Gulet Cruises

It usually starts with a simple idea — a week on the water, somewhere along the Turkish coast.

But once you start searching for the best gulet cruise in Turkey, the options quickly become overwhelming. Luxury, boutique, premium… they all begin to blur together.

So how do you actually choose the right one?

In this guide, we break down what really matters — from routes and yacht types to hidden details that can completely change your experience.

It Always Starts with a Simple Idea

Most people don’t begin this journey with details. They begin with a feeling.

Somewhere between scrolling through photos of turquoise water and imagining a slow morning on deck, the idea takes shape. A wooden yacht, the Mediterranean sun, long meals, quiet bays. It feels effortless.

Then comes the search.

“Gulet cruise Turkey.”

And suddenly, the simplicity disappears.

Hundreds of options. Similar photos. The same words repeated over and over: luxury, boutique, premium. At first glance, everything looks identical. But the more you explore, the more you realise something important:

Not all gulet cruises are the same.

And more importantly, choosing the wrong one doesn’t feel like a mistake at the beginning. It reveals itself slowly — in small details that start to matter more each day.

Planning a Blue Cruise can be overwhelming, so we’ve broken down the costs for the 2026 season:

🌊 Cabin Charters: Starting from €650 (May) to €1,450 (August). Perfect for couples and solo adventurers. 🛥️ Private Charters: From €8,000 to €30,000+ per week. Total privacy, custom itineraries.

What’s the secret? September is the gold standard! Warm waters, fewer crowds, and better rates.

[Check our full 2026 Price Guide & Availability here]

Real questions from our passengers to guide you through Turkey sailing tours

Planning a maritime getaway raises a lot of exciting questions, especially if it is your first time exploring the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Over the years, we have welcomed countless guests on board, and we notice that many of them share the exact same curiosities before they arrive.

To help you prepare seamlessly, we have compiled the most frequent inquiries we receive. Whether you are leaning towards an exclusive vessel for your family or joining a shared journey, here is everything you need to know before you step on deck.

1. What is the difference between a private charter and a cabin charter? The most fundamental choice you will make is how you wish to travel. A private option means you reserve the entire vessel, complete with the captain and crew, exclusively for your group. You have the ultimate flexibility over the pace and the daily routine. A cabin option allows you to reserve a single room on a shared vessel. You will follow a pre-planned route and share the communal spaces with other international travelers. It is a wonderful way to meet new friends while enjoying the sea.

2. Do I need sailing experience to book a trip? Absolutely not. When you embark on these journeys, a professional captain, chef, and deckhand accompany you. They handle all the navigation, mooring, cooking, and cleaning. Your only responsibility is to decide whether you want to read a book on the foredeck, swim in the crystal-clear water, or take a nap under the sun awning.

3. What is a "Gulet" exactly? A gulet is a traditional, hand-crafted wooden sailing vessel indigenous to the southwestern coast of Turkey. Originally built by sponge divers and fishermen, today’s gulets are designed purely for comfort. They feature wide, spacious decks, large dining areas at the aft, and comfortable en-suite cabins. They offer a much more stable and expansive living space compared to standard fiberglass sailboats.

4. When is the best time of year to go? The season generally runs from late April to late October. July and August are the peak summer months, offering vibrant energy and the warmest waters. However, many seasoned travelers prefer the "shoulder seasons" of June and September. During these months, the weather is beautifully warm, the sea is perfectly swimmable, and the bays are wonderfully quiet, giving you a deeply tranquil experience.

5. What should I pack for this trip? The golden rule is to pack light and use soft-sided luggage like duffel bags, as hard suitcases are difficult to store in cabin wardrobes. You will spend 90% of your time in swimwear, light t-shirts, and shorts. Bring a light sweater or windbreaker for the evenings, which can catch a gentle breeze. And remember the most famous rule on board: shoes are left in a basket at the gangway. You will be delightfully barefoot for the entire week.

6. Are the meals included, and what kind of food is served? Culinary experiences are a major highlight of the journey. Meals are prepared fresh daily by your private chef. The menu heavily features healthy, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine: olive oil dishes, fresh seasonal vegetables, local cheeses, grilled fish, and mezes. Dietary requirements can be easily accommodated if you let the crew know in advance. Dining takes place around a large wooden table on the aft deck, usually with a spectacular view of a secluded cove.

7. Can we customize our itinerary? If you have reserved the entire vessel for your private group, the captain is always happy to tailor the route to your preferences, weather permitting. You can choose to spend more time in quiet, isolated nature reserves, or request stops at coastal towns and historical ruins. If you are on a shared cabin route, the itinerary is fixed to ensure all guests visit the promised destinations on schedule.

