Turkey Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Turkey

Turkey’s south-western coastline is where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, and for yacht charter guests it is one of the most rewarding cruising grounds on earth. Stretching roughly 200 nautical miles from the Bodrum Peninsula in the north to Kekova’s sunken city in the east, this stretch of coast – known locally as the Turquoise Coast – delivers a combination of warm, sheltered waters, pine-clad mountains tumbling directly into the sea, and a density of ancient ruins that no other Mediterranean destination can match. You can swim in a cove beneath Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliff face 2,400 years ago, anchor beside a sunken Roman harbour, lunch on grilled sea bass at a waterside restaurant where the tables sit inches from the water, and still be back aboard for sundowners as the Taurus Mountains turn pink in the evening light.

What makes Turkey particularly compelling for crewed charter is the variety packed into short, sheltered passages. Bodrum to Marmaris via the Hisaronü Gulf is roughly 50 nautical miles of calm, island-dotted water. Marmaris to Göcek – through the protected Skopea Limani archipelago – is just 35 nautical miles, three hours at a comfortable cruising speed. Göcek to Fethiye is barely 12 nautical miles, a 40-minute run past the famous Twelve Islands. That means a single charter week can comfortably stitch together the glamour of Bodrum’s Yalikavak superyacht marina, the unspoilt anchorages of Göcek’s pine-fringed bays, the dramatic Butterfly Valley beneath Mount Babadağ, and the ancient ruins of Knidos at the very tip of the Datça Peninsula where the Aegean and Mediterranean currents visibly collide. Add Dalyan’s loggerhead turtle beaches, Sedir Island’s legendary Cleopatra Beach, and some of the finest meze dining in the eastern Mediterranean, and you begin to understand why Turkey’s charter bookings have grown steadily year on year.

Turkey also offers something unique in the charter world: the gulet. These handcrafted wooden motor-sailing yachts – built by master boat-wrights in workshops dotted along the Bozburun Peninsula – are the original vessels of the Mavi Yolculuk (Blue Voyage), a tradition born in the 1950s when the writer Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, the ‘Fisherman of Halicarnassus’, began chartering leisurely cruises among Bodrum’s coves. Today, luxury gulets sit alongside modern motor yachts and superyachts in Turkey’s marinas, offering charter guests a choice between cutting-edge performance and timeless wooden-hulled elegance. Whether you’re planning a long weekend from Bodrum, a week-long exploration of the Lycian coast, or a grand Turquoise Coast voyage from Bodrum to Kekova, this guide covers every region in detail – seasons, distances, signature experiences, and the yachts best suited to each cruising ground. Start planning your Turkey charter with Boatcrowd and let our team match you to the perfect yacht and itinerary.

Why Charter a Yacht in Turkey

Sheltered Waters and Reliable Summer Conditions

The Turquoise Coast benefits from the rain shadow of the Taurus Mountains, which rise to over 2,000 metres just inland and shield the coastline from northerly winds. While the Meltemi can blow briskly across the open Aegean in July and August (gusting to 20–25 knots between midday and late afternoon), the southern Lycian coast from Göcek to Kaş is remarkably well protected – most anchorages sit behind headlands or within deep, fjord-like inlets where the water barely ripples. Summer air temperatures run 28–35°C (82–95°F), the sea climbs to a balmy 26–28°C by August, and rain between June and September is virtually unheard of. The sailing season stretches comfortably from late April to early November, with May and October offering warm days (22–28°C), empty anchorages, and charter rates 20–30% below peak.

Ancient History at Every Anchorage

No other charter destination puts you this close to antiquity. The Turquoise Coast was home to the Lycians, Carians, Greeks and Romans, and their ruins line the shore in extraordinary density. Knidos – at the western tip of the Datça Peninsula – was a prosperous Greek city where the Aegean and Mediterranean currents visibly meet. Kaunos, reached by a river boat up the reed-lined Dalyan Channel, has 167 rock-cut tombs carved into sheer cliff faces and dates to the 10th century BC. Fethiye sits on the ancient city of Telmessos, with monumental Lycian tombs (including the 4th-century BC Tomb of Amyntas) carved high into the cliff above the harbour. The sunken city of Kekova – a partially submerged Lycian settlement visible through crystal water – is one of Turkey’s most haunting sights. Your crew can anchor beside ruins that most land-based tourists never reach.

