Every charter on the Turkish coast includes onboard chefs and delicious menus, with flexible day plans and authentic regional flavors.
both gullets and larger yachts offer distinct moods: the wind filling the sails, close-to-shore access, and intimate deck spaces, while yachts provide expansive salons and modern water toys.
towards sheltered coves and calm bays, you can plan day trips that combine swimming, snorkeling, and cultural stops along Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye.
أن indented teak deck keeps passage comfortable when seas rise, while bases along the coast ensure logistics from provisioning to tender support, with a stock of spares and fresh provisions ready on hand.
Some ports have grown a stock of trusted skippers and shore crews, ready to tailor itineraries for some groups seeking a personalized pace.
In a few bays, cleopatras legends linger, inviting curious guests to explore historic harbors while enjoying the views and wonders of the coast.
Each day offers views of turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and ancient wonders, while the coastline lies invitingly ahead on calm mornings.
requires warm winds and calm seas, so plan spring or late-summer trips to maximize sailing comfort and accessibility to prime ports.
Ready to start? Compare 4-, 6-, or 8-day routes, confirm berths, and receive options that match your budget and preferences, including crews or bareboat setups–your Turkish coast experience awaits.
Turkey Yacht Charter Guide
Book a 7-10 day private yacht charter along the lycian coast with dedicated crews to enjoy exclusive coves, extensive inlets, and authentic villages.
Start from Bodrum, Göcek, or Fethiye and plan a loop toward Kas, with stops in smaller towns and remote bays. You’ll hit larger anchorages during peak season, yet you can find quiet harbours before crowds gather.
Choose a gulet or a modern motor-yacht; larger vessels offer spacious cabins and expansive decks for evenings on deck. Crews handle meals, navigation, and water-sport gear, giving you more time to soak in the coast’s beauty.
Along the route, expect a blend of cities and village life: Bodrum and Marmaris draw popularity, while villages along the lycian shore retain local charm. Stop for lunch in a centre of a cliff-side taverna and savor olive oil, seafood, and local wines.
Anchor away from busy marinas and cruise towards calmer bays for overnight stays, giving protection for guests while keeping the ground underfoot safe. Private beaches on land are protected, so follow local regulations and leave no trace.
In Kas, Fethiye, and surrounding sites, local guides reveal remnants from the ottoman era and Lycian tombs, connecting ancient ground to your sailing days. Enjoy a cultural pause between swimming and snorkeling.
Plan shore excursions before arrivals to ensure access to exclusive villages and private beach landings, and align the plan with your evenings aboard under starry skies.
Some coves offer mineral-rich mud and natural spa-like experiences, perfect for unwinding after a day’s sail.
Gulet vs. Motor Yacht: Key Differences for the Turkish Coast
Choose a gulet for a traditional Turkish coast experience that comes with crew service, a relaxed tempo, and views from deck as sunsets paint the rocky shores. If you need speed, flexibility, and direct access to dozens of marinas, a motor yacht stands out as the practical alternative.
Both options run along aegean shores and the Mediterranean, but their design, cabins, and daily rhythms shape a very different cruise. Here’s a concise, data-driven comparison to help your planning, with tips for snorkelling, swimming, and evenings on board.
- Propulsion and sails: Gulets rely on wind and typically feature a traditional rig with multiple sails; motor yachts run on engines and offer predictable running times. Some gulets use a longline-style rig to balance stability in crosswinds.
- Cabins and living space: Gulets often offer 6–12 cabins plus crew quarters, with social salons and shaded decks; motor yachts emphasize modern interiors and can offer larger living areas or more private compartments depending on size.
- Crew and service: Gulets are usually crewed with skipper, cook, and deckhands, delivering meals and a tailored itinerary; motor yachts can be crewed or bareboat, depending on license and the charter type.
- Ports, marinas, and cruising days: Gulets anchor in coves and visit scenic bays along the aegean coast, pausing in marinas such as Bodrum or Gocek; motor yachts quickly hop between marinas and fortify plans with flexible schedules in the channel between islands.
- Activities and on-board vibe: Snorkelling and swimming are easy from gulet stern decks; evenings feature on-deck lounging and sunsets over rock coastlines; motor yachts offer faster hops to beaches and onshore experiences.
- Costs, licensing, and planning: Gulet charters are typically all-inclusive with crew; motor yachts may require self-catering options or higher running costs; bareboat charters require a license and safety checks.
In popular marinas along the coast, hundreds of boats compete for space during peak season, so plan in advance and choose a vessel type that fits your crew size, itinerary, and preferred pace. Once you know your priorities, compare options by cabin count, sailing vs. motor performance, and the level of onboard service.
First, consider your priorities: traditional ambience or fast island hopping.
For a first decision: if your group values traditional vibes, long days on deck, and easy snorkelling and swimming from the stern, a gulet delivers. If your aim is efficient island hopping, staying flexible in tight schedules, and visiting more marinas in a single trip, a motor yacht is capable of meeting those goals with comfort and speed.
