Viago Yachting Logo

What is Private Boat Charter? A Personalized Sea Holiday Guide

Rental Guide
Rental Guide - What is Private Boat Charter? A Personalized Sea Holiday Guide
Rental Guide
10 July 2026
What is Private Boat Charter? A Personalized Sea Holiday Guide

Located between Mugla's Fethiye district and Gocek, the Yassica Islands are one of the most popular and frequently visited natural beauties of Gocek Bay. Among the essential stops of the Twelve Islands (12 Islands) route, this group of islands offers visitors a unique sea experience with its shallow turquoise waters, fine sandy beaches and small islets located close to each other.

In fact, Yassica Islands do not consist of a single island. They are a natural archipelago formed by small islands of different sizes located very close to each other. Thanks to the shallow sea level, it is possible to pass between some areas by walking through the water or with short swims. With this feature, it attracts great interest especially from families with children, swimming enthusiasts and guests participating in daily boat tours.

Thanks to the sheltered structure of Gocek, Yassica Islands have calm sea conditions throughout most of the year and are largely protected from winds. This provides both ease of anchoring and a very safe environment for swimming and water sports. The preserved natural structure of the region offers visitors the opportunity to spend time in one of the most untouched bays of the Aegean and Mediterranean.

Why Are Yassica Islands So Popular?

Although there are many beautiful destinations among Gocek bays, Yassica Islands have a special place for many reasons.

One of the most important advantages is that the sea is very shallow and clear. While providing safe swimming areas especially for families with children, it also allows visitors who enjoy snorkeling to easily observe underwater life.

Another important feature is that the islands have largely preserved their natural structure. Since there is no intense construction in the area, visitors can completely move away from city crowds and spend peaceful time surrounded by nature.

Other reasons that make Yassica Islands popular include:

  • Crystal-clear turquoise sea
  • Fine sandy and shallow swimming areas
  • Sheltered anchoring points
  • Sunset views
  • Suitable sea structure for canoeing and paddle boarding
  • High water clarity for snorkeling
  • Being located on one of Gocek's most popular boat routes

Thanks to these features, the islands have become one of the most frequently visited stops by private boats, gulets, motor yachts, catamarans and daily tour boats during the summer season.

How to Get to Yassica Islands?

There is no direct land access to Yassica Islands. The region can only be reached by sea.

For this reason, visitors have different transportation alternatives.

Private Boat Rental

The most comfortable and free way to explore Yassica Islands is private boat rental. Thanks to a route prepared completely according to your preferences, you can visit not only Yassica Islands but also the beautiful bays of Gocek according to your own schedule.

With private boat rental:

  • You can depart whenever you want.
  • You can spend as much time as you wish on the islands.
  • You do not have to follow crowded tour schedules.
  • You can take private swimming breaks.
  • You can watch the sunset on the sea.

This option is especially advantageous for families, groups of friends and couples.

Daily Yacht Rental

Yassica Islands are one of the most frequently visited stops in private daily yacht rental organizations departing from Gocek Marina or Fethiye Marina.

During the tour starting in the morning, many different bays are visited and the boat returns to the marina in the evening.

Daily Boat Tours

Most daily boat tours departing from Gocek and Fethiye include Yassica Islands in their routes.

Although these tours are an economical option, the time spent at the stops is fixed, so the opportunity to explore the island freely may be limited.

Blue Voyage Routes

Yassica Islands are one of the important stops of weekly blue voyage programs.

Many routes departing from Gocek include destinations such as:

  • Bedri Rahmi Bay
  • Tersane Island
  • Domuz Island
  • Cleopatra Bay
  • Aquarium Bay
  • Yassica Islands

Transportation from Gocek to Yassica Islands

Gocek Marina is one of the most preferred starting points for reaching Yassica Islands. The sea distance between the marina and the island group is approximately 5-7 nautical miles, and the travel time varies between 30-45 minutes depending on the speed of the boat and weather conditions.

Thanks to the sheltered structure of Gocek Bay, the sea is generally calm throughout the journey. This provides a comfortable travel opportunity for both guests experiencing a boat trip for the first time and families with children.

Most private boat rental and private daily yacht rental routes departing from Gocek plan Yassica Islands as one of their main stops. During the journey, a pleasant sailing experience is enjoyed accompanied by beautiful bays, coastlines surrounded by pine forests and small islands.

Boats departing early in the morning have the advantage of reaching the islands during quieter hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the clear sea and peaceful atmosphere. Especially during the summer months, arriving at the island before the crowds form provides a more enjoyable experience for swimming and photography.

Transportation from Fethiye to Yassica Islands

Another important departure point for reaching Yassica Islands is Fethiye Harbor. The travel time for boats departing from Fethiye varies between approximately 1 and 1.5 hours depending on the route and boat type.

This route is not only a means of transportation but also offers the opportunity to discover the most beautiful natural landscapes of Fethiye Bay along the way.

