A crewed yacht charter in Turkey is about stepping onto a private yacht where everything is handled for you. A professional captain who knows every hidden cove navigates the stunning Turquoise Coast. A private chef crafts incredible meals tailored to your tastes. A dedicated crew ensures you don’t lift a finger. This is what a true holiday at sea feels like.
Your Essential Guide to a Turkish Yacht Charter
As brokers who live and breathe this coastline, our job is to provide the clarity you need to plan an unforgettable trip on the water.
The biggest difference from a bareboat charter is the crew. You’re not just renting a boat; you’re chartering a five-star floating villa with a team dedicated to your experience. This frees you to completely immerse yourself in the holiday, without the stress of navigation or logistics.
The Magic of the Turkish Riviera
Turkey's coastline, the Turquoise Coast, is one of the world's top yachting destinations for a reason. It’s the unique combination of raw natural beauty, thousands of years of history, and genuinely warm service.
We recommend Turkey for clients who want more than just a beach holiday. On a single trip, you can:
Explore Ancient Ruins: Anchor in a quiet bay and explore Lycian rock tombs or the sunken ruins of a Byzantine city—places inaccessible by land.
Discover Secluded Bays: The coastline between Bodrum and Fethiye is packed with pine-covered coves, offering a level of privacy that’s hard to imagine.
Experience Authentic Culture: Pull into small fishing villages, eat at family-run waterfront restaurants, and experience legendary Turkish hospitality.
What truly sets a Turkish yacht charter apart is the iconic Turkish gulet. These traditional wooden yachts offer immense deck space and comfort, making them perfect for relaxed, family-style cruising.
Why Choose a Gulet Charter in Turkey?
The gulet is the undisputed star of the Turkish charter scene. These boats evolved from humble fishing vessels into luxurious cruising yachts. Their wide, stable hulls mean comfortable journeys and massive decks perfect for sunbathing, dining, and socialising.
A gulet charter in Turkey is a genuine cultural experience. The local crews know these waters intimately. They will guide you to the quietest anchorages and the best snorkelling spots. This insider knowledge is what turns a great trip into an unforgettable one.
This guide will walk you through choosing the right yacht, understanding the costs, and building the perfect itinerary.
How to Choose Your Perfect Yacht in Turkey
Picking the right yacht is the most important decision for your charter. As brokers, we match your group’s style and holiday goals to the perfect vessel.
The undisputed star of the Turkish coast is the traditional gulet. We almost always recommend a gulet charter in Turkey for families and groups who want to unwind and connect. Their huge decks offer far more social space than a motor yacht of the same size.
This quality is no accident. Turkey is a global powerhouse in yacht building. The industry’s focus on craftsmanship means you’re chartering a vessel built to seriously high standards. You can learn more about the growth of Turkey's yachting industry and what it means for your charter experience.
Understanding Gulet Classes
When you look at a Bodrum yacht charter or explore the Göcek bays, you'll see gulets grouped into classes. Knowing the difference is key to managing expectations and budget.
Standard Gulets: These are comfortable yachts offering a fantastic, authentic experience at great value. The crew is professional, but the service style is more relaxed.
Luxury Gulets: This is the most popular category. These yachts have higher-quality finishes, larger cabins with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and a better selection of water toys. We recommend this class for most clients as it hits the sweet spot between comfort, service, and price.
VIP or High-Luxury Gulets: This is the pinnacle of Turkish yachting. Expect five-star hotel standards, from premium materials and designer interiors to a highly trained crew that includes a gourmet chef.
A gulet's "class" reflects the entire experience. It dictates the quality of the food, the attentiveness of the crew, and the overall level of luxury you feel day-to-day.
Motor Yachts for Speed and Style
While gulets are about the leisurely cruise, motor yachts are built for speed. If you want to see as much of the coast as possible—zipping from a quiet bay near Fethiye to a chic beach club in Bodrum—a motor yacht is the way to go.
We recommend motor yachts for clients who want a fast-paced itinerary and sleek, modern design. They also have a shallow draft, allowing them to access smaller coves.
Classic Sailing Yachts for the Purists
For those who love the romance of harnessing the wind, a classic sailing yacht delivers an authentic maritime adventure. The journey becomes as important as the destination.
We match clients passionate about sailing with a captain who is not just an expert navigator but a fellow enthusiast.
Understanding the Real Costs of a Yacht Charter
As brokers, we believe in total transparency so you can set your budget with confidence. The pricing structure is standard across the industry and highlights the incredible value a Turkish charter offers.
The Base Charter Fee
The Base Charter Fee is the largest part of the cost. It secures the yacht and her professional crew for your exclusive use.
This fee covers:
The yacht itself, fully equipped.
Salaries and food for your entire crew.
