Discover the Allure of Traditional Turkish Gulets

Have you ever dreamed of waking up to the gentle rocking of waves, sipping your morning coffee on a sunny deck, and diving into clear turquoise waters before breakfast? If so, welcome to the world of Turkish gulets—a unique and unforgettable way to enjoy the beauty, culture, and calm of the Turkish coast.

What Is a Turkish Gulet?

A gulet is a traditional wooden yacht, handcrafted along Turkey’s southwestern coast. Originally designed for fishing and cargo, gulets are now custom-built for comfortable cruising. They offer a perfect balance of space, elegance, and functionality—ideal for family holidays, friend groups, or private charters.

Gulets feature wide decks, cozy cabins, and warm wood interiors. As a result, they’re ideal for relaxing, spending quality time, and discovering hidden places. Whether you want a romantic trip, a family holiday, or a fun escape with friends, a gulet cruise can be tailored just for you.

Main Gulet Types in Turkey

1. Tirhandil – The oldest traditional style, known for its pointed stern and simple rig. Mostly used in the Bodrum region, it’s smaller in size and best suited for short coastal trips or couples.

2. Ketch (Ayna Kıç) – The most common gulet layout today. It features a rounded stern, two masts, and spacious cabins. Perfect for week-long cruises with multiple guests.

3. Ketch (Kıç Kamaralı) – Offers more interior volume and wider stern cabins. Popular for larger groups or luxury upgrades.

4. Modern Custom Gulets – Built to luxury yacht standards, often with en-suite cabins, water toys, and 5-star service.

How to Charter a Gulet in Turkey
Chartering is simple and flexible. You can either:

• Book a Private Charter (ideal for families or groups)

• Join a Cabin Charter (shared cruise with set routes and dates)

Gulet charters typically include the yacht, crew, fuel for standard cruising hours, cleaning, and often full board (meals). Drinks, marina fees, and special requests are extra.

Rental Terms & Gulet Boat Booking Process

• Charter Duration: Weekly, usually Saturday to Saturday

• Payment Terms: 30-50% deposit to confirm, balance before embarkation or cash at the base. Please ask this to your gulet agent.

• APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance): Applies to luxury gulets, used for fuel, food, beverages, and extras

• Crew: Always included – typically captain, cook, and deckhands

Main Embarkation Ports

• Bodrum – Popular for classic gulets and Tirhandils; ideal for Greek Island extensions

• Marmaris – Central location, great variety of gulets and routes

• Göcek – Surrounded by calm bays, perfect for family cruises

• Fethiye – Close to Ölüdeniz and Butterfly Valley, often used for quieter, nature-based itineraries

Nearest Airports to Gulet Ports

• Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) → 35 min to Bodrum

• Dalaman Airport (DLM) → 30 min to Göcek, 1 hr to Fethiye or Marmaris

• Antalya Airport (AYT) → 3–4 hours to Fethiye (used occasionally for longer trips)

Buy a Turkish Gulet Boat

Another way to discover Turkish gulets is to create your purchase requests. In the gulet paradise of Türkiye, you can find gulets for sale that fit your budget or have them redesigned according to your wishes.