Gulet Charter: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
Planning a vacation on the water and considering a gulet charter? You’re in the right place. The following guide provides all necessary information for gulet yacht travel including types of gulets and costs and sailing routes and dining options and answers to frequently asked questions.
Let’s dive in.
🛥️ What Is a Gulet?
A gulet is a traditional wooden sailing vessel that originated from Turkey. Once used for fishing and cargo, these boats have been gravy-trained into comfortable, fully crewed yachts for charter company.
Gulets range in size from 20 to 40 meters and usually contain:
Gulets range from 20 to 40 meters and typically feature:
- Multiple air-conditioned cabins (usually with en-suite bathrooms)
- Expansive deck areas for lounging and dining
- A full crew, including a captain, chef, and deckhands
- Classic wooden design with wide, stable hulls
- Sails (mostly decorative) but motor-powered for smooth cruising
They’re perfect for travelers who want a floating boutique hotel experience without the technicalities of sailing.
📍 Where Can You Charter a Gulet?
Gulets are no longer exclusive to Turkey. At Gulet Broker, we offer gulet charters across four key Mediterranean destinations:
✅ Turkey
Sail from Bodrum, Marmaris, Göcek, or Fethiye — the heart of gulet culture. Enjoy calm bays, historic ruins, and beautiful pine-covered coastlines.
✅ Croatia
Charter from Split, Dubrovnik, or Trogir and discover Croatia’s pristine islands, medieval towns, and clear blue waters.
✅ Greece
Island-hop through the Cyclades, Dodecanese, or Ionian islands. From Santorini’s sunsets to Kos’s quiet bays, Greek gulet routes combine culture and scenery.
✅ Italy
Explore the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, or Sardinia. Italian gulet charters are known for their romantic ambiance, gourmet cuisine, and dramatic landscapes.
🔎 View our curated fleet of gulets to explore available yachts in each region.
👨✈️ What’s Included in a Gulet Charter?
A gulet charter is more than just a boat rental. It’s a full-service, floating holiday that typically includes:
- ✅ Professional crew (captain, chef, and service staff)
- ✅ Private cabins with bathrooms and A/C
- ✅ Daily cleaning service
- ✅ Use of onboard water toys (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels)
- ✅ Basic cruising fuel (usually 3–4 hours/day)
- ✅ Customizable meal plans (see below)
- ✅ Harbor or anchorage fees in local ports (varies by location)
Optional extras can include luxury drink packages, airport transfers, or guided excursions ashore.
🛌 What Are the Cabins Like?
Depending on the category of gulet (standard, luxury, or deluxe), cabins may include:
- Queen- or king-size beds
- Private en-suite bathrooms
- Windows with sea views
- Storage closets and reading lights
- A/C and room service in high-end gulets
Some ultra-luxury gulets even feature:
- On-deck jacuzzi
- Panoramic master suites
- Smart TVs and sound systems
- Gourmet kitchens with private chefs
👪 Who Is a Gulet Charter Best For?
Gulet charters are ideal for:
- Families with children
- Couples seeking privacy and romance
- Friends celebrating birthdays or milestones
- Corporate retreats and wellness getaways
- Travelers who want comfort without the formality of cruise ships
🧭 What Will Your Itinerary Look Like?
Your charter route is tailored based on your embarkation point, interests, and cruising speed.
A typical 7-night itinerary may include:
- Quiet anchorages for swimming and paddleboarding
- Charming island villages
- Visits to archaeological ruins or markets
- Sunset dinners under the stars
Sample Turkish itinerary: Day 1: Bodrum ➝ Day 2: Orak Island ➝ Day 3: English Harbour ➝ Day 4: Cleopatra Island ➝ Day 5: Sedir Bay ➝ Day 6: Çökertme ➝ Day 7: Return to Bodrum
Each destination is accessible, peaceful, and usually far from crowded cruise ship docks.
💰 How Much Does a Gulet Charter Cost?
Gulet charter pricing depends on:
- Gulet size and class (standard, luxury, deluxe)
- Number of guests and crew
- Destination and route complexity
- Season (high: July–August / low: May, October)
Average weekly rates:
- Standard Gulets: €6,000–€10,000
- Luxury Gulets: €12,000–€25,000
- Deluxe/VIP Gulets: €25,000–€70,000+
💡 Tip: Divide the cost among your group — often cheaper per person than staying in a boutique hotel.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🗓️ What days do gulet charters typically start and end?
Charters generally run from Saturday to Saturday.
- Check-in: Saturday afternoon (usually 3:00–5:00 PM)
- Check-out: The following Saturday morning (around 9:00–10:00 AM) This format allows time for provisioning and cleaning between trips. Some gulets offer flexibility in shoulder seasons.
🍽️ What’s included in terms of food and drinks?
🔹 Meals
Most gulets offer full-board or half-board options:
- Full-board (FB): Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
- Half-board (HB): Breakfast and one main meal per day
- Snacks, desserts, and afternoon tea can be added
Menus are Mediterranean-based and customizable. Fresh seafood, local vegetables, Turkish olive oils, and grilled meats are staples. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free requests can be accommodated.
🔹 Drinks
- Water, tea, and instant coffee are often included.
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages may be part of a drinks package, or guests can bring their own (some gulets charge corkage).
📝 All food and drink arrangements are finalized before your charter begins — totally tailored to your preferences.
👨👩👧 Are gulets suitable for families with kids?
Absolutely! Gulets are:
- Stable and spacious
- Family-friendly with plenty of shaded areas
- Equipped with water toys and often have child-friendly crew
- Great for multigenerational trips
🛃 Can I cruise between different countries?
Yes — with proper planning. For example, Turkey–Greece or Croatia–Montenegro routes are possible, but customs regulations, extra port fees, and passports are required. We help you handle this during booking.
🌤️ What if the weather turns bad?
Captains prioritize safety and comfort. Routes can be adjusted in real-time. Gulets cruise in sheltered waters, so major disruptions are rare — and there’s always a beautiful bay nearby to anchor for the night.
🧳 What should I pack for a gulet cruise?
We recommend:
- Light cotton clothes and swimsuits
- Non-slip boat shoes or flip-flops
- Sunglasses, sun hat, reef-safe sunscreen
- A light jacket for cooler nights
- Your favorite book or playlist
Most of your time will be barefoot, relaxed, and under the sun — pack light!
🌟 Final Thoughts: Why Choose a Gulet?
Gulets are more than a boat — they’re a private sanctuary at sea. Whether you're celebrating something special or simply escaping the everyday, a gulet charter gives you the freedom, comfort, and beauty that land-based holidays often can’t match.
📞 Ready to Start Planning?
Let our experienced charter team help you choose the perfect gulet and build a custom itinerary — tailored to your group, budget, and interests.
✅ Explore our fleet → www.guletbroker.com/all-yachts ✅ Contact us for a free consultation ✅ Book early to get the best options
📧 info@guletbroker.com 📲 WhatsApp: +90 542 830 08 63 🌐 www.guletbroker.com
