Boat Charter Turkey: Complete Guide to Yacht Charters
Planning a yacht charter Turkey holiday? Turkey has earned its place as one of the Mediterranean's premier sailing destinations — combining pristine Aegean and Mediterranean waters with a coastline rich in history, secluded bays, and world-class marinas. Whether you're seeking a classic sailing charter Turkey voyage under canvas, a high-performance motor yacht, or a luxury crewed experience, this guide covers every option: vessel types, the best regions, pricing, and how to book your perfect boat charter Turkey.
With over 8,000 kilometres of coastline and more than 1,000 islands and inlets, Turkey offers more charter variety than almost any destination in Europe. The season runs from April through October — long enough to suit every schedule and budget.
Types of Boat Charter in Turkey
Selecting the right vessel is the foundation of your Turkey yacht charter. Here are the main options, each suited to a different style of holiday:
⛵ Sailing Yacht Charter Turkey
The classic wind-driven experience. A sailing charter Turkey puts you in tune with the Aegean's northerly Meltemi winds, covering ground under canvas between stunning anchorages. Available in both skippered and bareboat formats. Best for sailors and active travellers.
Typical size: 35–55ft | Guests: 4–8
🚤 Motor Yacht Charter Turkey
Speed and style. A motor yacht charter Turkey covers more ground daily, reaching remote bays quickly and comfortably. Modern motor yachts offer sleek interiors, generous deck space, and water sports platforms. Excellent for guests who want to maximise destinations covered.
Typical size: 40–80ft | Guests: 6–12
👑 Luxury Yacht Charter Turkey
The pinnacle of the charter market. A luxury yacht charter Turkey encompasses superyachts and premium gulets with five-star amenities: private chef, Jacuzzi, water toys, satellite connectivity, and crews of 4–12. The ultimate Turkey charter experience for those seeking the very best.
Typical size: 60–120ft+ | Guests: 8–20
⚓ Trawler Charter Turkey
Stability, volume, and long-range capability. Trawler charter Turkey offers a spacious, seaworthy platform ideal for extended coastal cruising. High interior volume relative to length means generous living spaces even in choppy conditions — popular with families.
Typical size: 40–70ft | Guests: 6–10
🛥️ Catamaran Charter Turkey
Outstanding stability, shallow draft, and expansive deck space. Catamaran charter Turkey (KD=5 — excellent SEO opportunity) is especially popular with families, those prone to seasickness, and groups who value wide open deck areas. Available in sailing and power configurations.
Typical size: 40–60ft | Guests: 6–12
🪵 Gulet Charter
The iconic traditional Turkish wooden vessel — broad-beamed, generous on deck space, with all meals included and a full crew. The most distinctly Turkish charter experience and the best value for larger groups at comparable comfort levels.
Best Regions for Yacht Charter Turkey
Turkey's southwest coast offers four distinct charter regions, each with its own character, highlights, and ideal vessel type:
Bodrum — Premier Aegean Hub
The glamour capital of Turkish yachting. Bodrum combines a sophisticated dining and nightlife scene with world-class marina facilities and immediate access to the Gulf of Gökova's pristine bays. Ideal for luxury motor yachts and gulets. Direct flights from major European cities to Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV).
Marmaris — Turkey's Largest Charter Base
Turkey's most popular yacht charter destination. The expansive natural harbour, extensive marina network, and superb provisioning facilities make Marmaris a seamless base for all vessel types. Excellent access to the wooded Hisarönü Gulf and the Rhodes crossing. Popular with sailing charter Turkey guests.
Fethiye & Göcek — The Blue Voyage Coast
Home to the famous Göcek islands route — 12 uninhabited islands with pine-fringed, deeply sheltered anchorages. The calm, crystalline waters here are perfect for families and catamarans. Dalaman Airport (DLM) serves both Fethiye and Göcek with direct summer flights from Europe.
Kalkan & Kekova — Eastern Mediterranean
Turkey's most archaeologically rich charter region. The sunken Lycian city of Kekova, ancient rock tombs, and dramatic mountain backdrops make this a truly unforgettable yacht charter Turkey experience. Quieter and wilder than the Aegean — perfect for those seeking something off the beaten track.
