Yacht Charter in Turkey

Turkey is one of the dreamiest sailing locations right now. It’s a country famed for its rich history and diverse culture and offers sailors prime access to four stunning seas: the Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea, Black Sea, and the Sea of Marmara. 

With a yacht charter in Turkey, you’ll have the chance to discover 8,333 km of pristine coastline, picturesque port cities such as Mersin, and endless unique experiences like scuba diving off the coast of Kemer. 

In this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about hiring a private yacht charter in Turkey, from total costs to the best types of vessels.

Let’s get started.

Is Turkey Good for Sailing?

Imagine hitting the open ice-blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea with the fresh ocean breeze in your face; that’s what sailing in Turkey is all about. 

Turkey’s sailing season is longer than other countries in the region, stretching between mid-April and the start of November. This gives sailors more flexibility when deciding when to depart for their next voyage.

There’s also plenty of coastline suitable for beginners with calm winds, particularly between Bodrum and Antalya. If you consider yourself more of an experienced sailor, the Black Sea coast can be challenging because of its unpredictable weather conditions at times, with storms forming at short notice.

When it comes to places to sail to, Turkey has endless exciting destinations. One day you could be taking on the waves of the country’s southwestern Turquoise Coast close to Fethiye; the next, you could be spending a day on land uncovering the secrets of historic Kizil Ada island.

Turkey Yacht Charters: At a Glance

If you’re considering renting a boat in Turkey, you’ll have access to a wealth of options. Whether you want to hire a small luxury 4-cabin private yacht with your own captain or a large, luxurious 10-cabin catamaran under your own control, you can find what you’re looking for. 

Undecided about which luxury boat rental in Turkey you want to go for? Here are some of our recommendations to help you out.

Top Yachts and Sailboats for Charter in Turkey

 Monohull

Cruise to Turkey’s most untouched destinations in a classic monohull boat, perfect for sailing upwind and easy to control no matter the conditions of the sea.

Monohulls are available in a variety of designs and models. You’ll be able to take advantage of luxury amenities, including comfortable living spaces and a compact kitchen area. Monohulls are ideal for smaller parties, often fitted with up to three cabins.

You’ll find that some of the cockpits on the best monohulls are engineered for optimal performance with an advanced steering system and controls, cushioned seating, and best-in-class safety equipment, including life jackets and an inflatable dinghy.

 There’s no better option for watching the sun dip below the Aegean Sea with your nearest and dearest.

Generally, monohulls are less expensive to charter than catamarans. For a bareboat monohull, prices in Turkey might start from around €1,000 per week in the low season and go up to €3,500 or more in the high season, depending on the size and model.

Monohulls are ideal for those who enjoy the thrill of sailing and have experience in handling yachts. They can offer a more intimate and authentic sailing experience, making them a favourite among seasoned sailors.

Catamaran

Providing modern indoor spaces with gorgeous interiors, an incredible level of comfort, and multiple hulls, a catamaran will allow you to explore the Turkish coastline in style. 

These boat types are equipped with 3 to 10 cabins, which sleep different guest numbers depending on your requirements. Some have a couple of berths in each cabin, while others only have one. They’re an excellent option if you want to share your nautical journey with your family and are available to hire across the country’s main coastlines. 

Most catamarans have up-to-date kitchen facilities with all the necessities like cookers, fridges, and coffee machines. Out on the deck, you’ll find plenty of sun lounging spaces; some even come with nets! When you need a break from the heat, you can put your feet up in a living area with snug sofas, wide-screen televisions, and sound systems. 

Due to their increased space and stability, catamarans are typically more expensive to charter. Prices for a bareboat catamaran charter in Turkey can range from about €2,500 to €9,000 per week in the high season. Skippered or crewed catamarans will be at the higher end of the pricing spectrum, sometimes exceeding €10,000 per week, depending on luxury levels and additional services.

Catamarans are perfect for those looking for a comfortable and spacious sailing experience, especially for groups or families. They’re also preferred by those who may be new to sailing or prefer minimal heel as they navigate through Turkey’s coastal waters.

Motorboat

Jet across azure waters in a custom-built motorboat rental in Turkey. They come in big and small sizes and are incredibly fast, so you can navigate the open seas, tucked-away coves, and picturesque beaches without wasting too much time. Most motorboat options feature private crews, allowing you to kick back, relax, and enjoy your time in the sunshine. 

Gulet

Spend your yacht vacation in Turkey on a gulet, venturing to ancient castles and centuries-old ruins. These vintage wooden-style vessels are known for their expansive decks, towering masts, and fancy galleys with private chefs. They come from Bodrum and Marmaris and are widely available to hire throughout the country.

Sailboats and Yachts (Super Yachts, Open Yachts, Flybridge Yachts, Motor Yachts)

Sailboats and yachts are another fantastic boating option in Turkey. Picture yourself creating memories with your loved ones on your family vacation on a state-of-the-art yacht. They’re equipped with high-performance engines, expansive indoor space, and unbeatable facilities like comfortable seating areas. 

You’ll find that sailboats (monohulls) are typically priced between €1,000 – €5,000 per week. If you’d like to have a more traditional sailing experience, you can find catamaran options with varying levels of comfort and size for between €2,500 – €10,000+ per week.

Motor yachts offer more space and stability and are tailored for groups and families taking the high seas. Their price range is between €3,000 – €15,000+ per week.

The price of a flybridge yacht per week varies widely based on size and luxury, but on average, you can find one for between €5,000 – €20,000+ per week. The smaller motor yachts may be at the lower end, with larger and more luxurious options costing higher prices.

