What's Included in a Gulet Charter?

Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of turquoise water against wood, the smell of fresh Turkish coffee brewing, and the sun rising over a secluded bay you have all to yourself. This isn't just a holiday; it's the specific, timeless magic of a gulet charter.

For many travelers, the idea of chartering a private vessel feels like navigating uncharted waters. You might wonder if it’s like a hotel on water, a DIY sailing trip, or something entirely different. The beauty of a gulet charter lies in its all-encompassing nature. It blends the freedom of sailing with the comfort of a boutique hotel, but understanding exactly what you are paying for is crucial before you book.

This guide breaks down the anatomy of a gulet charter, from the onboard crew and culinary experiences to the hidden amenities that transform a simple boat trip into the luxury escape of a lifetime.

The Gulet Experience: More Than Just a Boat

A gulet is not your average sailboat. Traditionally built in southwestern Turkey, these wooden motor-sailers were originally used for fishing and sponging. Today, they have evolved into floating palaces designed specifically for the "Blue Cruise." Unlike sleek, white fiberglass yachts, gulets have soul. They are wide, spacious, and crafted with craftsmanship that you can feel in the teak decks under your feet.

When you charter a gulet, you aren't just renting a vehicle; you are renting a complete hospitality experience. The appeal lies in the privacy. You don't share the deck with strangers. You don't fight for a sunbed at 7 AM. The entire vessel is your private domain, moving at your pace.

1. The Crew: Your Hosts at Sea

One of the most significant inclusions—and often the most memorable part of the trip—is the crew. Unlike a bareboat charter where you do the work, a gulet charter is fully crewed.

The Captain

Your captain is the master of the vessel. They are responsible for navigation, safety, and managing the itinerary. Experienced gulet captains know the coastline intimately. They know which bays are sheltered from the wind, where the water is clearest for a morning swim, and exactly what time to arrive at a popular spot to beat the crowds. They are your guide to the local culture and geography.

The Chef

Food is central to the gulet experience (more on this later). Your charter includes a dedicated chef who prepares every meal. This isn't pre-packaged airline food; it is restaurant-quality cuisine prepared in the ship’s galley.

Deckhands and Service Staff

Depending on the size of the gulet, you will have one or more deckhands. They handle the cleaning, the anchor, the ropes, and the service. They are the ones who ensure your glass is full, your cabin is tidy, and the water toys are ready when you want to jump in.

2. Culinary Delights: Full Board vs. Half Board

When you look at a charter agreement, food and beverage arrangements usually come as an extra allowance (APA) or a fixed price per person, but the service and preparation are included in the charter fee.

Most gulet charters operate on a Full Board basis. This typically covers:

• Breakfast: A lavish spread often featuring local cheeses, olives, fresh bread, eggs, jams, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
• Lunch: Usually a lighter meal consisting of extensive meze platters, salads, and a main course like grilled chicken or vegetable dishes.
• Afternoon Tea: A cherished tradition on board, known as the "5 o'clock tea," featuring coffee, tea, biscuits, or cake to tide you over until dinner.
• Dinner: The main event. Dinners are often leisurely affairs served under the stars on the aft deck. Expect fresh fish, grilled meats, and sophisticated local dishes.

Drinking Water, Tea, and Coffee: These are almost always included in the base price of the charter or the food package. Alcohol and soft drinks are usually extra, handled either by bringing your own (if allowed) or purchasing a beverage package.

3. Accommodation and Onboard Amenities

The charter fee covers the exclusive use of the yacht and its cabins. Gulets vary wildly in luxury levels—from Standard to Deluxe and VIP—but the basics remain consistent.

The Cabins

Your private cabin will typically feature a double bed (or twin beds), storage space for your luggage, and an en-suite bathroom (head) with a shower and toilet. On luxury gulets, these cabins can be as large as hotel rooms, sometimes featuring master suites with sofas and vanity tables.

Linens and Towels

You don't need to pack sleeping bags or towels. Crisp bed linens, bath towels, and usually separate beach towels for sunbathing are provided. The crew changes these regularly, often twice a week or upon request.

Air Conditioning

This is a critical amenity in the Mediterranean summer. Most modern gulets are equipped with A/C. However, it is important to check the usage terms. Standard gulets may run A/C for 4-6 hours a day (usually around dinner and before sleep), while luxury vessels often offer 24-hour air conditioning.

Cleaning

Daily housekeeping is standard. The crew cleans the communal areas, bathrooms, and cabins, ensuring the boat remains pristine throughout your voyage.

4. Water Sports and Entertainment

A major perk of a gulet charter is the "toy box." Since you spend most of your time anchored in stunning bays, having equipment to enjoy the water is essential.

Standard Inclusions:

• Snorkeling Gear: Masks, snorkels, and fins are almost always available for guests to explore the underwater world.
• Fishing Equipment: Basic lines and rods for casual fishing off the back of the boat.
• Dinghy (Tender): A small motorized boat used to transport you to shore for dinner or exploration.
• Board Games and Books: A library of books and classic games for lazy afternoons.