The Gulet Tradition and Turkish Hospitality

Turkey is the birthplace of the gulet – the wooden motor-sailing yacht that defined Mediterranean leisure cruising. Master boat-builders in Bozburun and Bodrum still construct these vessels by hand from Turkish pine and mahogany, their wide sterns and generous fore-decks designed for lounging, dining and sleeping under the stars. A luxury gulet charter is a uniquely Turkish experience: your crew serves multi-course meze feasts on the aft deck, your captain knows every hidden cove by name, and the pace of life slows to match the rhythm of the tide. Turkish hospitality – warm, generous, instinctive – is legendary for good reason, and it extends from the smallest fishing village to the most polished superyacht marina.

Outstanding Value

Turkey offers some of the best value in the Mediterranean for luxury charter. Weekly rates for crewed motor yachts in the 78’–99’ range typically start from $25,000–$45,000 – roughly 20–40% below comparable yachts in Greece or Croatia. Superyacht charters (100’+) start from around $70,000–$150,000 per week on MYBA terms. Luxury gulets in the 80’–115’ range – with four to six en-suite cabins, a crew of six to eight, and all-inclusive service – start from approximately $25,000–$60,000 per week. Shore-side costs are lower too: a harbourside dinner for two with wine and meze in Bodrum or Fethiye runs $60–$120, a fraction of the bill in Mykonos or Dubrovnik. Turkish VAT on charter is 20% for Turkish-flagged vessels (foreign-flagged commercial yachts are exempt), and the Advance Provisioning Allowance is typically 20–30% of the base rate.

World-Class Marina Infrastructure

Turkey has invested heavily in superyacht infrastructure over the past two decades. Yalıkavak Marina in Bodrum – voted World’s Best Superyacht Marina multiple times and holding a Five Gold Anchor rating – offers 620 berths for yachts up to 140 metres, with an open-air luxury shopping village, Michelin-starred dining, and full technical services. D-Marin Turgutreis (532 berths, yachts to 75m), D-Marin Göcek (380 berths, yachts to 70m), Ece Saray Marina in Fethiye (460 berths, yachts to 60m), and Netsel Marina in Marmaris (720 berths) provide world-class facilities across the entire coastline. Customs clearance, bunkering, provisioning and crew services are professional and efficient at every major port.

Top Destinations in Turkey

• Bodrum – The glamour capital of the Turkish coast and gateway to the Aegean. Home to Yalıkavak Marina (620 berths, superyachts to 140m), the 15th-century Castle of St Peter housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and the legendary Göltürkükü bay where Maçakızı’s Michelin-starred restaurant and beach club draw the international jet set. The Bodrum Peninsula’s south-facing bays – Bitez, Gümüşlük, Torba – offer sheltered anchorages, crystal water and whitewashed villages that feel more Cycladic than Turkish.

• Göcek – A small, yacht-focused town at the head of the Gulf of Fethiye, surrounded by the famous Twelve Islands and the protected anchorages of Skopea Limani. D-Marin Göcek (380 berths) is the base for some of Turkey’s finest charter yachts. The cruising ground is compact and supremely sheltered – pine-fringed bays, turquoise water, Lycian ruins on uninhabited islands, and virtually no swell. Tersane Island (the largest, with early Roman ruins and a natural harbour), Bedri Rahmi Bay (named after the artist who painted a fish on a rock here in the 1970s), and Tomb Bay (ancient Lycian sarcophagi visible from the water) are highlights.

• Fethiye – Built on the ancient city of Telmessos, with Lycian rock tombs (including the monumental 4th-century BC Tomb of Amyntas) carved into the cliff face above the harbour. Fethiye is the gateway to Butterfly Valley – a steep-sided gorge accessible only by boat, home to the endemic Jersey Tiger moth – and Ölüdeniz, whose turquoise lagoon is one of Turkey’s most photographed natural wonders. Gemiler Island (St Nicholas Island), with its Byzantine church ruins and underwater archaeology, lies just offshore. The Fethiye fish market, where you choose your fish and have it grilled at a neighbouring restaurant while you order meze, is one of the great culinary experiences on the coast.

• Marmaris – Sitting at the junction of the Aegean and Mediterranean in a deep, sheltered bay backed by pine-forested mountains, Marmaris is Turkey’s largest charter hub. Netsel Marina (720 berths) serves as the departure point for routes to the Datça Peninsula, the Hisaronü Gulf, and the Bozburun Peninsula – Turkey’s gulet-building heartland. Within easy reach: Sedir Island (Cleopatra Beach, with its legendary sand said to have been shipped from Egypt for Cleopatra herself), the ancient city of Knidos, the village of Selimiye (a magnet for gastronomy lovers), and Dalyan’s loggerhead turtle beaches and Lycian cliff tombs.

