A yacht charter in Turkey is unlike any other Mediterranean experience. It is not about fleeting visits to crowded ports; it is about total immersion in a coastline where history, nature, and exceptional service converge. The journey here is measured in secluded bays discovered, ancient tombs explored from your private deck, and the genuine hospitality of your Turkish crew.
As brokers who specialise exclusively in this region, our role is to translate your vision into a perfectly executed charter. We focus on what truly matters: matching you with the right yacht, the right crew, and an itinerary that goes beyond the obvious.
Why Charter a Yacht in Turkey?
Clients often ask us what sets Turkey apart. The answer lies in three distinct advantages that define the charter experience here.
First is the sheer scale and beauty of the coastline. The shores between Bodrum and Fethiye, known as the Turquoise Coast, are a protected paradise of deep, pine-clad bays and crystal-clear water. Unlike other destinations, much of this coastline remains undeveloped, offering a sense of true escape and tranquility.
Second is the exceptional value. In Turkey, your budget secures a larger, more impressive yacht with a higher crew-to-guest ratio than in the Western Mediterranean. This translates to a superior level of service and comfort without compromise.
Finally, there is the gulet. These traditional, handcrafted wooden vessels are unique to Turkey. A gulet charter in Turkey offers unparalleled space, comfort, and a connection to the sea that modern motor yachts cannot replicate. They are, in our expert opinion, the most authentic way to experience this coast.
The Heart of Turkish Yachting: Bodrum and Göcek
We advise clients to begin their journey from one of two premier hubs. Each offers a different but equally compelling start to a Turkish yacht charter.
Bodrum: Known as the St. Tropez of Turkey, Bodrum offers a vibrant, sophisticated starting point. Its world-class marinas, chic restaurants, and the iconic Castle of St. Peter provide a dynamic backdrop. We recommend starting in Bodrum for those who enjoy a blend of lively nightlife and serene cruising. The peninsula's proximity to the Greek Dodecanese islands also makes it an ideal launchpad for multi-country itineraries.
Göcek: This is the sailor's paradise. A tranquil village set in a bay sheltered by islands, Göcek is the gateway to some of the most pristine cruising grounds in the Mediterranean. From here, you have immediate access to the secluded bays of Skopea Limani and the stunning vistas of Fethiye. We recommend Göcek for clients seeking pure relaxation, nature, and a focus on quiet anchorages.
Understanding Your Charter Options in Turkey
Choosing the right charter style is the foundation of a successful trip. In Turkey, the options are clear, and each serves a different purpose.
We guide our clients through two primary choices:
Crewed Charter: This is the standard for luxury travel in Turkey. Every yacht we represent is fully crewed with a captain, chef, and deckhands/stewards. Their mission is to manage every detail, from navigating to the most secluded spots to preparing exquisite Turkish and international cuisine. We recommend a crewed charter for any client who desires a seamless, stress-free holiday where every need is anticipated.
Bareboat Charter: For qualified, experienced sailors, a bareboat charter offers complete autonomy. You command the yacht, plot your course, and manage all provisioning. This requires internationally recognised sailing qualifications. While it offers freedom, we find that most clients seeking a true holiday experience opt for a crewed vessel to benefit from the crew's unparalleled local knowledge and service.
As brokers, our priority is ensuring a flawless experience. For over 90% of our clients, a fully crewed charter is the only choice. It is the best way to guarantee the level of service, relaxation, and insider access that makes a Turkish yacht charter so remarkable. The crew's expertise is an invaluable asset.
Selecting the Perfect Yacht for the Turkish Coast
The yacht you choose defines your experience on the water. Our role is to understand your group's dynamics and desires, then present a curated selection of vessels that are perfectly suited to the Turkish coast.
This decision tree outlines the key choices based on your holiday priorities.
The central question is always what you want your days to feel like. Are you seeking the timeless romance of sailing or the speed and luxury of a modern motor yacht?
The Gulet Charter: The Authentic Turkish Experience
For most clients, a gulet is the ultimate way to cruise in Turkey. These broad-beamed wooden yachts offer expansive deck space, comfortable en-suite cabins, and exceptional stability. They are floating boutique hotels.
A gulet charter is about embracing a slower, more meaningful pace of travel. It is perfect for families and groups who want to socialise, swim, and dine together in comfort. The onboard chef is central to the experience, preparing incredible meals from fresh, local ingredients. We recommend a gulet for an authentic, relaxing, and spacious holiday.
Motor Yachts: Speed, Style, and Modern Luxury
A motor yacht is for those who want to cover more ground in style. These vessels offer speed, modern amenities, and the ability to hop between distant destinations quickly. A Bodrum yacht charter can easily include a visit to the Datça Peninsula and Marmaris in a single week.
Their shallow draft also allows access to smaller coves. We recommend motor yachts for clients who want a fast-paced itinerary, cutting-edge water toys, and a contemporary, high-end environment.
