Gulet Charter Turkey 2026
Handcrafted Wooden Yachts — Authentic Blue Cruise Experience
What is a Gulet?
A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden sailing yacht, originally used by fishermen and sponge divers along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. These beautiful vessels have been transformed into comfortable charter yachts while maintaining their authentic character.
Modern gulets are spacious motor-sailers (20-35 meters long) with 4-8 cabins, each with private bathroom. They combine the charm of traditional wooden craftsmanship with modern amenities like air conditioning, WiFi, and water sports equipment.
Gulets are perfect for leisurely cruising with family or friends. With professional crew handling all sailing, cooking, and cleaning, you can simply relax and enjoy the stunning Turkish coastline.
Our complete beginner's guide covers what to expect, packing lists, typical daily schedule, budget breakdown, and 10 insider tips — everything before you book.
Read the First Timer's GuideYour Gulet Was Built in Bozburun
A small fishing village on the Marmaris Peninsula holds a secret that every gulet captain knows: Bozburun is the boatyard capital of Turkey. When you step aboard your gulet, you are almost certainly stepping onto a vessel handcrafted by master carpenters here.
The Village That Builds the Blue Cruise
Walk down to Bozburun harbour at dawn and you'll hear the sound before you see anything: the rhythmic mallet of a caulking iron, wood shavings catching the morning light, the sharp smell of marine-grade varnish. These boatyards have been shaping gulets for over five centuries.
Every plank is selected by hand. Hulls are built from sustainably harvested Turkish red pine and mahogany, shaped over steam by craftsmen who learned from their fathers, who learned from theirs. No two gulets are identical — each one carries the signature of the family workshop that built it.
Gulet captains still refer to Bozburun as "home port" — not because they moor here every night, but because this is where the journey truly began.
Hull frames shaped entirely by hand — no CNC machines used in traditional builds
Wood sourced from certified Aegean forests, air-dried for 18-24 months before use
Each boatyard employs 8-20 specialist carpenters, painters, and riggers
Build time: 6-18 months depending on gulet size and specification level
When Your Gulet Anchors in Bozburun
Most 7-day itineraries spend Night 2–3 here. Make the most of it.
Boatyard Walking Tour
Stroll along the waterfront and watch craftsmen at work. The main boatyards welcome curious visitors — ask your captain to introduce you. Seeing a half-built hull up close changes how you feel about your own gulet.
Free — morningHarbour Fish Dinner
Bozburun's restaurants charge 30-40% less than Marmaris marina for the same quality catch. The captains' favourite is the front table at the waterfront meyhane — order the sea bass by weight and a cold Efes.
£15-25/personThursday Market
If your itinerary lands you here on a Thursday, the weekly pazar runs along the waterfront road. Local honey, dried herbs, handmade rope sandals — nothing touristy, everything genuine.
Thursdays onlyChoose Your Gulet Category
From traditional standard gulets to luxury vessels with 5-star amenities
Standard Gulet
Traditional wooden yacht with comfortable cabins and authentic Turkish charm
Deluxe Gulet
Enhanced comfort with modern amenities while maintaining traditional gulet character
Luxury Gulet
Premium gulet with 5-star amenities, designer interiors, and exceptional service
Popular Gulet Routes in Turkey
Explore the most beautiful coastlines and hidden bays of the Turkish Riviera
Marmaris - Göcek - Fethiye
7 DaysMost popular route combining stunning bays, ancient ruins, and vibrant marinas
Marmaris - Datça - Bodrum
7 DaysPerfect blend of history, nature, and cosmopolitan Bodrum nightlife
Bodrum - Gulf of Gökova
7 DaysSecluded bays and pristine nature in one of Turkey's most beautiful gulfs
Fethiye - Göcek - Marmaris
7 DaysExplore hidden coves and charming coastal villages along the Lycian coast
Custom Routes Available
All routes can be customized based on your preferences. Work with your captain to create the perfect itinerary combining secluded bays, ancient ruins, vibrant marinas, and charming coastal villages.
Gulet vs Motor Yacht
Not sure which type of yacht to charter? Here's the honest breakdown — spoiler: for most Turkey holidays, the gulet wins on almost every count.
Traditional Gulet
Motor Yacht
Our full comparison guide digs into side-by-side pricing tables, popular routes matched to vessel type, fuel cost calculators, and the exact scenarios where a motor yacht actually makes more sense than a gulet.
Gulet Charter Pricing by Season
| Gulet Category | Low Season | Mid Season | High Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Gulet | €5,000/week | €6,500/week | €8,000/week |
| Deluxe Gulet | €8,000/week | €10,000/week | €12,000/week |
| Luxury Gulet | €12,000/week | €16,000/week | €20,000/week |
Low Season: April-May, October-November | Mid Season: June, September | High Season: July-August
All prices include professional crew, full board meals, fuel (4h/day), linen, and Turkish port fees. What exactly is included? →
Our dedicated budget guide covers cabin-only bookings from €500/person, the cheapest months to travel, last-minute deal tactics, and a full real-world cost breakdown — flights, drinks, tips, excursions included.
Request Your Gulet Charter Quote
Tell us about your dream blue cruise and we'll send you personalized gulet options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gulet?
A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden sailing yacht, originally used by fishermen and sponge divers. Modern gulets are spacious motor-sailers (20-35 meters) with 4-8 cabins, combining authentic charm with modern comfort. They're perfect for leisurely cruising along Turkey's coast with family or friends.
How much does gulet charter cost in Turkey?
Gulet charter prices range from €5,000 to €20,000 per week depending on gulet category, season, and amenities. Standard gulets start from €5,000/week, deluxe gulets €8,000-€12,000/week, and luxury gulets €12,000-€20,000/week. All prices include crew, meals, and fuel for 4 hours daily cruising.
What is included in gulet charter price?
Gulet charter includes professional crew (captain, chef, sailors), full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), fuel for 4 hours daily cruising, bed linen and towels, yacht insurance, Turkish port fees, and basic water sports equipment. Drinks (except water), marina fees abroad, and extra fuel are additional.
What is the best route for gulet charter in Turkey?
Most popular route is Marmaris-Göcek-Fethiye (7 days) offering stunning bays, ancient ruins, and vibrant marinas. Marmaris-Datça-Bodrum route combines nature with cosmopolitan Bodrum. Bodrum-Gulf of Gökova is perfect for secluded bays. Routes can be customized based on your preferences.
When is the best time for gulet charter in Turkey?
Best time is May-October. Peak season (July-August) offers warmest weather (28-35°C) but higher prices and crowded anchorages. Shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) provide perfect sailing conditions (22-28°C), fewer crowds, and better rates. Water temperature is 22-28°C in summer.
How many people can stay on a gulet?
Gulets accommodate 8-16 guests depending on size. Standard gulets have 4-6 cabins (8-12 guests), deluxe gulets 5-7 cabins (10-14 guests), and luxury gulets 6-8 cabins (12-16 guests). Each cabin has private bathroom with shower. Most gulets have double and twin cabin options.
Do I need sailing experience for gulet charter?
No sailing experience needed! All gulet charters come with professional crew including licensed captain, experienced chef, and sailors. Crew handles all navigation, anchoring, cooking, and cleaning. You simply relax and enjoy. Gulets are motor-sailers, so they use engines most of the time.
Can we customize the itinerary and menu?
Yes! Gulet charters are flexible. Discuss your preferred route with the captain — he knows the best bays, beaches, and anchorages. Your chef can prepare meals based on your preferences and dietary requirements. Most gulets offer Turkish, Mediterranean, and international cuisine options.