Open yachts are loved among sailors who want additional outdoor space on the flybridge; they’re usually equipped with premium amenities. You can expect to pay between approximately €4,000 and €18,000+ per week for an open yacht.

Sailors focused on performance and day cruising will prefer a super yacht. They represent the pinnacle of luxury and have a full crew and extensive high-end amenities. Their price depends on the brand, design, and luxury features, but they can cost anywhere between €20,000 – €100,000+ per week.

Best Sailing Destinations – Where to Charter a Yacht in Turkey

Where Should I Start My Yacht Charter in Turkey?

While you can start your Turkish yacht charter in most port cities around the country, there are four key zones where sailors tend to set off. See the full list below: 

The East Lycian Coast – The East Lycian Coast starts from Turkey’s southwestern city of Fethiye and slowly curves around past Ölüdeniz, Kalkan, Kas, and Finike before ending in Antalya.

The West Lycian Coast – Like the East Lycian Coast, the West Lycian Coast starts at Fethiye but curves west past Dalyan, Göcek, and Ekinçik and ends in Marmaris.

The Carian Coast – The Carian Coast is a small stretch of coastlines separating the city of Bodrum and the alluring town of Marmaris.

The Ionian Coast – The Ionian Coast is one of the world’s most popular sailing locations. It begins at İzmir, includes some beautiful places such as Çeşme, Sığacık, Didyma, and Kuşadası, and ends in the small neighbourhood of Gülluk.

Turkey Charter Itinerary Example

Uncover the Treasures on a 7-Day Tour of the Turquoise Coast 

Day 1 – It’s your first day! Depart from the lovely village of Göcek and sail to nearby Göcek Island to discover the majestic bays and pristine beaches.

Day 2 – Set sail for the alluring bay of Oludeniz to spend the day enjoying the rugged mountains before ending the day at Gemiler Island to take in some notable religious sites, including some Orthodox Christian churches dating back to between the 5th and 6th centuries.

Day 3 – Head on to the charming village of Kas for some water sports like diving down to the Uluburun shipwreck or kayaking, and end the evening at one of the many up-scale boutique eateries in the vibrant centre.

Day 4 – Make your way to the scenic island of Kekova to see the famous immaculate blue waters with your own eyes and learn about the island’s Byzantine history.

Day 5 – Start the day bright and early with a sail to the quaint fishing village of Kalkan, admiring the innovative architecture and popping between the adorable little souvenir stores to pick up some unique gifts.

Day 6 – Enjoy the last full day of your trip relaxing at the Bay of Sarsala and hike up to see the tombs in the world-famous ancient city of Lissa, offering dramatic vistas of Lake Koycegiz.

Day 7 – End your exciting private yacht tour of Turkey back at Göcek to spend your last night dining in style and soaking up some views.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Sailing Yacht in Turkey?

The cost of chartering a yacht can vary significantly depending on where you choose to sail in Turkey. Popular areas like Bodrum, Marmaris, Göcek, and Fethiye might have higher prices due to their renowned beauty, facilities, and demand. However, exploring less-known locations can sometimes offer better value, albeit with potentially fewer amenities and services.

In Turkey, the high season for yacht charters runs from late June to early September, coinciding with the European summer holidays. During these months, demand spikes, leading to higher charter rates. The weather is also at its best, offering warm temperatures and favourable sailing conditions.

May, June, September, and October are considered shoulder months, with slightly lower prices compared to the peak season. These months still offer good weather, fewer crowds, and more competitive charter rates, making them attractive for those looking to balance cost with pleasant sailing conditions.

How Different Yacht Charter Options Affect the Price

The yacht charter option you choose for your Turkey sailing trip can affect the final price; from bareboat to crewed charters, these are the options:

Bareboat Charter

Renting a yacht without a crew requires you or someone in your group to have the necessary sailing skills to operate it when you’re out at sea. This is the most cost-effective option available. The prices can start from as low as €1,000 to €3,000 per week, depending on the yacht’s size and season. It’s an ideal option for experienced sailors who want complete autonomy over their voyage.

Skippered Charter

A skippered yacht charter option has a professional skipper to handle navigation and sailing, so you don’t have to do any hard work. This option is more expensive than a bareboat charter because it adds the cost of the skipper’s services to the rental, increasing the price by €150 to €250 per day on top of the bareboat charter rate. If you’ve got little to no sailing experience or wish to relax without the responsibility of navigating, this is the perfect option for you.

Crewed Charter

A crewed charter is similar to a skippered charter. However, the yacht includes a full crew, including a chef, a deckhand, etc., to handle all your onboard needs. This is the most luxurious and expensive option, with prices ranging significantly from €5,000 to over €20,000 per week, depending on the yacht’s luxury level and crew size. If you’re looking for a fully serviced and luxurious sailing experience, with no expense spared for comfort and indulgence, look no further than a crewed charter.

What Are the Extra Expenses When Chartering a Yacht in Turkey?

While chartering the yacht itself will be your biggest cost, there are some extra expenses you’ll need to account for, including fuel and mooring fees, whether you want a crewed yacht charter, and provisioning.

How Much Are Mooring Fees in Turkey?

 Mooring fees in Turkey depend on where the marina is located, the time of year it is, and the size of the yacht, but on average you can expect to pay between €22 and €85.

Closing Thoughts on Private Yacht Charters in Turkey

 And there you have it; that concludes our guide on yacht charters in Turkey.

Turkey is a fabulous place to charter a yacht. It has everything: enchanting islands like Suluada, postcard-like beaches including Konyaaltı Beach, and windsurfing off the coast of İzmir.

Whether you want to just spend a few days out in the ocean or a full month or two, you’ll have a blast exploring Turkey, one wave at a time.