What Does It Really Cost to Charter a Yacht in Turkey?

This is the first question we always hear. The answer spans a wide range. A week on a classic gulet can start around €10,000, while a state-of-the-art superyacht easily exceeds €500,000. The final price depends entirely on the yacht, the season, and the experience you want.

This guide provides the financial clarity you need to plan your Turkish yacht charter with confidence.

Understanding Turkish Yacht Charter Costs

As your brokers, our role is to demystify the numbers. A clear understanding of the cost structure is essential for a stress-free charter with no financial surprises. This section breaks down the core factors that determine your final charter price.

We focus on three pillars—yacht type, seasonality, and pricing model. Together, they form the foundation of every quote you receive for a yacht charter in Turkey.

The Three Pillars of Charter Pricing

Every charter quote in Turkey is built on three key elements. Once you understand these, you can choose the right yacht and season with far more confidence.

Yacht Type: The choice between a traditional Turkish gulet, a sleek motor yacht, or a superyacht is the single biggest driver of cost. Larger, newer, and more luxurious vessels command higher base rates and higher running costs.

Seasonality: Timing is critical. Chartering in the peak months of July and August carries a significant premium over the shoulder months of June or September. The exact same yacht can cost 30–50% more in high season.

Pricing Model: Gulets often operate on a nearly all-inclusive basis, simplifying your budget. Motor yachts and superyachts usually follow a “plus all expenses” model, where fuel, food, drinks, and marina fees are charged on top of the base rate.

The summary table below gives realistic baseline figures for a week-long yacht charter in Turkey. Use it to map out a working budget for your journey along the Turquoise Coast.

Estimated Weekly Yacht Charter Prices in Turkey (Base Rates)

The table below shows typical starting prices per week. These are base charter rates for the yacht and crew, listed in Euros, across low, shoulder, and high season.

The differences between seasons and yacht categories are substantial. This is why clarifying your priorities—whether you care more about yacht size, specific dates, or overall budget—is the single most important step in planning.

Gulets vs Motor Yachts: Price and Experience Compared

Choosing between a traditional Turkish gulet and a modern motor yacht is a defining decision. It shapes not only your budget but the entire character of your holiday. As brokers, we make sure the vessel you select aligns with your expectations for pace, comfort, style, and cost.

The experiences are fundamentally different. A gulet offers leisurely, authentic coastal cruising connected to Turkey’s maritime heritage. A motor yacht offers speed, contemporary luxury, and the ability to cover long distances in a short time.

The Gulet Charter Experience: Authentic and Inclusive

A gulet charter in Turkey is the classic choice for a reason. These handcrafted wooden vessels are built for relaxation, with expansive open decks designed for lounging and socialising. They are particularly well-suited to families and larger groups.

The pace is deliberately unhurried. A typical day involves a few hours of morning cruising to a new secluded bay, followed by an afternoon of swimming, water sports, and freshly prepared meals on deck. The experience is built around unwinding rather than rushing from marina to marina.

From a financial standpoint, the pricing model is a major advantage. Most gulets operate on a nearly all-inclusive basis. Your charter fee typically covers:

• The hire of the yacht and its professional crew
• All onboard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Standard soft drinks, local beers, and wines
• Fuel for approximately 4–5 hours of cruising per day

We often recommend gulets for first-time charterers or anyone managing a group budget. This model removes the guesswork from daily running costs, allowing you to relax without tracking a mounting bill for fuel or provisions.

The Motor Yacht Experience: Speed and Sophistication

Motor yachts offer a different philosophy. They are designed for speed, modern luxury, and the ability to cover long distances with ease. If you want to cruise from Bodrum to the distant bays near Fethiye within a week, a motor yacht is the only practical option.

Onboard, you can expect sleek, contemporary design; stabilisers for comfort; and a wide range of high-tech water toys. The crew is typically larger and more specialised, delivering a service level closer to a five-star hotel than a traditional boat.

This performance comes with a different pricing structure. Motor yachts operate on a “plus all expenses” basis. The base charter fee covers only the yacht and crew. Everything else is managed through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), usually 25–35% of the base rate. The APA covers:

• Fuel: The largest variable expense. A motor yacht can consume hundreds of litres per hour.
• Food and Beverages: All provisions based on your specific preferences.
• Marina and Port Fees: Docking at popular hubs such as Bodrum or Göcek marinas.
• Taxes and other incidentals.

For clients who prioritise speed, range, and contemporary comfort over strict budget predictability, a motor yacht is often the ideal choice.

Gulets vs Motor Yachts: Key Differences at a Glance

The right choice depends on your group’s priorities—relaxed pace and predictable costs versus speed, range, and modern luxury.

We find motor yachts best suit clients with ambitious itineraries who prioritise speed and facilities. For guests seeking a truly Turkish coastal experience defined by relaxation and value, a gulet is almost always the perfect match.

