Gulet Charter in Turkey: The Blue Cruise Guide
Quick answer
A crewed gulet charter in Turkey typically costs about €20,000–€30,000 per week for a standard gulet, €30,000–€50,000 for a luxury gulet and €50,000 or more for a deluxe one, with the top Turkish gulets asking roughly €130,000–€150,000. Add food, drink and fuel (often through an APA or package), a 10–15% crew tip and VAT, which depends on the flag. The best routes start in Göcek for sheltered cruising or Bodrum for the Gökova Gulf, from May to October.
Why choose a gulet charter in Turkey?
Turkey is the home of the gulet, a broad-beamed wooden motor-sailer built for slow, social cruising, and it offers more gulets at more price points than anywhere else in the Mediterranean. The southwest coast between Bodrum and Antalya is a maze of pine-fringed bays, ancient Lycian and Greek ruins and sheltered anchorages, many reachable only by sea.
Value is the main draw. A standard crewed gulet at about €20,000–€30,000 a week costs well below the roughly €51,000 typical for a 27–33m motor yacht, and the large, often equal-sized cabins make it easy to split a charter between families or friends. Turkey has a large gulet fleet, which keeps prices competitive; Greece, by comparison, has few gulets, which pushes prices up there.
The trade-offs are pace and polish. Gulets cruise slowly, typically at around 8–10 knots, and many use their sails only occasionally. Standards vary widely between standard and deluxe gulets, so careful selection matters more here than almost anywhere else.
What is the difference between a gulet, a motor yacht and a catamaran?
A gulet trades speed and sleekness for space, value and a social deck layout, while motor yachts offer speed and polish and catamarans offer stability in a smaller package.
| Feature | Gulet | Motor yacht | Crewed catamaran |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical weekly rate in Turkey | About €20,000–€50,000+ | About €50,000 (30m) to €95,000+ (40m) | Roughly €15,000–€60,000 (guide range) |
| Cruising speed | Slow, roughly 8–10 knots | Faster, often 12+ knots | Moderate under sail or power |
| Cabins | Often 4–8, usually similar in size | Master plus guest cabins | Usually 3–5 |
| Best for | Groups, families, slow cruising | Speed, luxury finish, more ground covered | Couples, small families, shallow bays |
For a deeper look at the catamaran option, see our catamaran charter guide.
Where should you go on a gulet charter in Turkey?
The best gulet cruising grounds run along the Turquoise Coast from Bodrum through Marmaris and Göcek to Fethiye, Kaş and Kekova. Most charters choose either a Bodrum base or a Göcek base.
Bodrum and the Gökova Gulf
- Bodrum: a lively town with a medieval castle, upscale marinas (including Yalıkavak, a major superyacht marina) and beach clubs. Best for starting with a social scene.
- Orak Island: clear water and a dramatic rocky backdrop, a classic first swim stop.
- Sedir Island (Cleopatra's Island): ancient ruins and a famous beach of fine sand that is strictly protected. Best for a morning visit.
- English Harbour and Değirmen Bükü: deep, sheltered bays on the gulf's southern side. Best for calm overnights.
- Karacasöğüt and the Seven Islands: pine-forested bays at the gulf's eastern end.
- Knidos and the Datça Peninsula: the ruins of an ancient Greek city at the peninsula's tip, best at sunset.
Marmaris, Hisarönü and Bozburun
- Selimiye and Bozburun: traditional gulet-building villages with relaxed waterfront restaurants.
- Söğüt and Bozukkale: quieter anchorages with ruins and seafood.
- Marmaris: a busy resort town with large marinas; often used as a start or end point.
Göcek and the Fethiye Gulf (the 12 Islands)
- Göcek: a small, upmarket yachting town with several marinas, about 20–25 minutes from Dalaman airport.
- Yassıca Islands: a cluster of islets with shallow, turquoise water. Best for families.
- Cleopatra's Bath and Tomb Bay: submerged ruins and Lycian rock tombs in calm bays.
- Tersane, Kapıdağ and Boynuz Bükü: pine-covered, deeply indented coves.
- Fethiye: a market town with an ancient amphitheatre and Lycian tombs above the harbour.
- Gemiler Island (St Nicholas Island): Byzantine church ruins and a beautiful anchorage.
- Ölüdeniz and Butterfly Valley: the famous lagoon beach and a canyon cove reached by water.
- Ekincik and Dalyan: an anchorage where local boats take guests up the river to rock tombs and İztuzu turtle beach.
Kaş and Kekova
- Kaş and Kalkan: stylish small towns with good diving and boutique dining.
- Kekova: the sunken city ruins and the castle village of Simena (Kaleköy), best on a longer one-way charter.
When is the best time for a gulet charter in Turkey?