Best Time to Charter a Yacht in Turkey

Peak Season: July and August

The height of summer brings the warmest weather (30–35°C / 86–95°F), the warmest sea temperatures (26–28°C), and the liveliest atmosphere ashore – beach clubs, harbourside restaurants and marina promenades are buzzing well past midnight. The Meltemi wind blows most consistently during these months, with afternoon gusts of 15–25 knots in open Aegean waters around Bodrum, though the sheltered Lycian coast from Göcek southward remains calm. Charter rates are at their highest and the most sought-after yachts and gulets book out by early spring. If July or August is your window, book early and lean on your Boatcrowd charter specialist to secure the best berths and itinerary timing.

Shoulder Season: May–June and September–October

For many seasoned charter guests, the shoulder months are Turkey’s real sweet spot. May and June bring daytime temperatures of 22–29°C (72–84°F), warm enough for swimming and long on-deck lunches, with significantly fewer boats at the popular anchorages. September and early October stay warm (24–30°C), the sea holds its summer warmth at 24–26°C, and charter rates are typically 20–30% below peak. The light turns golden, the pine forests smell of resin and thyme, and the pace is more local, more relaxed. May is widely considered the single best month for a Turkey charter: the Meltemi is gentle (Force 3–4), the water has warmed to a comfortable 22°C, and the anchorages are yours alone.

Early and Late Season: April and November

April marks the opening of the Turkish charter season. Temperatures hover around 18–23°C (64–73°F), pleasant for on-deck dining and coastal exploring, though the sea is still fresh for extended swimming. Yachts are emerging from winter maintenance, and early bookers can secure outstanding rates. November offers similar conditions in reverse: mild days, empty anchorages, and soft pricing before yachts head to winter berths. Both months suit guests who prize cultural exploration – Knidos, Kaunos, the Lycian rock tombs – over beach time. The ancient sites are at their most atmospheric without the summer crowds.

Signature Experiences

• Sunset at Knidos – Anchor in the ancient harbour at the western tip of the Datça Peninsula, where the Aegean and Mediterranean currents visibly collide in a line of shifting blue. Walk among the ruins of a Greek city that once housed Praxiteles’ celebrated statue of Aphrodite, then return to the yacht for dinner on the aft deck as the sun drops into the junction of two seas.

• Butterfly Valley by Tender – Cruise from Fethiye or Ölüdeniz to the mouth of this dramatic gorge, flanked by 350-metre cliffs and accessible only from the sea. Wade ashore on the pebble beach, hike into the valley past a waterfall, and look for the endemic Jersey Tiger moths that give the valley its name. Your yacht waits at anchor in the turquoise bay while your crew prepares lunch.

• Dalyan River and Turtle Beach – Take a tender or river boat from Ekincik Bay up the reed-lined Dalyan Channel, passing the monumental Lycian cliff tombs of Kaunos (carved into sheer rock faces, dating to the 4th century BC) and the therapeutic mud baths, to reach İztuzu Beach – one of the last natural nesting grounds of the endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). Females lay 100–120 eggs per nest between May and October.

• Maçakızı, Göltürkükü – Arrive by tender at Bodrum’s most exclusive beach club and Michelin-starred restaurant, set on a hillside of olive groves and bougainvillea overlooking Göltürkükü Bay. Founded as a bohemian pensione in the 1970s and transformed into an international jet-set destination, Maçakızı serves refined Mediterranean cuisine with the bay as your backdrop.

• Cleopatra Beach, Sedir Island – Cruise 40 minutes from Marmaris to this extraordinary island where the sand is formed from ooids – tiny, perfectly spherical calcium-carbonate grains chemically identical to sand found in Egypt. Legend holds that Mark Antony shipped the sand from North Africa for Cleopatra. The beach is strictly protected (no towels on the sand, no collection), and the island also holds ruins of the ancient city of Cedrae, including a theatre and agora.

• Tomb Bay at Sunset – Anchor in this secluded Göcek bay as the evening light illuminates Lycian sarcophagi on the hillside above the waterline. Your crew lays out meze and grilled fish on the aft deck while you swim in water so clear you can see the anchor chain on the seabed 10 metres below.

• Meze Feast in the Fethiye Fish Market – Step ashore from your yacht in Fethiye harbour and walk to the Paşapatı fish market, where you choose your catch from the fishmongers’ displays – sea bream, red mullet, octopus, prawns – and carry it to a neighbouring restaurant, which grills it to order while you select from their meze counter: muhammara, haydari, ezme, grilled halloumi, stuffed vine leaves. Pay only for the meze and drinks; the cooking is free.

• Gulet Under the Stars – On a Turkish gulet, the wide foredeck is designed for sleeping under the open sky. Your crew lays out mattresses, cushions and light blankets as the yacht rides at anchor in a silent pine-fringed bay. The Milky Way arcs overhead with a clarity that city-dwellers forget exists, and the only sound is the gentle slap of water against the wooden hull.

