With over 8,000 kilometres of coastline and nestled between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a remarkable country for a motor yacht 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 motor yacht charter.
Savour regional specialities like fresh seafood, mezes, kebabs, and baklava, as well as renowned Turkish wines, at restaurants or on board your motor yacht.
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 motor yacht 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.
For luxury and comfort on the water, a motor yacht charter from Turkey is hard to beat with many offering a range of activities from water sports to spa treatments to enhance your experience.
Depending on the individual yacht's amenities, you can try out jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and more. The power of most motor yachts also means you can cover more ground and explore a greater variety of locations. This combination of luxury, freedom and relaxation is what motor yacht charters are all about.
A luxury motor yacht charter from Turkey offers custom-designed vessels boasting cutting-edge technology and lavish amenities.
With a wide array of water toys available, the yachts powerful engines and advanced stabilisation systems ensure smooth, swift travel to your chosen destinations.
While onboard, a highly skilled crew, including trained chefs and wellness experts, provide impeccable, personalised service.
A luxury motor yacht charter isn't just a vacation; it's an immersive journey and a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and tailored luxury.
Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.
Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.
Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.
While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.
Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.
The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.
Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.
Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Turkey and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our motor yacht fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Turkey and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from Turkey come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, 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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht, 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.