Private Yacht vs Gulet Charter
What's the difference — and which is right for your Turkey sailing holiday?
The Key Difference in One Sentence
A private yacht is a modern sailing or motor vessel where you (or a hired skipper) do the sailing — it's an active, hands-on experience. A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden boat with a full crew including a chef — it's a relaxed, all-inclusive floating hotel where you simply enjoy the journey.
What is a Gulet?
A gulet (pronounced "goo-let") is a traditional Turkish wooden sailing vessel, typically 60–130 feet long with a broad beam and a distinctive ketch or schooner rig. Originally used by fishermen and sponge divers along the Aegean coast, gulets were transformed into luxury charter vessels in the 1970s and 1980s.
Modern gulets are built from high-quality timber — usually pine or mahogany — and feature spacious sun decks, multiple en-suite cabins, a fully equipped galley kitchen, and a large aft deck for dining and socialising. They are crewed by a professional team of 3–6 people including a captain, chef and deckhands.
The gulet is the vessel of choice for the classic Blue Cruise Turkey experience. It combines the freedom of the sea with the comfort of a boutique hotel.
What is a Private Yacht Charter?
A private yacht charter in Turkey typically means hiring a modern fibreglass sailing yacht or motor yacht, usually 30–60 feet in length. These vessels are faster and more agile than gulets, and are designed for active sailing.
You can charter a yacht bareboat (without crew, if you hold a sailing qualification) or with a hired skipper. Meals are usually self-catered or arranged separately. Yacht charters suit couples, small groups of 2–6 people, and those who want to actively participate in sailing.
Yachts can access shallower anchorages than gulets and are generally more affordable for smaller groups. However, they offer less deck space, no onboard chef, and a more compact living environment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Private Yacht | Gulet |
|---|---|---|
| Hull material | Fibreglass / GRP | Traditional wood (pine/mahogany) |
| Typical length | 30–60 ft | 60–130 ft |
| Cabin capacity | 2–6 guests | 4–20 guests |
| Crew included | Skipper only (usually) | Full crew (captain, cook, deckhand) |
| Meals | Self-catering or extra cost | All meals included (chef onboard) |
| Deck space | Limited | Spacious sun deck & cushioned areas |
| Sailing performance | Faster, more agile | Slower, more stable |
| Price (per week) | €1,500–€8,000 | €3,500–€20,000 |
| Best for | Sailing enthusiasts, couples | Groups, families, luxury comfort |
| Atmosphere | Active sailing holiday | Relaxed floating hotel |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a Private Yacht if…
- You hold a sailing qualification and want to skipper yourself
- You are travelling as a couple or small group of 2–4
- You want an active, hands-on sailing experience
- You prefer a faster, more agile vessel
- Budget is a primary consideration for a small group
- You enjoy self-catering and planning your own meals
Choose a Gulet if…
- You are travelling in a group of 6 or more
- You want all meals included with a professional chef
- You prefer a relaxed, all-inclusive floating hotel experience
- You want maximum deck space for sunbathing and socialising
- You have no sailing experience (no qualifications needed)
- You want the classic Blue Cruise Turkey experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a yacht and a gulet?
A yacht is typically a modern fibreglass sailing or motor vessel, while a gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden boat with a broad beam, spacious deck and full crew. Gulets are larger, more stable and include all meals, making them more like a floating hotel.
Is a gulet charter more expensive than a yacht charter?
Gulets are generally more expensive to charter than basic yachts, but they include full crew and all meals. When you factor in the cost of food, a cook and additional crew on a yacht, the total cost is often similar or the gulet works out better value.
Can you sail a gulet yourself?
No. Gulets always come with a professional captain and crew. You are a passenger, not a sailor. This is one of the main appeals — you can relax completely without any sailing responsibilities.
Which is better for a group holiday — yacht or gulet?
For groups of 6 or more, a gulet is almost always the better choice. The spacious deck, multiple cabins, onboard chef and stable platform make it far more comfortable and sociable than a yacht for larger groups.
Browse Gulets & Yachts in Marmaris
View our full fleet of gulets and private yachts available for charter from Marmaris.
View All Yachts & GuletsWritten by
Emma Richardson
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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!
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