Bodrum. Fethiye. The Turquoise Coast. Uncrowded, dramatic, and significantly less expensive than the Riviera.
Photo: Sailing Santorini Mykonos
Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coastline is one of the most underrated charter destinations in the world. 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. Turkey is significantly less expensive than the French Riviera or the Greek islands, and significantly less crowded.
The charter coast divides into three main areas. The Aegean coast runs from Bodrum to Marmaris: Bodrum is the social centre, with a well-equipped marina, excellent restaurants, and a nightlife scene that draws a sophisticated international crowd. The crossing to the Greek island of Kos takes 45 minutes.
South of Bodrum, the Turquoise Coast runs from Fethiye to Antalya. This is the most dramatic section: 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. Göcek, a small town north of Fethiye, is the most popular charter base on the Turquoise Coast.
Turkey is the home of the gulet — the traditional wooden motor-sailer that has been adapted for charter use over the past 40 years. A well-maintained 24-metre gulet costs €8,000–15,000 per week for the charter fee, compared to €30,000–50,000 for a comparable motor yacht. For most Turkey charters, a gulet is the right choice. For clients who want to cover more ground, MY OCEAN can source a motor yacht through the wider market.
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 is required for all foreign-flagged vessels and is arranged by the charter broker.
"MY OCEAN has been arranging Turkey charters since 2020. Emily Cossey leads the charter desk and has personally arranged over 200 charters across the Aegean & Mediterranean."
Emily Cossey, Charter Manager — MY OCEANThe stretch from Fethiye to Antalya is the most dramatic section of the Turkish charter coast. The Twelve Islands, the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz, and the sunken ruins at Kekova are all accessible only by sea.
The social centre of Turkish yachting. Well-equipped marina, excellent restaurants, and a nightlife scene. The crossing to the Greek island of Kos takes 45 minutes.
Turkey is the home of the gulet — the traditional wooden motor-sailer. A gulet charter is significantly less expensive than a motor yacht charter and gives access to shallow coves inaccessible to deeper vessels.
Turkey's charter coast passes through some of the most significant ancient sites in the Mediterranean: the sunken city at Kekova, the Lycian tombs at Dalyan, the ruins of Knidos, and the ancient city of Ephesus near Bodrum.
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