A catamaran charter is the definitive way to experience Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. As charter specialists, we plan these voyages daily. Catamarans offer exceptional stability, vast living space, and crucial access to the shallow, hidden coves that monohulls simply cannot reach.
This guide delivers our firsthand knowledge, honed over years of arranging bespoke charters along the Turkish Riviera. We will provide practical, direct advice to ensure you book your trip with total confidence. Our goal is to ensure your sailing adventure is flawless.
Why Trust Us With Your Catamaran Charter in Turkey?
We'll cover everything from selecting the right catamaran to navigating premier sailing hubs like Göcek and Bodrum. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of charter costs, booking timelines, and how to build an itinerary that brings your ideal trip to life.
A Premier Destination for Discerning Sailors
Turkey’s reputation as a top-tier charter destination is well-earned. Its world-class boat-building industry produces a modern, high-quality fleet that rivals any in Europe. You can learn more about Turkey’s yachting industry trends on ibisworld.com.
We recommend Turkey for your charter because it delivers:
Exceptional Value: Compared to other Mediterranean hotspots, Turkey provides superior value on high-calibre yachts and professional crews.
A Rich Cultural Tapestry: The coastline is dotted with ancient history—from Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs to sunken Roman cities you can snorkel over.
Unspoiled Natural Beauty: Imagine pine-clad hillsides dropping into turquoise waters and quiet anchorages in some of the most pristine marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean.
Understanding Your Charter Options
In Turkey, your main choices are a traditional wooden gulet or a modern catamaran. While a gulet charter Turkey offers classic charm, a catamaran delivers superior space, performance, and comfort.
We consistently recommend catamarans for their twin-hull design. This creates an incredibly stable platform, which is a significant advantage for families, first-time sailors, or anyone concerned about seasickness. The wide beam provides expansive deck areas for dining and relaxing, while the shallow draft allows your captain to access serene, secluded bays off-limits to deeper vessels.
This guide focuses specifically on how to maximize your catamaran charter experience.
Turkey Catamaran Charter At a Glance
Here is a summary of our expert recommendations for a successful Turkish charter.
Aspect
Broker Recommendation
Best Time to Go
May to October. For fewer crowds and ideal sailing conditions, we recommend June or September.
Ideal Group Size
6 to 10 guests. Most modern catamarans feature 4 or 5 double cabins, making them perfect for families or groups of friends.
Charter Duration
7 nights is the standard. This allows enough time to properly explore a region like the Göcek bays or Bodrum without feeling rushed.
Top Sailing Areas
Göcek and the Fethiye Gulf for sheltered bays and island-hopping. Bodrum and the Gökova Gulf for a mix of lively towns and quiet coves.
Crew Options
A skippered charter is essential for local knowledge and stress-free navigation. For the full luxury experience, we advise adding a hostess/cook to handle meals and service.
Budgeting (APA)
Plan for an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of 20-25% of the charter fee. This covers fuel, food, drinks, and mooring fees. Any unspent funds are returned to you.
Booking Lead Time
6-9 months in advance, especially for peak season (July/August). This secures the best yachts and crews.
This table provides a solid foundation. We work with you to fine-tune every detail for your specific group.
Why a Catamaran is the Best Choice for Turkey
The vessel you choose sets the tone for your entire trip. For exploring the Turquoise Coast, we recommend catamarans because they offer the ideal blend of comfort, space, and versatility.
The dual-hull design keeps the boat remarkably flat, minimizing the rolling motion that can cause seasickness. This creates a calm, steady platform whether you are cruising or at anchor. For families with children or guests new to sailing, this stability is a game-changer.
Unbeatable Access and Space
A catamaran’s shallow draft is a major advantage in Turkey. It allows your captain to navigate into secluded coves and quiet anchorages that are inaccessible to deeper monohulls or gulets. This is how you find the truly private spots away from summer crowds.
The twin-hull design also creates an incredible amount of living space. You get sprawling, open decks for sunbathing and a saloon that flows seamlessly into the cockpit. The layout is social and open-air, perfect for groups wanting to enjoy the Mediterranean climate together.
We always tell our clients that comfort is key to a great charter. A catamaran feels less like a boat and more like a private floating villa, providing a stable, spacious base from which to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The Ideal Platform for a Turkish Charter
Catamarans are perfectly suited to the rhythm of a Turkish sailing holiday, which typically involves short sails between beautiful bays followed by long afternoons of swimming and relaxing.
Here is where a catamaran excels:
Easy Water Access: Low swim platforms make it effortless for everyone, from children to older adults, to get in and out of the sea.
Privacy and Comfort: With cabins located in separate hulls, guests enjoy a level of privacy not found on a monohull.
360-Degree Views: The raised saloon and large windows provide stunning panoramic views, whether you are dining inside or watching the coast pass by.
A catamaran enhances every aspect of the charter experience, blending performance with a level of comfort that ensures your time on the water is both memorable and relaxing.