Turkey Yacht Charter Prices
Turkey yacht charters offer remarkable value compared to equivalent vessels in the western Mediterranean. Prices vary by vessel type, size, and season:
| Vessel Type | Apr – Jun (Shoulder) | Jul – Aug (Peak) | Sep – Oct (Shoulder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sailing Yacht (35–45ft) | €2,500 – €5,000 | €5,000 – €9,000 | €3,000 – €6,000 |
| Catamaran (40–55ft) | €4,000 – €8,000 | €8,000 – €14,000 | €5,000 – €10,000 |
| Motor Yacht (40–60ft) | €5,000 – €10,000 | €10,000 – €18,000 | €6,000 – €12,000 |
| Gulet (Standard) | €3,000 – €6,000 | €6,000 – €10,000 | €3,500 – €7,000 |
| Luxury Yacht / Superyacht | €15,000 – €40,000 | €35,000 – €100,000+ | €18,000 – €50,000 |
Typically Included
- Full boat exclusive hire
- Captain & crew (on crewed charters)
- Meals & soft drinks (crewed only)
- Basic water sports equipment
- Daily fuel allowance
Typically Not Included (APA)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Marina & anchorage fees
- Fuel beyond daily allowance
- Water sports extras & excursions
- Crew gratuity (5–10%)
How to Book a Yacht Charter in Turkey
Booking a yacht hire Turkey is straightforward when you follow the right steps. Here's the process from first enquiry to departure:
- 1Fix your dates & region. Decide on approximate dates and your preferred departure port — Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, or Göcek. This narrows the fleet significantly and makes recommendations more accurate.
- 2Choose your vessel type. Decide between sailing yacht, motor yacht, catamaran, gulet, or luxury superyacht based on your group size, budget, and preferred pace. We'll help match you to the right boat rental Turkey option.
- 3Review your charter agreement. Carefully review what's included, the deposit structure (typically 30–50% upfront), and the cancellation policy. Ensure you understand the APA terms for running costs.
- 4Confirm & prepare. Once booked, we'll send a detailed pre-departure briefing covering provisioning preferences, crew introduction, and logistical information for your arrival in Turkey.
Private Yacht Charter Turkey
A private yacht charter Turkey means exclusive use of the entire vessel for your group — no shared spaces, no fixed schedule, no strangers on board. A private yacht Turkey grants you total control: the route, the pace, the menu, and the daily programme are all entirely your own.
Total Privacy
The yacht, the crew, and every anchorage — exclusively yours. No sharing public spaces with other guests.
Custom Itinerary
Design your own route. Stay longer in a bay you love or change direction entirely — the captain accommodates you.
Right-Sized Groups
Private charter Turkey makes economic sense from around 6 guests. The per-person cost drops sharply as group size increases.
Private Charter vs Cabin Charter — Which is Right for You?
✅ Choose Private Charter if:
- You have a group of 6 or more
- Privacy and flexibility are priorities
- You want a fully custom itinerary
- It's a special occasion (anniversary, birthday)
✅ Choose Cabin Charter if:
- You're travelling solo or as a couple
- Budget is a primary consideration
- You're open to meeting fellow travellers
- A fixed itinerary suits your plans
For cabin charter options, visit our cabin charter page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to charter a yacht in Turkey?
April through October is the Turkey yacht charter season. Shoulder seasons (April–June and September–October) offer the best value — warm weather, uncrowded anchorages, and lower prices. July and August are peak season: warmest, busiest, and most expensive.
How far in advance should I book a yacht charter in Turkey?
For peak season (July–August), book 6–12 months in advance — especially for luxury and larger vessels. Shoulder season charters can often be arranged 2–4 months ahead, though popular yachts book quickly at any time of year.
Are food and drinks included in a yacht charter in Turkey?
On fully crewed charters, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and soft drinks are typically included. Alcoholic beverages, premium provisions, and dining ashore are usually covered through the APA. Always confirm specifics in your charter agreement.
What are the most popular yacht charter routes in Turkey?
The most popular routes are: Bodrum–Datça (Aegean), Marmaris–Fethiye (Blue Voyage), Fethiye–Göcek islands (Mediterranean), and Kalkan–Kekova (Eastern Mediterranean). Each offers distinct scenery and character.
What is included in a Turkey yacht charter price?
Standard inclusions: full boat exclusive hire, captain and crew, all meals and soft drinks, daily fuel allowance, and basic water sports equipment. The APA covers extras: alcoholic drinks, marina fees, additional fuel, and crew gratuity.
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