June and September are the best months, with warm water and fewer crowds; the season runs roughly April or May to October, peaking in July and August. Our best time to charter a yacht guide compares this with Greece and Croatia.
| Month | Conditions | Wind (Bodrum / Göcek) | Crowds and pricing | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April–May | Mild, sea cool | Variable / light | Low; shoulder rates | Good for ruins and hiking |
| June | Warm, long days | Meltemi starting / light afternoon breeze | Rising | One of the best months |
| July | Hot | Meltemi often strong / mostly light | Peak | Göcek is the calmer choice |
| August | Hottest, busiest | Meltemi strongest / light | Peak; Turkish holidays | Book early |
| September | Warm sea | Meltemi easing / light | Falling | Our top pick |
| October | Warm early, cooler late | Variable | Low | Excellent value |
The meltemi (meltem in Turkish) is the summer north wind of the Aegean, blowing roughly June to September and strongest in July and August. It affects the Bodrum peninsula and the mouth of the Gökova Gulf most. The Fethiye Gulf and Göcek's 12 Islands are far more sheltered, with a gentle afternoon breeze, which is why we recommend Göcek for families and anyone prone to seasickness.
How much does a gulet charter in Turkey cost?
Expect about €20,000–€30,000 per week for a standard gulet, €30,000–€50,000 for luxury and €50,000 or more for deluxe, with the top Turkish gulets asking up to roughly €130,000–€150,000. These are base rates; food, drink, fuel, VAT and tips are usually extra and vary by season and yacht.
| Gulet category | Typical weekly base rate | Rough USD | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | About €20,000–€30,000 | US$23,000–$35,000 | Simpler finish, smaller crew |
| Luxury | About €30,000–€50,000 | US$35,000–$58,000 | Better cabins, more toys, stronger chef |
| Deluxe | €50,000+ | US$58,000+ | Near-superyacht service and finish |
| Top of market | Up to about €130,000–€150,000 | US$150,000–$173,000 | Large, high-spec gulets with big crews |
Our yacht charter cost guide explains how base rates and extras combine across the Med.
What taxes and fees apply in Turkey?
Turkish-flagged charter vessels are charged VAT at the 20% general rate, though some gulet quotes already include it, so check the wording. Foreign-flagged commercial yachts are reported to pay 0% VAT, but Turkey's cabotage rules limit what foreign-flagged yachts can do when guests embark there; the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism's cabotage page sets out the framework, and your broker should confirm the setup.
Gulet terms also vary more than on MYBA superyachts. Some quotes include a set number of cruising hours of fuel, port fees or a food package; others use a separate APA. Ask for the inclusions in writing. Rules change; confirm the VAT treatment and inclusions with your broker at booking.
Example: a week on a luxury gulet
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Base charter fee | €40,000 |
| Food, drink and fuel (APA or package) at roughly 30% | €12,000 |
| VAT (0–20%, depending on flag and whether included) | €0–€8,000 |
| Crew tip at 10–15% | €4,000–€6,000 |
| Rough total | €56,000–€66,000 (roughly US$64,000–$76,000) |
How do you get to your gulet in Turkey?
Fly into Dalaman (DLM) for Göcek, Fethiye and Marmaris, or Bodrum (BJV) for Bodrum and the Gökova Gulf; both have connections via Istanbul and European hubs, and Istanbul has direct flights from several US cities.
- Göcek: roughly 20–25 minutes from Dalaman airport, with several marinas.
- Fethiye: about 45–60 minutes from Dalaman.
- Marmaris: about 1.5 hours from Dalaman.
- Bodrum and Yalıkavak: roughly 30–45 minutes from Bodrum airport.
- Kaş: about 2 hours from Dalaman, or roughly 3 hours from Antalya.
Gulet charters often run Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday, and one-way routes, such as Göcek to Kaş or Bodrum to Göcek, are common but may carry a fee.
What does a 7-night Göcek and Fethiye blue cruise look like?
A classic week loops from Göcek through the 12 Islands and the Fethiye Gulf, covering about 100–120 nautical miles in hops of 3–25 nautical miles. It is one of the calmest, most relaxed weeks you can plan in the Mediterranean.
| Day | Route | Rough distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Göcek to the Yassıca Islands | About 4 nm | First swim in shallow turquoise water |
| 2 | Yassıca to Sarsala and Cleopatra's Bath | About 6 nm | Submerged ruins, quiet overnight |
| 3 | To Tersane, then Fethiye | About 15 nm | Market, amphitheatre, rock tombs |
| 4 | Fethiye to Gemiler Island | About 12 nm | Byzantine ruins at sunset |
| 5 | Gemiler to Ölüdeniz and Butterfly Valley | About 8 nm | Lagoon swim, canyon walk |
| 6 | Back to Kapıdağ and Boynuz Bükü | About 20 nm | Pine-forest anchorage |
| 7 | To Ekincik for Dalyan | About 25 nm | River trip to rock tombs and turtle beach |
| 8 | Ekincik to Göcek | About 20 nm | Disembark |
On a gulet, the longer legs take two to three hours, which still leaves most of each day for swimming and exploring.
