As brokers who live and breathe the Turkish coastline, we've crafted this guide to give you a clear, insider's view of what makes a yacht charter here so exceptional. Forget generic advice. This is our professional perspective on how to plan an unforgettable journey along the Turquoise Coast.
A private yacht charter in Turkey is about more than just luxury. It’s about discovering a coastline steeped in history, dropping anchor in pristine bays that are inaccessible by land, and experiencing the legendary Turkish hospitality from a world-class crew. It is, simply put, the only way to truly see this magnificent part of the world.
Planning Your Ultimate Turkish Gulet Experience
A professionally crewed yacht charter in Turkey is your private floating retreat. It comes with a dedicated captain, chef, and crew whose sole focus is bringing your ideal holiday to life. This is the difference between simply visiting Turkey and immersing yourself in its coastal wonders.
From the deck of your gulet, the world moves at your pace. You can explore ancient Lycian tombs carved into cliffsides in the morning and swim in a secluded, turquoise cove in the afternoon. You decide the itinerary.
Before we delve into specifics, here is a quick overview of what to consider.
Turkey Yacht Charter At a Glance
We recommend clients consider these key factors when planning. This table breaks down the essentials for a charter along the Turkish coast.
Charter Aspect
Key Consideration
Our Recommendation
Yacht Type
Traditional Gulet for authenticity or a modern Motor Yacht for speed?
We recommend a gulet for the authentic Turkish experience. Their spacious decks are perfect for the relaxed, indoor-outdoor lifestyle of the Turquoise Coast.
Charter Costs
Base Rate + APA (expenses) + VAT. Fuel is a major variable.
Gulets are typically more fuel-efficient than motor yachts, which can make the APA go further. The APA is usually 30% of the charter fee.
Best Time to Go
July/August for peak summer; June/September for ideal weather & fewer crowds.
We recommend June and September. The sea is warm, the sun is glorious, and the key bays around Göcek and Bodrum are less crowded.
Itinerary
Göcek’s 12 islands, the Bodrum peninsula, or the Kekova region?
For first-time visitors, the Göcek to Fethiye route is unbeatable for its sheer number of stunning, sheltered bays.
The Crew
A great captain is your local guide; a talented chef is essential.
Turkish crews are renowned for their hospitality. The chef is central, as meals onboard are a highlight of any Turkish charter.
Booking Timeline
Start planning 6-12 months ahead for the best selection.
For high-quality gulets in July and August, booking a year in advance is standard practice in this market.
This framework provides the core components for building your perfect Turkish yacht charter.
Why Charter a Yacht in Turkey?
Turkey’s charter market is unique. It’s built around the gulet, a traditional wooden sailing vessel that has been perfected for luxury cruising. Unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean, Turkey offers an incredible blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty at a value that is hard to match.
We advise clients to focus on these three pillars when considering a charter here:
The Yacht (Gulet): The centerpiece of a Turkish charter. Gulets range from comfortable, classic designs to ultra-luxurious, contemporary vessels with every modern amenity. Their defining feature is expansive deck space, designed for lounging, dining, and soaking up the scenery.
The Crew: A great Turkish crew transforms a holiday. Your captain is an expert on the local coastline, knowing every hidden bay and the best times to visit. Your chef will prepare incredible meals from fresh, local ingredients—often a highlight of the entire trip.
The Itinerary: The coastline from Bodrum to Antalya is a treasure trove of possibilities. We design routes that balance iconic sites like Ölüdeniz with quiet, pine-scented anchorages where your yacht is the only one in sight. This flexibility is key.
Getting these fundamentals right is the first and most important step. It ensures your charter is perfectly aligned with your expectations.
Selecting the Right Yacht and Understanding Costs
Choosing the right yacht is the most critical decision for your charter in Turkey. The vessel is not just your transport; it's your private villa, your gourmet restaurant, and the heart of your holiday. We guide clients through this process daily, matching them with the perfect gulet or motor yacht for their group and desired experience.
The yacht you choose sets the tone for your trip. A classic gulet offers a relaxed, authentic pace, ideal for swimming, reading, and enjoying long meals on deck. A high-performance motor yacht, while less common for traditional Turkish itineraries, allows you to cover more ground quickly.