7-Day Fethiye Coastal Itinerary: Highlights and Ports
Begin with anchoring in Göcek Bay to reset and set the route along the coast; this long, sheltered start is a must for calm seas and a smooth transition to the days ahead. The bustling town above the water welcomes you with boutique docks, indented coves, and a sunny vibe that blends yacht life with Lycians heritage. Your skippered yacht delivers a custom experience, so these details can shift earlier or later depending on weather and wishes, yet the route remains clearly worth pursuing in June for optimal light and fewer crowds.
Day 1: Fethiye → Göcek Set sail from Fethiye harbor and turn toward Göcek, a hub for yachts with a long tradition of accommodating charter crews. Cruise past the open coast where the indented shoreline opens into protected bays; stop for a swim in Sarsala Bay, where glass-clear water invites a quick snorkel. In Göcek, these parts of town pulse with cafes and markets, offering a first taste of the route above the turquoise water. Overnight in a sheltered marina or a quiet cove, enjoying a calm evening and a sunset look over the bays.
Day 2: Göcek → Ekincik Follow a scenic route south along the Lycian coast to Ekincik, home to easy-water anchorages and a river-like inlet where soft currents invite relaxed cruising. The day features a blend of long sails and gentle stops, with snorkeling around small islets and protected coves. Ekincik is a must for gourmets and shell collectors alike; dine on fresh fish aboard or at a local taverna, then rest with the stars reflected on the glassy surface. The coastline here shows indented shapes that make anchoring simple and quiet after a busy morning on deck.
Day 3: Ekincik → Oludeniz / Butterfly Valley Head toward Oludeniz, stopping first near Butterfly Valley for a beach walk or a brief hike if you want to stretch your legs. The route offers sunny, open-water segments and sheltered inlets ideal for a quick swim and photos that capture the route’s wonder. Oludeniz Beach offers calm, shallow water perfect for a late afternoon swim, while the valley’s stone cliffs create a dramatic look from the deck. This day emphasizes a balanced design of sailing time and shore time, ideal for families or first-time charter guests.
Day 4: Oludeniz → Kalkan Continue east along the coast to Kalkan, known for its whitewashed lanes and a harbor protected by a crescent of rocks. The indented coastline delivers several sheltered anchorages for a midday swim and a sun-drenched lunch on deck. In Kalkan, explore the old town’s narrow streets, sample local meze, and walk to a terrace with views over the bays. The area’s long history and clear-water coves make this one of the route’s most charming parts, with rock tombs and lookouts that evoke the lycians’ ancient design.
Day 5: Kalkan → Kas Sail along a scenic stretch toward Kas, where life sits at a slower pace and the harbor walls tell stories of kings and traders from centuries past. The coast features rugged coves and gentle rock platforms ideal for sunbathing or a quick glass of tea on deck. In Kas, stroll the waterfront, visit ancient ruins, and anchor near the old town’s steps for easy shore access. The town’s relaxed atmosphere pairs well with a late afternoon swim, and the nearby underwater scenery offers a quiet wonder for snorkelers.
Day 6: Kas → Fethiye via Tersane / Yassica Islands Return west along the coast, stopping at Tersane Island or the Yassica group for a mid-day swim and a snorkel among clear, glassy water. These parts of the route provide a gentle balance of long sailing segments and quick anchor breaks, perfect for a relaxed pace that keeps the crew accommodating and content. In the late afternoon, glide into a familiar bay near Fethiye for a farewell swim and a last look at the indented shoreline that characterizes the Lycian coast.
Day 7: Fethiye → Departure / Local explorations Finish with a short hop along familiar coves or spend the morning exploring Fethiye’s harbor, market streets, and the old town. If the schedule allows, plan a final anchoring near a favorite cove you discovered earlier in the week or book a last-minute swim at a preferred sunlit inlet. These year-after-year memories–sunny days, long sails, and the comfort of a skippered, custom-designed itinerary–make the coast worth repeating, and the design of the route above ensures you leave with a sense of discovery that feels both effortless and rewarding.
Note: The seven days balance cruising time with shore time to suit yachts of different sizes, with accommodating crew ready to adjust the plan for weather, currents, or guest needs. Earlier June often offers calmer seas and brighter mornings, while still delivering vibrant coastal towns, indented coves, and a chance to spot the lycians’ historic sites along the way.
Charter Types: Bareboat, Crewed, and All-Inclusive Options
Choose a crewed charter for a smooth, social start along the bodrum coast in june. This option keeps groups connected to culture and tradition while minimizing planning hassles.
Bareboat puts you in command if you hold a valid license or a qualified skipper accompanies you, but you must verify regulations for Turkish waters, secure insurance, and map a safe route. Expect flexible decks, reliable gear, and the latest safety features, yet provisioning and upkeep fall on your team if you travel without a crew.
Crewed delivers expert navigation, attentive provisioning, and a ready deck crew that handles meals, anchors, and transitions. Facilities on board are designed for comfort, and the atmosphere stays calm for a quiet escape or a lively buzz depending on your pace. Unlike bareboat, this option frees you to follow a curated itinerary that highlights picturesque harbors such as bodrum and other ports, tapping into local culture and tradition. Markets followed by buzz around bodrum attract a diverse crowd, adding intrigue to your year of cruising.
