Chartering a Crewed Yacht in Turkey
No sailing experience needed. Here's exactly how a crewed gulet charter works — from booking to disembarkation.
5-Part Guide
Complete Yacht Charter Guide — TurkeyNow Reading· 1/5 read
Booking a Crewed Charter
Series saved!
1 of 5 parts read
The Most Important Thing to Know
You do not need any sailing experience to charter a crewed yacht in Turkey. The captain and crew handle everything — navigation, anchoring, cooking, and service. Your only job is to relax, swim, eat, and enjoy the most beautiful coastline in the Mediterranean.
How a Crewed Charter Works: Step by Step
Choose Your Gulet & Route
Select a gulet based on size, budget, and style. Discuss your preferred route with the operator — or let them suggest one based on your interests and group size. Most charters are 7 days.
Sign the Charter Agreement
You'll receive a charter contract detailing the vessel, dates, price, what's included, and cancellation terms. Read it carefully and clarify anything unclear before signing.
Pay the Charter Fee
Typically 50% deposit on booking, 50% balance 4–8 weeks before departure. Some operators require a security deposit (€500–€1,500) refundable after the charter.
Fly to Dalaman or Bodrum
Fly to the nearest airport to your departure port. Dalaman serves Marmaris and Fethiye (90 min transfer). Bodrum-Milas serves Bodrum (30 min). Transfers can be arranged by your operator.
Board Your Gulet
Check-in is typically Saturday at 16:00–18:00. The captain will welcome you, show you around the boat, and discuss the route. The cook will prepare your first dinner on board.
Sail, Swim & Explore
Each morning, the captain suggests the day's route. You agree on destinations, then sail to a new bay. Swim, snorkel, kayak, explore ashore — the day is yours.
Check Out & Head Home
Check-out is typically the following Saturday morning. The captain will arrange your transfer to the airport. Tip the crew before you leave — they've worked hard to make your holiday perfect.
Meet Your Crew
Captain
Responsible for navigation, safety, and route planning. Experienced in the local waters and will share knowledge about the best anchorages, local history, and weather. Usually speaks good English.
Cook / Chef
Prepares three meals daily using fresh local produce. Will adapt menus to your preferences and dietary requirements. Turkish home cooking is genuinely delicious — fresh fish, mezze, salads, and desserts.
Deckhand
Handles mooring, anchoring, and water sports equipment. Sets up the kayaks and snorkelling gear, helps with swimming, and keeps the boat clean and tidy. Often the most fun crew member.
A Typical Day on a Crewed Charter
Wake up to the sound of gentle waves. Step on deck to find a private bay, crystal-clear water, and the smell of Turkish breakfast being prepared.
Breakfast on deck: fresh bread, local cheeses, olives, honey, tomatoes, eggs, and tea or coffee. The cook has been up since 07:00.
Morning swim. The deckhand sets up the kayaks and snorkelling gear. Explore the bay, snorkel over rocks and fish, or simply float in the warm water.
Weigh anchor and sail to the next bay. The captain sets the sails (or motor if no wind). 2–3 hours of sailing through stunning scenery.
Anchor in a new bay. Lunch on deck: fresh salads, grilled fish or chicken, mezze, and fresh bread. Cold drinks from the fridge.
Afternoon swim, sunbathing, reading, or a short excursion ashore to explore a village or ruins.
Sundowners on deck as the sun sets over the Aegean. The cook begins preparing dinner.
Dinner on deck under the stars: a full Turkish meal with fresh fish, mezze, salads, and dessert. The crew joins you for a drink after dinner.
Sleep in your private cabin to the sound of gentle waves. Tomorrow: a new bay, new adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a crewed yacht charter in Turkey?
How many crew members are on a Turkish gulet?
Do I tip the crew on a Turkish gulet?
Can I request a specific route with a crewed charter?
What is the difference between a crewed charter and a bareboat charter?
Ready to Charter Your Crewed Gulet?
Browse our full fleet of crewed gulets departing from Marmaris.
Written by
James Wilson
Plan Your Trip
Compare prices and save on your Marmaris holiday
Powered by KAYAK - Compare hundreds of travel sites at once
Keep Reading
More guides you'll find useful
Reader Reviews
What travellers are saying about this guide
Really helpful guide! We used this when planning our Marmaris trip and everything was exactly as described. The tips about booking in advance saved us a lot of money.
Brilliant article — very detailed and up to date for 2026. Bookmarked it for our summer holiday planning. Exactly the kind of honest, practical information I was looking for.
Great information, really helped us decide between different options. The price comparisons were super useful. Only wish there were a few more photos to visualise everything better!
Leave a Review
Share your experience to help fellow travellers
You May Also Like
Continue exploring more destinations, activities, and experiences
We use cookies to improve your experience
We use cookies and similar technologies to personalise content, analyse traffic, and provide social media features. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. You can manage your preferences or learn more in our Privacy Policy. This site complies with UK PECR and EU GDPR regulations.