A yacht charter in Turkey offers a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and exceptional value. This is the home of the original ‘Blue Voyage,’ and for good reason. As brokers, we know this coastline is a sailor's dream, defined by calm turquoise waters and thousands of protected bays perfect for dropping anchor in total privacy.
Why Choose Turkey for Your Next Yacht Charter
We have planned charters globally, but the Turkish Riviera consistently delivers an experience that is hard to match. We recommend Turkey because it offers a rare combination of privacy, adventure, and five-star service that feels both exclusive and authentic. The value is a significant factor; the standard of luxury and crew professionalism you receive for your budget often surpasses what's available in other Mediterranean hotspots.
This isn't just about a stunning coastline. It's about a culture built around hospitality at sea. The experience is supported by a long, proud tradition of boat building and seamanship, which is evident in the quality of the yachts and the expertise of their crews.
The Heart of the Blue Voyage
The legendary "Blue Voyage" originated here because the coastline, from the Bodrum Peninsula to Fethiye, seems purpose-built for yachting.
Calm, Protected Waters: The sea is famously gentle from May to October. We recommend this for families or anyone who prefers smooth, comfortable cruising.
Endless Anchorages: Turkey has thousands of secluded coves. Unlike other destinations, your captain can always find a private bay for swimming, relaxing, and dining in complete seclusion.
Proximity of Attractions: You can wake in a quiet, pine-scented bay, take a short cruise to explore ancient Lycian tombs carved into cliffs, and anchor near a charming fishing village for the evening. Distances are manageable, maximizing your relaxation time.
A World-Class Fleet
The quality of yachts available for charter in Turkey is a major draw. The country is a world leader in yacht building, especially renowned for its magnificent traditional wooden yachts, known as gulets.
We consistently find that a gulet charter in Turkey provides one of the best platforms for luxury and relaxation. These are spacious, stable vessels built with expansive decks ideal for sunbathing, alfresco dining, and enjoying the scenery.
Beyond the classic gulet, the fleet includes sleek motor yachts and world-class superyachts. This variety ensures we can match the right vessel to your group’s style and charter goals. A yacht charter in Turkey is more than a holiday; it's a seamless escape into natural beauty and effortless luxury, managed by a professional crew dedicated to your experience.
Choosing the Right Yacht for Your Turkish Holiday
Selecting the right vessel is the single most important decision for your charter. Our role as brokers is to listen to your vision—whether it's total relaxation, high-speed adventure, or absolute luxury—and match you with the specific yacht and crew that will deliver that experience flawlessly.
The type of yacht you choose defines your time on the water. A traditional gulet offers a rhythm that is worlds apart from a sleek motor yacht. Getting this choice right is the key to a holiday that exceeds your expectations.
This guide helps connect your charter goals with the right type of vessel.
As you can see, your primary motivation directs you to a specific yacht and cruising area. This is the most effective way to narrow the options and find your perfect match.
The Turkish Gulet: An Authentic and Relaxed Experience
For an authentic, spacious, and genuinely relaxing holiday, we almost always recommend a traditional Turkish Gulet. These are beautiful, handcrafted wooden vessels that represent the soul of the Turkish coast.
Gulets are designed for life on deck. They feature vast deck spaces with ample sunbeds, large alfresco dining tables, and comfortable shaded lounges. This makes them perfect for families and groups who want to connect with each other and the sea. Their shallow draft allows access to secluded coves that larger yachts cannot reach.
We recommend a gulet charter in Turkey for:
Families and larger groups: Gulets offer superb value and space, with many accommodating 10-12 guests comfortably.
Relaxation-focused trips: If your ideal day involves swimming in quiet bays, reading on deck, and enjoying long, leisurely meals, a gulet is the perfect platform.
Cultural immersion: Chartering a gulet is the classic 'Blue Voyage' experience, connecting you to a deep heritage of local craftsmanship.
The Motor Yacht: Speed, Style, and Modern Comfort
If your goal is to cover more ground and enjoy modern comforts with speed and style, a Motor Yacht is the ideal choice. Motor yachts deliver performance, luxury, and itinerary flexibility.
