Sailing in Turkey offers one of the best sea experiences in the world. There are clear blue seas, secluded coves, and stunning coastlines. The Turkish coastline is bordered by the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. It's perfect for sailing lovers to explore ancient ruins with comfort on wooden boats.
Welcome to Turkey's Sailing Paradise
The Turkish coastline stretches 8,000 kilometers long. It has some of the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean.
Sailing routes of Turkey go through the Turkish Riviera. Its coastline has blue-green waters and pine trees sloping down to secluded bays. Sailors enjoy these waters for the steady winds, secure anchoring, and mix of natural scenery and history.
Turkey is no longer a small sailing destination but a popular boating hub. The welcoming climate, quality marinas, and prosperous culture make Turkish seas perfect for sailors of all types. The wind is not too strong, nor are there almost any tides. Thus, it's safe even for inexperienced sailors.
As Captain Mark Thompson, who has over 20 years' sailing experience in the Mediterranean, puts it: "Turkey boasts the most untouched coastline of the Mediterranean. The combination of steady winds, sheltered bays, and fewer crowds makes it my top tip for both beginners and seasoned sailors alike."
The Magic of Gulet Sailing in Turkey
Gulet sailing Turkey is a special way to explore the beautiful coast. Wooden boats like these were once used by fishermen. Today they're floating hotel rooms with the same traditional appeal. Local artisans build these two-masted wooden boats using skills passed down for centuries.
Contemporary gulets blend classic designs with contemporary comforts. They have spacious sun decks, air-conditioned cabins, and skilled crews.
The majority of gulets are 15 to 35 meters long and can fit 6 to 20 people in private rooms. They are air-conditioned, have private bathrooms, and indoor dining areas. You have comfort but still feel the history of the boat.
A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden vessel with one or two masts designed primarily for comfort with a wide hull and spacious decks, while a ketch is a specific type of sailing yacht with two masts where the smaller mizzen mast is positioned forward of the rudder post.
Gulet cruises focus on relaxation and viewing the surrounding culture, with professional crews handling all sailing operations. In contrast, ketches are designed for active sailing, requiring more technical knowledge to operate.
Marina Kovaleva, travel writer and gulet cruise specialist, states: "What is unique about gulet cruises is the perfect synergy of authenticity and comfort. You're experiencing traditional Turkish sea culture but still indulging in modern amenities. It's like staying in a boutique hotel that moves from one magnificent spot on the coast to another."
Gulet vs. Standard Sailing Yacht: What's Best For You?
| Feature | Gulet | Regular Sailing Yacht |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Relaxation and comfort | Active sailing experience |
| Crew | Full professional crew included | Can be bareboat or skippered |
| Space | Spacious deck and cabins | More compact living space |
| Stability | Very stable, less rolling | More responsive to sea conditions |
| Cost | Higher but all-inclusive | Lower daily rate, more hands-on |
| Experience Needed | None - crew handles sailing | Some experience needed |
| Best For | Families, groups, comfort-seekers | Active sailors, purists, adventurers |
| Typical Size | 15-35 meters | 10-20 meters |
Best Places for Turkey Sailing
The Turkish coast is marked with several varied sailing routes with varying views and attractions. The most popular of these with sailors is the southwest coast, the Turquoise Coast. Bodrum to Antalya is where the conditions for sailing are best with steady winds and plenty of anchorages.
Bodrum is a principal departure point for a lot of sailing holidays. This busy seaside town boasts modern marinas and historic monuments, such as the Castle of St. Peter and the ancient Mausoleum. Bodrum is where you can sail from to reach the Gokova Gulf, which is famous for its secluded coves and clear waters.
Fethiye is also a great place to begin sailing. This area is famous for its beautiful landscapes, including the fabled Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) and nearby ancient ruins of Telmessos. Fethiye's 12 Islands area is a perfect spot for day-trips with plenty of sheltered coves available for swimming and snorkeling.
Göcek, tiny though it is, is now a sailing center thanks to its natural harbor and six new marinas. It's ringed by many islands and coves that you can only reach by water. Strict environmental laws have kept it in its natural state, so it's in great demand among sailors who desire unspoiled landscapes.
Best Time for Turkey Sailing
Turkish sailing season lasts from April to October. Each period is favorable for its own reasons. Early season (April-May) provides warm weather, flowers blooming on the coast, and less crowds. The sea is cold enough for a swim, but the green landscape and comfortable daytime temperatures are great for visiting ancient ruins and coastal towns.