Before you look at specific yachts, we recommend you consider how you want to spend your time. Will you be entertaining guests, seeking a quiet family escape, or focusing on watersports? Your answer will point directly to the ideal vessel.
Matching a Yacht to Your Turkey Charter
Turkey's charter fleet is dominated by gulets, which we believe offer the ultimate platform for enjoying this coastline. They generally fall into these categories:
Classic Gulets (20-30 metres): These offer a traditional and authentic experience. They are comfortable, spacious, and perfect for families or groups who want a genuine taste of Turkish cruising. They typically accommodate 6-12 guests.
Luxury Gulets (30-40 metres): These vessels elevate the experience with more luxurious cabins, professional galley kitchens, and a wider array of water toys. We recommend this category for clients seeking a higher level of comfort and service from a larger crew.
High-Luxury / VIP Gulets (40+ metres): In this class, you find the pinnacle of Turkish craftsmanship. These are essentially floating five-star hotels, featuring enormous master suites, Jacuzzis, and highly trained crews, including specialist chefs and multiple stewardesses. They deliver an uncompromising level of luxury.
This flowchart gives you a simple visual of what a private charter really delivers.
As you can see, it all comes down to freedom, privacy, and luxury—the three pillars of every great Turkish gulet charter.
Demystifying Charter Costs
We believe in complete transparency with costs. The pricing structure for a yacht charter is straightforward once you understand the components.
Your charter cost consists of two main parts: the Base Charter Fee and the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA).
The Base Charter Fee covers the hire of the yacht and the crew's salaries. It’s the fixed price for your chosen dates.
The APA is a separate fund that covers all your running expenses. We explain it to clients as a prepaid expense account for the trip, managed by your captain.
The APA is typically calculated as 30% of the Base Charter Fee. It pays for all your food and beverages, fuel, marina fees, and any special requests. The captain maintains a detailed account of all expenditures, and any remaining funds are refunded to you at the end of the charter.
This system is fair and gives you complete control over your spending. If you prefer simple, fresh meals and anchoring in bays, your costs will be lower. If you request fine wines and docking in marinas every night, your APA will reflect that. You only pay for what you use.
Please note that Value Added Tax (VAT) will be added to the base charter fee.
Crafting Your Perfect Turkey Itinerary
The greatest luxury of a gulet charter in Turkey is the freedom to follow the coastline's rhythm. While every trip is flexible, a well-considered itinerary is the key to a truly exceptional holiday. It’s the blueprint for experiencing the best of the Turkish coast without feeling rushed.
Our role as brokers is to help you create that blueprint. We combine iconic destinations with the secluded bays only seasoned captains know, creating a journey that is both enriching and deeply relaxing. This is how you unlock the magic of the Turquoise Coast.
The Classic Route: Göcek Bays and Fethiye
For a first-time charter in Turkey, we nearly always recommend the Göcek region. Its geography is unique—a large, protected bay dotted with dozens of islands and coves, offering incredibly calm and clear waters.
A typical day involves a short cruise in the morning to a new bay. You might anchor in Tersane Island to explore Byzantine ruins, or in Cleopatra’s Bath where legend says the Egyptian queen once swam. The water is warm and perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or using the yacht’s water toys.
Lunch is a highlight—a magnificent spread of Turkish mezes and grilled specialties prepared by your chef. The afternoon is for relaxing, followed by another short cruise to a peaceful spot for the evening.
A tip from our experience: while Göcek has excellent marinas, the real magic here is anchoring out. The bays are so sheltered and beautiful that most clients prefer to spend their evenings moored in nature, under a sky full of stars. This also keeps marina costs down.
This area is ideal for those who want a pure, relaxing escape focused on swimming, nature, and incredible food.
A Sample 7-Day Göcek Itinerary
A week is the perfect amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Göcek and Fethiye region. This sample itinerary balances relaxation with discovery.
Sample 7-Day Turkey Yacht Itinerary
Day
Morning Activity
Afternoon Anchorage
Evening Destination
Day 1
Embark in Göcek. Gentle cruise to Boynuz Bükü for your first swim in the turquoise waters.
