Gulet Sailor

A gulet charter holiday is an experience you will never forget. Locally known as a ‘blue voyage’, a gulet charter blends traditional seafaring with modern luxury. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil family retreat or a romantic honeymoon getaway, Gulet Sailor has you covered!

What is a Gulet?

A gulet is a traditional wooden sailing vessel that was custom-built on the southwestern coast of Turkey. These historical Bodrum and Bozburun boats have sturdy, broad beams and were used by local fishermen and sponge divers to navigate the choppy waters of the Aegean Sea.

However, over the past few decades, the humble gulet has undergone a magnificent evolution. Today’s charter gulets are essentially floating boutique hotels. While they retain their classic, romantic exteriors, their interiors have been completely reimagined for luxury cruising. They range in length from 15 to over 40 metres, boasting incredibly spacious deck areas designed for lounging and dining under the stars.

Gulet Sailor’s charter fleet offers a range of vessels, from luxury and ultra-luxury ones to family-friendly or honeymoon gulets.

Gulet vs Motor Yacht vs Motorsailer – Which One is Right for You?

The choice of vessel is crucial when planning a yacht charter as it directly affects the holiday.

If you’re torn between a traditional gulet, a motor yacht and a hybrid motorsailer, it’s important to understand the main differences before making a decision.

Traditional Gulet

• Pace & Vibe: Relaxed and romantic. Focused on the journey and scenery.
• Space & Layout: Wide decks and large outdoor lounging areas.
• Cost Efficiency: Efficient and good for large groups.
• Sailing Dynamics: Sails for pleasure and engines for steady cruising.

Motor Yacht

• Pace & Vibe: Fast-paced, modern, and luxurious. Ideal for covering ground and visiting glamorous ports quickly.
• Space & Layout: Seamless design with emphasis on interior living space, high-tech amenities, and climate-controlled environments.
• Cost Efficiency: Lower efficiency. Higher fuel costs and base charter fees.
• Sailing Dynamics: Powered by heavy-duty engines, no sails.

Motorsailer

• Pace & Vibe: Balanced experience combining sailing performance and engine power.
• Space & Layout: Varied, providing a comfortable mix of exterior and interior space.
• Cost Efficiency: Moderate, depending on vessel engineering and sail usage.
• Sailing Dynamics: Built for efficient sailing, with advanced rigging and keels, and engines as backup.

Why Choose a Private Gulet Charter in Turkey?

The Turquoise Coast of Turkey, also known as the Turkish Riviera, is arguably the world’s premier destination for this type of vessel. When you choose a private gulet charter in Turkey, you can expect unparalleled hospitality. Our crews are renowned for their warmth, discretion and commitment to ensuring our guests’ satisfaction.

Another major draw is the culinary excellence. Your onboard chef will prepare daily feasts of meze, fresh seafood, grilled meats and local delicacies, often using organic ingredients sourced straight from the sea or local village markets along the route. Furthermore, the Turkish coastline is a living museum, with its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Unlike other yachting destinations, the Blue Voyage enables you to drop anchor in secluded coves where you can swim directly above sunken ancient cities, or take a tender ashore to explore Lycian rock tombs, Roman amphitheatres and Byzantine ruins nestled safely among pine forests.

Popular Gulet Charter Routes in Turkey

Turkey is renowned for its pristine bays, gulfs and beaches. The most popular gulet charter routes in Turkey are listed below.

Bodrum Gulet Charter Route

Bodrum is often referred to as the birthplace of the Blue Voyage. This vibrant coastal city is crowned by the 15th-century Castle of St. Peter. A charter starting here usually explores the Gulf of Gokova, offering a perfect mix of lively nightlife at the port and absolute tranquility in the bays.

Marmaris Gulet Charter Route

Marmaris is a premier yachting hub, nestled in a stunning valley where steep mountains meet the crystal-clear sea.

Gocek Gulet Charter Route

For an exclusive gulet charter experience, start in Gocek. The Gulf of Fethiye’s “12 Islands” are a natural maritime playground with calm waters perfect for families.

Fethiye Gulet Charter Route

Fethiye is a short sail from Gocek. It is a bustling market town rich in history, backed by the imposing Babadag mountain. Gulet charters from Fethiye almost always visit the iconic Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) and Butterfly Valley.

Datca Gulet Charter Route

A Datca gulet charter here often visits the ancient city of Knidos at the very tip of the peninsula, exactly where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. It is a route tailored specifically for nature lovers.

