Gulet Charter Guide: The Right Start to Your Blue Voyage
Last updated: 12 August 2026
A gulet is a broad-decked wooden motor-sailer born of the centuries-old boatyards of Bodrum and Fethiye — and the symbol of the blue voyage along the Turkish coast. It is chartered with crew: the captain knows the route and the anchorages, the cook prepares three meals a day, and your only job is to enjoy the sea.
This guide walks first-time charterers through the whole process: choosing the right boat, what drives prices, picking the season, and the booking steps. Price ranges for the gulets in our fleet are published openly on each listing — no surprise costs.
Three decisions when choosing the boat
Cabin count
Gulets typically have 3-8 cabins. The rule is simple: think in couples, not headcount — 4 cabins is ideal for a group of 8. Larger family groups should look at 6+ cabin gulets.
Crew
The standard gulet crew is captain + cook + deckhand; on larger gulets it grows to 4-5. Meal service (breakfast + two meals) is usually included; drinks are billed separately.
Departure port
Bodrum, Göcek, Fethiye and Marmaris are the main departure ports. Your port shapes your route: Bodrum/Marmaris for the Hisarönü gulf and Datça bays, Göcek/Fethiye for the Twelve Islands and the Ölüdeniz area.
What drives the price of a gulet?
Four factors matter: the boat's length and age, cabin count, season, and crew/service standard. Weekly rates for gulets in our fleet typically start around €7,000; the luxury segment (refitted, air-conditioned, 6+ cabin gulets) exceeds €30,000. Every listing shows its price range openly — share your dates and guest count and you'll receive a firmed-up offer the same day.
Usually included: the boat, crew, marina/bay stays and the standard meal plan. Billed separately: drinks, special routing beyond the plan, transfers and some national park entry fees. Always ask for the inclusions list before signing — we spell it out in every offer.
Choosing the season
The gulet season on the Turkish coast runs from late April to October. The same boat prices very differently by season:
| Period | Upsides | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| May – mid June | Quiet bays, shoulder-season pricing, ideal weather for exploring | The sea warms up in June; early May can be cool |
| July – August | Warmest sea, longest days | Peak pricing; busy popular bays — book early |
| September – early October | Warm sea + quieter bays + shoulder pricing: the best balance for most guests | After mid-October plans depend on the weather |
Booking, step by step
- 01
Pick the boat and dates
Filter gulets by destination and price range on our charter listings. Send an enquiry from the listing page with your dates and guest count.
- 02
Get an offer the same day
Our team confirms availability and returns a firmed-up offer the same day: price, inclusions, a route suggestion and the payment plan on one page.
- 03
Contract and deposit
The booking is confirmed with a charter contract and deposit; the balance is usually settled before departure. The whole process is backed by Bella International Yacht Brokerage.
- 04
Set sail
You're welcomed aboard on departure day; the route is finalised with the captain based on the latest weather. The rest is the crew's job.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any sailing experience to charter a gulet?
No. Gulets are chartered with crew; the captain runs the boat. Your only job is to enjoy the bays along the route.
Can I charter a gulet for less than a week?
In peak season the standard is 7 nights; in the shoulder season 3-4 night charters are possible on most boats. Send us your dates and we'll look at the options together.
Are meals included in the price?
On most gulets the standard meal plan (breakfast + two meals) is included; drinks are billed separately. Every offer lists the inclusions explicitly.
What group size makes sense for a gulet?
The most common group is 6-12 guests (3-6 cabins). Count one cabin per couple; for families with children, the wide decks of larger gulets make a real difference.
Related guides
Let's plan your route together
Share your dates and guest count — our team returns a tailored offer the same day.