Gulet Charter in Turkey, The Best Destination For Gulet Charter

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A gulet charter in Turkey is one of the most luxurious and unique ways to explore the beautiful Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast. A gulet, a traditional wooden motor-sailing vessel, offers a comfortable and relaxed way to cruise along Turkey’s stunning coastline, famous for its clear turquoise waters, secluded bays, ancient ruins, and charming coastal towns. Here’s a detailed guide to gulet charters in Turkey:

1. Why Choose a Gulet Charter in Turkey?

Relaxed Cruising: Gulet charters are known for their relaxed pace, allowing travelers to enjoy the journey at their leisure. You can sail between beautiful bays, swim in secluded coves, and visit charming villages.
Luxury and Comfort: Gulets come in a range of sizes and luxury levels, from more basic to ultra-luxurious. They offer spacious cabins, en-suite bathrooms, and often include modern amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and water sports equipment.
Crewed Experience: A gulet charter typically includes a professional crew consisting of a captain, chef, and additional staff. The crew takes care of everything from navigating and cooking to cleaning, allowing you to relax and enjoy the trip.
Private and Personalized: Gulet charters are private, meaning you can tailor the itinerary to your preferences. Whether you want to explore historical sites, visit bustling towns, or relax in hidden bays, the experience is fully customizable.

2. Popular Gulet Charter Routes in Turkey

Turkey’s coastline offers a wide variety of routes, from the famous Blue Cruise to lesser-known paths along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Here are some of the most popular routes:

a. Bodrum to Gökova Bay (Blue Cruise)

Overview: The Blue Cruise is one of the most iconic gulet routes, starting in Bodrum and exploring the Gulf of Gökova. It offers a perfect mix of scenic landscapes, hidden bays, and ancient ruins.
Highlights: Explore the ancient city of Knidos, swim in the turquoise waters of Cleopatra Island, and visit picturesque fishing villages like Çökertme.
Ideal For: Those interested in history, natural beauty, and tranquil anchorages.

b. Bodrum to Greek Islands

Overview: Some gulet charters from Bodrum also offer routes to nearby Greek islands, such as Kos, Symi, and Rhodes. This is an excellent way to combine Turkish and Greek island hopping.
Highlights: Visit the cosmopolitan island of Rhodes, relax on the quiet beaches of Symi, and enjoy Greek cuisine.
Ideal For: Those who want to explore both Turkey and the Greek islands on the same trip.

3. Types of Gulets Available

Standard Gulets: These are basic, budget-friendly gulets with comfortable cabins and shared amenities. Perfect for travelers looking for an affordable yet authentic experience.
Luxury Gulets: These gulets offer larger cabins, en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and better amenities, often including water sports equipment.
Ultra-Luxury Gulets: The most luxurious option, these gulets offer five-star services, large master suites, Jacuzzis, high-end furnishings, and gourmet dining prepared by onboard chefs.

4. Onboard Experience

Crewed Service: The crew, including a captain, chef, and service staff, ensures that your experience is stress-free. They will navigate, prepare meals, and provide personalized service.
Meals: One of the highlights of a gulet charter is the cuisine. The onboard chef typically prepares meals using fresh, local ingredients, with a focus on traditional Turkish cuisine. Expect dishes like fresh seafood, grilled meats, meze (appetizers), and fresh salads.
Water Sports: Many gulets come equipped with water sports gear such as paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and sometimes jet skis. You can enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, and fishing in the clear waters.
Relaxation: Gulets are designed for relaxation, with large decks for sunbathing, shaded areas for lounging, and spacious interiors for dining and socializing.

5. Costs of a Gulet Charter in Turkey

The cost of a gulet charter can vary depending on the size, luxury level, and season. Some key factors that influence the price include:

Type of Gulet: Standard gulets are more affordable, while luxury and ultra-luxury gulets can be much more expensive.
Season: The peak season (July to August) is the most expensive time to charter a gulet. The shoulder seasons (May to June and September to October) are more affordable and offer pleasant weather.
Charter Fee: Gulet charters are typically priced per week, with costs ranging from a few thousand euros for standard gulets to tens of thousands for ultra-luxury ones.
APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance): In addition to the base charter fee, you may need to pay an APA to cover fuel, food, drinks, and port fees. This is typically 20-30% of the charter fee.
Gratuity: It is customary to tip the crew at the end of the charter. The standard tip is around 10-15% of the charter f

6. How to Book a Gulet Charter in Turkey

Directly with Charter Companies: You can book directly with gulet charter companies that operate along the Turkish Riviera. Many offer a range of gulets from standard to luxury.
Through Travel Agents: Some travel agents specialize in gulet charters and can help tailor an itinerary to your needs.
Customizing Your Itinerary: Gulet charters are highly customizable, so you can work with the charter company to create an itinerary that fits your interests, whether it’s visiting historical sites, enjoying water sports, or simply relaxing in secluded bays.

Conclusion: gulet charter in Turkey is the ultimate way to explore the country’s beautiful coastlines, combining luxury, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just soaking up the sun on the deck, a gulet cruise offers an unforgettable experience. With a full crew to take care of your needs, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.