Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Gulet Chartering

There are always going to be a lot of questions when you are planning your first gulet charter. Understanding the different elements of a gulet charter (ie price structure) and how much the experience will be like while you are on board (how will it all happen during your time at sea) will ensure that the cruise is smooth sailing and enjoyable.

In this article, you will find comprehensive answers to 25 of the most frequently asked questions regarding gulet chartering, so you will have everything you need to know to plan a fantastic experience while yachting in the Mediterranean.

🔹 General Information (Congratulations to the Beginner/Aware)

1. Define Gulet Chartering
A Gulet Charter is defined as a 'Private Sailing Holiday for Shore-Based Yacht Owners Who Want to Take Their Vessel To Luxury Resorts at the Same Time Allowing For a Relaxed Holiday.' Traditionally, gulet vessels were designed to serve as a fishing and sponge harvesting vessels for local fisherman and sponge farmers. Today gulet vessels are being used as floating boutique hotels. Gulet vessels generally are available for charter along the coast of Turkey, Greece, and Croatia. The design of a gulet vessel places more emphasis on Comfort and Stability than on speed; therefore, a gulet vessel has a larger wider beam than that of a typical motor yacht, a larger wooden deck area, and typically much larger en suite bathrooms than are found in a motor yacht.

2. Gulet versus Yacht
Although gulets are technically classified as yachts, there are differences between a gulet and a yacht that relate to the design philosophies and use case of each vessel. Here are the differences:

• Gulet is primarily a social vessel that emphasizes social areas, living space, and a leisurely paced travel experience.
• Motor Yacht's design focuses on speed, high-performance materials (often fiberglass or steel) and modern, sleek designs.
• Sailing Yachts: A sailing yacht's primary purpose is performance and heeling into the wind.

Most gulets will cruise primarily with the use of the engine and use their sails only when weather conditions are favourable. The major benefit of a gulet charter is that you will have the complete and total use of the entire boat including all of the crew members who will be working for your use only. The exception is that some routes do offer cabin shares for people travelling alone or couples. When you book a cabin share you will have a room to sleep in and access to the boat's other facilities. It is like a mini cruise.

4. Who Benefits from the Gulet Charter
Gulet Charters are extremely diverse. Here are just a few examples:

• Families: The enclosed decks provide safety and security for children, and the flexible itinerary provides additional areas for playtime.
• Groups of Friends: Gulet Charters are a low-cost way to have fun in a luxurious environment together.
• Celebrations or Events like Milestone Birthdays, Anniversaries or Small Weddings.
• Corporate Retreats Offer the opportunity for Team-Building in a More Intimate Setting Away from the Office.

5. What Size Group Can Stay on a Gulet Charter
Gulets come in a variety of sizes and typically range from 15-metre (50-ft) to 35-metre (115-ft) long.

• Standard Gulets: Generally have three to six cabins accommodating 6-12 guests.
• Vip or Luxury Gulets: May have as many as 8 or 10 cabins accommodating between 16 and 20+ guests. Most cabins have private bathrooms or ensuites and all include air conditioning.

🔹 Booking & Planning (Consideration Stage)

How the Gulet Charter Booking Process Works:

• Step 1 - Inquiry - You provide an agent with the dates, size of your group, and budget to get started
• Step 2 - Selection - You will receive a list of available gulets that meet your specific needs.
• Step 3 - Optioning - You are provided with the opportunity to “hold” the boat for 3-7 days while you confirm with your group the final details.
• Step 4 - Contract & Deposit - A Charter Agreement is prepared and signed, along with a deposit (generally 50%) to secure the boat.

1. Preference List: The first thing you'll need to do when booking a gulet charter is to fill out a preference list. This form will have the information regarding food allergies, drinks you like to drink, and which iteneraries you would like to have.

2. When Should I Book A Gulet Charter?
If you would like to book a gulet charter during the high tourist months of July and August, we recommend that you book your trip anywhere from 6 to 12 months out. Many of the best "value-for-money" gulets usually sell out by January. If you are looking for a last-minute deal, you may find availability of gulets 4 - 6 weeks prior to your intended departure, but your selection will be limited.

