Yacht Charter Turkey: Coast, Islands, and When to Go (2026 Guide)

Why Turkey is one of the best charter destinations in the Mediterranean

Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coastline stretches for over 8,000 kilometres. The water is turquoise, the anchorages are uncrowded, the food is exceptional, and the combination of ancient ruins, pine-covered mountains, and clear sea is unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean. Yet Turkey remains significantly less expensive than the French Riviera or the Greek islands, and significantly less crowded than either.

The charter season runs from May to October. The peak months are July and August, when the meltemi wind blows from the north across the Aegean. June and September are the best months for a first-time Turkey charter: the weather is settled, the anchorages are accessible, and the prices are lower.

The main charter areas

Turkey's charter coast divides into three main areas, each with a different character:

The Aegean coast: Bodrum to Marmaris

Bodrum is the social centre of Turkish yachting. The town has a well-equipped marina, excellent restaurants, and a nightlife scene that draws a sophisticated international crowd. The Bodrum Peninsula — Gündoğan, Türkbükü, Yalıkavak — is dotted with beach clubs and anchorages. The crossing to the Greek island of Kos takes 45 minutes.

South of Bodrum, the coast becomes more dramatic: the Gulf of Hisarönü, the Datça Peninsula, and the ancient ruins of Knidos are all accessible on a week's charter from Bodrum. Marmaris, at the southern end of this section, is the largest marina on the Turkish coast and a popular base for longer itineraries.

The Turquoise Coast: Fethiye to Antalya

The Turquoise Coast — the stretch from Fethiye to Antalya — is the most dramatic section of the Turkish charter coast. The Twelve Islands around Fethiye, the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz, the sunken ruins at Kekova, and the ancient Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs above the water are all accessible only by sea. This is the section that makes Turkey genuinely unique as a charter destination.

Göcek, a small town 20 kilometres north of Fethiye, is the most popular charter base on the Turquoise Coast. It has six marinas, excellent provisioning, and is the starting point for the classic Twelve Islands circuit. Most charters on the Turquoise Coast start and end in Göcek.

The Bosphorus and the Princes' Islands

Istanbul is accessible by yacht, and a charter that combines the Bosphorus, the Princes' Islands, and the northern Aegean is one of the most culturally rich itineraries in the Mediterranean. This is a specialist itinerary that requires more planning than a standard Aegean charter, but the experience of arriving in Istanbul by sea is extraordinary.

Gulet vs motor yacht: which is right for Turkey?

Turkey is the home of the gulet — the traditional wooden sailing vessel that has been adapted for charter use over the past 40 years. A gulet is a motor-sailer: it has sails but is primarily powered by engines. Gulets are typically 20–30 metres long, accommodate 8–12 guests in 4–6 cabins, and are crewed by a captain, cook, and 1–2 deck crew.

Gulets are significantly less expensive than comparable motor yachts. A well-maintained 24-metre gulet in Turkey costs €8,000–€15,000 per week for the charter fee. A comparable motor yacht costs €30,000–€50,000 per week. The trade-off is speed and range: a gulet cruises at 8–10 knots, while a motor yacht cruises at 18–25 knots.

For most Turkey charters, a gulet is the right choice. The itineraries are relatively short, the anchorages are close together, and the gulet's shallow draft allows access to coves that are inaccessible to deeper motor yachts. For clients who want to cover more ground or who prefer the comfort and speed of a motor yacht, MY OCEAN can source the right vessel through the wider market.

Practical information for a Turkey charter

Turkey is not in the EU, which means EU VAT does not apply to Turkish charters. This makes Turkey significantly less expensive than comparable Greek or Croatian charters from a tax perspective. The Turkish cruising permit (transit log) is required for all foreign-flagged vessels and is arranged by the charter broker as part of the booking process.

The Turkish lira has been volatile in recent years, but charter fees are typically quoted in euros or US dollars, so currency risk is limited for international clients. Provisioning in Turkey is excellent and significantly less expensive than in France or Monaco.

How to book a Turkey charter with MY OCEAN

MY OCEAN arranges Turkey charters through the wider market. Emily Cossey, our charter manager, has specific knowledge of the Turkish coast and can recommend the right vessel and itinerary for your group. Contact our charter team or use the enquiry form below.

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