Anchor in Bedri Rahmi Bay, famous for the fish painting on a rock. Explore the Lycian rock tombs hidden in the trees.
Dinner onboard in a quiet corner of the bay.
Day 2
Cruise to Tersane Island, the largest island in the bay. Swim and explore the partially submerged ruins of a Greek village.
A short hop to Cleopatra’s Bath (Hamam Bay). Snorkel over ancient ruins visible beneath the water.
Anchor in a secluded part of Hamam Bay for the night.
Day 3
Head towards Fethiye. Anchor at the famous Ölüdeniz, the Blue Lagoon. (Note: Entry may be restricted; view from nearby).
Cruise to Gemiler Island (St. Nicholas Island). Go ashore to explore the fascinating Byzantine ruins and churches.
Anchor with a view of Gemiler. We recommend hiking to the top of the island for an unforgettable sunset view.
Day 4
Enjoy a morning of water sports in the calm waters near Gemiler.
A leisurely cruise back into the Gulf of Fethiye to find a quiet lunch spot.
Arrive in Fethiye Harbour. You can choose to dine onboard or explore the town's excellent restaurants.
Day 5
Explore the Fethiye market for local goods. Depart for the Göcek bays again.
Anchor in Sarsala Bay, a beautiful and popular spot for a swim and lunch.
Move to a quieter nearby cove like Yassica Islands for the evening.
Day 6
Island hop around the Yassica Islands, a cluster of small, beautiful islands perfect for snorkelling.
Enjoy a final long afternoon of swimming and relaxing on deck. Your chef can prepare a special farewell barbecue dinner.
Anchor in a peaceful spot for your last night.
Day 7
Enjoy a final breakfast onboard and one last morning swim.
Slow cruise back to Göcek marina for disembarkation.
This is just a suggestion. We customize every itinerary based on your preferences, whether you want more history, more solitude, or more time for watersports.
Expanding Your Horizon: Bodrum or Kekova
For repeat clients or those seeking a different experience, we recommend two other premier cruising grounds:
The Bodrum Peninsula: Offers a more cosmopolitan feel, blending beautiful bays with chic towns like Türkbükü, known for its vibrant restaurant and beach club scene. It’s a great choice for those who want to mix relaxation with onshore entertainment.
Kekova Region (from Kaş or Fethiye): This is a journey back in time. The highlight is cruising over the sunken city of Kekova and visiting the picturesque village of Simena, crowned by a Crusader castle. We recommend this for clients fascinated by history and ancient ruins.
Ultimately, the perfect itinerary is a collaboration between you, your captain, and us. We use our deep local knowledge to craft a route that ensures your gulet charter Turkey experience is truly unforgettable.
Choosing the Best Time to Charter in Turkey
Timing is crucial for a yacht charter in Turkey. The coastline’s character changes dramatically from spring to high summer. We guide our clients through this decision to ensure the season aligns perfectly with their holiday vision.
Turkey's charter season runs from May through October, but the experience within those months varies significantly. Choosing the right period means the weather, water temperature, and crowd levels will be exactly what you’re looking for.
The Peak Season: July and August
July and August represent the height of the Mediterranean summer. The weather is consistently hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C, and the sea is wonderfully warm, perfect for all-day swimming. This is the time for those who love the vibrant energy of summer.
We recommend this period for sun-seekers and families tied to school holidays. The atmosphere in towns like Bodrum and Göcek is lively, and all restaurants and shops are open.
However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time. The most popular bays can be crowded, and booking the best gulets requires planning far in advance.
The Shoulder Season Advantage: May, June, and September
For what we consider the optimal experience, we consistently recommend the shoulder seasons. June and September, in particular, offer a perfect balance of fantastic weather and fewer crowds.
These months are our top recommendation for clients who want a more relaxed and peaceful charter. The sun is warm but not oppressive, and the sea has had time to heat up to beautiful swimming temperatures.
Here is why we believe the shoulder season is the best choice:
Quieter Anchorages: You can enjoy the most famous bays in relative solitude. It feels like you have the coast to yourself.
Better Value and Availability: There is a wider selection of high-quality yachts available, often at more competitive rates than in July or August.