A motor yacht can take you from the vibrant nightlife of Bodrum to the quiet bays of Göcek in a fraction of the time a gulet would. Onboard, you’ll find stabilisers for smooth cruising, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and a wider array of water toys like jet skis.
We recommend a motor yacht for:
Itinerary-driven guests: For those who want to see and do as much as possible, a motor yacht’s speed opens up a much larger cruising area.
Clients seeking modern luxury: If air-conditioning, sophisticated interiors, and the latest technology are priorities, a motor yacht delivers.
Smaller groups or couples: Many motor yachts are perfectly sized for more intimate groups seeking a dynamic holiday.
The Superyacht: The Pinnacle of Luxury and Service
For the absolute height of bespoke service, ultimate luxury, and total personalisation, a Superyacht delivers an uncompromising experience. These are the world’s most exclusive floating villas, staffed by a large, professional crew dedicated to anticipating your every need.
A superyacht charter in Turkey combines breathtaking scenery with unparalleled comfort. From a Michelin-level private chef to an onboard spa, gym, and cinema, every detail is crafted to perfection. Turkey’s value proposition is particularly strong in this category. While weekly fees for superyachts over 40m can range from €110,000 to €350,000, charters in Turkey are often 40-60% more affordable than in the Western Mediterranean. You can learn more in the 2025 Turkish yacht industry outlook.
Finding the right yacht is about matching the vessel's character to your group's personality. This table highlights the key differences.
Comparing Yacht Types in Turkey
Yacht Type
Best For
Cruising Style
Typical Weekly Price Range (Indicative)
Gulet
Families, large groups, cultural immersion, and total relaxation.
Slow-paced, leisurely cruising between quiet bays and anchorages. Life lived on deck.
€15,000 – €75,000+
Motor Yacht
Itinerary-focused groups, modern luxury seekers, and those wanting speed and style.
Fast-paced, covering more coastline, with access to marinas and nightlife.
€25,000 – €150,000+
Superyacht
Discerning clients seeking the absolute pinnacle of luxury, service, and privacy.
Completely bespoke. A floating five-star resort that goes wherever you wish.
€110,000 – €350,000+
The best yacht is the one that feels made for you. Whether it is the timeless charm of a gulet or the thrilling performance of a motor yacht, the perfect vessel is waiting.
As brokers, our most important job is to listen. By understanding your vision, we can confidently guide you to the yacht and crew that will bring it to life on the beautiful waters of Turkey.
Understanding Your Charter Costs
A common and important question is about the price. We believe in being completely transparent about the costs of a yacht charter in Turkey so you know exactly what to expect. There are no hidden fees.
Your charter quote has two main components: the base charter fee and the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). Understanding these is key to appreciating the value and flexibility of a private charter. It is a fair, transparent system designed for customisation.
The Base Charter Fee Explained
The base charter fee is the hire price for the yacht. It is a fixed cost covering the exclusive use of the vessel and its professional crew—captain, chef, deckhands, and stewards—for your chosen dates.
This fee ensures the yacht is perfectly maintained, fully insured, and ready for your arrival. It is the foundation of your holiday. All other costs are variable and tailored to your preferences, which is where the APA comes in.
How the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) Works
The APA is your onboard expense account. We recommend this system because it is transparent; you only pay for what you actually use.
Typically, the APA is calculated as a percentage of the base charter fee, usually between 30% and 40%. You pay this amount in advance, and it goes to your captain to provision the yacht. It covers:
Fuel: For the yacht, tenders, and any motorised water toys.
Food and Beverages: All meals, snacks, spirits, wines, and soft drinks you have requested.
Port and Marina Fees: Any nightly docking charges.
Special Requests: Any other specific items or services.
The captain manages this fund with total transparency, keeping a detailed record of all expenses. You can review the accounts at any time. This allows for complete customisation. If you prefer vintage champagne and lobster, your APA will reflect that. If your tastes are simpler, your costs will be lower.
At the end of your charter, the captain presents a final, itemised account. If any funds remain in the APA, they are returned to you in cash. It is a fair system that puts you in complete control of your spending.
Designing Your Perfect Turkish Itinerary
This is where a good holiday becomes exceptional. Crafting the perfect itinerary for your yacht charter in Turkey is about designing how you want your days to feel. We use our deep, on-the-ground knowledge of the Turkish coast to design a route based on your preferences, not a generic template.
