aegean: quiet coves for anchoring, steps of history, and crystal water ideal for a swim. The shoreline has small pebbly patches perfect for water entry.
Guests love exploring the ruins above the coves or just lingering in the water with views over Fethiye Bay. It’s the perfect cultural + swim stop on a longer sailing route.
9. Göbün Bay (Cleopatra Baths) – Göcek
Standout: Ancient ruins | calm anchorage | forested shore
Göbün Bay isn’t a traditional beach stretch, but from a yacht it’s one of those classic Turkish coast moments: deep blue water, pine trees to shore, and fragments of history waiting to be explored.
The “Cleopatra Baths” are nearby, a small but fascinating ruin that pairs beautifully with a swim or tender ride. We recommend this stop especially for those who want culture and calm water together.
10. Patara Beach – Patara, Near Kaş
Standout: Longest sandy beach in Turkey | dunes | turtle nesting
Patara is special for its vast stretch of sand and natural landscape. It’s not a textbook yacht anchorage – the seabed shallows far out – but we include it because passing by offers a spectacular view and because many charters pair a beach day with a short tender ride.
Patara also has rich history: it was once the principal city of Lycian League and the birthplace of Saint Nicholas. Combine a morning swim with culture and you’ve got a full‑day stop.
Let’s Plan Your Dream Turkish Yacht Charter
Each stretch of the Turkish Riviera offers something different — from ancient ruins to island-hopping to quiet anchorages. Our team helps you map out the right route based on yacht type, experience level, and what you actually want from your charter.
