Yacht Charter Turkey

For bareboat charters in Turkey, you’ll need a recognised sailing qualification such as RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104, or ICC (International Certificate of Competence). Turkish authorities may also require a VHF radio operator’s certificate. You should demonstrate recent sailing experience—most charter companies require at least 2 weeks of bareboat experience within the last 3 years. Turkish waters are generally well-protected with many anchorages, but some areas can experience strong Meltemi winds in summer. Alternatively, Turkey’s traditional crewed gulets offer a stress-free way to explore the coast with professional Turkish captain and crew.

The Turkish sailing season runs from April to October. The best time is May-June and September-October when you’ll find pleasant temperatures (24-30°C), reliable winds, fewer tourists, and excellent value. July-August is peak season with hot weather (30-40°C), busier anchorages, and occasional strong Meltemi winds, though sea temperatures are perfect (26-28°C). Shoulder seasons offer the best combination of comfortable temperatures, good sailing conditions, and authentic Turkish experiences. April and October can be cooler but offer exceptional value and near-empty anchorages.

Turkey offers exceptional Mediterranean value. A basic 38-40ft monohull bareboat starts from around €2,200/week in low season up to €4,200/week in July-August. Catamarans cost 60-80% more. Traditional crewed gulets (unique to Turkey) offer fantastic value starting from €7,500/week for the entire boat with captain, crew, and chef—often cheaper per person than bareboat when factoring in all costs. Skippered yachts add €120-150/day. Budget for extras: fuel (€150-300), provisioning (€50-80/person), marina fees (€25-50/night), Turkish transit log (€50), and tourist tax.

Standard yacht charters typically include: the yacht itself, standard equipment and safety gear, bed linen and towels, final cleaning, and dinghy with outboard motor. Not included are: fuel, food and beverages, marina fees, Turkish transit log, tourist tax, skipper/crew (unless booked), and optional extras. Turkish gulet charters typically include captain, crew, chef, fuel, and sometimes meals—making them excellent value. Most Turkish anchorages are free, helping keep overall costs down. Always check your charter contract for specific inclusions.

A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden sailing vessel, typically 20-35 metres long, with spacious decks, comfortable cabins, and distinctive two or three-masted rigging. Gulets are usually chartered crewed (captain, sailors, and chef included), offering a relaxed Blue Cruise experience where the crew handles all sailing, cooking traditional Turkish cuisine, and navigating to the best anchorages. Gulets are perfect for families, groups, or those who want to relax rather than actively sail. They’re incredibly popular and offer exceptional value compared to crewed charters elsewhere in the Mediterranean. Many consider a gulet cruise the quintessential Turkish sailing experience.

Yes, the Greek Dodecanese islands (Rhodes, Kos, Symi) are very close to Turkey’s coast. However, crossing between Turkey and Greece requires clearing customs and immigration in both countries, which involves paperwork, time, and fees. Most charter companies either prohibit Greek island visits or charge significant additional fees (€200-500+) plus require extra deposit. If you specifically want to visit both countries, consider focusing on one country per charter or arranging a specialist international charter. The Turkish coast offers such incredible variety that most sailors find a week exploring Turkish waters alone is perfect.