All yacht insurance and basic laundry.
This fee is fixed and paid upfront, guaranteeing a fully staffed, expertly maintained vessel is waiting for you.
The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA)
The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) is your onboard expense account, managed by your captain. Think of it as a pre-paid debit card for all variable costs.
The APA is usually 25-30% of the Base Charter Fee. It covers personalised expenses like:
All food and drinks for your group.
Fuel for the yacht, tenders, and jet skis.
Marina fees.
Any special requests you may have.
Your captain keeps a running tally of all expenses. If there’s money left over, it’s returned to you. If you run over, you can top it up. It’s a fair system ensuring you only pay for what you use.
We recommend being as detailed as possible on your preference sheets. The more we know about your tastes, the more accurately the crew can provision the yacht, making the APA system work seamlessly.
The type of yacht you choose also plays a big role in your charter style and budget. The visual below breaks down the main options you'll find in Turkey.
Here’s a sample breakdown for a week-long luxury gulet charter to give you a clearer picture.
Sample Weekly Budget for a Luxury Gulet Charter
This table shows a typical cost structure for 8 guests on a one-week charter.
Cost Component
Description
Estimated Cost (EUR)
Base Charter Fee
Secures a 30m luxury gulet with 4 crew members for 7 nights.
€30,000
APA (30%)
Covers fuel, food, drinks, and port fees for 8 guests.
€9,000
Crew Gratuity (10%)
Discretionary tip for the crew for exceptional service.
€3,000
Total Estimated Cost
The total expected budget for the week-long charter.
€42,000
This example shows a total cost of around €5,250 per person for a week of all-inclusive, five-star service on a private yacht—a level of value that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Crew Gratuity
While discretionary, a tip is the customary way to thank your crew for their hard work. The industry standard is 10-15% of the Base Charter Fee. You can give this to the captain at the end of your trip for distribution among the crew.
Turkey offers exceptional value. The market is booming, with projections showing a strong 6.7% annual increase. Turkish shipyards deliver outstanding quality at prices often 40-60% lower than other Mediterranean hotspots. For more on these market trends, you can explore the full research here.
When to Go and Where to Sail in Turkey
Getting the timing right for your crewed yacht charter in Turkey is as crucial as picking the yacht. The Turquoise Coast has one of the longest sailing seasons in the Mediterranean, from late April through October.
The Best Time to Charter
We recommend the shoulder months: May, June, September, and early October. The weather is sublime—hot days, warm evenings, and perfect sea temperatures. Crucially, the crowds have thinned, which means more space in anchorages and a relaxed feel in coastal towns.
The peak season of July and August is for sun-worshippers. Temperatures soar, and the social scene is buzzing. If you love the atmosphere of bustling marinas and lively beach clubs, this is your time.
For most of our clients who want a balance of great weather and tranquillity, September is the undisputed champion.
Your Premier Cruising Grounds
The heart of Turkey’s yacht charter world is the southwestern coastline, from the Bodrum peninsula to the bays around Fethiye.
Bodrum: Known for its chic, energetic vibe.
Göcek: A sailor's paradise defined by tranquillity.
Fethiye: The epicentre of natural wonders.
Bodrum: The Sophisticated Gateway
A Bodrum yacht charter suits groups who want a mix of sophisticated nightlife, high-end shopping, and history. From Bodrum, you can cruise into the Gulf of Gökova, a beautiful bay dotted with secluded coves. We recommend this area for clients who want to mix lively evenings ashore with peaceful days at anchor.
Göcek: The Ultimate Sailor’s Haven
Göcek is a world-class hub tucked into a sheltered bay, surrounded by twelve islands and countless coves. We recommend a gulet charter Turkey from Göcek for anyone whose priority is peace in a stunning natural setting. The Göcek bays are legendary for their calm, turquoise waters.
Fethiye: The Gateway to Adventure
Fethiye is the perfect launchpad for exploring Turkey’s most iconic natural landscapes. From Fethiye, you are a short sail from the world-famous Ölüdeniz lagoon. We suggest this region for adventurous groups who want to hike, paraglide, and explore ancient wonders like the sunken city of Kekova.
Crafting Your Perfect 7 Day Itinerary
A great itinerary is the soul of a charter. Think of these as starting points, not rigid schedules.
The beauty of a private crewed yacht charter in Turkey is freedom. Each morning, your captain will discuss the day's plan. If you fall in love with a bay, the itinerary adapts. You are in control.
Here are two of our favourite seven-day routes.
The Carian Coast Classic: Bodrum to Gökova
This route is the quintessential Turkish gulet holiday. We recommend this itinerary for anyone looking for a blend of cultural discovery and total relaxation.