3. When Is The Best Time To Charter A Gulet?
The Mediterranean season starts in May and ends in October. The best months to harvest the benefits of gulet charters are;

• May & October - cooler temperatures, lower prices and quiet bay areas.
• June & September - commonly referred to as "Golden Months" – The perfect temperature (as close to 25-28 degrees Celsius as possible) & the warmest sea water.
• July & August - peak heat, lots of energy, and great romanticism in the ports of call and around on hot summer nights.

4. Can I Adjust My Itinerary On A Gulet Charter?
You can fully adjust your tsinerary a lot more than you would in a charter with a skipper. Your gulet captain will typically recommend and provide you with the best and most beautiful & safe route based on the wind. But if you want to spend more time in one of the smaller bays or on the coast of cities to do shopping and dining, then it's fully up to you.

5. Where Are The Best Countries To Charter A Gulet?

• -Turkey has the biggest fleet and provides the best prices of gulet charters. The pine-clad coastal areas are some of the most beautiful in the world.
• -Croatia is acrequired for the islands called the Dalmatian Islands (Hvar, Brac, Korcula), as well as for their old-style stone towns.
• -Greece is great for Island hopping in either the Dodecanese or Ionian Islands, with their traditional Blue and White homes and diverse cultural offerings.
• -Italy offers a refined and culturally rich gulet charter experience, especially along the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Sardinia, Sicily, and the Aeolian Islands.
• -Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor and surrounding Adriatic coastline offer spectacular scenery and a more intimate cruising experience.

In this section of our guide, we're going to explore how much it costs to charter a gulet and what you can expect to find included in that price. The typr of boat you choose will dictate how much it will cost to rent, with the prices varying considerably.

The lowest-priced class of gulet will be the standard/economic gulet, which will typically cost between €5000 and €10000 per week. The most expensive class of gulet will be the ultra-luxury/vip gulet, which will typically cost between €40000 and €100000+ per week, on top of which prices will be elevated on the months of July and August (peak summer season) and reduced in the months of May and October (off-season).

The base charter fee for a gulet charter will typically include the following:

• The yacht’s hire, use and equipment of a yacht.
• Wages for the crew onboard.
• The washing and cleaning of the ship’s linens and the entire yacht.
• Basic harbor fees and transit logs for the yacht’s home port.

Although all contract agreements will differ, it is important to understand that the base charter fee will typically not cover the following:

• Food and beverages for your guests.
• Fuel for the yacht (the fuel cost for each country will vary).
• Private Marina Fees for premium marinas (if you would like to dock in a premium or luxury marina).
• VAT, or Tax, with regards to their charter hire fees.
• Gratuities for the crew (typically between 5%-15% of the total charter hire fee).

For your comfort, the food and drink for gulet charters is typically arranged on one of three separate meal plans:

• 1. Full Board Meal Plan includes: Three meals daily prepared by the yacht's chef for guests + afternoon tea (light snacks and beverages).
• 2. Half Board Meal Plan includes: Breakfast and lunch prepared by the chef + dinner at a locally owned eatery (the yacht’s bar can be used for purchasing beverages, however, the guest may also choose to bring their own beverages and pay a corkage fee to the yacht owner).
• 3. In Turkey, three to four hours of cruising fuel per day will typically be included in the charter fee. In Croatia and Greece, fuel costs are typically added to the final bill and calculated by actual usage.

When it comes to ports, town quays offer a great price with lower costs than some private marinas, which can run into the hundreds of euros per night in places like Porto Montenegro or D-Marin.

The crew on a gulet is made up of professionals who allow you to relax without worrying about anything. Their individual jobs are listed below:

• The Captain has responsibility for the navigation and safety of the boat.
• The Chef takes care of your culinary desires by preparing great quality Mediterranean dishes that suit your tastes perfectly.
• Deckhand(s) have the job of taking care of ropes, cleaning the boat and operating the dinghy for you to use for any water sports you wish.
• The Steward/ess is responsible for waiting on you at the dinner table, serving you drinks and preparing your cabin (on luxury and VIP boats).

