Catamaran charter in Turkey with or without a skipper

Catamaran rental in Turkey

Spacious, stable, and perfectly suited to shallow waters, the catamaran is the ideal boat to discover Turkey from the sea. It offers particularly appreciated onboard comfort, with generous outdoor areas and easy circulation, ideal for fully enjoying every stop.

Sailing a catamaran in Turkey provides easy access to the finest cruising grounds of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea, from the unspoiled coves of the Lycian coast to the ancient sites of the Gulf of Gökova, and on to the crystal-clear bays around Göcek and Fethiye.

Turkey is a destination particularly well suited to catamaran cruises: accessible anchorages, short distances between stops, sheltered waters, and numerous shallow bays. A large share of the catamarans available locally are offered with a skipper, especially in high season.

If you prefer a more sporty sailing experience, you can also check out our sailboat rental in Turkey. 

For a more traditional experience, with crew and in the spirit of a relaxed cruise along the Turkish coast, also discover our gulet rental in Turkey.

In Turkey, Filovent offers a selection of recent, fully equipped catamarans, suited to cruising in the Eastern Mediterranean: frequent anchorages, comfortable life on board, and a balance between sailing, swimming, and cultural discovery.

Depending on your sailing plans, we offer:

• The sailing catamaran: this is the most common option in Turkey. It lets you enjoy the feel of sailing while benefiting from the comfort and stability typical of catamarans. Ideal for a cruise that balances sailing and relaxation, in areas where thermal breezes are steady in summer.
• The power catamaran: faster and independent of the wind, it lets you cover more ground in a single day. It is an interesting option for exploring several areas in a week, while enjoying even more generous living spaces on board.

The catamarans available in Turkey are modern units designed for Mediterranean cruising. You will find in particular Lagoon, Bali, and Fountaine Pajot models (Astrea, Elba, Lucia, Tanna…), as well as Sunreef for the most upscale units.

The services offered for your catamaran rental in Turkey

Here are the different services we offer:

• Bareboat catamaran rental: if one of the members of your crew has the required experience and licenses, you can sail entirely on your own. The catamaran is fully private and you explore Turkey at your own pace, depending on the weather and your wishes.
• Catamaran rental with skipper: this is the most popular option in Turkey. The professional skipper handles the navigation and guides you to the finest anchorages, which are often hard to spot without local knowledge. They also adjust the itinerary based on the wind, particularly in more exposed areas such as the Gulf of Hisarönü or the Aegean Sea.
• Crewed rental: offered on the most spacious catamarans, this option generally includes a skipper, a hostess, and sometimes a chef. It lets you fully enjoy the cruise without any hassle, with a level of service close to that of a hotel.
• Cabin cruise: you book a cabin aboard a catamaran shared with other travelers. The crew handles navigation, meals, and onboard service. An excellent option to discover Turkey without privately chartering an entire boat.

How much does a catamaran rental in Turkey cost?

The table below gives a rough estimate for a one-week rental in Turkey. Prices vary based on the season, the boat's year of build, the model, and availability.

The price includes: the catamaran rental and the main onboard equipment (sails, dishware, bed linens, dinghy, outboard engine).

The price does not include: insurance, port and mooring fees, skipper, hostess, final cleaning (often included in a mandatory pack), extras (paddle, kayak…), and provisioning.

For the rental of a premium catamaran or a yacht in Turkey, please contact us directly to get a personalized quote.

We strongly recommend that you take out our cancellation insurance, which covers the entire crew, as well as security deposit insurance, which is particularly useful in case of damage.

Where to sail a catamaran in Turkey?