Turkish Gulets: A Vessel Like No Other

No guide to chartering in Turkey is complete without a section on the gulet – the traditional wooden motor-sailing yacht that is as much a part of the Turkish coast as the ruins and the turquoise water. Born from the fishing and sponge-diving boats of the Bodrum Peninsula, gulets were reimagined in the 1950s by the writer and exile Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı – known as the Fisherman of Halicarnassus – who began organising leisurely cruises among Bodrum’s hidden coves, calling them Mavi Yolculuk: the Blue Voyage. The tradition caught on, and by the 1970s, Turkey’s boatyards in Bozburun, Bodrum and Marmaris were building dedicated charter gulets with increasingly luxurious interiors.

Today’s luxury gulets bear little resemblance to their fishing-boat ancestors, but they retain the essential character: a wide, sweeping stern with a shaded aft deck perfect for al-fresco dining, a generous foredeck with cushioned sunbathing platforms (often doubling as a starlit sleeping area), and a hull of Turkish pine or mahogany that gives the vessel a warmth and personality no fibreglass yacht can replicate. Modern luxury gulets in the 80’–115’ range offer four to six en-suite cabins, air conditioning, a professional galley, and a crew of six to eight including a captain, chef, steward/ess and deckhands. Many carry water toys, tenders and snorkelling equipment. The sailing rig is largely ornamental on most charter gulets – twin engines provide the power – but the silhouette of those wooden masts against a Turkish sunset is one of the most romantic sights in the Mediterranean.

Gulet charters operate on an all-inclusive basis or with a modest provisions allowance covering food, beverages and fuel. Weekly rates for luxury gulets start from approximately $25,000–$60,000 depending on size, age and season. For families and groups of friends who want a relaxed, convivial atmosphere with outstanding Turkish cuisine served on deck three times a day, a gulet is hard to beat.

Yacht Types Available

• Motor Yachts (78’–99’) – The most popular choice for Turkey’s charter coast. These crewed vessels typically accommodate 6–10 guests in 3–4 en-suite cabins, with a crew of 3–5. Cruising speeds of 18–28 knots make covering the Turquoise Coast swift – Bodrum to Göcek in under four hours. Modern flybridge motor yachts carry water toys (jet ski, seabobs, paddleboards, snorkelling gear) and offer flexible itineraries. Weekly rates start from around $25,000–$45,000 depending on season, yacht and inclusions.

• Superyachts (100’+) – For larger groups or those seeking the ultimate in space, privacy and spectacle, Turkey’s superyacht infrastructure is world-class. Yalıkavak Marina accommodates yachts up to 140 metres, and Netsel Marmaris, D-Marin Göcek and D-Marin Turgutreis all service superyacht-scale vessels. Accommodation for 8–12 guests in lavish staterooms, crews of 6–15+, expansive deck areas, and a full arsenal of water toys. Superyacht charters typically run on MYBA terms (base rate plus APA of 20–30%). Weekly rates for 100’–130’ superyachts start from roughly $70,000–$150,000; the largest mega yachts command $200,000+ per week. Turkish VAT of 20% applies to Turkish-flagged vessels; foreign-flagged commercial yachts are exempt. Crew gratuity is customarily 10–15%.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Premium power catamarans from Sunreef and Lagoon (55’–80’) offer exceptional stability, generous deck space and a shallow draft ideal for nosing into Turkey’s tightest bays and sandy shallows. Catamarans in this range typically sleep 6–10 guests and carry a crew of 3–4. Their twin-hull design virtually eliminates rolling, making them the most comfortable option for families with young children and guests prone to seasickness. Weekly rates start from approximately $30,000–$45,000 depending on season.

• Luxury Gulets (80’–115’) – Turkey’s signature vessel. Hand-built from Turkish pine and mahogany by master craftsmen in Bozburun and Bodrum, luxury gulets offer 4–6 en-suite cabins, crews of 6–8, wide aft decks for dining, and generous foredeck lounging areas. All-inclusive charters include Turkish cuisine prepared by an onboard chef three times a day. Ideal for families, groups of friends, and guests who want the authentic Blue Voyage experience with modern comforts. Weekly rates start from $25,000–$60,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in Turkey cost?

