A private yacht charter in Turkey is more than a holiday. It is the definitive way to experience the Turquoise Coast, offering a level of freedom and personal service that is simply unmatched. Imagine waking in a secluded bay, the water a brilliant turquoise, as your private chef prepares a fresh Mediterranean breakfast. This is the essence of a Turkish charter.
What to Expect from a Turkish Yacht Charter
Forget crowded resorts. A private yacht charter is about disconnecting from the noise on land and connecting with the sea, your family, and friends.
Your days are shaped entirely by you. You can spend the morning swimming in crystal-clear water, exploring ancient ruins only reachable by boat, or relaxing on deck. The itinerary is yours to create. We recommend using your captain's expert local knowledge to guide you to the best, most secluded spots.
Your Private Floating Villa
Think of your charter yacht as a private floating villa, complete with a professional crew dedicated entirely to you. Every detail is handled. This includes navigating to the most beautiful anchorages and preparing gourmet meals tailored to your preferences. This level of service defines a true luxury charter.
In Turkey, there are three primary yacht types available. Each offers a distinct experience, and we are here to advise on the right fit for your group.
The Traditional Gulet: These classic, handcrafted wooden yachts are unique to Turkey. We recommend gulets for their exceptional stability and expansive deck space. This makes them ideal for families and larger groups seeking comfort and authentic charm.
The Modern Sailing Yacht: For those who love the thrill of harnessing the wind, a modern sailing yacht offers an exhilarating, hands-on connection to the sea. It is an active, engaging way to explore the coast.
The Luxury Motor Yacht: If speed, five-star comfort, and visiting multiple destinations are your priorities, a motor yacht delivers unmatched power and luxury. You cover more ground in less time, surrounded by top-tier amenities.
A private charter is the ultimate expression of freedom. You are not tied to hotel check-out times or restaurant reservations. Your captain can find a quiet cove just for you, even in high season, creating moments of pure tranquillity that are impossible to find ashore.
Our role as your broker is to translate your vision into a perfectly executed reality. By understanding your group's preferences, we match you with the right vessel, crew, and itinerary. This expertise transforms a simple trip into an unforgettable journey along the Turkish coast.
Choosing Your Perfect Charter Yacht in Turkey
Selecting the right yacht is the single most important decision for your charter. It sets the tone for the entire holiday. This is where our deep market knowledge becomes invaluable. The choice between a classic gulet, a modern sailing yacht, or a fast motor yacht will define your experience.
We have spent years advising clients on this choice. Whether you seek pure relaxation, an active sailing adventure, or extensive coastal exploration, we know which vessel delivers. Making the correct decision from the outset ensures your holiday is exceptional.
This guide clarifies which yacht is the right fit for you.
The Traditional Gulet: An Authentic Turkish Experience
For most families and larger groups wanting a relaxed holiday, we almost always recommend a gulet charter in Turkey. These handcrafted wooden yachts are icons of the Turquoise Coast for sound reasons. Their wide, stable hulls create enormous deck space, perfect for sunbathing, al fresco dining, and socialising.
Gulets are built for comfort, not speed. They motor gently from one quiet cove to the next. This gives you ample time to absorb the incredible scenery of the Göcek bays or the Bodrum peninsula.
Best For: Families with children, multi-generational groups, and anyone prioritising space and comfort.
The Vibe: Relaxed, authentic, and social. Think of it as your private floating boutique hotel.
Key Advantage: Unmatched outdoor living space and stability, making them incredibly comfortable at anchor.
The Modern Sailing Yacht: A True Connection to the Sea
If you are a sailing enthusiast who wants to feel the wind in the sails, a modern sailing yacht is the only choice. This is the essence of a proper yacht a sailing adventure. They are more compact than gulets, but what you trade in space you gain in an exhilarating connection to the water.
We recommend modern sailing yachts for smaller groups or couples who love the quiet power of the wind. They can also access shallower coves that larger vessels cannot reach, opening up more secluded anchorages.
A sailing yacht engages all your senses. It’s the sound of the hull slicing through the water and the feel of the wind. It is a deeply rewarding way to explore.
