Are you looking for a great holiday that won't break the bank? A budget gulet cruise Turkey holiday might be just what you need. These beautiful wooden boats offer a unique way of viewing Turkey's stunning coastline without the crowds of huge cruise ships.
Quick answer: across the market, budget gulets start around €5,000 per week for the whole boat. At De Yachting, based on our average of 189 gulet charters in 2024–26, a private gulet charter runs from about €7,000 per week for a standard 4-cabin gulet to €35,000+ for a luxury 6–8 cabin gulet in July–August. Shared between 8 guests, a standard gulet is about €875 per person for the week. A cabin on our shared Elara cruise starts at €1,500 per person for 7 nights, full board included.
What is a Gulet in Turkey?
Turkish gulet is a unique piece of wooden yachts with heritage. They used to be fishermen boats, whereas now they serve as cozy vacation yachts. They still offer their age-long beauty along with modern luxuries.
Modern-day gulets typically feature:
- Wooden décor hand-made
- 2-8 charming small cabins
- Large sunbathing deck
- Quiet common spaces
- En suite bathrooms
Turkish boatbuilders in seaside resorts like Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye build these attractive boats. Gulet by gulet, each of these ships blends old-world charm with new-world convenience and becomes a floating vacation home.
What Are Gulet Cruises?
Blue Cruises or gulet cruises are leisurely sailing holidays along Turkey's southwest coast. Unlike giant cruise ships that rapidly rush from destination to destination, gulets sail at their own speed.
An average day in an affordable gulet cruise Turkey vacation includes:
- Morning swimming in secluded beaches
- Decks meals of fresh Turkish fare
- Daytrips to historic ruins
- Relaxation in plush deck pillows
- Evenings under starry skies
These cruises are for enjoying the stunning Turkish coast at your own pace. Your captain can adjust the route to the places you most want to see.
Gulet Cruise in Turkey?
Get insider tips on affordable gulet routes
Low-Budget Gulet Charter Packages
While planning your cost-effective gulet cruise Turkey vacation, you can opt for either of these two:
Private Charter
With the entire gulet rented by you personally, you get:
- Unspoiled seclusion
- Your very own personalized schedule
- Personalized food
- Flexibility to change plans
- Your own speed
Shared between 8-12, private charters can be very affordable per person.
Cabin Charter
Booking an individual cabin on a shared gulet provides:
- Lower cost access to the gulet experience
- Chances to meet new friends
- Set itineraries exploring main highlights
- Pre-scheduled departure dates
- Professional guidance
Prebooked itineraries are followed by gulet charters, so these are perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups traveling on a tight budget.
Turkish Riviera Sailing Season Guide
Monthly activity ratings and conditions for sailing holidays
| Activity | May
20-25°C
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June
25-30°C
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July
28-35°C
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August
28-35°C
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September
25-30°C
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October
20-25°C
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| Weather Conditions Overall weather suitability for cruising |
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| Sailing Conditions Wind and sea conditions for sailing |
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| Water Sports Conditions for water skiing, jet ski, and other water activities |
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| Port & Bay Access Accessibility of ports and secluded bays |
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Rating scale: 10 = Perfect conditions, 7-9 = Good conditions, Below 7 = Fair conditions
* Ratings are our captains' general assessment of typical conditions. Weather and local conditions vary from year to year.
How Much Does a Gulet Cruise Cost?
Prices for a low-budget gulet cruise Turkey excursion vary based on several factors. For a standard 7-day tour, rates range between:
- Budget gulets: €5,000-€10,000 per week private charter (€450-€900 per cabin)
- Standard gulets: €10,000-€20,000 weekly for private charter (€900-€1,800 per cabin)
The ranges above are market-wide. The table below shows what our own charters cost, so you can compare like with like.