A great itinerary starts with the right base. The two main hubs for yacht charters in Turkey are Bodrum and Göcek. Each offers a completely different start to your journey. We recommend the one that best suits your group's style.
Bodrum: The Stylish and Historic Gateway
We recommend starting in Bodrum for those who want a blend of vibrant energy, history, and sophisticated charm. The town is a lively mix of chic restaurants, high-end boutiques, and buzzing nightlife, all overlooked by the magnificent 15th-century Castle of St. Peter.
A Bodrum yacht charter provides immediate access to the stunning Gulf of Gökova. This area is known for deep blue waters, pine-clad hills, and quiet seaside villages. It is the perfect launchpad for itineraries that balance peaceful seclusion with opportunities to go ashore and enjoy the local culture.
We recommend a Bodrum start for:
Culture and History Buffs: The proximity to ancient sites and the Bodrum Castle is a major draw.
Groups Seeking Variety: It’s ideal for mixing quiet anchorages with evenings at world-class restaurants.
First-Time Visitors: Bodrum offers a fantastic introduction to the Turkish Riviera.
Göcek: The Sailor’s Paradise
For pure, undiluted natural beauty, we point clients toward Göcek. Tucked into the protected Gulf of Fethiye, Göcek is a tranquil, upscale village built almost entirely around yachting. It is one of the finest sailing grounds in the Mediterranean.
What makes Göcek special is its incredible concentration of stunning, secluded bays and islands. From a Göcek base, you can spend a week hopping between picturesque anchorages like Tomb Bay, Wall Bay, and Cleopatra’s Bath, often without seeing another soul.
We recommend a Göcek start for:
Nature Lovers: The scenery is breathtaking, with countless spots for swimming, snorkelling, and hiking.
Relaxation-Focused Charters: The peace and quiet of the Göcek bays are unmatched for those looking to disconnect.
Families with Children: The waters are exceptionally calm and protected, creating a safe and serene environment.
A common misconception is that you must stick to one area. The beauty of a private yacht is freedom. We often design one-way charters from Bodrum to Göcek (or vice versa), giving you the best of both worlds.
The charter market here thrives for a reason. Turkey is a major superyacht producer, and charter bookings are strong. This growth is supported by modern marinas and unique cultural gems like ancient Lycian ruins, many of which are only accessible by yacht. You can dive deeper into the 2025 Turkey yacht charter outlook to see what's driving this demand.
Popular Itinerary Concepts
To help you envision your trip, we often begin with a concept. These are not rigid plans but frameworks we build upon together.
The Classic Göcek Coves: A seven-day journey dedicated to pure relaxation, hopping between idyllic bays for swimming and dining under the stars.
The Historic Carian Coast: Starting from Bodrum, this route blends incredible scenery with history, exploring ancient ruins and the quiet villages of the Datça Peninsula.
The Lycian Discovery: A one-way trip from Göcek toward Kaş or Kalkan for the more adventurous, taking in Ölüdeniz lagoon, Butterfly Valley, and the sunken city of Kekova.
Ultimately, the perfect itinerary is a personal creation based on what you want and what we know is possible.
The Best Time to Book Your Charter
When securing a yacht charter in Turkey, timing is critical. Our job is to provide the advice you need to find the best vessel, crew, and dates. The process should feel exciting, not like a last-minute scramble.
The best yachts, particularly those with exceptional crews, are often booked months or even a year in advance. Planning ahead ensures you get the experience you want, not just what's available.
Peak Season Planning
For the high-demand months of July and August, we recommend booking 9 to 12 months in advance. The top-tier gulets and motor yachts are always the first to be secured. Waiting until the new year to book for summer often means compromising on your first choice of yacht or dates.
Shoulder Season and Flexible Booking
If your travel dates are flexible, a booking window of 6 to 9 months is a solid timeframe. This still provides an excellent selection of premium yachts.
We often guide clients toward the shoulder seasons of May, June, September, or early October. These months are a fantastic option for several reasons.
We recommend the shoulder season because the weather is still spectacular and the sea is warm. Crucially, the coastline is quieter, creating a more serene experience, and you can often find better value.
