Gulet Charter Prices Explained: The 2025 Beginner’s Guide to the Blue Voyage
Planning your first yacht vacation? You might feel like you need a degree in maritime law just to understand the price list. Terms like "APA," "LOA," and "Transit Log" can be confusing, and seeing a price range from €10,000 to €50,000 for the same week can be baffling.
We’re here to simplify it.
This guide strips away the jargon and gives you the honest, transparent facts about gulet charter prices in 2025. Whether you are planning a family reunion or a romantic getaway, this is how you can budget smart and find the perfect boat at guletbroker
1. The Basics: How is the Price Calculated?
Before looking at numbers, you need to know what you are buying. In the gulet world, there are two main ways to book:
| Booking Type | Private Charter | Cabin Charter |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | You rent the entire boat. It's just you, your family/friends, and the crew. | You rent one cabin (room) on a shared boat with other travelers. |
| Pricing Unit | Price is per boat, per week. (e.g., €15,000 total for 12 people). | Price is per person, per week. (e.g., €1,000 per person). |
| Best For | Families, large groups, private parties. | Solo travelers, couples, budget seekers. |
| Browse | View Private Gulets | View Cabin Charters |
Pro Tip: If you have a group of 8 or more, a Private Charter often costs less per person than booking individual cabins or staying in a luxury hotel.
2. Estimated Weekly Prices by Group Size & Season
The biggest factor affecting price is when you sail.
- Low Season (May & Oct): Cool weather, quiet bays, lowest prices.
- Shoulder Season (Jun & Sept): Perfect balance of warm water and value (~20% off peak).
- High Season (Jul & Aug): Hot weather, busy bays, peak prices.
Here is a realistic estimate for weekly private charter rates (Total for the boat) in Turkey for 2025:
| Vessel Class | Capacity | Low Season (May/Oct) | Shoulder (Jun/Sept) | High Season (Jul/Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard / Economy | 6-8 Guests | €7,000 - €9,000 | €10,000 - €12,500 | €14,000 - €17,000 |
| Luxury | 10-12 Guests | €12,000 - €15,000 | €16,000 - €22,000 | €24,000 - €30,000 |
| Deluxe / VIP | 12-16 Guests | €25,000+ | €35,000+ | €50,000+ |
Note: These are average starting ranges. Specific boats like Gulet Sirena or Gulet Queen of Sea may vary.
3. The "Real" Cost Formula: What’s Included?
Don't just look at the charter fee. To avoid surprises, use this formula to calculate your Total Vacation Cost:
Total Cost = Charter Fee + Food & Drink + Extras + Tip
A. The Charter Fee (The Base)
Included: The boat, the crew (Captain, Chef, Sailor), insurance, fuel for cruising (usually 4 hours/day), and cleaning.
Turkey Bonus: In Turkey, local port taxes are usually included in the price.
B. Food & Drink (The Variable)
You have to eat! There are two systems, depending on the boat:
- Full Board (Simple): You pay a fixed price (e.g., €350 - €500 per person/week) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Good News: On many Turkish gulets, soft drinks are included, and you can bring your own alcohol from the supermarket with no extra fee!
- APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance): Used on ultra-luxury boats. You pay ~30% extra upfront. The captain buys food/fuel at cost and refunds you the difference at the end.
C. The Extras (Hidden Costs)
- Transfers: From airport to boat (~€100-€300 per group).
- Water Sports: Fuel for the jet ski or tender boat is charged by usage.
- Greek Islands: If you sail a Turkish boat into Greece, expect to pay €1,000 - €3,000+ extra for customs, agents, and taxes.
D. Tipping
Expectation: It is customary to tip the crew 10-15% of the charter fee if you are happy with the service. This is divided equally among the crew.
4. Destination Showdown: Turkey vs. Greece vs. Croatia
Where you sail changes what you pay. Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Turkey 🇹🇷 | Greece 🇬🇷 | Croatia 🇭🇷 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | Best Value 🏆 | Moderate | High |
| Port Fees | Included (mostly) | Extra (Moderate) | Expensive (Can be €1000+/week) |
| Food Costs | Moderate | Moderate | High (Restaurant prices) |
| Alcohol | BYO Allowed (Usually) | BYO varies | Bar Tab Only (Usually) |
| Vibe | History & Nature | Islands & Culture | Trendy & Historic Towns |
Verdict: If budget is a priority, Turkey offers the most "all-inclusive" feel with fewer hidden fees.
5. When to Book: Early Bird vs. Last Minute
Is it better to plan ahead or wait for a deal?
Early Booking (Nov - Feb)
- Pros: You get the exact boat you want. Crucial for large groups (12+ people) or specific dates.
- Savings: 10% - 15% discount is standard.
- Best For: Families, weddings, large groups.
Last Minute (May - Aug)
- Pros: Possibility of huge discounts (20% - 30%) if a boat has an empty week to fill.
- Cons: You take what's left. Flight tickets might be very expensive, canceling out your boat savings.
- Best For: Couples, flexible friends, risk-takers.
6. Which Gulet is Right for You?
For Families: Look for safety features (high railings), spacious cabins (twins for kids), and a crew that loves children. Family Gulets often include water slides or extensive toys.
For Couples: A "Cabin Charter" is a great way to meet people. Or, rent a smaller 2-3 cabin private gulet for a romantic honeymoon.
For Party Groups: Focus on the sound system, deck space, and proximity to nightlife spots like Bodrum or Split.
For Foodies: Ask for a boat with a high-rated chef. Turkish hospitality is legendary, and the food is often better than in restaurants.
7. A Real World Budget Example
Let’s calculate the actual cost for a group of 10 friends renting a Luxury Gulet in June (Shoulder Season) in Turkey.
| Item | Calculation | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charter Fee | Weekly Rental | €15,000 |
| Food (Full Board) | €350 x 10 people | €3,500 |
| Drinks | Supermarket Run (BYO) | €600 |
| Crew Tip | 10% of Charter Fee | €1,500 |
| Airport Transfer | Private Minibus | €200 |
| GRAND TOTAL | €20,800 | |
| Price Per Person | €2,080 |
The Result: For €2,080 per person, you get 7 nights accommodation, all meals, private transport, and a dedicated crew. Compare that to a 5-star hotel + dining out + daily boat trips!
8. FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q: Is AC available 24/7?
A: On Luxury and Deluxe boats, usually yes. On Standard boats, it may be limited to 4-8 hours (usually evenings) to save generator fuel/noise. Always check the boat's spec sheet.
Q: Can we choose the route?
A: On a Private Charter, absolutely! The captain will advise on safety and weather, but you decide the bays. On a Cabin Charter, the route is fixed.
Q: Is Wi-Fi included?
A: Yes, most gulets have Wi-Fi (via 4G). It works well near the coast but may be spotty in secluded bays.
Q: Are there hidden fees?
A: At(https://www.guletbroker.com/faq), we believe in transparency. The only "variable" costs are your food/drinks, tips, and any optional land excursions or Greek island fees you choose to add.
Ready to Plan Your Blue Voyage?
Navigating the options doesn't have to be hard. Now that you know the numbers, you can browse our fleet with confidence.
Explore: Turkey, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain, Montenegro
Check out https://www.guletbroker.com
Contact Us for a custom quote.
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates for the 2025 season and subject to availability and change.