Pleasant Temperatures: The milder weather is more comfortable for both relaxing on deck and exploring historical sites ashore, which can be draining in the peak summer heat.
From our professional experience, early June and the whole of September offer the absolute sweet spot. You get the glorious summer climate and warm seas, combined with a tranquil atmosphere that allows you to truly connect with the beauty of the Turkish coast.
There is no single "best" time for a yacht charter in Turkey. It depends on your priorities. Whether you seek the buzz of high summer or the serenity of the shoulder months, we can advise on the perfect timing for your trip.
Navigating Premier Marinas and Secluded Anchorages
A key part of a successful charter is knowing when to be in a bustling marina and when to be anchored in a secluded bay. This balance is what defines the rhythm of a Turkish charter, blending onshore exploration with the profound peace of being at sea.
Your captain is the ultimate guide, but understanding the options helps you craft an itinerary that is perfectly suited to your tastes. Turkey’s coastline offers world-class marinas alongside countless pristine bays, and we help our clients find the ideal mix.
Turkey's World-Class Marinas
For times when you want to step ashore for dinner, supplies, or simply a change of scenery, Turkey’s marinas are superb. They are not just places to moor; they are sophisticated hubs with excellent restaurants, shops, and facilities.
We recommend planning your itinerary to include a marina visit if you wish, but it’s not essential for a gulet charter.
D-Marin Göcek: This is one of the most exclusive marinas in Turkey, set in a beautiful, protected bay. It offers a chic, village-like atmosphere with high-end boutiques and waterfront dining. It is the perfect, tranquil starting or ending point for a charter.
Yalıkavak Marina, Bodrum: This marina has transformed the Bodrum peninsula into a premier luxury destination. It boasts designer shopping, world-famous restaurants like Zuma and Nusr-Et, and berths for some of the largest superyachts in the world. We recommend it for clients who want a dose of glamour.
Ece Saray Marina, Fethiye: Located in the heart of the vibrant town of Fethiye, this marina offers easy access to the town’s bustling market, historical sites, and excellent restaurants.
The Magic of a Secluded Anchorage
While the marinas are excellent, the true soul of a gulet charter in Turkey is found at anchor in its secluded bays. These are the places you can only reach by boat, where the water is crystal-clear and the scent of pine fills the air.
This is where the feeling of true escape begins. Your yacht becomes your private island in a calm, turquoise paradise.
Our captains and brokers have spent decades exploring this coastline. This is not knowledge you can find in a book. We know which coves offer the best protection from the afternoon breeze, which have the clearest water for snorkelling, and which provide the most spectacular sunset views.
This insider expertise is invaluable. It ensures your time at anchor is always safe, peaceful, and perfectly matched to what you want from your day.
Our Brokers' Favourite Anchorages
Every captain has their secret spots, but these anchorages consistently deliver unforgettable experiences. We often build them into itineraries for clients seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
Recommended Bays for Your Itinerary:
Bedri Rahmi Bay (Göcek): Named after a famous Turkish writer and painter, this bay is known for a fish he painted on a rock. It is a stunning, pine-clad cove with small Lycian rock tombs hidden amongst the trees.
Cleopatra’s Bath / Hamam Bay (Göcek): A beautiful, large bay with partially submerged ruins of an ancient Roman bath. The water is exceptionally clear, making it a fantastic spot for snorkelling and imagining its history.
Gemiler Island (Fethiye): Also known as St. Nicholas Island, this location is rich in history. We recommend anchoring here and taking the tender ashore to explore the extensive Byzantine ruins, then hiking to the summit for one of the best sunsets on the coast.
Kekova Sound: This is a truly unique area. You can cruise gently over the sunken ruins of an ancient city, a protected archaeological site. Nearby, the village of Kaleköy (Simena) is accessible only by boat and is one of the most picturesque spots in all of Turkey.
Your charter is an opportunity to experience a coastline that has captivated sailors for centuries. By blending world-class marinas with these timeless, secluded bays, you get the complete and unforgettable Turkish yachting experience.
How to Make Your Charter Booking Smooth and Simple
To ensure a seamless yacht charter in Turkey, preparation is key. As your broker, our job is to handle all the complex details, but we find that well-informed clients have the most rewarding experience.