Alternative: a 7-night Bodrum and Gökova Gulf cruise
From Bodrum, head east into the Gökova Gulf via Orak Island, Sedir Island, English Harbour, Karacasöğüt and the Seven Islands, then return west along the Datça Peninsula to Knidos and back to Bodrum. It covers roughly 120–150 nautical miles and suits travelers who want a livelier town at either end.
Who is a Turkey gulet charter right for?
Gulets suit families, multi-family groups and friends who want space, value and a relaxed pace. They suit fewer travelers who want speed, nightlife every evening or a sleek superyacht finish.
| Traveler | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families and multi-family groups | Excellent | Equal cabins, calm Göcek water |
| Groups of friends | Excellent | Big shared decks, strong value |
| Couples | Good | Romantic coves; a smaller gulet keeps it intimate |
| History and culture lovers | Excellent | Lycian, Greek and Byzantine ruins |
| Speed or nightlife seekers | Fair | Slow cruising; limited nightlife outside Bodrum |
Gulets are also among the best-value options for multigenerational trips, which our family yacht charter guide covers in more detail.
Who should choose elsewhere? If you want to cover lots of ground fast, a motor yacht in Greece or Croatia lets you see more in a week. If you want a polished superyacht with a large toy inventory, the French Riviera or the Balearics have a deeper fleet. And if you want gulets with more towns and nightlife ashore, Croatia also has a large gulet fleet.
Can you combine a Turkey gulet charter with other areas?
Yes, though combinations within Turkey are simpler than crossing to Greece.
- Bodrum to Göcek one-way: about a week covering the Gökova Gulf, Datça, Bozburun and the 12 Islands.
- Göcek to Kaş and Kekova one-way: a quieter, culture-rich week ending near the sunken city.
- Turkey plus the Greek Dodecanese: Kos is roughly 10 nautical miles from Bodrum, and Symi and Rhodes are close to Marmaris and Datça. Crossing requires exit and entry formalities, fees and compliance with cabotage rules, so many charterers book separate charters instead.
- Turkey plus Istanbul: a few nights in the city before or after a cruise is easy via domestic flights.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a gulet charter in Turkey cost per week?
Standard crewed gulets typically ask about €20,000–€30,000 per week, luxury gulets €30,000–€50,000, and deluxe gulets €50,000 or more, with the very best around €130,000–€150,000. Food, drink and fuel are usually extra through an APA or a package, plus a 10–15% crew tip and VAT depending on the flag and how the rate is quoted.
What is a blue cruise in Turkey?
A blue cruise (Mavi Yolculuk in Turkish) is a slow, multi-day trip along Turkey's southwest coast aboard a gulet, a traditional wooden motor-sailer. Days are spent swimming in pine-fringed coves, visiting ancient ruins and eating aboard. The tradition grew from mid-20th-century Turkish writers who cruised the Bodrum coast.
Is Bodrum or Göcek better for a gulet charter?
Göcek and the Fethiye Gulf are more sheltered, greener and calmer, which makes them ideal for families and first-timers. Bodrum and the Gökova Gulf offer a livelier town, upscale marinas and beach clubs, but the summer meltemi wind can make open passages bumpy. Both are excellent; the choice comes down to calm water versus social scene.
Is VAT charged on a gulet charter in Turkey?
Turkish-flagged charter vessels are charged VAT at the 20% general rate, though some quoted gulet prices already include it. Foreign-flagged commercial yachts are reported to pay 0% VAT but face cabotage and permit limits when guests embark in Turkey. Rules change, so confirm exactly what your quote includes.
When is the best time for a gulet charter in Turkey?
June and September are the best months for warm water and fewer crowds. The season runs roughly April or May to October, with July and August the hottest and busiest. Late September and October are excellent value, with the sea still warm.
Can a Turkish gulet visit the Greek islands?
Sometimes, but it is not simple. Crossing to islands such as Kos, Symi or Rhodes requires exit and entry formalities, fees and compliance with cabotage rules, which can restrict where guests embark and disembark. Confirm with your broker before building a Greek island day into a Turkish charter.
How many guests can a gulet take?
Most charter gulets have four to eight cabins, and most charter yachts are limited to 12 overnight guests. Larger gulets often have six roughly equal double cabins, which makes them popular with multi-family groups and groups of friends.
Charter rates, APA, VAT and fees quoted are approximate, vary by yacht and season, and change often. Confirm current figures with your broker at booking.