Turkey offers varied cruising grounds that are particularly well suited to catamarans:

• The Lycian coast (Fethiye, Göcek, Kekova): this is the most iconic area. Turquoise waters, pine forests that plunge into the sea, and countless sheltered bays make it an ideal playground for catamarans. The 12 Islands of Göcek, the bay of Fethiye, and the sunken site of Kekova are must-sees, as is the discovery of traditional villages among Lycian ruins and small unspoiled anchorages. To plan your cruise, check out our cruising itinerary in Turkey.
• The Gulf of Gökova (Bodrum, Marmaris): a protected and sheltered area, ideal for a first sailing experience. You will find long pine-fringed coves, secluded beaches accessible only from the sea, and peaceful anchorages. Bodrum also offers a lively atmosphere with its marina and its Castle of the Knights of Saint John.
• The Carian coast and the Gulf of Hisarönü: wilder in character, this area alternates between discreet coves, small fishing villages such as Bozburun or Selimiye, and unspoiled anchorages. Conditions can be a bit more demanding depending on the wind, but the region remains very popular for its authenticity.
• Sailing to the Greek Dodecanese: from the Turkish coast, it is easy to reach the nearby Greek islands (Symi, Rhodes, Kos). Distances are short and make a combined Turkey-Greece cruise perfectly feasible, ideal for varying landscapes and cultures in a single week. Exit and entry formalities should, however, be planned for.

When to sail a catamaran in Turkey?

The sailing season runs from April to October.

Spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer the best conditions: pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and more accessible anchorages.

In July and August, visitor numbers are higher, particularly in Göcek and the bay of Fethiye. Conditions remain excellent, but some areas can be busier and temperatures especially high.

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

Sailing conditions in Turkey

Turkey enjoys overall favorable sailing conditions, with short distances between stops and numerous sheltered bays.

The dominant wind is the Meltemi, blowing from the northwest, which blows regularly in summer, mainly in the Aegean Sea (Bodrum region). It is generally more moderate along the Lycian coast (Fethiye, Göcek), which is sheltered by the terrain. Steady thermal breezes set in during the day and often drop in late afternoon.

The catamaran is particularly well suited to these conditions: its stability and shallow draft let you sail comfortably and reach shallow anchorages with ease. It also lets you explore unspoiled areas, especially the many nature parks and maritime archaeological sites along the Turkish coast.

The documents required to rent a bareboat catamaran in Turkey

To rent a bareboat catamaran in Turkey, you must hold:

• A coastal boating license (or equivalent),   
• Sufficient sailing experience.
• A sailing résumé may be requested by the charter company.

Useful information for your catamaran rental in Turkey   

What language is spoken in Turkey?

The official language is Turkish. In tourist areas such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, and Göcek, English is widely spoken, particularly in marinas, restaurants, and shops. German and French are also used in some establishments oriented towards European visitors.

In more authentic areas, particularly small fishing villages, exchanges can take place mostly in Turkish. This is nevertheless rarely an obstacle for travelers.

What currency is used in Turkey?

The official currency is the Turkish lira (TRY / ₺).

Credit cards are accepted in the vast majority of marinas, restaurants, and tourist-oriented shops. Still, it is recommended to always keep some cash on board, especially for small anchorages, more remote bay (koy) restaurants, or certain port services. The euro and the US dollar are sometimes accepted in very touristy areas, but paying in Turkish lira is often more advantageous.

How to get to Turkey?

Turkey is easily accessible from the US and Europe, with several well-served airports:

• Dalaman (DLM): ideal for cruising the Lycian coast, departing from Fethiye, Göcek, or Marmaris 
• Bodrum-Milas (BJV): gateway to explore the Gulf of Gökova and the Aegean Sea 
• Antalya (AYT): for cruises further east, toward the Turquoise Coast

In high season, many direct and one-stop flights are offered from major US hubs such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, generally with a connection in Istanbul.  

How to finalize the booking of your catamaran in Turkey?

Once we receive your inquiry, a Filovent advisor will contact you to understand exactly what you have in mind: dates, budget, crew composition, experience level, and expectations (comfort, itinerary, skipper…).

You will then receive several catamaran proposals tailored to your plans, with personalized recommendations on cruising areas and options (skipper, hostess, equipment…).

Once the boat has been chosen, payment of a deposit secures the booking.

Are there any cruising taxes in Turkey?

In Turkey, there is no cruising tax equivalent to the Greek TEPAI for charter boats. However, some costs should be planned for:

• Port fees: variable depending on the marina (higher in Göcek, Bodrum, and Marmaris in high season)
• Mooring taxes: applied in some bays and protected areas
• Transit log: mandatory document for any cruising in Turkey, payable at the start of the cruise
• Crossing to Greece: fees for leaving Turkish territory and entering Greek waters in the case of a combined cruise

Good to know