How Charter Seasons Dictate Your Costs

In the Turkish charter market, timing dictates price. A booking in July is priced very differently from one in May. We help clients find the right balance between ideal weather, crowd levels, and budget.

Understanding Turkey’s three main charter seasons—high, shoulder, and low—is key to booking smarter and avoiding unnecessary overspend.

High Season: Peak of Summer (July and August)

July and August are the height of the Turkish yachting season. Expect long, hot days, the warmest sea temperatures, and the most vibrant social atmosphere both afloat and ashore.

Charter rates are typically 30–50% higher than in the shoulder months. Demand is at its maximum. We recommend booking your preferred yacht 9–12 months in advance, especially for sought-after gulets and modern motor yachts. Spots like the Göcek bays and Bodrum marinas will be lively and busy.

Shoulder Seasons: The Sweet Spot (May, June, and September)

We consistently recommend the shoulder seasons as the ideal time for a yacht charter in Turkey. These months deliver the best balance of weather, value, and crowd levels.

• Better Value: You get prime conditions without high-season pricing.
• Ideal Weather: Warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings without the intense mid-summer heat.
• Fewer Crowds: More space in popular bays and easier reservations at waterfront restaurants.

Data from Yacht Rent on sailboat and motor yacht prices in Turkey confirms a clear drop in pricing outside peak weeks, with noticeable fluctuations across the season.

Low Season: Exploring the Coast in Peace (April and October)

The low season months of April and October are for those who prioritise tranquillity and value. Rates are at their lowest, the coastline is quieter, and the overall atmosphere is calmer and more local.

The trade-off is more variable weather and cooler sea temperatures, especially in April. We recommend this period for experienced travellers who are comfortable with some unpredictability and who value peaceful anchorages over guaranteed heat.

Decoding Your Quote: Base Rate, APA, and Pricing Models

A charter quote is more than a single weekly price. As your brokers, we make sure you understand each element of the cost so there are no surprises. The structure will depend largely on the type of yacht you choose and the pricing model it uses.

In simple terms: the High Season commands the highest base rates, while the Shoulder and Low Seasons offer better value. This seasonal effect applies to all other cost components as well.

All-Inclusive vs. Plus All Expenses

Most gulets in Turkey operate on a nearly all-inclusive basis. This is straightforward and excellent for budget clarity. Your fee usually covers the yacht, crew, fuel for several hours of cruising per day, and most onboard meals and local drinks.

Motor yachts and superyachts follow the global standard of plus all expenses. The base rate covers only the yacht and crew. All other costs—fuel, food, drinks, marina fees, and taxes—are paid separately through an APA.

Understanding the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA)

The APA is your onboard expense account, managed by the captain. We recommend budgeting 25–35% of the base charter fee for the APA, depending on yacht type and itinerary.

The captain uses the APA to cover your variable expenses:

• Fuel: The largest single cost, driven entirely by your route and speed.
• Food & Beverages: Provisions purchased according to your preferences and dietary requirements.
• Port & Marina Fees: Docking in popular hubs like Bodrum or Göcek.
• Onboard Incidentals: Any other operational costs during the trip.

The captain maintains a transparent log of all spending. Any unspent APA is returned at the end of your charter; if expenses exceed the initial amount, you settle the balance before disembarkation. This structure allows for a completely bespoke experience while still retaining cost control.

Other Essential Costs to Budget For

Beyond the base rate and APA, there are a few standard costs you should factor into your total budget. As a rule of thumb, we advise budgeting an additional 30–40% on top of the base price to cover all extras comfortably. You can review a more detailed view of these costs in this Turkey yacht charter guide on YATCO.com.

Crew Gratuity: This is customary and discretionary, rewarding exceptional service. The industry standard is 10–20% of the base charter fee, given to the captain at the end of the trip to distribute amongst the crew.

Turkish VAT: Value Added Tax applies to charter fees in Turkey. We always clarify the current rate and ensure it is clearly stated in your charter agreement.

Delivery Fees: If you start or end your charter in a port other than the yacht’s home base, a delivery fee may apply to cover extra fuel and transit time. We discuss this with you during itinerary planning.

From Luxury Gulets to Superyachts: What a Week Really Costs

Seeing real-world examples is the easiest way to understand yacht charter prices in Turkey. Below are three typical weekly budgets we prepare for clients. They show what you can expect to spend at different levels of yacht and service.

Scenario 1: The Classic Family Gulet Charter

This is the quintessential Turkish yachting holiday, perfect for a family or a group of 8–10 friends. We typically recommend a high-quality luxury gulet for its space, comfort, and value.