This period offers the perfect balance of ideal conditions and greater availability. The Turkish charter market is resilient, driving early bookings for its long season. For instance, in Q1 2025, charter activity in the East Med saw a significant jump from the previous year, with Turkey holding a strong share of global bookings. This popularity is partly due to significant cost savings and favourable VAT rules. You can read more about Turkey's growing appeal in the charter market.
Our Booking Process
Our process is straightforward and transparent, making a complex decision feel simple.
The First Conversation: It starts with a discussion where we listen to your ideas and what you want your holiday to feel like.
Finding the Right Yacht: We then send a curated selection of yachts that are a perfect match, complete with crew profiles and our personal insights.
The Charter Agreement: Once you choose, we handle the paperwork with a clear, industry-standard charter agreement.
Confirmation and Planning: With the agreement signed and deposit paid, your booking is confirmed. Then the fun begins: planning the finer details of your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chartering in Turkey
Here, we answer the questions we hear most often. This is practical, straightforward insight from years of experience, designed to give you confidence as you plan your Turkish yacht charter.
What Is the Role of the Crew on a Turkish Charter Yacht?
Your crew is your private hospitality team. Their sole job is to manage the details so you can completely relax. Your safety, comfort, and enjoyment are their only priorities.
On a typical gulet charter in Turkey, the crew includes a Captain, a Chef, and one or two Deckhands/Stewards.
The Captain: Your expert navigator, local guide, and the person responsible for your safety. They will consult with you daily to fine-tune the itinerary.
The Chef: Your personal chef creates daily menus based on your preferences, using the freshest local ingredients. For many guests, the food is a trip highlight.
Deckhands and Stewards: This team makes the magic happen. They manage the yacht, assist with water toys, serve meals, and maintain your cabins with discreet professionalism.
We are highly selective about the crews we work with. We personally vet every team because we know a professional, friendly, and hospitable crew is what transforms a great holiday into an unforgettable one.
Is a Yacht Charter in Turkey Safe?
Absolutely. Safety is non-negotiable, and Turkey’s charter industry has an excellent record. The yachts we represent are commercially registered, meaning they meet strict international maritime safety standards and undergo regular, rigorous inspections.
They are fully equipped with modern navigation systems and certified life-saving gear. Captains and crews are licensed professionals with deep experience on the Turkish coast and hold certifications in first aid, firefighting, and sea survival. The coastline on popular routes from a Bodrum yacht charter to the sheltered Göcek bays is known for its calm, protected waters. We verify every safety certificate and crew credential so you can relax in expert hands.
Can Our Itinerary Be Customised?
Customisation is the entire point of a private charter. The itineraries on our website are just starting points to show what is possible. The final route is built around you.
We will discuss your vision for a perfect holiday. Do you want to explore ancient ruins, find deserted coves for swimming, or simply anchor in silence and read? We draft an itinerary based on that conversation, but the plan remains flexible. If you fall in love with a particular bay and want to stay an extra day, your captain will make it happen, weather permitting. That freedom is what makes a private charter special.
What Kind of Food Can We Expect on a Turkish Gulet Charter?
Prepare for a culinary journey. The food is often one of the most memorable parts of a yacht charter in Turkey.
Weeks before you travel, we send a detailed preference sheet. This is where you tell us your favourite foods, drinks, and any dietary needs. Your private chef uses this to create a bespoke menu centered around incredible local produce. Expect delicious, healthy Mediterranean cuisine:
Breakfasts are a lavish Turkish affair with local cheeses, olives, fresh fruits, honeycomb, and eggs cooked to your liking.
Lunches are often light and fresh: grilled fish, quality meats, and a vibrant array of creative salads and traditional mezes.
Dinners are the main event, usually served al fresco under the stars, showcasing the best of Aegean cuisine.
We only work with yachts renowned for their culinary excellence. Your chef cooks only for your group and is happy to accommodate any special requests. It is like having your own private waterfront restaurant for a week.
Your perfect Turkish voyage is just a conversation away. At DMA Yachting, we specialise in creating bespoke charter experiences that match your unique style. Explore our curated fleet and let our experts design your unforgettable journey along the Turquoise Coast. Start planning your charter today.
