Gulet Charter Turkey: The Complete Guide to Turkish Gulet Cruises
Planning a gulet charter in Turkey? You're in the right place. A Turkish gulet cruise combines the freedom of private sailing with the comfort of a floating boutique hotel — gliding through crystal-clear Aegean and Mediterranean waters aboard a handcrafted wooden vessel. Whether you're looking for a gulet cruise Turkey adventure for the whole family, a romantic escape, or a luxury charter with friends, this guide covers everything you need to know: routes, prices, boat types, and how to book.
Turkey's 8,000-kilometre coastline hides hundreds of secluded bays, ancient ruins, and charming harbour towns that can only be reached by sea. A gulet charter Turkey holiday puts all of it within reach — on your own schedule, with your own crew.
Discover the Best of Turkey's Coastline
Cruising on a Turkish gulet lets you explore stunning coastal towns, secluded bays, and turquoise waters at your own pace — swimming, snorkelling, and dining on fresh local cuisine as you go.
Create Lasting Memories on a Gulet
Lounge on the sun deck, enjoy gourmet meals by your private chef, and watch the sunset over the Aegean. A gulet cruise Turkey holiday creates memories that last a lifetime.
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Get a Quote Now!What is a Turkish Gulet?
A Turkish gulet is a traditional wooden sailing vessel originating from the Bodrum peninsula in southwest Turkey. First built in the early 20th century as working fishing and sponge-diving boats, gulets were transformed in the 1970s into comfortable charter vessels — largely inspired by the poet Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, known as the "Fisherman of Halicarnassus", who championed the now-iconic Blue Voyage (Mavi Yolculuk) along Turkey's coast.
Turkish Gulet Boat Features
- Hand-crafted from mahogany, teak, or pine wood
- Spacious sun deck with cushioned seating and dining area
- En-suite air-conditioned cabins (typically 4–10 cabins)
- Full professional crew: captain, chef, and deck hands
- Stern platform for easy sea access, swimming, and water sports
Motor Gulet vs Sailing Gulet
- Motor gulet: Most common type; diesel-powered, more predictable itinerary, ideal for those who prefer comfort over sailing
- Sailing gulet (motorsailer): Fitted with sails used in favourable winds; offers a more authentic sailing experience while retaining gulet comforts
- Both types are available for Turkish gulet charter along the Aegean and Mediterranean
Today, a turkish gulet cruise is considered one of the finest ways to experience Turkey's coastline — combining the character of a traditional vessel with modern amenities, all-inclusive catering, and the intimacy of a private charter.
Private Gulet Charter
Wide selection of gulets available for charter along the Turkish Riviera.
lowest
€ 21000
p/week
Bedia Sultan
lowest
€ 9100
p/week
Blu Dream
lowest
€ 9100
p/week
Mehmet Ayaz
lowest
€ 17500
p/week
Berrak Su
lowest
€ 17500
p/week
Ugur 2005
lowest
€ 14000
p/week
Ece Berrak
Best Gulet Charter Turkey Routes
Turkey's southwest coast is divided into two main cruising areas: the Aegean (north) and the Mediterranean (south). Each offers a distinct character — here are the most popular gulet charter Turkey routes:
Bodrum — Datça
Duration: 7 nights | Season: April – October
Departing from Bodrum marina, this gulet cruise Turkey route winds along the Bodrum Peninsula through crystal-clear Aegean bays — Orak Island, Çökertme, and the pristine waters around Datça. Ideal for those who want a mix of lively marina towns and untouched nature. This route forms the basis of our luxury gulet charter Bodrum itineraries.
Fethiye — Göcek Blue Cruise
Duration: 7–14 nights | Season: May – October
The iconic Mavi Yolculuk (Blue Voyage) route. Fethiye Bay and the Göcek islands offer over 12 uninhabited islands, sunken Lycian ruins, and some of the most sheltered anchorages in the Eastern Mediterranean. A classic Turkish gulet cruise destination.
Marmaris — Bozburun
Duration: 7 nights | Season: April – October
One of Turkey's most scenic gulet routes, hugging the deeply indented Hisarönü Gulf. Quiet fishing villages, deserted coves, and the historic boatbuilding village of Bozburun make this a favourite for repeat gulet charter Turkey guests.
Aegean vs Mediterranean
Both regions | Season: April – October
The Aegean (Bodrum, Datça, Marmaris) tends to be breezier, bluer, and more cosmopolitan. The Mediterranean (Fethiye, Kalkan, Kekova, Antalya) offers warmer, calmer waters, more dramatic landscapes, and ancient Lycian ruins. Many gulet charters combine both.
Gulet Charter Turkey Prices
Gulet cruise Turkey prices vary by vessel class, size, and season. Below is a general guide to weekly charter rates (full boat, exclusive hire, crew and meals typically included):
| Gulet Class | Apr – Jun (Shoulder) | Jul – Aug (Peak) | Sep – Oct (Shoulder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (4–6 cabins) | €3,000 – €5,000 | €5,000 – €8,000 | €3,500 – €6,000 |
| Premium (6–8 cabins) | €5,000 – €9,000 | €9,000 – €15,000 | €6,000 – €11,000 |
| Luxury Gulet (8–10 cabins) | €10,000 – €18,000 | €18,000 – €35,000+ | €12,000 – €22,000 |
Typically Included
- Full boat exclusive hire
- Captain, chef & deck crew
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Soft drinks, water & tea/coffee
- Daily fuel allowance
- Snorkelling equipment
Typically Not Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Marina & anchorage fees
- Water sports & extra activities
- Crew gratuity (typically 5–10%)
- Personal expenses & shopping
- Travel insurance
For luxury gulet charter Turkey options — vessels with stabilisers, air conditioning throughout, premium furnishings, and water toys — prices start from around €15,000 per week in shoulder season. Luxury gulets for charter in peak season can reach €50,000+ for the largest superyacht-class vessels.
