If you’ve seen dreamy photos of wooden yachts anchored in turquoise bays and thought, “Maybe one day…” — this guide is for you.
A gulet charter in Turkey is one of the most relaxed and authentic ways to explore the Mediterranean. You and your group charter a private boat (with crew), set your own pace, and spend a week swimming, sunbathing and exploring hidden coves instead of crowded resorts.
This article walks you through the essentials:
- what a gulet charter actually is
- the most popular routes in Turkey and the nearby Greek Islands
- realistic price ranges
- what’s included (and what isn’t)
- practical tips to make your first blue cruise smooth and stress-free
What Exactly Is a Gulet Charter?
A gulet is a traditional wooden motor-sailing yacht built mainly along the Turkish coast. Today’s gulets are modernized with comfortable cabins, ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning and plenty of deck space.
When you book a private gulet charter:
- You rent the entire boat, not a cabin.
- The boat comes with a professional crew – typically a captain, chef and deckhands.
- It’s usually a 7-night cruise, Saturday to Saturday.
- You decide the general route and pace together with your broker and captain.
Think of it as a floating boutique hotel:
your accommodation, transportation, restaurant and daily activities are all in one place.
The Best Regions & Routes in Turkey (Plus Greek Islands)
Turkey’s southwest coast is often called the Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast, with four main departure ports.
Bodrum – Culture, Nightlife & Greek Islands Access
Bodrum combines a vibrant town with great access to bays and Greek Islands. Typical routes include:
- Bodrum – Gökova Gulf – Bodrum: pine-covered hills, glassy anchorages, calm seas.
- Bodrum – North Dodecanese – Bodrum: a mix of Turkish bays with Greek islands such as Kos or Leros.
Bodrum is ideal if you want a bit of everything: nightlife, history, boutique marinas and quiet anchorages.
Marmaris – Hisarönü Gulf & Datça Peninsula
Marmaris is a natural harbor surrounded by green hills and is the best gateway to:
- Gulf of Hisarönü: Selimiye, Orhaniye, Bencik Bay — calm waters and charming villages.
- Datça Peninsula: long stretches of untouched coastline and crystal-clear water.
It’s perfect for families and groups who enjoy a quieter, scenic cruise.
Göcek & Fethiye – Island Hopping in Calm Bays
Göcek and Fethiye offer short distances between anchorages and many protected bays, which is ideal for first-timers or guests with children.
Popular highlights include:
- Göcek Islands, Cleopatra’s Bath, Yassıca Islands
- Fethiye Bay, Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley
Adding Greek Islands (Kos, Symi, Rhodes)
Many guests also ask, “Can we visit the Greek Islands?”
With the right boat and paperwork, it’s possible to combine:
- Bodrum – Kos – Symi – Bodrum
- Marmaris – Rhodes – Symi – Marmaris
You’ll need to budget extra for Greek port fees and formalities, which are not included in standard Turkish charter fees.
How Much Does a Gulet Charter in Turkey Cost?
Prices vary widely depending on the size and class of the gulet, the season, and whether you add Greek Islands to your route.
Recent market data shows:
- Standard gulets (4–6 cabins)
- from around €5,000–€8,000 per week in low season (May, October)
- €8,000–€12,000 per week in high season (July–August)
- Mid-range / Luxury gulets (5–7 cabins, more space, better finish)
- typically €10,000–€20,000 per week, depending on size and comfort level
- High-end & ultra-luxury gulets
- from €20,000 per week and can reach €35,000+ in peak weeks
Greek Islands routes usually add extra costs for customs and port fees, so the total budget for those itineraries will be higher than a Turkey-only route.
💡 Quick reality check:
When you divide the weekly charter price by the number of guests and nights, a private gulet often compares very well against staying in a villa + rental car + restaurants + day trips.
What’s Included in the Charter Fee?
In Turkey, the base charter rate typically includes:
- Private use of the yacht for your group
- Professional crew (captain, chef, deckhands)
- Fuel for standard cruising (usually around 4 hours/day)
- Standard use of air-conditioning (varies by yacht class)
- Bed linen, bath towels, final cleaning
- Basic water toys on board (snorkelling gear, canoe, paddle board – depending on the yacht)
- Port taxes and harbor fees in Turkish waters (excluding private marinas)
Your broker should always send you a clear “Price Includes / Excludes” list for each yacht, so there are no surprises.
What’s Not Included (Important for First-Timers)
The most common “hidden” extras are:
- Food & beverages – usually a full-board package per person, or you reimburse the chef’s grocery shopping
- Alcoholic drinks – either bring your own or choose a drinks package
- Greek Islands fees – port taxes, formalities and local charges if you cross the border
- Private marinas – optional, if you want to overnight in a marina instead of an anchorage
- Fuel for water sports (jet ski, tender for water toys, etc.)
- Airport transfers & land excursions
- Crew gratuity (usually 10–15% of the charter fee, at your discretion)
As a rough guideline, many guests budget an additional 20–30% on top of the charter fee for food, drinks and extras, depending on consumption and route.
How to Choose the Right Gulet for Your Group
When you speak with your broker, having the answers to these questions will make the process much easier:
- How many people are you?
- Gulets in Turkey typically accommodate 6–16 guests.
- What is your approximate budget for the yacht (per week, in €)?
- Even an approximate range helps filter the right options.
- What kind of vibe are you looking for?
- Family-friendly, very quiet and peaceful
- Party with friends and nightlife stops
- Honeymoon / special occasion
- Which airports can you fly into?
- Common options: Bodrum (BJV), Dalaman (DLM), sometimes Izmir (ADB).
- Turkey only, or Turkey + Greek Islands?
- This impacts both yacht selection and total cost.
Practical Tips for Your First Blue Cruise
- Book early for the best yachts and weeks.
Popular weeks in June–September book many months in advance, and early booking discounts are common. - Pack light and soft.
Soft suitcases are easier to store in cabins than hard-shell cases. - Share preferences with your broker early.
Dietary needs, allergies, birthdays, kids’ ages — all of these help the crew prepare a better experience. - Trust the captain on route details.
Weather and sea conditions change; a flexible mindset leads to the best surprises. - Think of the gulet as a floating home.
Treat the crew and the boat with the same care and respect you’d expect in return — it makes a huge difference to the overall atmosphere on board.
Ready to Plan Your First Gulet Charter in Turkey?
A private gulet charter is not just a holiday; it’s a week where time slows down, phones stay in cabins and days are measured in swims, meals and sunsets.
With a clear idea of routes, prices and what’s included, you’re already ahead of most first-timers. Your next step is simple: pick your preferred departure port (Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye or Göcek), define a rough budget and dates, and let your broker suggest a shortlist of yachts that fit your group.