Premium Inclusions (Vary by boat):

• Kayaks and Paddleboards (SUPs): Many mid-range to luxury gulets include these non-motorized toys.
• Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, and Ringo: These require a powerful tender. While the equipment might be on board, using them often incurs an extra fuel cost.
• Jet Skis: Usually found only on high-end VIP gulets. Note that using them requires a license in many Mediterranean countries.
• Wi-Fi: Internet is increasingly standard. It relies on 4G/5G mobile networks, so it works best near the coast.

5. Fuel and Port Fees: The Tricky Part

Understanding fuel costs is vital to avoiding surprises.

Fuel for Cruising:Unlike motor yachts where you pay for every drop of fuel, gulet charter fees typically include fuel for cruising up to 4 hours per day. This is sufficient to move from one beautiful bay to the next and perhaps reach a port for the evening. If you want to cover long distances, you may be charged extra.

Port Taxes:Turkish gulet charters usually include Turkish port taxes and mooring expenses in municipal harbors. However, if you choose to dock at a private marina (which offers more luxury facilities but costs more), that fee is on you.

• Cruising to Greece? If you decide to cross from Turkey to the Greek islands, you will be responsible for the Greek port taxes, customs fees, and transit log expenses. These can add up, so budget accordingly.

Destinations and Itineraries

So, where does the price of admission take you? The classic gulet route is the "Blue Voyage" along the Turkish Riviera, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean.

Popular Routes Include:

• Bodrum to Gökova Gulf: Known for the darkest blues and lush green pine forests dropping straight into the sea. It’s calm, secluded, and famously where the Blue Voyage concept began.
• Marmaris to Fethiye: A mix of lively towns and quiet bays. Highlights include the Dalyan River tombs and the sunken ruins of Cleopatra’s Bath.
• Gocek Islands: A sailor's paradise. The islands are close together, meaning short cruising times and maximum swimming time.
• The Dodecanese (Greece): Hopping over to Rhodes, Symi, or Kos offers a different cultural flavor, combining Turkish hospitality with Greek island charm.

Your itinerary is generally flexible. While the captain will have a planned route, you can often discuss adjustments. If you fall in love with a particular bay, you can stay for lunch. If a port is too crowded, you can anchor in a quiet cove nearby.

Additional Services and Upgrades

If you want to elevate your experience beyond the standard inclusions, there are plenty of ways to customize.

Airport TransfersWhile not standard, most charter agencies can arrange private VIP transfers from the airport (Bodrum, Dalaman, or Antalya) directly to the harbor.

Land ExcursionsThe boat can drop you off for land adventures. You can arrange guided tours to ancient sites like Ephesus or Kaunos, arrange a mud bath experience in Dalyan, or simply go hiking in the coastal hills.

Special OccasionsCelebrating a birthday or anniversary? The crew can organize cakes, decorations, and champagne to make the evening special. Some charters can even bring a masseuse or yoga instructor on board for a day.

Tips for First-Time Charterers

If this is your first time booking a gulet, the terminology and options can be overwhelming. Here is how to ensure you get exactly what you want.

1. Clarify the A/C SituationIf sleeping in cool air is non-negotiable for you, explicitly ask about the air conditioning hours. "Partial A/C" usually means it goes off after midnight to reduce generator noise. If you want it all night, you need a boat with a silent generator or a specific agreement.

2. Discuss the Menu in AdvanceThe chef wants to make you happy. Before you sail, you will fill out a preference sheet. Be honest and detailed. If you hate cilantro, are allergic to shellfish, or love spicy food, tell them. It shapes the provisioning for the week.

3. Pack Light and SoftCabin space is efficient but limited. Hard-shell suitcases are difficult to store. Use soft duffel bags that can be folded away easily. You also won't need many shoes—gulets are strictly "shoes off" on deck.

4. Respect the Captain's WordYou might want to reach a specific island, but if the captain says the wind is too strong, trust them. The gulet is a heavy vessel, and safety always trumps the itinerary. The alternative spot they take you to is likely just as beautiful.

5. TippingWhile the crew service is included, a tip (gratuity) is customary at the end of the charter if you are happy with the service. The industry standard is typically 5-10% of the charter fee, given to the captain to distribute among the crew.

Conclusion

A gulet charter is an exercise in freedom. It strips away the logistical headaches of travel—packing and unpacking, finding restaurants, navigating traffic—and replaces them with the simplicity of the sea.

What's included is more than just the tangible list of meals, fuel, and equipment. Included is the silence of a sunrise in an empty bay. Included is the laughter of your family jumping off the deck. Included is the luxury of time, slowing down to the speed of a wooden boat cutting through sapphire waters. Whether you are seeking adventure, romance, or pure relaxation, a gulet charter offers a comprehensive escape where the only thing you really need to bring is yourself.