Bodrum 2

Gulet Charter
Bodrum

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.

What Makes Bodrum Special?

Strategic Location

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.

Beautiful Coastline

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.

Delicious Cuisine

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.

Vibrant Nightlife

Known as the St. Tropez of Turkey, Bodrum is renowned for its bar and club scene, especially along the lively Barlar Sokağı (Bar Street).

Sailing Conditions

The calm, wind-protected waters around Bodrum provide ideal sailing conditions, especially for those new to yachting or families with young children onboard.

Local Markets and Bazaars

Visit the vibrant Bodrum Market, where you can shop for local crafts, spices, textiles, and fresh produce, immersing yourself in the local culture.

Turkey - Bodrum - Narrow street in Bodrum stock photo - iStock-540566444

Rich History

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.

Not To Be Missed

Bodrum Castle

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.

Ancient City of Halicarnassus

Explore the remains of the ancient Greek city, including the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Theatre of Bodrum

Dating back to ancient Greek times, this well-preserved amphitheatre offers stunning views of Bodrum and hosts various cultural events.

Bodrum Yalikavak Marina

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.

Turgutreis Town

Discover the charming town of Turgutreis with its beautiful sandy beaches and local markets.

Orak Island

Visit Orak Island, a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters, picturesque bays, and stunning landscapes perfect for swimming and diving.

Gumusluk Village

Sail to the tranquil village of Gumusluk, known for its peaceful beaches, quaint fishing harbour, and the ancient sunken city of Myndos.

Greek Island of Kos

An easy day trip from Bodrum, the Greek island of Kos offers ancient sites, charming whitewashed villages, and beaches to explore by yacht.

Knidos Ancient City

Visit the ruins of this ancient Greek city at the tip of the Datca Peninsula, a short sail from Bodrum.

Turkey - Bodrum - Celsus library in Ephesus - iStock-481072019

Celsus Library

Make sure not to miss the stunning Roman Celsus Library in Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site which dates back to 117 A.D.

Best Times To Visit Bodrum For A Gulet Charter

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.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 15.7°C (60°F) 9.5°C (49°F) wind direction 187degS
FEB 13.5°C (56°F) 6.9°C (44°F) wind direction 190degS
MAR 17.3°C (63°F) 10.6°C (51°F) wind direction 258degWSW
APR 19.0°C (66°F) 12.3°C (54°F) wind direction 249degWSW
MAY 23.4°C (74°F) 15.8°C (60°F) wind direction 259degW
JUN 28.5°C (83°F) 20.2°C (68°F) wind direction 307degNW
JUL 35.2°C (95°F) 24.9°C (77°F) wind direction 325degNW
AUG 32.3°C (90°F) 23.1°C (74°F) wind direction 289degWNW
SEP 31.1°C (88°F) 21.9°C (71°F) wind direction 302degWNW
OCT 26.2°C (79°F) 18.0°C (64°F) wind direction 287degWNW
NOV 20.8°C (70°F) 14.8°C (59°F) wind direction 223degSW
DEC 17.3°C (63°F) 12.3°C (54°F) wind direction 166degSSE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of Turkey is Turkish, with English being widely used and understood in tourist areas.

Currency

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

Tipping is common practice in Turkey; typically, you leave between 5-10% of the bill.

Is A Gulet Right For You

Sailing 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.

Design and Layout

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.

Capacity

Gulets can accommodate larger groups, typically ranging from 6 to 12 guests, making them ideal for families or groups of friends.

Crew Information

Gulets usually come with a full crew, including a captain, chef, and hostess, providing a more hotel-like experience.

Pace Of Charter

Gulet charters tend to travel at a slower pace than large motor yachts, emphasizing relaxation and coastal exploration rather than covering long distances.

Cuisine

Many Gulets feature a full-sized galley, allowing for elaborate meal preparation and are typically known for their excellent onboard cuisine.

Relaxing Itineraries

Gulet charters often focus on coastal cruising, with frequent stops for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring small ports and bays.

Price

Gulet charters can be more economical for larger groups in comparison to chartering two smaller sailing or motor yachts.

Stability

Due to their wide beam (width), Gulets tend to be more stable at anchor than a sailing monohull, which can be more comfortable for guests.

QUEEN ATLANTIS

Vessel Type

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.

Charter Types In Bodrum

Crewed Gulet Charters

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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Gulet Charter From Bodrum

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.

Pure Thoughts

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.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Gulet?

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.

How Do I Choose The Right Gulet?

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.

When Are The Best Times To Charter A Gulet From Bodrum?

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.

What Type Of Gulet Can I Charter From Bodrum?

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)

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Gulet Charter?

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.

How Long Does A Gulet Charter Typically Last?

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.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Gulet?

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.