Types of Turkish Gulet Charter
Not all gulet charters are the same. Here are the main options available for a gulet charter Turkey holiday:
Private Gulet Charter Turkey
You hire the entire boat for your group. Complete privacy, full flexibility over the itinerary, and a dedicated crew entirely focused on your party. Best for groups of 6–20 people. The most popular format for a gulet charter Turkey holiday.
Cabin Charter
You book one or more cabins on a shared gulet with other guests. A more affordable way to experience a Turkish gulet cruise — ideal for solo travellers, couples, or small groups who want to meet other people on the water.
Crewed Gulet Charter
All Turkish gulet charters with Gulet Voyage are crewed — the captain navigates, the chef cooks, and the crew handles everything from mooring to water sports. You simply enjoy the journey. Bareboat (self-skippered) gulets are rare in Turkey and generally not offered.
Luxury Gulet Charter
A luxury gulet offers hotel-quality furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, stabilisers, satellite TV, water toys (jet ski, paddleboard, kayak), and a premium chef. Ideal for anniversaries, honeymoons, or corporate charters. Luxury gulets for charter in Turkey are available from Bodrum, Göcek, and Marmaris.
How to Rent a Gulet in Turkey
Renting a gulet in Turkey — whether for a week-long gulet rental Turkey holiday or a shorter cruise — follows a straightforward process. Here's what to expect:
- 1Choose your dates & group size. Turkish gulet charters typically run Saturday to Saturday. Decide your approximate dates and how many people will join — this determines the minimum cabin count needed.
- 2Select your gulet & route. Browse our fleet and let us know your preferred departure port (Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Göcek). We'll suggest the best gulet and itinerary for your group.
- 3Confirm & pay deposit. A deposit of 30–50% secures your booking. The balance is typically due 4–8 weeks before departure. All our gulets carry full insurance and operate under licensed Turkish maritime regulations.
- 4Board & enjoy. Arrive at the marina, meet your captain and crew, and set off. The crew handles everything — you focus on the sea.
The best period to rent a gulet in Turkey is April through October. July and August offer the warmest weather but book up fastest — if you're considering a gulet rental Turkey in peak season, we recommend enquiring at least 3–6 months in advance.
Gulet Holidays Turkey: Planning Tips
A gulet holiday Turkey requires a little more planning than a standard beach break — but the reward is an entirely personalised, crowd-free experience. Here's what to keep in mind:
Getting There
The nearest airports to the main gulet departure ports are: Bodrum Milas (BJV), Dalaman (DLM, for Fethiye & Göcek), and Dalaman or Bodrum for Marmaris. Most major European cities have direct summer flights to all three airports.
Group Economics
A private gulet charter becomes increasingly cost-effective with more guests. For a 6-cabin gulet, a group of 10–12 people in shoulder season can bring the per-person cost down to €350–€600 per week — comparable to a mid-range gulet tour Turkey package, but with complete privacy and flexibility.
Package Holiday vs Private Charter
Gulet tours Turkey packages (cabin charters with fixed itineraries) are cheaper but offer no flexibility — you share the boat with strangers and follow a set schedule. A private gulet charter Turkey costs more upfront but gives you the boat, the route, and the crew entirely to yourselves.
What to Pack
Soft-sided bags (no rigid suitcases — storage is limited), light summer clothing, high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and reef-safe toiletries. Most gulets provide towels; bring a light layer for cooler evenings in spring and autumn.
Why Choose a Private Gulet Charter Turkey?
Privacy
The entire yacht is yours — no strangers, no crowds, no compromise. Anchor in secluded bays accessible only by sea and enjoy complete tranquility.
Flexibility
Design your own itinerary. Stay longer in a bay you love, skip a stop if the weather changes, or add a detour on a whim — the captain works for you.
Personalised Service
Your chef prepares meals to your dietary preferences, the crew arranges water sports on request, and the captain knows the best-kept secret anchorages along the coast.
Scenic Beauty
Turkey's coastline is best seen from the water. A gulet charter gives you access to coves, sea caves, and Lycian ruins that land-based tourists simply cannot reach.
All-Inclusive Comfort
Three meals a day, soft drinks, snorkelling gear, and a professional crew — everything is taken care of so you can fully switch off and enjoy the gulet cruise Turkey experience.
Explore More
Looking for a specific type of charter or destination? Explore our dedicated guides:
Boat Charter Turkey
Sailing yachts, motor yachts, catamarans — all charter options in Turkey.
Luxury Gulet Charter Bodrum
Premium gulets departing from Bodrum marina — the Aegean's top charter hub.
Turkish Yacht
Discover Turkey's world-class yacht building tradition and luxury options.
Turkey Boating
Sailing Turkey guide — routes, seasons, and tips for sailing the Turkish coast.
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Testimonials
Andrew Adelman
This trip far exceeded all of our expectations! In setting up the trip, Ceyhun was very timely and accommodating in responding to all of our questions. Our June 2022 trip with the Anka was wonderful — the boat was perfectly set up for two couples, was comfortable, and had great cabin and outdoor accommodations. The staff was amazing, and the food was so tasty and fresh! Cannot recommend highly enough!
Ashley Chako
Our time on Anka was everything and more! Ceyhun was wonderful in setting up our trip. The boat was beautiful in every way — plenty of room for two couples. The food and staff were 5 stars. I can't wait for our next trip with Ceyhun and his team!
ROSINA MÁRQUEZ DE PRADO FERRERA
Muy buena experiencia y buen trato. Facilidad y claridad para hacer la reserva y en el check in. La goleta muy bien y el trato recibido excelente. Quedamos muy satisfechos y volveremos a repetir.
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