The Moorings is expanding its Mediterranean portfolio with a new base in Fethiye, Turkey.
Image: Supplied
If you are currently in your "Below Deck" era, this one might speak directly to your soul.
There’s something about the idea of sailing through turquoise water, hopping between hidden coves and ordering seafood that was probably swimming earlier that morning that just feels right.
And now South African travellers have another reason to add Turkey to their travel vision boards.
Luxury yacht charter company The Moorings, the sister brand to Sunsail, has announced a brand-new Mediterranean base in Fethiye. The destination officially launches for summer 2026, and it’s the first time either company has operated in Turkey.
Here’s the part South Africans will appreciate: Turkey is visa-free for South African passport holders. No paperwork stress, no embassy queues, just pack your bags and go.
For many travellers, Turkey is already a favourite thanks to its mix of Mediterranean beaches, deep history and ridiculously good food. But what makes it especially appealing right now is that it offers the beauty of places like Greece or Italy without quite the same price tag.
While Santorini and the Amalfi Coast are stunning, the costs can be significantly higher, making Turkey an attractive alternative for budget-conscious travellers.
Let’s be honest, everyone loves the Mediterranean lifestyle. The long lunches. The sailing. The golden sunsets over old stone villages. But sometimes the prices can make you question your life choices.
The new base in Fethiye opens up a sailing playground that many Mediterranean travellers still consider a hidden gem. The coastline is filled with pine-covered hills, small islands and sheltered bays that are ideal for cruising.
Short sailing routes link secluded coves, quiet anchorages and postcard-perfect beaches.
Visitors can easily sail to Bozukkale from Marmaris, enjoying its sheltered bay, crystal-clear waters, and historic ruins as part of a Mediterranean charter itinerary.
Image: Supplied.
While sailing in Fethiye, you can do all the touristy things… and still look fabulous doing them.
Snorkel in waters so crystal-clear you’ll wonder if someone photoshopped the Aegean, stumble upon hidden coves that feel like your own private Instagram reel, and wander through the eerie ruins of Kayaköy, the ghost town that whispers Turkey’s history straight into your soul.
Guided culinary tours will have you inhaling fresh seafood and traditional mezes.
Guests chartering with The Moorings will be able to explore the region aboard its award-winning fleet, including the TM 4600-5 and TM 5200-6 sailing catamarans or the TM 464PC power catamaran yachts designed for comfort and smooth sailing. It's cosy and gives you a home on the water.
Sailors can drift across the calm waters of the Gulf of Fethiye, explore the dramatic cliffs near Gemiler Island, or anchor near the famous Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon, often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
On land, Fethiye blends modern marina life with ancient history. The town sits among the ruins of the Lycian civilisation, with rock tombs carved into nearby cliffs and bustling markets selling everything from spices to handmade textiles.
“Our guests come to us for comfort, service, and the feeling of complete ease on the water,” says The Moorings. “Fethiye delivers that naturally. It’s a destination shaped by stories, and our yachts are designed to let you write your own.”
If you’ve been dreaming about sailing the Mediterranean, Turkey might just be the plot twist your travel plans needed.