Remember, a sailing itinerary is always guided by the wind. Your captain will adapt the route to the daily weather, ensuring you get the best possible experience under sail.
The Luxury Motor Yacht: Speed, Style, and Comfort
For clients who want to see as much as possible without sacrificing five-star comfort, a motor yacht is the definitive answer. Speed is their greatest asset. You can have breakfast in Bodrum and be dropping anchor for lunch in a secluded bay near Marmaris.
These yachts feature the latest technology, high-end amenities, and an extensive array of water toys. The privacy and service are on par with the world's finest hotels.
Best For: Guests with a packed itinerary, corporate charters, and those who value speed and ultimate luxury.
The Vibe: Sophisticated, powerful, and exclusive.
Key Advantage: Speed. They also typically feature advanced stabilisers for maximum comfort, both underway and at anchor.
To help you see the differences at a glance, here’s a simple breakdown of the three main charter options in Turkey.
Charter Yacht Comparison: Your Guide to Turkish Vessels
Feature
Traditional Gulet
Modern Sailing Yacht
Motor Yacht
Primary Propulsion
Engine (sails are often secondary)
Wind and Sails
High-Powered Engines
Pace & Itinerary
Leisurely, focused on relaxation
Flexible, follows the wind
Fast-paced, covers long distances
Deck Space
Massive, expansive for lounging
More compact, functional
Multiple decks, often with a flybridge
Best For
Large groups, families, comfort-seekers
Sailing enthusiasts, couples, small groups
Guests wanting luxury, speed, and privacy
Atmosphere
Social, authentic, relaxed
Intimate, active, adventurous
Exclusive, sophisticated, high-end
Water Access
Often a side ladder or small platform
Typically a stern swim platform
Large swim platforms with water toys
Charter Cost
Excellent value for space
Moderate
Premium pricing
Ultimately, choosing the perfect yacht comes down to matching the vessel's character to your holiday style. Our job is to provide the clear, straightforward advice you need to make that choice with total confidence.
Premier Turkish Charter Destinations
Where you sail defines your charter. Our job isn’t just to point to a map; it's to design a journey that immerses you in the best the Turkish coastline has to offer. We know these waters intimately—the quietest anchorages, the best towns for provisions, the hidden gems. This on-the-ground knowledge is what elevates a good holiday into an exceptional one.
The Turquoise Coast is a collection of unique regions, each with its own character. From the cosmopolitan energy of the Bodrum peninsula to the deep, silent beauty of the Göcek bays, knowing where to go—and when—is critical.
Bodrum: The Chic Gateway to the Aegean
For clients seeking a blend of ancient history, vibrant nightlife, and sophisticated charm, we almost always recommend starting in Bodrum. The town itself is magnetic, dominated by its Crusader castle and lined with world-class marinas. A Bodrum yacht charter places you at the entrance to the stunning Gulf of Gökova.
From here, your captain can find a quiet bay for a lunchtime swim before you head ashore. Bodrum offers a perfect balance of serene sailing by day and lively energy by night.
Göcek: A Sailor’s Paradise
If your ideal charter involves dropping anchor in one pristine, pine-scented bay after another, then Göcek is your destination. The area is a protected reserve, famous for its calm, impossibly blue waters and dozens of sheltered coves. It is a sailor’s dream.
Itineraries here focus on nature and relaxation. We design routes that hop between the Twelve Islands, with days spent swimming, paddleboarding, and disconnecting. For absolute tranquillity, a gulet charter Turkey experience in the Göcek bays is hard to beat.
The luxury of a Göcek itinerary is its simplicity. It’s about swimming in private coves, enjoying long lunches on deck, and watching the sunset with no one else around. It is a complete escape.
This focus on high-quality coastal tourism is paying off. The Turkish yacht market report projects significant growth, supported by a long charter season from April to October.
Fethiye and Marmaris: Gateways to Adventure
The ports of Fethiye and Marmaris are fantastic starting points for exploring Turkey's most dramatic and historic coastlines. From Fethiye, we often recommend a route east towards the sunken city of Kekova—a magical experience where you cruise over submerged Lycian ruins.