A Glimpse of Your Week:
Day 1: Board in Bodrum and cruise to Kara Ada (Black Island) for a dip in its famous hot springs.
Day 2: Sail to Orak Island, known for its crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkelling.
Day 3: Arrive at the Seven Islands. Spend the day kayaking, paddleboarding, or enjoying the peace of pristine nature.
Day 4: Anchor in English Harbour. Your chef will prepare a barbecue dinner on deck under the stars.
Day 5: Visit Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island), famous for its unique seashell sand beach.
Day 6: Moor in the charming village of Söğüt for dinner at a traditional waterfront restaurant.
Day 7: Enjoy a final swim at Kisebükü before a gentle cruise back towards Bodrum.
Every itinerary we create is a collaborative effort between you, us, and your captain. Your preferences are the most important part of the equation.
The Lycian Paradise: Göcek to Kekova
This route from Göcek is a masterpiece for lovers of dramatic landscapes. It takes you along the stunning Lycian coast. We find this trip is perfect for active groups and families seeking adventure.
A Glimpse of Your Week:
Day 1: Depart Göcek for the secluded Tomb Bay, named for its ancient Lycian rock tombs.
Day 2: Sail to Ölüdeniz. Anchor outside the Blue Lagoon and take the tender in to experience its impossibly turquoise waters.
Day 3: Visit Butterfly Valley, a nature reserve accessible only by sea. A short hike leads to a hidden waterfall.
Day 4: Cruise to Gemiler Island (St. Nicholas Island). Wander through Byzantine ruins and watch the sunset from the island’s peak.
Day 5: Arrive in the beautiful harbour town of Kaş. Explore its cobbled streets and boutique shops.
Day 6: Discover the sunken city of Kekova. Cruise slowly over the submerged ruins before anchoring near Kaleköy (Simena Castle).
Day 7: Enjoy a final morning of swimming and water sports before the return trip towards Göcek.
The charter market in Turkey has exploded. The incredible experiences these itineraries offer, combined with Turkey's modern marinas and five-star service, have put it firmly on the map. Discover more insights into Turkey's booming charter industry.
How the Yacht Charter Booking Process Works
Booking a private yacht charter should be straightforward. As brokers, we handle the details so you can focus on the holiday.
It all starts with a simple conversation about your ideal trip.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Based on our discussion, we present a curated selection of yachts that we genuinely believe are the right fit for you. We explain the pros and cons of each.
Once you’ve chosen, we use the MYBA Charter Agreement, the industry-standard contract. It’s designed to protect everyone involved. A 50% deposit secures your booking.
Customising Your Onboard Experience
With your charter confirmed, we send you a detailed Preference Sheet.
This isn't just a form; it's the blueprint your crew uses to craft a personalised experience. The more detail you provide on food, drinks, and activities, the better your crew can prepare.
Your captain and chef use this document to provision the yacht perfectly before you step on board. The final balance of the charter fee and the APA are due one month before you set sail.
When to Book Your Charter
For a crewed yacht charter in Turkey, timing is everything. To get your first choice of yachts, especially in July and August, we recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance. The most popular yachts are often booked a full year ahead.
Our commitment is to make this process effortless for you. We manage contracts, handle payments, and act as your single point of contact.
Your Crewed Yacht Charter Questions Answered
As brokers, we get asked the same key questions time and again. Here are straight answers to the most common ones.
What Is Included in the Charter Fee?
The base charter fee pays for the exclusive use of the yacht and the salaries for your professional crew. Everything else—food, wine, fuel—is handled separately through the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). This ensures you only pay for what you consume.
How Much Should We Tip the Crew?
Tipping is your call, but it’s a customary thank-you to the crew. A good guideline is 10-15% of the base charter fee. You give this to the captain at the end of the trip for fair distribution.
We always tell clients that the crew turns a good holiday into a brilliant one. The tip is a direct thank-you for their commitment to making your trip unforgettable.
Can We Change the Itinerary During the Trip?
Absolutely. This is a key benefit of a private charter. The initial itinerary is a suggestion, not a rigid schedule. If you love a particular bay or want to explore a coastal town, just tell your captain. Your safety and comfort are the top priority.
What Should I Pack for a Yacht Charter?
Pack light, casual, and practical. Use soft, collapsible luggage, as rigid suitcases are difficult to store in a cabin.
For the most part, you’ll live in:
Swimwear and casual resort wear.
A light jacket for cooler evenings.
Soft-soled shoes for walking on the yacht.
Good sun protection: a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Most luxury yachts provide hairdryers and quality toiletries, so you can leave those at home.
At DMA Yachting, our job is to handle all the details so you can focus on the adventure. We’ve been navigating these waters for years and know them inside out. Contact our charter specialists to start planning your own journey along the Turkish coast.
