Gulet charter in Turkey

What is a gulet?

A gulet, also known in Turkey as a caïque or gulet, is a traditional wooden sailing boat originating from the Turkish coasts, recognisable by its wide hull and two or three masts. Designed for coastal cruising, it prioritises comfort and stability over pure performance, making it an ideal vessel for a relaxed sailing holiday. Spacious and perfectly suited to life on board, it features generous decks, comfortable cabins and inviting lounge areas designed to fully enjoy each anchorage.

It is therefore an excellent alternative for travellers hesitating between chartering a sailing boat in Turkey and opting for a more comfortable, crewed experience. Today, the gulet has become the preferred way to explore the Turkish coastline in complete serenity, in an atmosphere that is both authentic and convivial.

Services included in your gulet charter in Turkey

Gulet charters in Turkey are exclusively operated with a professional crew. These boats are designed to offer a fully immersive experience on board, where navigation, service and the organisation of your stay are entirely taken care of. This setup is similar to a cruise in Turkey, with a level of service comparable to a cabin cruise, but in a more intimate and private setting.

This is the most common and widely preferred option in Turkey. The crew typically consists of a captain, a chef and one or more deckhands, sometimes complemented by a hostess on larger vessels. Present throughout the journey, they ensure your comfort, prepare your meals and guide you to the most beautiful anchorages. This format allows you to fully enjoy your trip, striking the perfect balance between sailing, relaxation and onboard service.

How much does a gulet charter in Turkey cost?

The table below provides an overview of the average price range for a one-week charter in Turkey. Prices may vary depending on the season, availability, the model and the age of the boat…

The price includes: the gulet charter, the crew (captain, chef, deckhand), bed linen, tableware, basic water sports equipment (kayak, paddle board) and fuel for navigation.

The price does not include: insurance, port and mooring fees, a hostess (optional), final cleaning, food and beverages (provisioning), as well as extras (jet ski, diving tanks…).

If you are looking to charter a luxury gulet in Turkey, we invite you to contact us directly to receive a detailed price list. Prices for this type of yacht can vary significantly depending on the model and level of service.

We recommend taking out our cancellation insurance for your gulet charter in Turkey. It covers all members of the crew, whereas individual insurance or cover via your bank card generally only applies to the policyholder.

We also encourage our clients to subscribe to a security deposit insurance. At sea, incidents can happen even to the most experienced sailors. This cover allows you to recover a significant part of your deposit in the event of damage related to navigation.

Where to sail in Turkey?

If you are wondering where to go in Turkey, turkish boat holidays offer a unique way to explore the coastline, with several sailing areas stretching along its shores, each with its own character:

• The Bodrum region in the north-west. Often referred to as the “Turkish Saint-Tropez”, Bodrum is the historical home of the gulet. From this lively port, you can explore the Bodrum peninsula, the nearby Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes, as well as the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Gökova, perfect for following a Bodrum sailing itinerary between secluded bays and islands.
• The Marmaris and Göcek region in the centre. This area is home to some of the most beautiful anchorages in the Mediterranean. Don’t miss the Dalyan National Park, the hidden coves of Göcek Bay with its twelve islands, and ancient ruins accessible only by sea.
• The Fethiye region. Considered by many to be the most beautiful destination in Turkey, Fethiye offers breathtaking landscapes between sea and mountains. It is the ideal starting point to follow a sailing itinerary in Turkey, discovering the Lycian Way from the sea, the famous Butterfly Islands and the lagoon of Ölüdeniz.
• The Lycian coast in the south-east. Probably the wildest and most unspoilt region of Turkey. It is home to remarkable ancient sites such as the ruins of Xanthos, Patara and Myra, all accessible by sea. Be sure to stop in Kaş and Kalkan, two charming villages highly appreciated by sailors, with plenty of opportunities for a boat hire in Kalkan along this stretch of coast.

When to sail in Turkey?

Turkey’s Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal destination for sailing from April to October. In summer, temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C, while sea temperatures reach around 26°C at the height of the season.

Here is an overview of the average temperatures recorded in recent years in Turkey:

Sailing conditions in Turkey

Sailing along the Turkish coastline is particularly enjoyable, with moderate thermal winds that tend to pick up in the afternoon. The prevailing wind is the Meltemi, a summer breeze blowing from the north or north-west, typically reaching force 3 to 4 between June and September. It makes afternoons ideal for sailing, while mornings are perfect for exploring anchorages in calm conditions.

Outside of the Meltemi, navigation is often done under engine in sheltered bays, which is particularly well suited to gulets. The climate is warm and dry from May to October. Air temperatures range between 25°C and 35°C, while sea temperatures exceed 22°C from as early as June. Distances between coves and islands are short and usually navigated within sight. The waters of the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean are among the clearest in the world, with visibility often exceeding 20 metres.

Documents required to charter a gulet in Turkey

Gulet charters in Turkey are exclusively operated with a professional crew, meaning no boating licence is required on your part. The captain on board is responsible for navigation and holds all the necessary certifications to sail in Turkish waters. You will simply need a valid ID or a valid passport to board.

Useful information for your gulet charter in Turkey

What language is spoken in Turkey?

The official language is Turkish. In tourist areas and marinas, a large part of the population speaks English, and often a few words of French. Gulet crews are used to welcoming international guests.

What currency is used in Turkey?

The official currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted in marinas and tourist restaurants. It is advisable to have a small amount of Turkish lira for everyday purchases in local markets.

How to get to Turkey?

There are many direct flights from Paris and major European cities. Each sailing area has an airport close to the departure port: Bodrum-Milas Airport (BJV) for the Bodrum region, Dalaman Airport (DLM) for Marmaris, Göcek and Fethiye, and Antalya Airport (AYT) for the eastern Lycian coast.

How do I finalise my gulet booking in Turkey?

Once we receive your charter request, one of our advisors will contact you by phone to better understand your sailing plans. You will then receive gulet proposals by email. Once you have chosen your boat, you can pay a deposit via your customer area to confirm the booking and secure the vessel.

If I charter a gulet in Turkey, can I sail to the Greek islands?

This is possible, under certain conditions: the boat must be authorised to sail in Greek waters and have the required transit documents. This is often the case for boats based in Bodrum, close to the islands of Kos and Rhodes, but it is not systematic. You will also need to pay port and customs fees upon arrival in Greece, and comply with entry formalities into the Schengen area from Turkey.

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