Yacht Type: Luxury Gulet (approx. 30 m / 100 ft)
Guests: 10
Itinerary: 7-day cruise of the calm bays of Göcek
Season: Shoulder season (June)

All-Inclusive Charter Fee: €35,000
Covers the yacht, crew, fuel (4–5 hours/day), all meals, and local wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Crew Gratuity (10–15%): €3,500 – €5,250
Incidentals: ~€1,500 (for premium imported spirits, a special dinner ashore, or a private land tour)

Total Estimated Cost for the Week: €40,000 – €41,750

For 10 guests, this is just over €4,000 per person for a fully crewed and catered week on the Turkish coast.

Scenario 2: A Modern Motor Yacht Adventure

For clients who want speed and the ability to see more of the coastline, a motor yacht is the natural fit. This scenario reflects a week-long charter from Bodrum towards the islands and bays around Göcek.

Yacht Type: Crewed Motor Yacht (approx. 28 m / 90 ft)
Guests: 8
Itinerary: 7 days from Bodrum to Göcek
Season: High season (July)

Base Charter Fee: €55,000
APA (30% of base fee): €16,500
Covers fuel, food, drinks, and marina fees. Any unspent funds are returned at the end of the charter.

Crew Gratuity (15–20%): €8,250 – €11,000

Total Estimated Cost for the Week: €79,750 – €82,500

The higher cost reflects the yacht’s capabilities and running expenses. The average weekly rate for a motor yacht in Turkey is around €24,159, significantly more than a sailboat, mainly due to fuel and onboard amenities. You can explore more data on the motor yacht statistics page at Yacht-Rent.com.

Scenario 3: The Ultimate Superyacht Experience

For the pinnacle of luxury and privacy, nothing compares to a superyacht. These vessels offer huge interior and exterior spaces, advanced facilities, and a large, specialised crew.

Yacht Type: Superyacht (approx. 50 m / 165 ft)
Guests: 12
Itinerary: Bespoke 7-day route from Marmaris to Fethiye
Season: High season (August)

Base Charter Fee: €200,000
APA (35% on a yacht this size): €70,000
Higher APA covers increased fuel consumption, gourmet provisions, fine wines, and extensive water toys.

Crew Gratuity (15–20%): €30,000 – €40,000

Total Estimated Cost for the Week: €300,000 – €310,000

At this level, every detail is fully customised—this is the top of the market for yacht charter in Turkey.

Your Top Questions About Charter Prices, Answered

As brokers, we hear the same practical questions every day. Below are straightforward answers to the most common price-related queries about chartering in Turkey.

When Is the Best Time to Book for the Best Price?

To secure the best yachts at the best prices, we recommend booking 6–9 months in advance, especially for July and August. Premium vessels are often fully booked long before the season begins.

The sweet spot for value is the shoulder season: May, June, and September. Booking early for these months locks in better rates and gives you the broadest choice of yachts. Last-minute deals on high-quality gulets and motor yachts in Turkey are rare.

Can I Negotiate the Charter Price?

Negotiability depends largely on timing, yacht, and demand. During high season (July and August), base charter rates are almost always firm. Owners know they will book out their best weeks.

Some flexibility may be possible in the shoulder and low seasons, or for last-minute bookings. Our relationships with yacht owners can occasionally secure added value—such as a reduced delivery fee or an onboard perk—rather than a direct discount on the rate.

We recommend focusing on the overall value and quality of the yacht and crew. The best value usually comes from choosing the right yacht early, not from hard haggling at the last minute.

What’s Not Included in an “All-Inclusive” Gulet Charter?

The term “all-inclusive” on a gulet charter in Turkey is generous but not absolute. You should still budget for a few common extras:

• Premium Beverages: Imported spirits, champagne, and high-end international wines.
• Special Food Requests: Items such as lobster or specific imported delicacies.
• Private Marina Fees: Docking in private marinas outside the yacht’s usual mooring.
• Land Excursions: Private tours, guided visits, taxis, or organised day trips.
• Crew Gratuity: Always separate, typically 10–20% of the base charter fee, at your discretion.

We always provide a clear breakdown of what is and isn’t included for your specific gulet before you confirm, so there are no surprises.

How Much Should I Budget for Fuel on a Motor Yacht?

Fuel is the largest variable expense on a motor yacht and depends entirely on your itinerary and cruising speed. A fast-paced week running from Bodrum to Fethiye will burn significantly more fuel than a relaxed loop around the Göcek bays.

As a guideline, plan for an APA of 25–35% of the base charter fee, with fuel as the main component. We will discuss your ideal route and style of cruising in detail, then prepare a realistic fuel estimate before you commit.

Plan Your Turkish Yacht Charter with Confidence

Ready to explore the Turkish coast with complete confidence in your budget and expectations? The expert team at DMA Yachting is here to provide transparent, detailed quotes for both gulet and motor yacht charters in Turkey.

Contact us today to start planning your itinerary and receive a tailored cost breakdown for your group. You can find out more at https://myturkishcharter.com.