Kas & Kalkan Gulet Charter Route

Further east along the Mediterranean coast are the bohemian seaside towns of Kas and Kalkan. This region is famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs, streets draped with bougainvillea and some of the best scuba diving in Turkey.

Popular Gulet Charter Routes in Greece

Although gulets originated in Turkey, they have become immensely popular across the Aegean. Many luxury gulets are licensed to sail into Greek waters and some are permanently based there, offering a different cultural experience to that of a traditional wooden yacht. You can also explore Greece’s coasts with Gulet Sailor !

Athens Gulet Charter Route

Athens gulet charters usually focus on the Saronic Gulf or the Cyclades. The Saronic route is great for historical sightseeing and sailing conditions, and visits to picturesque, culturally rich islands like Aegina, Poros and Hydra.

Corfu Gulet Charter Route

Corfu gulet charters allow you to explore the magnificent blue waters and dramatic sea caves of the Paxos and Antipaxos islands. The winds in the Ionian are gentler than in the Aegean.

Rhodes Gulet Charter Route

Rhodes is the largest and historically richest of the Dodecanese islands. Its close proximity to the Turkish coast makes it a popular charter route. The island’s medieval history, as exemplified by the Palace of the Grand Master in the UNESCO-listed Rhodes Old Town, is blended with stunning beaches.

Kos Gulet Charter Route

The island’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Northern Dodecanese. From here, you can easily visit lesser-known and authentic islands like Kalymnos, famous for sponges, and Nisyros, with its striking volcanic landscapes.

Popular Gulet Charter Routes in Croatia

In recent years, the stunning Dalmatian Coast has fully embraced the concept of luxury gulet charters. You can also enjoy Croatian gulet charters with Gulet Sailor!

Split Gulet Charter Route

Split is the largest and most dynamic city on the Croatian coast, with incredible Roman ruins. Split gulet charters take you to the most famous Dalmatian islands.

Trogir Gulet Charter Route

Trogir gulet charters follow similar, spectacular island-hopping routes to those departing from Split, but offer a quieter, more intimate experience.

Dubrovnik Gulet Charter Route

Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is stunningly beautiful. Starting your gulet charter beneath its massive, ancient stone walls is an unforgettable experience. From this southern hub, you can sail north to the Elaphiti Islands, a lush, forested archipelago, and on to the majestic island of Mljet, a national park featuring saltwater lakes and a 12th-century monastery.

Types of Gulets Available for Charter in Turkey

With a wide range of vessels, Gulet Sailor offers something for everyone, from luxury yachts to family-friendly options.

• Luxury Gulets: Depending on the vessel you choose, you can expect incredibly spacious master suites featuring walk-around king-sized beds, lavish en-suite bathrooms and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Some vessels also offer built-in deck Jacuzzis and a massive array of motorised water toys, such as jet skis and Seabobs. A highly trained crew is also on hand to deliver white-glove service.
• Family Friendly Gulets: Designed with child safety and entertainment in mind, family-friendly gulets are perfect for multi-generational summer holidays. The crews are adept at engaging with children in a playful way and can adapt daily menus to suit younger, more discerning palates.
• Honeymoon Gulets: For the ultimate romantic getaway, honeymoon gulets are much smaller and more intimate vessels. Rather than maximising the number of cabins, these boats prioritise sheer living space for just two to four guests. The service is incredibly discreet and highly personalised, focusing entirely on creating unforgettable private moments.
• Gulets for Large Groups: If you are planning a large-scale corporate retreat, family reunion or destination wedding, there are gulets designed to comfortably accommodate large numbers of people.

Gulet Charter Prices in Turkey

The price of a gulet charter in Turkey varies drastically depending on the vessel’s luxury category and the season. Although luxury gulet charters are expensive, Gulet Sailor’s wide selection offers more affordable options.

Prices for gulet charters in Turkey are highly seasonal and can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of year. The peak summer months of July and August see the highest prices, while the off-peak seasons of May, June, September and October offer much better value for money alongside milder, more comfortable weather.

How to Book Your Gulet Charter in Turkey

Booking your gulet charter with Gulet Sailor is a very easy and straightforward process. With our extensive range of vessels, you can quickly find your perfect gulet!

Visit each vessel’s specific page to check the pictures, inclusions and amenities, and then decide on your dates. You can also contact our experts to find the best gulet charter in Turkey, which will match your needs exactly.