This guide provides an inside look at the booking process, from what to pack to the professional timeline we adhere to. It is designed to give you complete confidence and peace of mind from the moment you inquire until you step aboard.
Your Role as a Charter Guest
Once your charter is confirmed, your primary role is to relax and anticipate your holiday. However, a few small contributions from your side can significantly enhance the experience for everyone.
Pack Smart with Soft Luggage: This is the universal rule of yachting. Hard suitcases are difficult to store and can damage the yacht's interior woodwork. We always recommend soft duffel bags, which can be easily stowed away.
Preference Sheets are Everything: Before your charter, we will send you a detailed preference sheet. This is your opportunity to communicate your group's needs and desires—from dietary requirements and allergies to your favourite drinks and any special occasions you might be celebrating. The more detail you provide, the better your crew can tailor every aspect of the service to you.
Onboard Etiquette: Your professional crew is there to provide exceptional service, but the yacht is also their workplace. Being mindful of crew areas and communicating your daily wishes with the captain helps ensure the entire operation runs smoothly and harmoniously.
The Professional Booking Timeline
Securing the best gulet charter in Turkey, particularly for the peak season, is all about timing. The most sought-after yachts are often booked up to a year in advance.
For charters in July and August, we strongly recommend you begin the booking process 6 to 12 months before your trip. This gives you the best possible selection of high-quality gulets and ensures you do not have to compromise.
For the shoulder months of June or September, you have more flexibility. A lead time of 3 to 6 months is generally sufficient, but we always advise that booking earlier is better.
Understanding the Charter Agreement and Payments
The booking process is governed by a clear, industry-standard structure that protects both you and the yacht owner.
The Charter Agreement: We use a MYBA (The Worldwide Yachting Association) E-Contract, which is the industry's gold standard. This legal document clearly outlines all the terms of your charter, including dates, costs, and the responsibilities of all parties.
The Payment Schedule: Payments are typically made in two stages. The first 50% of the base charter fee is due upon signing the agreement. This payment officially confirms your booking.
Final Balance: The remaining 50% of the base fee, plus the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) and any applicable VAT, is due approximately 30 days before your charter begins.
This structured process provides security and clarity for everyone. As your broker, we manage every step, ensuring the paperwork is seamless and all your questions are answered. All that's left for you to do is look forward to your incredible Turkish coast adventure.
Common Questions About Turkey Yacht Charters
When planning a yacht charter in Turkey, a few key questions consistently arise. Here are the clear, straightforward answers we provide to our clients to help them plan with total confidence.
What Is Included in the Charter Fee?
The charter fee covers the hire of the yacht and its professional crew for your selected dates.
All variable expenses—such as fuel, all your food and drinks, marina fees, and any local taxes—are covered by the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). We recommend budgeting an APA of around 30% of the charter fee. Your captain manages this fund with full transparency, and any unspent funds are returned to you at the end of the charter.
Do I Need a Boating Licence?
No. On a fully crewed charter, you do not need any licences or qualifications. Your professional captain and crew are fully certified and are responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the yacht.
This allows you and your guests to completely relax and enjoy your holiday without any operational concerns.
Can We Change Our Itinerary During the Charter?
Absolutely. This flexibility is a core benefit of a private charter. We will work with you to create an ideal itinerary in advance, but this should always be seen as a suggestion, not a fixed schedule.
Your captain will be happy to discuss new ideas with you each day. The final route will always depend on weather conditions and cruising practicalities, with your safety and comfort as the top priority. It is your holiday to shape as you go.
What Is the Standard Tipping Practice for the Crew?
Tipping is customary in the charter industry as a way to show appreciation for excellent service, and it is always at your discretion. If you have had an outstanding experience, a gratuity of 10-15% of the base charter fee is the industry guideline in the Mediterranean.
We recommend giving the gratuity to the captain at the end of your charter. The captain will then distribute it fairly amongst all crew members, including those like the engineer and chef who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
At DMA Yachting, we believe an informed client is a happy client. Our expertise is built on years of navigating these waters and understanding what truly matters for an exceptional charter experience.
Ready to plan your unforgettable Turkish escape? Explore our fleet and start your journey today at https://myturkishcharter.com.