All-Inclusive packages merge provisioning, meals, fuel, and onshore activities into a single price, making it ideal for families or couples seeking ease. The offering is streamlined to reduce decisions each day, with resort-style amenities and onshore options that showcase local culture and cuisine. This approach suits travelers chasing a relaxed schedule and a smooth sailing rhythm, while still enjoying the facilities and design of a well cared-for boat. The latest provisioning options ensure high-quality meals, and the neutral pricing keeps budgeting predictable for a quiet escape or a picturesque sunset after a busy day.
النوع | What’s Included | Best For | Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Bareboat | Boat, sails, basic safety gear; skipper optional or self-side; you manage provisioning and route planning; must meet regulations | Experienced skippers, those seeking freedom and design control | Confirm insurance, map northerly routes if winds shift, plan around picturesque ports |
Crewed | Captain, deck crew, chef or provisioning on board; meals included; guided itineraries | First-time charters, culture lovers, travelers seeking easy navigation | Ask about crew credentials, pace preferences, and on-board facilities to match your vibe |
All-Inclusive | Provisioning, meals, fuel, onshore activities; single price; resort-style options | Families, couples, guests chasing ease and a relaxed schedule | Review inclusion list, verify what counts as resort-style entertainment, check cancellation policy |
Seasonal Planning: Best Time to Sail, Winds, and Crowds
Choose May or September for your Turkey yacht charter to balance wind reliability, water warmth, and smaller crowds. In May, coastal winds average 12–18 knots along the southern coast and in the Aegean, making day sails between beach stops smooth and predictable. Water temperatures hover around 18–22°C, perfect for snorkelling and rocky coastline hops. September repeats with water around 23–27°C and cooler evenings, while crowds drop from peak levels, giving you more land excursions and beach time.
Winds and routing: The Meltemi from the north dominates the Aegean from late spring through summer, bringing higher winds in July and August and rougher afternoon chop. If you’re sailing then, plan shorter hops between protected bays, explore rock formations, and pick anchorages with rock-backed shores. The largest marinas along the coast fill quickly in peak season. Ekincik serves as a sheltered springboard toward the Dalyan area, while cleopatras sites along the coast offer calm day sails and easy beach access for snorkelling and entertainment during calm periods.
Crowds and pacing: July–August deliver the highest crowds in marinas and anchorages; lock in bookings early, choose smaller yachts for tighter schedules, and focus on 4–6 hour hops. If you travel in May or September, you’ll see less traffic, more flexible dining, and better chances to slot shore excursions, beach time, and coastline photography into your day. A well-designed yacht with a spacious salon supports group meals and social time, while a flexible crew can tailor itineraries to your wants and keep waterside days lively without crowding.
Practical planning: map a 6–8 day loop that frames Marmaris, Gocek bays, Ekincik, and Fethiye, weaving in island stops, snorkelling spots, and a beach day near the coast. In this window you can go from coast to coast with a light breeze and avoid waste time waiting for seas to calm. Aiming for routes that offer similar vibes to Asia-based charters, you’ll find calmer mornings and warmer water. Crews from mediterraneans and from Asia will tailor day-by-day plans to what you want, with shore visits, land excursions, and in-water entertainment.
Budgeting Your Charter: Costs, Fees, and Tipping Guidelines
Set a target total budget of 9,000–12,000 EUR for a 7-night gulet charter along Turkey’s southern coast in shoulder season. Additionally, budget 1,000–2,200 EUR for provisioning, depending on cuisine and drinks. Base charter rates range 900–1,500 EUR per day; for 7 nights that totals 6,300–10,500 EUR. Marina and port fees commonly 300–800 EUR, fuel 400–1,100 EUR. Add a contingency of 5–8% for weather or route changes. If you travel with kids, reserve 50–150 EUR for on-board toys. This plan leaves room to fill afternoons with relaxed promenades or salon sessions, and to explore alluring coves along a southerly route with a flexible itinerary.
Cost components and tips: The base rate covers the crew, typically 2–3 people on a mid-range gulet. Provisioning covers groceries and beverages; budget 800–2,000 EUR as a buffer for cuisine preferences and special requests. Marina and port fees 300–800 EUR; fuel 400–1,100 EUR. Optional extras like water toys can add 250–700 EUR for the week. Only with a clear cost line can you compare options and avoid a shortage of funds at the end. Addition to this budget should be a contingency of 5–8% for unexpected changes.
Tipping guidelines: Plan to reward the crew with 8–12% of the base charter price. For a 9,000 EUR base, that is 720–1,080 EUR, split among the captain and crew. A common practice is 60–140 EUR per guest for a week, depending on occupancy and service quality. Tips are typically given in EUR and handed to the captain or placed in an envelope at trip end to ensure a smooth return to port.
Route planning and timing: Start planning months in advance, especially for peak months. Looking at options, a west-to-southerly loop along the coast offers an alluring sequence of coves, promenades, and fantastic sunsets. The lining of the daily itinerary keeps the days flexible, and each day feels capable of a relaxed pace with afternoons free for swimming or a village visit. This approach is accommodating for families and groups, and is less stressful when you need to return to port on time. This budget works for travelers around the world.