All crew members will provide you with excellent service and it is customary to leave a gratuity for good service at the end of your week. It is mandatory that the crew be included in the charter fee. In contrast to bareboat rentals where you are responsible for sailing the boat, all gulet charters include the services of a professional crew.

Most of the gulets that are marketed internationally have at least one English-speaking crew member, and all luxury and VIP gulets usually have a multilingual crew. Gulets are among the safest boats on the water, as they are larger and more stable than smaller boats. In addition, they come equipped with multiple safety features, including: life rafts, life jackets, modern fire extinguishers and modern GPS navigation devices. Additionally, your Captains have lived in the area for many years and know every rock and current of the coastline.

20. Are Gulets A Great Option For Families And Kids?
They may be one of the best options for family vacations. The high bulwarks (railings) of a Gulet and the large area of the deck provide a safe place for your children. Chefs on board are happy to change their menus to accommodate picky eaters. The crew members of a Gulet often find great joy in teaching children how to snorkel and fish.

🔹 Onboard Experience & Lifestyle (Emotional & Converting)

21. What Will Our Daily Life Look Like On A Gulet Charter?

• Morning: Wake up in a serene bay, swim first, then enjoy a traditional breakfast.
• Mid-Afternoon: 2 hours of cruising to an entirely new place. Spend time lying on the deck soaking up the sun or reading on the deck.
• Lunch: A long, casual lunch enjoying the shadows beneath the aft deck.
• Afternoon: Water sports, along with snorkeling or boarding our boat to go and experience the ancient ruins.
• Evening: Cocktails during sunset, followed by a designed 3-course dinner under the stars.

22. What Should I Bring To A Gulet Cruise With Me?
Less is more.

• Bags: Bring soft-sided bags. Hard-sided luggage does not fit well into the cabins of a Gulet.
• Shoes: Most Gulet crews have a "barefoot" policy for their teakwood decks, so please bring flip-flops or sandals to wear when you get off on the island.
• Clothes: Swimwear, light cotton clothing is needed, along with one outfit that is "smart-casual" for a night away in the past.
• Sunscreen: Use HIGH SPF Protection (non-greasy) to avoid oil spotting the sun beds.
• Headgear: Wear hats for shade and weather protection during your time out on the water.

23. Can I Swim, Bike, Jet Ski And Do Water Sports While Onboard?
Absolutely! Each Gulet is equipped with a swimming ladder. Standard items for water sports include: snorkelling gear, canoes, paddle boards. Many luxury Gulets also offer toys such as: Jet Skis, Seabobs, and waterskiing (the fuel needed to operate these items does incur an additional charge).

24. Are There Any Rules And Protocols Onboard A Gulet Charter?

• Barefoot Policy: No outside footwear should be worn on the wooden decks.
• Where To Smoke: Smoking is restricted and limited to designated areas on the exterior deck (it is NEVER permitted anywhere in the cabin).
• Marine Toilets: Marine toilets are very sensitive regarding what goes into the toilet; You are unable to flush ANY paper or hygiene items down the toilet.
• Water Use: Many Gulets are outfitted with large freshwater tanks, but please practice water conservation, especially during a shower.

25. Is A Gulet Charter A Good Value When Considering The Cost?
When you compare accommodation and transportation along with having your personal cook and customized tour guide, the value of having your own private bay each morning as opposed to being at a crowded resort is many times more valuable than what you would pay to stay at a high-end luxury resort.

🌊 If you are ready to select your perfect boat, we can help you narrow your options to the boat(s) that match your budget and style.

Whether you prefer the relaxed elegance of a gulet or the wind-driven excitement of a sailing yacht, we’re here to match you with the perfect vessel for your journey.

✅ Explore our fleet and destinations ✅ Get a personalized offer ✅ Travel with expert local crews

📩 Contact us now to start planning:

🌐 www.guletbroker.com 📞 WhatsApp: +90 542 830 08 63 📬 info@guletbroker.com