This route also includes the charming fishing village of Kaş and the breathtaking Butterfly Valley. Marmaris, with its large, well-equipped marina, provides easy access to the Datça Peninsula, an area known for its raw, unspoiled landscapes.
Sample Itinerary: The Classic Kekova Cruise
This is one of our most requested itineraries. It is a proven flow designed for maximum enjoyment.
Day 1: Board in Fethiye and cruise to Gemiler Island (St. Nicholas Island). Explore the Byzantine ruins before your chef prepares a welcome dinner.
Day 2: A morning sail to world-famous Ölüdeniz for a swim in its iconic blue lagoon. We then recommend moving to a quieter anchorage for the night.
Day 3 & 4: Cruise east to the charming town of Kaş. Explore its cobbled streets or let us arrange a scuba diving trip. The next day is for the Kekova region.
Day 5: The highlight. Gently motor over the sunken city of Kekova. Afterwards, anchor near Kaleköy and hike to Simena Castle for unbelievable views.
Day 6: A slow sail back west, stopping in secluded bays. Your captain will find the perfect, protected spot for your final evening meal.
Day 7: One final breakfast on deck, followed by a short cruise back to your disembarkation port.
This is a starting point. Every itinerary we build is shaped around you, ensuring your yacht a sailing holiday in Turkey is exactly as you envisioned.
Charter Costs and Booking Timelines Explained
Building trust begins with transparency, especially regarding costs. As your broker, our job is to clarify the finances of a Turkish yacht charter so you can budget with confidence. We provide straightforward advice on every component of the price.
A charter's total cost has two main parts: the base charter fee and the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA).
The Base Charter Fee
The base charter fee is the cost of hiring the yacht. This fixed price covers the exclusive use of the vessel for your dates and the salaries of your professional crew. It does not cover variable running costs like fuel and food.
The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA)
The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) is the standard system for managing onboard expenses. It is not an extra fee but an operating fund we manage for you. Typically, the APA is calculated as 30% of the base charter fee and is paid upfront.
This fund covers all variable costs, including:
Fuel: For the yacht, generators, and motorised water toys.
Food and Beverages: All meals, snacks, and drinks, selected based on your requests.
Port and Marina Fees: Charges for docking in harbours.
Customs and Local Taxes: Applicable depending on your itinerary.
The APA system offers complete flexibility. Before your trip, we send a detailed preference sheet. Your crew uses the APA to stock the yacht exactly to your taste. The captain maintains a transparent account of all expenses, which you can review anytime.
At the end of your charter, the captain presents the full APA account. If there is a remaining balance, it is returned to you. If expenses exceed the initial APA, you settle the difference. You only pay for what you actually consume.
When to Book Your Turkish Charter
Timing is critical, especially for specific yachts or peak summer travel. We recommend planning well in advance to secure the best options.
For a charter in the high season of July and August, we strongly advise booking 6 to 9 months in advance. The most sought-after yachts with the best crews are the first to be secured. This is especially true for premium gulet charter Turkey vessels, which have loyal repeat clients.
The Value of the Shoulder Seasons
While July and August are popular, we often guide clients toward the shoulder seasons. The months of May, June, and September offer incredible value and what we consider the best all-around conditions for a yacht a sailing holiday.
During these months, the weather is fantastic, and the sea is warm. Most importantly, popular spots like the Göcek bays or Bodrum are far less crowded. This provides a more exclusive experience, often at a better price.
The Crew: Your Onboard Experts
The yacht is only part of the experience. An exceptional crew is the secret ingredient that transforms a great trip into an unforgettable one. Our vetting process is rigorous; we only work with crews who meet our exacting standards for professionalism, hospitality, and local knowledge.
This is a dedicated team of experts working in harmony to create a seamless, five-star experience.
The Core Onboard Team
While crew size varies, most Turkish charters include a core team of professionals. Each has a distinct and vital role.
