Forget About Boat Rentals in Turkey - Charter a Private Gulet Instead

Here’s the thing — our group of friends has done a lot of cool trips together. We’ve road-tripped through Italy, hit music festivals in Croatia, and even done a ski week in the Alps. But our private gulet charter in Turkey? Hands down, the best thing we’ve ever done. I didn’t know what to expect from a boat rental in Turkey, but what we got felt like stepping into a dream.

First Impressions: This Was No Ordinary Boat Rental

We started in Bodrum, where our gulet — a stunning, all-wood vessel with sails, sunbeds, and more style than half the boutique hotels I've stayed in — was waiting for us at the marina. The crew greeted us like VIPs. Cold towels. Fresh fruit platters. Sparkling water. Smiles all around. As we stepped on board, someone in our group literally said, “Is this real life?” That set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Life on the Gulet: The Softest Version of Luxury

Every day had this perfect, unhurried rhythm. Mornings kicked off with Turkish coffee and breakfast on deck. By midday, we were anchored in some magical turquoise bay with zero people around — just us, the sun, and water so clear it looked fake.

The crew somehow managed to time everything perfectly — gourmet lunches, fresh lemonade after swimming, sunset aperitifs. One night they surprised us with a candlelit dinner on deck under the stars. I mean... come on. The best part? We didn’t have to lift a finger. Except maybe to refill our wine glasses or hit play on the yacht’s Bluetooth speaker.

No Itinerary. Just Vibes.

Unlike a cruise or tour, we weren’t locked into a schedule. If we loved a bay, we stayed. If someone spotted a cute seaside town, the captain rerouted us. It was totally flexible — all about us.

Our days were filled with swimming, paddleboarding, reading, laughing, and sunbathing. Our nights? Music, wine, games, stargazing, and the kind of conversations that only happen when you're totally disconnected from real life. Honestly, this kind of freedom is what makes a boat rental in Turkey so unique. It's not about ticking boxes — it’s about choosing your own rhythm.

The Gulet Itself Was Pure Magic

Warm wood interiors. Six double cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Huge deck space. Sunbeds in the front, shaded dining in the back. It felt like our own private floating villa — but way cooler. Honestly, it was the perfect size for our group of 12. We had space to spread out but were always within reach of the next round of cocktails or a spontaneous dance party.

Would I Do It Again? In a Heartbeat.

If you’re even thinking about a boat rental in Turkey, let me say this loud and clear: charter a private gulet. Get your crew together, pack your swimsuits, and go. It's luxurious, laid-back, and surprisingly personal — nothing like a generic cruise or resort vacation. We came back tanned, recharged, and full of inside jokes that will probably last us a lifetime. And yes — we’re already talking about next year’s reunion aboard a gulet.