Charter pricing depends on yacht type, size, season and inclusions. As a broad guide, crewed motor yachts (78’–99’) start from around $25,000–$45,000 per week during peak season (July–August), often on an all-inclusive basis. Superyachts (100’+) typically start from $70,000–$150,000 per week on MYBA terms – the base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (usually 20–30%) covering fuel, food, drinks and dockage. Turkish VAT of 20% applies to Turkish-flagged vessels; foreign-flagged commercial charters are VAT-exempt. Luxury gulets (80’–115’) start from roughly $25,000–$60,000 per week all-inclusive. Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) start from around $30,000–$45,000 per week. Shoulder-season rates (May–June, September–October) are typically 20–30% softer. Crew gratuity is customarily 10–15%. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote based on your dates, group size and preferences.

Are luxury catamarans available for charter in Turkey?

Yes. Boatcrowd’s Turkish fleet includes a growing selection of premium power catamarans from builders like Sunreef and Lagoon in the 55’–80’ range. These vessels are ideal for the Turquoise Coast thanks to their shallow draft (allowing access to tight bays and sandy shallows that deeper-keeled yachts cannot reach), exceptional stability, and generous living space. Most luxury catamarans come fully crewed with captain, chef and steward/ess. They are particularly popular with families and multi-generational groups who appreciate the wide beam, the absence of rolling, and the ability to anchor close to shore in sheltered coves.

Can I charter a yacht in Turkey for a film or TV production?

Turkey’s Turquoise Coast has become increasingly popular as a filming location, with its combination of dramatic coastline, ancient ruins, consistent sunshine and competitive production costs. The country’s booming film and television industry (Turkish dramas are exported to over 150 countries) has built world-class production infrastructure, and Turkey offers a 30% cash rebate on production spending for international productions. Boatcrowd can arrange production-friendly charters with yachts that accommodate camera crews, lighting rigs and talent. Our team coordinates with local port authorities for filming permits, drone permissions and logistical support. With over 300 sunny days a year and 14–15 hours of summer daylight, the Turquoise Coast is a production team’s dream.

Is Turkey a good destination for a proposal, honeymoon or milestone celebration?

The Turkish coast is one of the most romantic charter destinations in the Mediterranean, and a crewed yacht takes celebrations to another level entirely. Your crew can orchestrate every detail – from a sunset proposal in Butterfly Valley (champagne and a photographer arriving by tender) to a honeymoon itinerary with couples’ massages on deck, private beach dinners on a deserted Göcek island, and rose-petal turndowns in your master stateroom. Milestone birthdays are equally well served: a gulet feast under the stars for a 40th, a Michelin dinner at Maçakızı in Bodrum for a golden wedding, a sunset anchorage at Knidos for a 50th. Let Boatcrowd know the occasion when you enquire and we’ll ensure every moment is unforgettable.

Can I bring the whole family, including grandparents and young children?

Multi-generational family charters are one of the most popular booking types on the Turquoise Coast. Yachts, catamarans and gulets are available in configurations sleeping 8–12+ guests, with flexible cabin layouts to suit grandparents, parents and children. Crews are experienced with guests of all ages: children get age-appropriate snorkelling instruction, treasure hunts among ancient ruins, and kid-friendly menus, while grandparents appreciate calm anchorages, comfortable sun lounges and attentive service. Göcek’s sheltered bays and Fethiye’s warm, shallow coves are among the safest and most family-friendly cruising grounds in the Med. Catamarans and gulets are especially popular for families – the stability, wide beam and easy swim-platform access make life aboard relaxed for every generation.

Can I combine multiple regions in one charter?

Absolutely, and it’s one of the great advantages of chartering here. A popular one-week route starts in Bodrum, crosses the Hisaronü Gulf to Datça and Knidos, continues to Marmaris, then cruises east through Göcek and finishes in Fethiye. Distances are short and passages are sheltered: Bodrum to Marmaris is roughly 50 nautical miles via the gulf; Marmaris to Göcek is 35 nautical miles; Göcek to Fethiye is just 12 nautical miles. On a ten-day charter, you could add Butterfly Valley, Ölüdeniz and Kaş to the itinerary. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will design a multi-region route that maximises variety without wasting time on long crossings.

What is a gulet and should I consider one for my charter?

A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden motor-sailing yacht, handcrafted from local pine and mahogany. Modern luxury gulets (80’–115’) offer 4–6 en-suite cabins, air conditioning, a full crew of 6–8, and generous deck space for dining, sunbathing and sleeping under the stars. They operate on an all-inclusive basis with a dedicated chef preparing Turkish cuisine three times a day. A gulet charter is the authentic Blue Voyage experience – slower-paced, convivial, deeply relaxing, and uniquely Turkish. They are ideal for families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants the character of a hand-built wooden vessel with modern comforts. If you prefer speed and a wider selection of water toys, a motor yacht or catamaran may suit better. Your Boatcrowd specialist can help you decide.