The Captain: More than a navigator, your captain is your chief guide, safety officer, and onboard concierge. Their knowledge of the Turkish coastline is invaluable. We always recommend relying on their expertise to find hidden coves, even during the busiest weeks.
The Chef: A great charter chef is a culinary artist. They design daily menus based on your preferences, sourcing fresh, local ingredients from markets along the way. Their focus is to delight you at every meal.
The Deckhand: The deckhand is the backbone of the yacht’s operations. They handle mooring, anchoring, and maintaining the exterior. They are also your go-to person for launching water toys safely.
The Stewardess/Steward: Responsible for the interior, the stewardess ensures your cabins are immaculate. They provide attentive, discreet service, from serving cocktails to managing laundry, often anticipating your needs.
How a Great Crew Makes the Difference
The magic happens when a crew works together seamlessly, creating an atmosphere of effortless luxury. It is about a genuine passion for hospitality.
We have seen our crews perform incredible feats. One captain, knowing his guests were celebrating an anniversary, navigated to a secluded bay near Göcek timed for sunset and arranged for a local musician to play from a small boat nearby. That is the level of detail that creates a lasting memory.
This intuitive service sets our charters apart. It is the chef who remembers how you like your coffee or the deckhand who has the snorkelling gear ready when you need it. Our commitment to matching you with a crew that fits your group's personality is at the heart of every charter we arrange.
Why a Professional Broker is Essential
Navigating the Turkish charter market alone can be overwhelming. You face hundreds of yachts of varying ages and conditions. Getting it wrong can ruin a holiday. This is why working with a specialist broker is the most important decision you will make.
Think of us as your trusted advisor on the ground. We bring deep, firsthand knowledge of Turkey’s coastline, yachts, and crews. We know which boats are genuinely in top condition, not just in photos. This insider view allows us to guide you to the perfect vessel that meets our strict standards for quality and safety.
A Vetted Fleet and Real Expertise
We offer a curated selection of over 436 crewed yachts along the Turkish coast. Every one has been personally inspected by our team. This is not a database of listings; it is a handpicked fleet where quality is guaranteed.
Our value comes down to three things:
Deep Local Knowledge: We know which captains excel at finding quiet anchorages in the busy Göcek bays and which chefs are masters of Turkish cuisine.
The Right Match: We listen to what you want and connect you with a yacht and crew that fit your group’s personality.
Navigating Regulations: Chartering for groups larger than 12 guests has unique legal requirements in Turkey. We are experts in this niche, ensuring full compliance.
Trust You Can See
Our dedication to getting it right is why we have a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating. This reflects our honest advice and consistently positive client experiences. We deliver what we promise.
This commitment also means connecting you to the best new options. Turkey's growing yacht industry means new, more efficient vessels join the fleet regularly. Our network gives you first access to these premier yachts.
Choosing a broker isn't about booking a boat; it's about buying peace of mind. You are investing in expertise that protects your holiday and guarantees a seamless journey.
Your perfect Turkish yacht charter is a conversation away.
Common Questions About Sailing in Turkey
Here are straightforward answers to the questions we are asked most often. This advice comes from years of firsthand experience.
When Is the Best Time to Sail in Turkey?
We always recommend the shoulder seasons: May, June, and September. The weather is beautiful, the sea is warm, and the best spots are much quieter than in July and August. You will find the iconic bays around Göcek and Bodrum far less crowded.
What Does the Charter Price Include?
The charter fee covers the hire of the yacht and the salaries of your crew. All other costs—fuel, food, drinks, port fees—are handled separately through an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). The APA is usually set at 30% of the charter fee. We manage this fund transparently, and any unspent balance is returned to you.
Can We Create Our Own Itinerary?
Absolutely. A custom itinerary is the point of a private charter. We provide sample routes for inspiration, but the final plan is built around your group's interests. Your captain will work with you daily to tweak the schedule. This freedom is what makes a private sailing holiday in Turkey so special.
Ready to plan your journey along the Turquoise Coast? The experts at DMA Yachting are here to match you with the perfect yacht, crew, and itinerary. Contact us today for a personalised consultation.