Understanding the Costs of a Turkish Catamaran Charter
Budgeting for a yacht charter is straightforward when the costs are transparent. We ensure every charge is clear from the start so there are no surprises. A crewed charter cost is broken into three main components.
The Charter Fee
The primary cost is the weekly charter fee. This is the base price for the exclusive hire of the catamaran and its professional crew for your chosen dates. The rate is determined by the yacht's size, age, build, and level of luxury.
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)
Next is the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). We recommend budgeting 20-30% of the charter fee for this. The APA acts as your onboard expense account, funded before the charter begins.
Your captain uses this float to cover all variable costs during your trip, including all food and drink, fuel, private marina fees, and any specific requests. Your captain maintains a detailed record of all expenses. At the end of the charter, you receive a full breakdown, and any remaining funds are refunded to you. This transparent system ensures you only pay for what you use.
Crew Gratuity and Other Costs
Finally, crew gratuity is customary for excellent service. We recommend 10-15% of the base charter fee as a guideline. This is a direct way to thank the crew for their hard work.
Providing us with a clear total budget allows us to source the perfect vessel. For larger groups, premium catamarans with 7-9 cabins are available. The average weekly price for a yacht in this category is around €12,251. You can explore more data on Turkish yacht charter pricing on yacht-rent.com.
So, why choose a catamaran in the first place? This chart breaks down the core benefits.
The twin-hull design translates directly into a more comfortable and versatile charter experience, from its stability at anchor to its ability to access shallow bays.
Exploring Turkey's Premier Sailing Destinations
Turkey’s coastline is a collection of distinct sailing regions. We help match you to the area that best fits your vision. We recommend choosing one region for a seven-day charter. Trying to cover too much ground turns a relaxing holiday into a rushed trip. It is far better to slow down and immerse yourself in one location.
The Turkish charter market has grown significantly, establishing itself as a world-class destination. The country offers a vast fleet of charter yachts, making luxury sailing more accessible than ever. You can browse Turkey's extensive catamaran fleet on 12knots.com to see the variety available.
This incredible choice is spread across four main hubs, each a gateway to a different Turkish adventure.
Choosing Your Turkish Charter Region
Region
Best For
Vibe
Must-See Sights
Göcek
Nature lovers, sailors, and total relaxation
Quiet, protected, and unspoiled. All about island-hopping.
Twelve Islands, Cleopatra's Bath, secluded bays with tiny tavernas.
Bodrum
History buffs and luxury seekers
Chic, cosmopolitan, and historic. Great food and nightlife.
Bodrum Castle, ancient ruins, Gökova Gulf's stunning anchorages.
Fethiye
Active groups and scenic explorers
Dramatic, adventurous, and visually stunning.
Ölüdeniz Lagoon, Butterfly Valley, Lycian rock tombs.
Marmaris
Balanced itineraries and authentic villages
A lively hub with access to wild, rugged peninsulas.
Datça Peninsula, Bozburun Peninsula, ancient Loryma.
Each region offers a completely different experience. Let's explore what to expect.
Göcek: The Sailor’s Paradise
For pure natural beauty and tranquility, we always recommend Göcek. Tucked in the Gulf of Fethiye, it is a protected sailing area filled with pine-cloaked bays and quiet islands. The water is exceptionally calm and clear, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply anchoring in peace. A Göcek itinerary is about discovering hidden coves and enjoying meals at tiny, family-run restaurants right on the water's edge.
Bodrum: The Cosmopolitan Hub
If your ideal holiday combines ancient history with modern luxury, a Bodrum yacht charter is the perfect fit. The town is energetic, with a chic marina, world-class restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, all centered around the magnificent Bodrum Castle. From Bodrum, you can sail into the Gökova Gulf, known for its deep blue waters and tranquil anchorages. This itinerary offers sophisticated evenings ashore followed by peaceful days exploring a beautiful coastline.
Fethiye and Marmaris: Gateways to Adventure
The Fethiye region contains some of Turkey’s most dramatic scenery, including the world-famous Ölüdeniz lagoon and Butterfly Valley, which is accessible only by sea. It is an ideal spot for an active holiday with opportunities for paragliding, hiking, and exploring ancient Lycian ruins.
We often advise clients that Marmaris offers the perfect balance. The town is a lively hub providing access to the pristine Datça and Bozburun peninsulas, which are renowned for their rugged beauty and authentic Turkish villages.
Choosing your starting point is the first step in designing your perfect charter. Our role is to help you find the one that best suits your group.
Crafting Your Perfect Week-Long Turkish Itinerary
A great charter is defined by a well-paced itinerary. We work with your captain to design a bespoke journey, but this sample 7-day route from the Göcek bays provides a perfect blueprint. Use this as a starting point; the real magic happens when we customize the plan to fit your preferences, whether you want to explore ancient ruins or find the quietest coves.
A Sample Göcek Itinerary
The Göcek and Fethiye region is a sailor’s paradise, loved for its protected waters and countless stunning anchorages. A typical week balances gentle sailing with ample time for swimming and exploring.