2027 prices at a glance
| Option | Typical price | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 4-cabin gulet, private | From about €7,000 per week | About €875 (8 guests) |
| Luxury gulet for 12 guests, July–August | €14,000–€18,000 per week | About €1,170–€1,500 |
| Luxury 6–8 cabin gulet, July–August | €35,000+ per week | From about €2,200 (16 guests) |
| Daily rate in July (our fleet) | From about €1,250 per day | Depends on group size |
| Cabin cruise on Elara, Bodrum–Hisarönü | €1,500 (June, September) or €1,600 (July–August) for 7 nights | Per person in a double cabin, full board |
All these typically include:
- Boat accommodation
- Crew services
- Basic fuel requirements
- Standard harbor charges
- Water, tea, and coffee
Expenditures to watch out for aside from the ones mentioned above:
- Food and drinks (around €30-€40 per person per day)
- Optional excursions
- Special requests
- Crew tips (typically 5-10%)
- Travel to/from the boat
Our breakdown of what is included in a gulet charter shows what to check in each offer, and the weekly gulet charter page lists current rates by boat.
Best bargains in May, June, September, and October when the weather is still excellent but prices fall by 20-40% from high season.
Food and drinks on a private charter are often paid through an APA budget managed by the captain with receipts, and crew tips are traditionally 5–10% of the charter fee (see our gulet crew tipping guide).
Example budgets
Group of 8 friends, June
A standard 4-cabin gulet from about €7,000 for the week is about €875 each. Food and drinks, transfers and tips come on top.
Family of 12, August
A luxury gulet for 12 costs about €14,000–€18,000 per week at standard rates, or €11,200–€14,400 if booked early: roughly €930–€1,500 per person.
Couple, July
A double cabin on our Elara cruise from Bodrum costs €1,600 per person for 7 nights in July, with full board. Port fees (€150) and Wi-Fi (€25) per person are paid on board.
Popular Affordable Routes
Turkey's coast has plenty of stunning routes for travelers on a budget:
Bodrum to Gokova Gulf
This popular route features:
- Ancient city of Knidos
- Sedir Island (Cleopatra Beach)
- Secluded English Harbour
- Seven Islands area
- Small fishing towns
Most of these trips start on a Bodrum gulet charter, with Knidos and the Gökova bays within easy reach in a week.
Marmaris to Fethiye
This tour includes:
- Ekincik Bay (entrance to Dalyan River)
- Göcek's Twelve Islands
- Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz
- Butterfly Valley
- Saint Nicholas Island
For the Twelve Islands, a gulet charter in Göcek is the shortest way in: the first anchorages are less than an hour from the marina.
Each cruise offers a mix of natural landscapes, beaches, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Private charters can customize these itineraries according to your taste.
Life Onboard Modern Gulets
Modern budget gulets offer surprising comfort without compromising their traditional feel:
Accommodation
- Clean air-conditioned cabins
- Comfortable beds
- Storage facilities
- Hot shower en-suite bathrooms
- Natural lighting through windows
Common Spaces
- Open and shaded deck spaces
- Cushion seating spaces
- Indoor and outdoor dining tables
- Easy access to water
- Snug lounges
Even budget gulets offer cozy living spaces that integrate wooden work with contemporary comfort.
Things to Do on Your Budget Gulet Cruise
A budget gulet cruise offers several fun activities:
Water Fun
- Swimming in clear blue waters
- Snorkeling among colorful fish
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Basic fishing
- Relaxing on water floats
Land Explorations
- Exploring ancient ruins
- Visiting small Turkish villages
- Shopping in local markets
- Hiking coastal paths
- Trying authentic Turkish food
Cultural Experiences
- Learning about Turkish traditions
- Watching local cooking methods
- Visiting Turkish baths
- Meeting local fishermen
- Enjoying regional music
Each day brings new chances for adventure or relaxation, with freedom to do as much or as little as you want.
