Gulet Charters in Turkey

Best Gulets Available for Charter in Turkey in 2026

What is a Turkish gulet charter?

A gulet is a wide-beamed wooden yacht, typically between 20 and 35 metres, built for stability and outdoor living. Gulet charters are always crewed and usually include a captain, chef, and deckhands, with the onboard experience centred around shared deck spaces, long meals, and anchoring in sheltered bays.

Unlike motor yachts, gulets are not designed to cover long distances quickly. Instead, they follow a gentle coastal rhythm — short cruising legs, frequent swim stops, and nights spent quietly at anchor or in small harbours.

This style of cruising is known locally as the Blue Cruise, and it originated in Turkey long before yacht charters became a global luxury product.

Why choose a gulet in Turkey?

Turkey is the natural home of gulet cruising. The southwest coast — with its protected gulfs, pine-lined bays, and short distances between anchorages — suits gulets perfectly.

A gulet charter is ideal if you value:

• slow, scenic days rather than covering distance
• outdoor living and shared spaces
• a warm, informal onboard atmosphere
• excellent freshly cooked meals
• a traditional experience that still feels comfortable

Gulets are especially popular with families, groups of friends, and multi-generation parties who want to spend time together without feeling rushed or over-structured.

Where gulet charters operate in Turkey

Gulet charters are concentrated along Turkey’s southwest coast, where the Blue Cruise tradition began and where conditions remain ideal.

The main gulet bases are:

Bodrum: The historic heart of gulet cruising. Bodrum offers easy access to classic Aegean routes and the Gulf of Gökova.

Marmaris: A major gulet hub with access to quieter coastline, traditional villages, and longer Blue Cruise routes.

Göcek: Surrounded by sheltered bays and islands, ideal for short cruising days and relaxed itineraries.

Fethiye: Often paired with Göcek, offering a greener, more nature-focused cruising area.

Gulet itineraries are usually round-trip from these ports, keeping distances short and the pace comfortable.

Gulet itineraries: how Blue Cruises really work

Gulet itineraries in Turkey are intentionally simple. The focus is not on how far you go, but on how the days feel.

A typical gulet week includes:

• late breakfasts on deck
• short morning cruises to the next bay
• swimming and relaxing during the heat of the day
• long lunches prepared by the onboard chef
• quiet evenings at anchor or in small harbours

Cruising distances are usually limited to a few hours per day. Sailing may take place when conditions allow, but the engine is the primary means of propulsion.

The experience is predictable in the best way: calm, rhythmic, and deeply relaxing.

Life onboard a Turkish gulet

Cabins and comfort

Gulet cabins are usually ensuite and functional rather than luxurious. Space is comfortable but not expansive, and most life takes place on deck.

Air-conditioning is available on many gulets, but often limited to specific hours. This is normal for the gulet category and should be confirmed per yacht.

Deck living

This is where gulets shine.

Large aft dining tables, cushioned lounging areas, and shaded decks create a communal atmosphere that encourages guests to spend time together. Meals are often the highlight of the week.

Crew and service

Gulet crews are known for their warmth and hospitality. The chef plays a central role, preparing fresh Turkish and Mediterranean dishes daily. Service is friendly and informal rather than hotel-style.

How much does a gulet charter cost in Turkey?

Gulet charters in Turkey are priced per yacht, per week, and are generally more predictable than motor yacht charters.

As a rough guide for a 7-night private, fully crewed gulet charter:

€5,000 – €10,000 per week
Smaller or older gulets with basic but comfortable cabins. Best for value-focused groups.

€10,000 – €25,000 per week
The most common range. Well-maintained gulets with ensuite cabins, good crew, and a classic Blue Cruise experience.

€25,000 – €50,000+ per week
Large or luxury gulets with more space, higher finish, extra crew, and upgraded comfort.

What’s usually included

Most gulet charters include:

the yacht and crew

fuel for normal daily cruising

harbour taxes and transit log

linens, towels, and final cleaning

What’s usually extra

• food and drinks (often charged per person or via a provisioning budget)
• marina nights (if requested)
• premium beverages and special activities

Why gulets appeal on cost:

Compared to motor yachts, gulets often include cruising fuel and have fewer variable expenses, making them one of the most cost-predictable ways to charter a private yacht in Turkey.

Start planning your gulet charter in Turkey

A gulet charter is not about luxury in the modern sense.
It’s about space, rhythm, food, and connection — to the coast, to the water, and to the people you’re travelling with.

If that’s what you’re looking for, Turkey remains the best place in the world to experience it.

Tell us your group size, preferred dates, and departure port, and we’ll recommend gulets that match the way you actually want to cruise.