The Practical Guide for First-Time Charterers
Last updated: 12 August 2026
For most guests the first charter mixes two feelings: excitement, and the nagging 'what don't I know?'. The good news: on a crewed boat there is no such thing as a rookie — the crew runs everything. Still, knowing a few things in advance measurably improves both your budget and your comfort.
This guide distils the questions our guests ask most often before their first booking.
Booking timing
- 01
For peak season: 3-6 months ahead
July-August weeks and the popular gulets start filling in winter. If a specific boat or week matters to you, move early.
- 02
For shoulder season: 4-8 weeks usually works
May-June and September-October offer plenty of choice; last-minute deals appear too, but your pick of boats narrows.
- 03
Send an enquiry — it firms up the same day
Share your dates and guest count from the listing page; you'll hear back the same day with availability, the exact price and the inclusions list. An enquiry is not a commitment.
Life aboard: what to know
Pack in soft bags
Hard suitcases eat cabin space; bring foldable bags. The day uniform is swimwear and shorts; one or two light outfits cover harbour-town evenings. Non-slip shoes earn their keep on deck.
Power and internet
Sockets and USB are standard on modern boats; air-conditioning usually runs on generator hours. On coastal routes mobile data works in most bays — though do try the luxury of going offline.
Food and special requests
Allergies, vegetarian/vegan needs and occasions like birthdays are handled if shared at booking — the galley is planned around them. The provisioning list is shared with you before departure.
Seasickness
Rare on the classic routes, which run through sheltered gulfs. If you're prone, take the first day gently, watch the horizon, and pack pharmacy remedies just in case.
The three most common rookie mistakes
One: overstuffing the route. 'We're here, let's see every bay' turns the holiday into a passage marathon — two stops a day is ideal. Two: comparing headline prices without comparing scope. The cheap-looking offer can turn expensive once meals and extras are added; always compare inclusions lists. Three: not aligning the group's expectations — who wants calm, who wants nightlife? Route and boat follow from that answer.
And a bonus: trust the crew. Bay suggestions, departure times, weather calls — you're travelling with people who've made these decisions hundreds of times. The best blue voyages are the ones where guests hand the plan to the crew.
Frequently asked questions
How do cancellation terms work?
Terms vary by boat and season and are stated plainly in the contract; the general rule is that refunds shrink as the departure date nears. A date change is usually easier to solve than a cancellation — tell us early.
Does chartering work with children?
The wide flat decks of gulets are ideal for families; child lifejackets are aboard. Route-wise, the sheltered short-hop Göcek area is the most comfortable pick.
How is safety handled aboard?
Commercial charter boats undergo periodic surveys; lifejackets, liferaft and fire equipment are mandatory. The crew gives a short safety briefing on day one — worth listening to.
Will an enquiry bury me in spam?
No. Your enquiry is used solely for that boat's availability and your offer; your data is processed under Turkish data-protection law and never added to marketing lists.
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Let's plan your route together
Share your dates and guest count — our team returns a tailored offer the same day.