Best Times for an Affordable Cruise
The best times for budget-friendly gulet cruises in Turkey are:
Spring (May-June)
- Pleasant temperatures (18-25°C)
- Green landscapes
- Fewer tourists
- Lower prices
- Comfortable days for exploring
- Water gradually warming (17-20°C)
Fall (September-October)
- Mild temperatures (20-28°C)
- Sea still warm from summer (23-20°C)
- Fewer crowds
- Better deals
- Fresh local foods
- Other boat options
- Peaceful harbors
These shoulder seasons offer the perfect combination of nice weather, warm seas, and lower prices than the peak-season summer vacations.
Planning Tips for Your Budget Gulet Cruise
For Euro best value on your gulet cruise:
Pinch-Penny Tips
- Book ahead for early bird special rates
- Sail during shoulder seasons
- Consider shorter 3-4 day cruises
- Join cabin charters instead of private boats
- Look for last-minute deals (if flexible)
- Bring your own drinks if allowed
- Share a charter with friends to split costs
What to Pack
- Light, casual clothes
- Multiple swimsuits
- Soft-soled shoes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Light jacket for evenings
- Reusable water bottle
- Simple entertainment (books, cards)
Practical Advice
- Bring cash for small ports
- Download offline maps
- Pack adapters for Turkish outlets
- Consider motion sickness prevention
- Learn some Turkish phrases
With careful planning, your budget gulet cruise Turkey holiday will be unforgettable from start to finish.
Why Choose a Budget Blue Cruise Experience?
A budget gulet cruise has unique advantages:
Personal Experience
Unlike huge cruise ships with thousands of tourists, gulets host 6-16 passengers, providing:
- Personal attention
- Real interaction with crew and fellow travelers
- Personal experiences
- Home-like environment
Access to Secret Places
- Hidden bays inaccessible by road
- Peaceful coves too shallow for larger ships
- Secluded swimming areas
- Traditional villages free from mass tourism
Value for Money
- Accommodation, transport, and activities in one
- Easy budgeting
- No daily unpacking/packing
- Optimal use of holiday time
- Multiple destinations without travel misery
Adventure, relaxation, culture, or family holidays, an affordable gulet cruise Turkey holiday offers a unique way to discover the Turkish coast that ordinary travel can't match.
Memories Made on Your Gulet Cruise
The biggest advantage of a gulet cruise is the unique memories you'll make:
- Waking up to stunning sea vistas
- Leaping into glistening clear waters off your boat
- Having fresh meals under the night sky
- Uncovering old ruins
- Meeting new friends
- Seeing exquisite sunsets off secluded bays
- Learning from seasoned sailors
- Drifting off to soothing waves
These experiences create long, memorable memories, far exceeding the standard package holidays.
Gulet cruise prices: quick answers
How much does a gulet cruise cost per person?
On a private gulet, about €875 per person per week for 8 guests on a standard 4-cabin boat, more on luxury gulets in July and August. On a cabin cruise, from €1,500 per person for 7 nights with full board.
Is a gulet cheaper than a motor yacht?
Usually yes. In our fleet, a motor yacht costs on average about twice as much per day as a gulet. Our yacht vs gulet comparison explains why.
Are gulet prices per boat or per person?
A private charter is priced per boat per week, up to the boat's guest limit. A cabin cruise is priced per person.
Start Your Budget Turkish Holiday
A gulet cruise Turkey vacation combines wooden yachts, breathtaking coastlines, rich history, and modern luxuries – and at prices that fit many budgets.
Whether a private charter with friends or cabin sharing cruise to mingle with other travelers, you'll have just the right balance of relaxation, adventure, culture, and unspoiled beauty.
Begin planning your affordable gulet cruise Turkey vacation today and enjoy a holiday that's both luxurious and economical.
This article was last updated on October 21, 2026.
I have over ten years of experience in luxury yacht charters. I focus on creating amazing sailing experiences along the Turkish Riviera. As the CEO of De Yachting since 2010, I have managed many successful charters. I know Turkey's most beautiful coastal spots very well.
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