
7 Surprising Facts About Private Turkish Gulet Charters
Thinking about chartering a private gulet in Turkey? These traditional wooden yachts offer far more than you might expect. With roomy decks, professional crews, and access to quiet coastal spots larger ships can’t reach, gulets blend authentic charm with modern comfort. From farm-to-yacht cuisine to daily exploration or total relaxation, here are 7 surprising facts that make gulet charters one of the most unique ways to explore Turkey by sea.
What is a gulet boat?
A gulet is a wooden classic yacht built usually in Bodrum or Marmaris on the southwestern coast of Turkey. They range from 14 to 35 meters (46 to 115 feet) in length, featuring 4 to 8 cabins. All gulet-type boats come with a crew, and they are used for private charters in different countries.
Gulets are available to charter in Croatia, Turkey, Greece, or Italy. You can either rent a cabin or rent the whole gulet privately for yourself. Furthermore, gulets come in all shapes, sizes, and categories, from standard to deluxe. The best place on each gulet boat is the deck, where you will spend most of your time. Most importantly, the food on gulets is amazing, prepared fresh daily by your personal chef.
Quick Summary: 7 Key Facts About Private Turkish Gulet Charters
- More space than sailing yachts – Gulets range from 20 to 55 meters, offering wider decks and larger cabins - perfect for group comfort.
- Secluded locations – Visit quiet bays, coves, and beaches only accessible by small yachts far from crowded cruise routes.
- Fully crewed experience – A captain, chef, and crew handle everything: route planning, cooking, cleaning, and service.
- Fresh local food onboard – Meals are made from organic produce sourced directly from Turkish markets, cooked by your private chef.
- New places every day – You can island-hop, visit port towns, go hiking, or explore ruins with a personalized itinerary.
- Full relaxation option – If you prefer, simply swim, sunbathe, read, or nap on deck - you’re not required to go ashore.
- Tailored to your group – Choose from standard to luxury gulets, with various sizes, and routes to fit your preferences.
Fact no.1 – Gulets are much more comfortable than you might think
Very comfortable sailing yachts range from 10 – 15 meters (32 - 49 feet).
The smallest gulets you can book are around 20 meters, while the sizes go up to 30 meters even for standard gulets, and up to 55 meters for the most luxurious ones.
Beware: Gulets are generally larger and more spacious than typical sailing yachts or motorboats, offering expansive decks, roomy cabins, and a relaxed cruising experience. However, motor sailing yachts often feature more sophisticated amenities, luxurious interiors, and advanced equipment.
Fact no.2 – You get to see the places unreachable to other tourists
Some of the most stunning bays you will visit during a Turkey gulet cruise are only reachable by sea. Unlike large cruise ships, which cannot anchor near shores or let alone hidden coves, gulet cruises offer a uniquely intimate experience, taking you to places few travelers ever see.

A Turkish gulet anchored in a hidden bay
Fact no.3 – You do not have to clean, cook, or worry about the safety
The crew takes care of everything on board. You will have a captain to lead your route and give the best advice on where to go, a personal chef will prepare all the food, hostesses will clean your cabins and the rest of the gulet…all you need to do is relax and enjoy your holiday!
Fact no.4 – The local food is amazing. And we bring the ingredients directly from the market to your gulet
The Turkish cuisine is one of the best in the world. We personally go the market to pick the freshest organic produce and bring it to you. Well, to your private chef, who will prepare delicious meals, based on your preferences. From "farm to sea" at it's finest.
Fact no.5 – You can visit and explore different places every single day
If you feel like exploring you have all sorts of options. Hiking, Island hopping, shopping, visiting new ports, guided tours – you name it!
Fact no.6 – You can relax and stay on board all the time if you wish
If your idea of a holiday is just to enjoy the sun, swim and take it easy – you will have the perfect chance to do this on your Turkish gulet cruise.

Relax, swim, eat, repeat
Fact no.7 – There are hundreds of choices. Pick the one that is best for you!
Private charters, Turkey, Croatia, Greece, standard, luxury, deluxe, bigger, smaller, younger crew, older crew, lots of different itineraries, and tons of possible activities. Whatever your wishes are we can make it happen.