Bodrum, located on the Carian Coast in the southwest of Turkey, is generally seen as the centre of gulet charter in the country.
The crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea provide a breathtaking backdrop for cruising along the coast, and this vibrant port city is packed with cosmopolitan bars, excellent restaurants and high-end boutiques, intermingled with historical and cultural sites.
The area around Bodrum has been inhabited since the 7th century BC. It is steeped in history, with the city being home to the ancient ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Bodrum's position on the Aegean coast of the Turkish Riviera makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the stunning Turquoise Coast. A gulet can easily access the region's top destinations from this central hub, including the Greek Dodecanese with islands such as Kos and Rhodes.
Bodrum is located on the Aegean Sea and boasts a stunning coastline with crystal-clear waters, secluded coves, and picturesque bays. The region is known for its natural beauty, breathtaking views and a perfect setting for sailing.
Bodrum is renowned for its delicious cuisine, with plenty of waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood, Turkish meze and other traditional dishes. Enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine at whether ashore or on board.
Known as the St. Tropez of Turkey, Bodrum is renowned for its bar and club scene, especially along the lively Barlar Sokağı (Bar Street).
Bodrum is a historic city that dates back to ancient times. It was once known as Halicarnassus and was home to the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Visit the medieval Castle of St.Peter, a fortress built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, which hosts the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Explore the remains of the ancient Greek city, including the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Dating back to ancient Greek times, this well-preserved amphitheatre offers stunning views of Bodrum and hosts various cultural events.
The recently renovated Yalıkavak Marina is a hub for high-end yachting, featuring luxury shops, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere perfect for dockside people-watching.
Discover the charming town of Turgutreis with its beautiful sandy beaches and local markets.
Visit Orak Island, a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters, picturesque bays, and stunning landscapes perfect for swimming and diving.
Sail to the tranquil village of Gumusluk, known for its peaceful beaches, quaint fishing harbour, and the ancient sunken city of Myndos.
Make sure not to miss the stunning Roman Celsus Library in Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site which dates back to 117 A.D.
The season in Bodrum 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 | 15.7°C (60°F) | 9.5°C (49°F) | 4.0mm |  S |
| FEB | 13.5°C (56°F) | 6.9°C (44°F) | 0.8mm | S |
| MAR | 17.3°C (63°F) | 10.6°C (51°F) | 1.8mm | WSW |
| APR | 19.0°C (66°F) | 12.3°C (54°F) | 2.0mm | WSW |
| MAY | 23.4°C (74°F) | 15.8°C (60°F) | 2.1mm | W |
| JUN | 28.5°C (83°F) | 20.2°C (68°F) | 1.5mm | NW |
| JUL | 35.2°C (95°F) | 24.9°C (77°F) | 0mm | NW |
| AUG | 32.3°C (90°F) | 23.1°C (74°F) | 0mm | WNW |
| SEP | 31.1°C (88°F) | 21.9°C (71°F) | 0.8mm | WNW |
| OCT | 26.2°C (79°F) | 18.0°C (64°F) | 0.0mm | WNW |
| NOV | 20.8°C (70°F) | 14.8°C (59°F) | 7.0mm | SW |
| DEC | 17.3°C (63°F) | 12.3°C (54°F) | 4.3mm | 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 Bodrum 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 Bodrum 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.
Bodrum 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.
Ruled at various times by the Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, all have left their mark on this fascinating town over its history.
Built in 1402, Bodrum Castle, which houses the impressive Underwater Archaeology Museum, features an outstanding collection of artefacts retrieved from shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea and is not to be missed.
In addition to natural beauty and historical wonders, Bodrum is known for its vibrant sailing culture. The city hosts numerous sailing regattas and events throughout the year, and the lively marina promenades are filled with charming restaurants, bars and shops. This creates a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere that makes Bodrum a hub for the local charter industry.
In conclusion, Bodrum is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance and, most importantly, access to the Turkish Riviera cruising grounds. Whether relaxing on a gulet, exploring ancient ruins, or immersing oneself in the lively sailing scene, Bodrum provides an unforgettable experience.
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 Bodrum, 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 Bodrum, 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.