On routes departing from Fethiye, destinations such as:

  • Sovalye Island
  • Katranci Bay
  • Gocek Islands
  • Turunc Pinari
  • Aquarium Bay

can be seen during the journey or short swimming breaks can be given.

Especially in private yacht rental tours, the route can be completely shaped according to guests' requests, making it possible to spend more time at Yassica Islands. This journey starting from Fethiye offers an unforgettable blue voyage experience with both sea views and unique bays.

How Is a Yassica Islands Boat Route Planned?

Since Yassica Islands are one of the most popular stops of Gocek Bay, they are located at the center of many boat routes. Especially when planning daily tours, swimming breaks, meal services, resting periods and the bays to be visited are carefully determined.

In private rentals, this route can be completely customized according to the expectations of guests.

The most popular daily route departing from Gocek is:

  • Gocek Marina
  • Bedri Rahmi Bay
  • Yassica Islands
  • Tersane Island
  • Domuz Island
  • Aquarium Bay
  • Gocek Marina

This route takes approximately 7-8 hours, with swimming breaks given in different bays throughout the day and lunch usually served on the boat. The time spent at each stop may vary depending on the boat schedule or guests' requests.

In longer yacht rental organizations, the route can be expanded with special stops such as:

  • Cleopatra Bay
  • Sarsala Bay
  • Boynuzbuku
  • Bedri Rahmi Bay
  • Gobun Bay
  • Binlik Bay

In weekly blue voyage programs, Yassica Islands are visited together with other natural beauties of Gocek Bay, offering a much more comprehensive sea holiday experience.

Activities to Do at Yassica Islands

Yassica Islands are not only a swimming stop but also a unique destination offering many activities surrounded by nature. Thanks to its clear sea, shallow shores and peaceful atmosphere, activities suitable for visitors of all ages can be enjoyed.

Swimming

One of the most remarkable features of Yassica Islands is its crystal-clear and shallow sea. The region offers safe swimming areas especially for families with children and is an ideal stop for visitors who want to cool down on hot summer days.

The mostly sandy seabed makes the swimming experience more comfortable.

Snorkeling

Thanks to the high underwater visibility, snorkeling is one of the most enjoyable activities that can be done at Yassica Islands. Different fish species, marine plants and natural underwater life can easily be observed in rocky areas.

It is possible to discover the richness under the sea with only a mask and snorkel without needing diving equipment.

Paddle Boarding

The calm and wave-free sea structure is highly suitable for paddle boarding. You can paddle between the islands, discover natural beauties from different angles and spend peaceful time on the sea.

Especially in the morning hours, the calm sea makes this activity more enjoyable.

Canoeing

Yassica Islands are also a very suitable region for canoe lovers. Short canoe trips can be organized between the small islands located close to each other, allowing visitors to enjoy nature away from crowds.

Drone Photography

The turquoise sea, green islands and small land formations connected to each other make Yassica Islands one of the most impressive locations in Gocek for aerial photography.

Images taken especially during midday when sunlight hits the sea directly create highly impressive views.

Sunset Photography

The golden tones created when the sun sets behind the islands create unique views for both professional and amateur photographers. The calm sea combined with boat silhouettes creates postcard-like landscapes.

Best Time to Visit Yassica Islands

The best period to visit Yassica Islands is generally between May and October, during the sea season. During these months, air temperature and sea temperature are highly suitable for swimming.

June and September are considered the most ideal periods of the year by many sea lovers because they offer:

  • Calmer sea conditions
  • Fewer boats
  • Comfortable temperatures
  • Easier anchoring opportunities
  • More enjoyable swimming experiences

July and August are the busiest months in the region. Due to the intense interest of domestic and international tourists, the number of boats in the bays may increase, especially during midday.

For this reason, guests joining private daily yacht rentals can benefit from departing early in the morning to anchor in quieter bays and enjoy the sea before crowds arrive.

Visits during spring and autumn, when weather conditions are suitable, offer a unique experience for those who want to discover the calmer side of nature.

What Should You Bring When Visiting Yassica Islands?

To make your day at sea more comfortable, it is recommended to bring some basic necessities.

Recommended equipment includes:

  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sea shoes
  • Snorkel mask
  • Towel
  • Spare swimsuit
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Power bank
  • Light snacks

Although some of these needs may be provided on private boat organizations, having your personal equipment with you will provide a more comfortable experience.

Things to Consider When Visiting Yassica Islands

Yassica Islands are one of the sensitive areas with natural protected status. Therefore, attention should be paid to protecting the environment during the visit.

The main points to consider are:

  • Waste should not be left in the sea.
  • Natural life should not be disturbed.
  • Marine creatures should not be harmed.
  • Efforts should be made to reduce plastic use.
  • Anchoring rules should be followed.
  • The natural environment should not be disturbed by playing loud music.

Contributing to sustainable marine tourism is very important for preserving this unique natural heritage and transferring it to future generations.

Suggested Boats

Whatsapp