8. Is this type of trip suitable for children or older adults? These journeys are incredibly well-suited for all ages, and we regularly host multi-generational families. The wide, flat decks of a gulet make it easy to move around, and the crew is always there to assist with getting in and out of the water. For young children, the sea becomes a giant swimming pool, and for older adults, the shaded lounge areas provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

9. How much time do we actually spend moving vs. anchored? There is a common misconception that you will be traveling all day long. Typically, the captain cruises for about two to three hours a day, often in the morning or late afternoon. The vast majority of your time is spent anchored in stunning, sheltered bays. This allows for uninterrupted swimming, snorkeling, reading, and relaxing. It is a slow, deliberate pace designed for maximum comfort.

10. Is there Wi-Fi on board? Yes, most vessels are equipped with Wi-Fi connections that work well when cruising relatively close to the mainland. However, as you venture into more remote, pristine bays, the signal may occasionally drop. We always encourage our guests to view these brief moments of disconnection as a rare luxury a perfect excuse to put the phone away and fully immerse themselves in their Turkey sailing holidays.

The Only Menu You Need for 2026: Seafood on the Turkish Coast.

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you are sailing Turkey. It’s the ritual of the long dinner. No shoes, a gentle breeze, and a table that looks like a Mediterranean dream.

On a Turkey yacht charter, the "catch of the day" isn't just a phrase—it’s usually a gift from a local fisherman who pulled up alongside your boat that morning.

What’s on the table?

The Classics: Grilled Sea Bass and Sea Bream, charred to perfection with just lemon and olive oil. 🍋

The Comfort: Sizzling Shrimp Guvec (a garlic-butter-cheese masterpiece in a clay pot).

The Vibes: Cold Mezes like Sea Beans and Lakerda that taste like the ocean itself.

If you’re planning your Turkey sailing holiday for 2026, come for the views, but stay for the food. There is no better way to experience Turkey sailing tours than through your taste buds.

"At 2 AM, you are dancing with strangers. At 8 AM, the only sound is the water hitting the hull."

Everyone calls Hvar the 'Party Capital' of Croatia. And it is. But if you have a boat, it’s also the quietest place on earth.

We call it the "Hvar Cheat Code": Dinner and drinks in the chaos of the town, then escaping to the Pakleni Islands to sleep in total silence.

Best of both worlds.

"Is the water really that blue?"

We get this question in our DMs every single day. People think we turn the saturation up to 100%. But the truth is actually cooler than Photoshop. It's about the limestone seabed, the angle of the sun, and the specific clarity of the Turquoise Coast.

Sometimes reality is better than the edit. 🧿💙

Chill Vibes Only: Beat the Heat on Your Adriatic Adventure

Picture this: You have spent the day swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Bay of Kotor and exploring ancient stone towns under the warm Mediterranean sun. It was perfect. But now, you are ready to recharge. One of the biggest myths about boat life is that it has to be hot and sticky below deck. Not with us! When you choose a montenegro yacht hire with Gulet Cruises, your cabin is your cool sanctuary. We know that a great holiday starts with a great night's sleep. That is why our fleet offers options tailored to your comfort level. Looking for that VIP feeling? Our Luxury and Comfort class yachts are designed to keep the temperature just right, so you can escape the midday heat or sleep in total coolness all night long. Don't let the fear of a warm night hold you back. With the right yacht cruise montenegro package, you get the best of both worlds: the hot Adriatic sun on your skin during the day and a refreshing, air conditioned haven at night. Ready to find your chill? Let's get you on board for the coolest summer of your life while sailing montenegro.

Cleopatra’s Playground: The Best Islands in Marmaris

Ever dreamt of swimming in waters fit for a queen? Legend has it that Mark Antony imported special white sand from Egypt just for Cleopatra right here in the Marmaris islands. Talk about a romantic gesture! When you are on a gulet cruise, you are not just looking at the view; you are living in it. The most famous stop is Sedir Island, also known as Cleopatra Island. The sand is so unique it is heavily protected, but that crystal clear turquoise water? That is all yours to enjoy. But the adventure does not stop there. The beauty of a marmaris yacht charter is the freedom to explore the uninhabited spots like Bedir Island or the goat filled slopes of Keçi Island. No crowds, no stress, just you and the Aegean Sea. This is the real sail turkey experience. Forget the busy hotel pools. Grab your snorkel, jump off the deck of your private boat, and find your own slice of paradise. Ready to make some legendary memories? The islands are waiting!