Sailing Yachts and Catamarans: For the Love of Sailing
Classic monohull sailing yachts offer a pure connection to the sea, powered by the wind. They are ideal for those who find joy in the journey itself.
Catamarans provide a superb alternative, blending the romance of sailing with incredible stability and space. Their wide platforms create vast social areas, and their shallow draft is perfect for nosing into Turkey's quietest coves. We recommend catamarans for families or groups who prioritise stability and deck space.
A typical client request is for a family of 10 seeking comfort, authenticity, and great food. We would almost invariably recommend a 30-meter high-deluxe gulet. It provides the perfect combination of private en-suite cabins, huge decks for relaxing, and a professional crew dedicated to creating an unforgettable culinary and cultural journey.
Crafting Your Turkish Itinerary
A well-planned itinerary is what elevates a good trip into an extraordinary one. We do not offer generic routes. Instead, we collaborate with you to build a journey that reflects your interests, whether they lie in ancient history, active water sports, or simply finding the most peaceful anchorage.
The itinerary is a flexible guide, not a rigid schedule. Your captain will adapt it daily based on weather conditions and your preferences, ensuring each day is perfectly tailored to your mood.
The Classic Blue Cruise: Bodrum to Göcek
For first-time visitors, this route is iconic for a reason. It showcases the incredible diversity of the Turquoise Coast.
The journey typically begins in the vibrant port of Bodrum, heading east towards the serene Gulf of Gökova. Here, you'll discover spots like Cleopatra's Beach, with its legendary sand, and the Seven Islands, a maze of pine-covered islets.
As you continue east, you pass the Datça Peninsula, renowned for its unspoiled villages and almond groves. The final days are spent exploring the world-famous bays around Göcek and Fethiye, including Ölüdeniz and Gemiler Island, where you can snorkel over sunken Byzantine ruins. We recommend this route for a comprehensive introduction to the best of the Turkish coast.
The Göcek Bays and Fethiye: A Relaxation-Focused Route
If your primary goal is to unwind, swim, and disconnect, we recommend an itinerary focused solely on the Göcek bays. This region is a protected paradise, offering dozens of secluded anchorages within a short cruising distance.
This itinerary is about leisurely exploration. You can spend a morning in a secluded spot like Tomb Bay, where Lycian rock tombs are carved into the cliffsides, followed by an afternoon in a tranquil cove accessible only by boat. Your captain knows every hidden gem, ensuring you find peace even in high season. This route is ideal for families and those who want to maximize their time in the water.
Clients often ask for "off-the-beaten-path" experiences. While popular spots are beautiful, our expertise lies in guiding your captain to the lesser-known coves just around the headland. This insider knowledge is what makes a private charter truly special.
The Carian Coast: A Journey into History
For those with a passion for history, we design itineraries along the Carian Coast, from Bodrum to Marmaris. This route is a voyage through antiquity.
Highlights include a visit to the ancient city of Knidos, an astonishing archaeological site at the tip of the Datça Peninsula. You can anchor in the ancient harbour and walk among temples and amphitheatres. Further along, the coast is dotted with ruins of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine settlements, many of which are best explored directly from your yacht. This itinerary blends stunning natural beauty with a profound sense of history.
Understanding Charter Costs and Booking
We believe in complete financial transparency. A clear understanding of the costs is essential for a relaxing and enjoyable charter experience.
The initial price is the base charter fee. This covers the exclusive use of the yacht and the salaries of its professional crew for your charter period.
The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA)
The APA is your onboard expense account. It is not a fee, but a deposit used to cover all your variable costs. We recommend budgeting 30% to 40% of the base fee for the APA. This fund covers:
All your food and beverages, tailored to your specific preferences.
Fuel for the yacht, generators, and water toys.
Marina fees and any port taxes.
Any special requests or onshore arrangements.
Your captain manages the APA with meticulous transparency, keeping a detailed record of all expenditures. You can review the accounts at any time. Any funds not used at the end of your charter are refunded to you in full. This system ensures you only pay for what you consume.
Other Costs: VAT and Gratuity
In Turkey, charters are often subject to Value Added Tax (VAT), which is a government levy applied to the base fee. We will clarify all applicable taxes in your charter agreement.
Crew gratuity is customary in the charter industry and is entirely at your discretion. If you receive excellent service, a gratuity of 10% to 20% of the base charter fee is a welcome gesture of appreciation. This is typically given to the captain at the end of the trip for distribution among the entire crew.
Before any commitment is made, we provide a clear, itemised cost breakdown. Our goal is to ensure you have complete confidence and clarity about every financial aspect of your charter.
The Booking Timeline
The process begins with a detailed conversation where we learn about your expectations. Based on this, we prepare a curated selection of yachts that we know are a perfect fit.
