With over 8,000 kilometres of coastline and nestled between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a remarkable country for a gulet charter.
The Turkish Riviera is a stunning destination. From the vibrant Bodrum Peninsula with its stunning natural harbour and picturesque old town, to the enchanting and tranquil Gocek, or idyllic Fethiye Bay and the spectacular beaches and ancient ruins of Antalya, each stretch of the coastline has its unique appeal.
Wake up to the sound of the sea gently lapping against your boat, surrounded by this breathtaking scenery, then cruise along the coast to yet another gorgeous anchorage; Turkey will not disappoint.
Turkey's Turquoise Coast, also known as the Lycian Coast, is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and stunningly clear turquoise waters that are perfect to explore by boat.
Turkey boasts stunning cruising grounds with clear turquoise waters, breathtaking landscapes, and secluded coves. You'll find many idyllic coastal destinations, such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek, and Kas.
Turkey is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia so has a very special atmosphere, melding the two cultures in its food, art and architecture, and even landscape.
Whether savoured at a bustling street market, waterfront restaurant, or on board your yacht, Turkish cuisine offers an unforgettable taste of the country's vibrant flavours and rich gastronomic heritage.
Turkey has a warm Mediterranean climate, making it ideal for a yacht charter. With hot summers and mild winters, you can enjoy cruising the picturesque coastlines for most of the year.
The combination of reliable winds, calm seas, and protected bays along the Turquoise Coast make it an ideal sailing destination whether you're an old hand or a first-time charterer.
With its rich history and diverse cultural influences, Turkey offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western traditions to be explored in monuments like The Celsus Library in Ephesus.
Also known as the Lycian Coast, this region in southern Turkey is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and stunningly clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxation.
The town of Göcek and the surrounding archipelago of the Twelve Islands offer picturesque harbours, hidden beaches and excellent opportunities for island-hopping by boat.
This ancient Carian city on the Datça Peninsula features impressive ruins overlooking a scenic natural harbour, making it a captivating stop on any Turkish gulet charter.
Savour regional specialities like fresh seafood, mezes, kebabs, and baklava, as well as renowned Turkish wines, at restaurants or on board your gulet.
Turkey is home to a wealth of well-preserved ancient Lycian, Greek, and Roman archaeological sites, such as Ephesus, Patara, and Xanthos, which can be easily accessed from the water.
The lively city of Bodrum, with its medieval castle, bustling marina, and vibrant nightlife, is a popular base for gulet charters along the Turkish Riviera.
This charming seaside town on the Turquoise Coast offers a more laid-back atmosphere, with picturesque streets, boutiques, and easy access to nearby islands and coves.
Explore the unique Dalyan Delta, a protected wetland area and home to the ancient Lycian rock tombs. Many of these 15th century BC tombs remain remarkably well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the sophisticated world of the Lycian civilisation.
The season in Turkey runs from April to November, with July and August being the peak months with the highest temperatures and most visitors.
April to June and September to November are less busy, and the temperatures lower, but perfect for those looking to get away for a quieter experience.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 7.4°C (45°F) | -2.7°C (27°F) | 0.7mm |  SE |
| FEB | 3.8°C (39°F) | -5.2°C (23°F) | 0.9mm | S |
| MAR | 12.1°C (54°F) | 2.9°C (37°F) | 2.9mm | SSW |
| APR | 15.3°C (60°F) | 5.2°C (41°F) | 3.7mm | SW |
| MAY | 20.3°C (69°F) | 8.1°C (47°F) | 1.3mm | S |
| JUN | 23.8°C (75°F) | 12.6°C (55°F) | 2.8mm | S |
| JUL | 28.7°C (84°F) | 13.8°C (57°F) | 0.4mm | ESE |
| AUG | 32.7°C (91°F) | 17.1°C (63°F) | 0.0mm | ESE |
| SEP | 25.7°C (78°F) | 11.8°C (53°F) | 0.3mm | SE |
| OCT | 20.2°C (68°F) | 8.2°C (47°F) | 1.3mm | SSE |
| NOV | 14.8°C (59°F) | 5.3°C (42°F) | 1.4mm | S |
| DEC | 10.5°C (51°F) | 1.8°C (35°F) | 1.3mm | SSE |
The official language of Turkey is Turkish, with English being widely used and understood in tourist areas.