Day 1: Embark and Settle InYour journey begins at the marina. After boarding, a short sail takes you to a sheltered cove for your first swim, followed by cocktails and dinner at anchor.
Day 2: Discover Sunken RuinsSail to Cleopatra's Bath (Hamam Bay), where you can snorkel over partially submerged Roman ruins. The afternoon is for leisure: swimming, paddleboarding, or relaxing on deck.
Day 3: Explore Fethiye TownWe recommend a visit to Fethiye to experience local culture. Your captain can arrange a taxi to the ancient Lycian rock tombs, followed by a visit to the vibrant market.
The key advantage of a crewed charter is total flexibility. Your captain is a local expert and will constantly adapt the plan based on weather and, most importantly, your group's preferences.
From Iconic Lagoons to Secluded Valleys
The second half of the week often focuses on the region's most famous natural wonders, many of which are only accessible by sea—a core benefit of a private catamaran charter in Turkey.
Day 4: The Breathtaking ÖlüdenizHead towards the stunning Ölüdeniz, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Your captain knows the best nearby spots to anchor so you can enjoy the views.
Day 5: Visit Butterfly ValleyNext is a visit to the secluded Butterfly Valley, a dramatic canyon that can only be reached by boat. It offers a spectacular anchorage and a rewarding hike to a waterfall.
Day 6: Relaxed Island HoppingEnjoy a final full day sailing back through the Göcek islands. Your crew will find a perfect, quiet spot for a long lunch, more swimming, and fun with the water toys.
Day 7: A Final Morning at SeaWake up for one last swim and a delicious breakfast on deck. Enjoy a short, final sail back to port for disembarkation.
When to Book Your Charter and the Best Time to Sail
Securing the best catamaran and crew requires planning. From our experience, the most desirable yachts are booked early. We recommend planning well in advance to avoid disappointment.
The booking process is simple. It begins with a detailed discussion to understand your needs. We then present a curated selection of suitable catamarans and guide you through the charter agreement. We use a detailed preference sheet to fine-tune every detail, from your culinary tastes to desired activities.
The Best Time to Book Your Charter
To ensure the best choice of yachts, booking well in advance is crucial. Demand for a quality catamaran charter in Turkey is high, and the top vessels are often reserved a year ahead.
Here are our booking timeline recommendations:
Peak Season (July & August): We recommend finalizing your booking 9 to 12 months in advance. This guarantees your first-choice yacht and a top-tier crew.
Shoulder Season (May, June, September & October): These months offer fantastic weather with fewer crowds. To secure a great selection of yachts, we suggest booking 6 to 9 months out.
Planning ahead not only secures a better yacht but also gives your crew ample time to prepare. This is the difference between a good trip and a flawless one.
Turkey’s Ideal Sailing Season
The sailing season runs from early May through late October. The weather is generally superb, but the best month depends on your preferences for temperature and atmosphere.
A Month-by-Month Guide
We break the season into three distinct periods:
Early Season (May & June): This is a beautiful time on the water. The coastline is lush, wildflowers are in bloom, and the heat is pleasant. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the anchorages are peaceful.
High Season (July & August): These are the hottest and busiest months. Expect guaranteed sunshine, very warm sea temperatures, and a vibrant atmosphere in towns and marinas.
Late Season (September & October): For many seasoned sailors, this is the prime time for a Bodrum yacht charter or exploring the Göcek bays. The sea remains warm, but the intense summer heat has subsided, and the crowds have thinned. You'll find quiet anchorages and a much more relaxed pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Turkish Charter
As brokers, we answer questions about Turkish charters daily. Here are our answers to the most common inquiries, providing the same practical advice we give our clients.
What Qualifications Do I Need for a Bareboat Charter?
For a bareboat (no crew) charter in Turkey, you need a recognized sailing qualification like an RYA Day Skipper or an ICC (International Certificate of Competence). Port authorities require original documents.
However, we find that even experienced sailors benefit from a local skipper. A professional captain removes the stress of navigation and mooring. Their true value is their insider knowledge—they know the quietest coves and best local restaurants. This local insight elevates a good holiday into a great one.
Can We Create a Custom Itinerary?
Absolutely. Every trip we plan is built around your preferences. Sample itineraries are just a starting point. Your captain will have a flexible plan based on our discussions.
The beauty of a private charter is freedom. If you find a bay you love, you can stay an extra day. If you want to change course to visit a local event, your captain can make it happen. The itinerary works for you.
Is a Catamaran Charter Suitable for Children?
A catamaran is an excellent choice for a family holiday. The stability minimizes seasickness, and the single-level deck and enclosed cockpit create a safe play area. Easy-access swim platforms make getting in and out of the sea simple for everyone.
Crews in Turkey are fantastic with children and are happy to prepare kid-friendly meals and organize activities with water toys. Let us know your children's ages, and we can recommend the best family-focused yachts and crews.
At DMA Yachting, our expertise comes from years of arranging seamless charters along the Turkish coast. We sort out every detail, from finding you the perfect catamaran to building an itinerary that feels like your own. Contact our charter specialists today and let's start planning your trip.