Once you select your yacht, we handle all contractual arrangements using industry-standard agreements. Payment is typically a 50% deposit to confirm the booking, with the 50% balance plus the APA due one month prior to embarkation.
Turkey is an incredibly popular charter destination. To secure the best yachts and crews, especially for the peak season of July and August, we strongly recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance. Early planning ensures you get the right yacht on your preferred dates, without compromise.
Navigating The Essential Charter Details
A seamless charter depends on meticulous behind-the-scenes preparation. Our team manages all the essential administrative details, from permits to preferences, ensuring your holiday is flawless from start to finish.
We handle the paperwork so you can focus on the excitement of your upcoming voyage.
Your Charter Paperwork Explained
The process is straightforward. We will require a copy of the passport for every guest named on the charter agreement.
More importantly, we work with you to complete a detailed preference sheet. This document is vital for the crew. It outlines your group's dietary requirements, beverage preferences, allergies, and any special requests. This information allows the crew to provision the yacht perfectly and tailor their service to your exact tastes.
Bareboat Charter Qualifications
For experienced sailors wishing to charter a bareboat in Turkey, an internationally recognised sailing license is mandatory. The most commonly accepted certifications are:
International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
RYA Day Skipper (Practical) or a higher-level qualification
We will manage the verification of your documents with the yacht owner and Turkish authorities to ensure full compliance with maritime regulations.
Responsible Yachting and Local Regulations
Protecting Turkey's pristine marine environment is a shared responsibility. The Turkish authorities have strict regulations in place, particularly concerning waste disposal and protected areas. Your captain is an expert in these rules.
For example, many of the most beautiful bays around Göcek and Fethiye are designated protected zones where "black water" discharge is strictly prohibited. Your crew is trained to manage all onboard systems responsibly, ensuring our charters leave no trace.
We believe that luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. Responsible yachting ensures that the stunning beauty of the Turquoise Coast is preserved for future generations. Our crews take this commitment very seriously.
Insurance and Safety
Your safety is the absolute priority. Every yacht we charter is commercially registered and carries full insurance, including third-party liability, as required by law.
We also strongly advise all clients to arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation and medical coverage. This provides personal protection against unforeseen circumstances.
Before setting sail, your captain will conduct a mandatory safety briefing. This covers the location and use of all safety equipment, including life jackets, life rafts, and fire extinguishers. This professional procedure ensures every guest feels safe and secure throughout their time on the water.
Your Top Questions About Chartering a Yacht in Turkey
After years of advising clients, we know which questions are top of mind. Here are the clear, expert answers to help you plan with confidence.
When Is The Best Time To Charter a Yacht in Turkey?
We recommend the shoulder seasons of June and September. During these months, the weather is beautiful, the sea is perfectly warm, and the summer crowds have thinned. This provides a more exclusive experience in popular bays and coastal towns.
For those who thrive on the vibrant energy of summer, July and August are peak season. The atmosphere is buzzing, and the weather is reliably hot and sunny. We simply advise booking well in advance for these months. May and October also offer lovely weather, fewer crowds, and excellent value.
What Is Included In The Price And What Are The Extras?
The base charter fee secures the yacht and its professional crew. All other operational costs are covered by the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA).
The APA is your onboard expense account, typically funded at 30-40% of the charter fee. It covers all variable costs, including:
Fuel
Food and all beverages
Port and marina fees
This system is fully transparent. Your captain manages the funds, and any unspent amount is returned to you. The only other costs are Turkish VAT, if applicable, and a discretionary crew gratuity. We provide a detailed cost breakdown from the beginning so there are no surprises.
Do I Need A Sailing Licence To Rent A Yacht?
No. For a fully crewed yacht charter in Turkey, you do not need any qualifications. Your professional captain and crew are responsible for the navigation, safety, and all operations of the yacht. Your role is simply to relax and enjoy the experience.
A license is only required if you are an experienced sailor chartering a bareboat yacht without any crew.
Can You Handle Private Transfers And Onshore Bookings?
Of course. Our service extends from the moment you arrive in Turkey to the moment you depart. A seamless charter experience is about more than just the yacht.
We routinely arrange VIP airport transfers, private guided tours of historical sites like Ephesus or Kaunos, and reservations at exclusive waterfront restaurants. Our deep local network allows us to curate unique experiences that are not available to the average tourist. Our job is to manage every detail, ensuring your holiday is effortless and unforgettable from start to finish.
At DMA Yachting, our deep-rooted expertise lies in crafting unforgettable, crewed yachting holidays on Turkey's stunning Turquoise Coast. While we have offices in Palma, our passion and specialised knowledge are centred on the incredible destinations of Bodrum, Göcek, and Fethiye. If you dream of exploring ancient ruins from the deck of a traditional gulet or cruising pristine bays on a luxury motor yacht, our team is ready to design your perfect Turkish charter. Explore our Turkish fleet and start planning your adventure today.