The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira, abbreviated as "TRY" and symbolised as "₺."
Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted credit card brands in Turkey, and American Express and Diners Club are also accepted, although they may be less commonly used.
Tipping is common practice in Turkey; typically, you leave between 5-10% of the bill.
These two or three-masted boats are the perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, and make a fantastic platform for exploring Turkey and beyond.
Gulets will typically have a professional chef on board who can accommodate dietary preferences while providing exceptional dining.
Sailing on a Gulet is a unique and memorable experience in itself. The feeling of connection with the sea and exploring exciting new locations, all while being superbly looked after by your crew makes for a very special holiday indeed.
With recent advances in the luxury Gulet charter market, this is an excellent choice for a truly magical charter. From the moment you step aboard, every detail is testament to the skills of master craftsmen and designers, with stylish staterooms and cabins sitting alongside fantastically spacious decks for basking in the Mediterranean sun.
On a luxury Gulet charter your crew will include a professional chef to create the perfect menu, catering to all tastes and dietary requirements. This bespoke treatment extends to your itinerary and activities; whether you’re looking for adrenaline-fuelled watersports, deserted coves for private swimming or sundowners on deck before dinner, the expert crew will ensure you have a truly luxurious charter experience.
While Gulets do have sails, they're often motor-sailed or purely motored. Even when under sail, the experience is generally more relaxed and less hands-on than on a typical sailing yacht.
Gulets are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. They usually feature a large aft deck for dining and lounging, and a spacious foredeck for sunbathing.
Gulets can accommodate larger groups, typically ranging from 6 to 12 guests, making them ideal for families or groups of friends.
Gulets usually come with a full crew, including a captain, chef, and hostess, providing a more hotel-like experience.
Gulet charters tend to travel at a slower pace than large motor yachts, emphasizing relaxation and coastal exploration rather than covering long distances.
Many Gulets feature a full-sized galley, allowing for elaborate meal preparation and are typically known for their excellent onboard cuisine.
Gulet charters often focus on coastal cruising, with frequent stops for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring small ports and bays.
A Gulet is a traditional wooden sailing boat, originating from Turkey. It typically has two or three masts and a wide beam (width), which provides lots of deck space for socialising, eating and relaxing on board.
A crewed Gulet charter from Turkey offers a unique way to explore the stunning Mediterranean coastline. These traditional wooden sailing boats combine the charm of old-world craftsmanship with modern world amenities, and all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Turkey is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream gulet via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
What sets Turkey apart as a gulet charter destination is its uniquely rich history and culture.
As you sail along the coast, you will encounter numerous ancient ruins and archaeological sites showcasing the country's fascinating past. Explore the majestic Castle of St Peter, wander through the ruins of Knidos, or visit the ancient city of Xanthos, a UNESCO World Heritage site which offers glimpses into the Lycian civilisation of the 5th and 4th century BCE. Every step is like a journey back in time, offering a unique blend of old and new, past and present.
Turkey is also renowned for its warm hospitality and culinary delights. The Turkish people are passionate about good quality food; their cuisine is a true gastronomic adventure and incredibly diverse. It mixes Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines, resulting in a unique flavour profile. Look out for amazing Meze dishes and fresh local ingredients, including delicious seafood and iconic traditional dishes.
Sailing in Turkey provides an opportunity to discover hidden gems and uncrowded destinations. While popular tourist spots are undoubtedly worth a visit, exploring lesser-known areas allows for a more authentic and intimate experience and is extremely rewarding. Sail to remote islands such as Bozburun or explore picturesque fishing villages like Datça, where time seems to have stood still.
In conclusion, Turkey offers a truly exceptional gulet charter experience. Its awe-inspiring coastline, rich history, warm hospitality, and delectable cuisine make it a perfect destination for adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
When chartering a yacht from Turkey, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, September and October are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.
There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Turkey, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.
The typical times for a gulet charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.
Once you've found your perfect gulet, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.