Summer (June-August) is warm, and July and August average about 30°C (86°F). The sea warms up to a comfortable 25°C (77°F) and is best for swimming and water sports. Regular afternoon breezes make sailings good. Coastal resorts are lively at night, but marinas and ports are extremely busy.
Late season (September-October) is ideal for most sailors. Summer crowds have dispersed, and the weather is warm enough for swimming but cool enough for shore excursions. September is best, most consider, for gulet sailing Turkey, with warm seas, good weather, and more space at popular ports.
John Davis, meteorologist and sailing weather expert, suggests: "September has the most favorable mix for sailing in Turkey. You enjoy the warmth of summer without the power or crowds. The sea retains its warm summer temperature, and the afternoon breezes are reliable without being dominating. It's the honey pot of the sailing season."
The Real Gulet Experience
A normal day on board a Turkish gulet starts with lunch in a beautiful cove. Then you set sail for a couple of hours to your destination. At midday, you moor in a sheltered bay to eat lunch and spend some time swimming, snorkeling, or exploring nearby sites. In the afternoon, you might sail a bit longer before mooring overnight in a beautiful harbor or hidden cove.
Food is an important aspect of gulet cruises. There are mostly good cooks on the boats preparing fresh, local cuisine with Mediterranean flavor. Lunch and dinner often feature fresh seafood, olive oil dishes, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. You generally eat on board with great views of the sunsets while experiencing local cuisine.
Gulet sailing is far from hotel staying. The gulets will visit secluded coves and secret beaches that are inaccessible on foot, guaranteeing your complete seclusion. A new landscape each day awaits, from wading through glittering water to visiting off-the-beaten-path old sites. You will also easily bond with members of the crew and other visitors in the small quarters of a gulet.
Planning Your Turkish Sailing Trip
When planning a sailing vacation in Turkey, you can choose from three options. You can have a bareboat charter if you know how to sail. You can also choose a skippered yacht or a fully-crewed gulet.
If you are a beginner sailor or simply wish to relax, gulet sailing Turkey offers you the perfect mix of fun and luxury. Most gulet packages include a professional crew, food, and soft drinks.
Regular gulet cruises follow traditional routes with stops at favorite points. These tours have the big attractions along the coastline at a leisurely pace. Private yacht charters permit you to set your own agenda to suit your whims, ancient ruins, isolated beaches, or active coastal villages.
You need valid passports for all travelers and visas if required for your country. The boat paperwork is normally handled by charter companies, but you should check the specific requirements when making a booking. We strongly advise travel insurance including boating activities for all sailing holidays.
Gulet Charter Cost Guide in Turkey
How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Gulet in Turkey?
| Gulet Category | Low Season (Apr-May, Oct) |
High Season (Jun-Sep) |
Capacity | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €700-1,000/day | €1,000-1,500/day | 6-8 guests | Crew, basic meals, fuel for 3-4 hours daily |
| Standard | €1,000-2,000/day | €1,500-2,500/day | 8-12 guests | Professional crew, quality meals, water sports equipment |
| Luxury | €2,000-3,000/day | €3,000-5,000+/day | 10-20 guests | Gourmet chef, premium amenities, extensive water toys |
Charters typically operate on a weekly basis (Saturday to Saturday), though shorter periods may be available in shoulder seasons. Standard charter fees include crew services, harbor fees, fuel for limited daily cruising, and cleaning. Additional costs may include alcoholic beverages, special meal requests, entrance fees, and land excursions.
Compared to similar luxury holidays, gulet sailing Turkey generally offers good value, especially for groups. Most packages include accommodation, transport between destinations, and meals. This helps you avoid many extra charges that come with regular travel.
Emma Roberts, luxury travel consultant, states: "When you divide the cost per person per day on a gulet cruise, it tends to work out cheaper than staying in a comparable luxury resort. You're paying for accommodation, transfer, food, and an experience all in one price. And the convenience of being able to visit several locations without the disruption of packing and unpacking is invaluable."
Why Choose Turkey for Your Sailing Holiday
Turkey boasts many advantages over other Mediterranean sailing locations. The coastline has more natural spots than many Western Mediterranean places. It also provides good amenities for relaxing sailing. The mix of European and Asian cultures gives you travel experiences that are hard to find anywhere else.
Why Turkey is Perfect for Sailing
Turkey is excellent for sailing due to these key factors:
- Protected waters with minimal tides and predictable winds
- Over 8,000 kilometers of coastline with numerous secluded coves
- Warm sailing season from April to October
- Rich combination of natural beauty and historical sites
- Well-developed marina infrastructure with modern facilities
The Turkish shoreline has a stunning mix of natural beauty, ancient ruins, and sailing tradition. This makes it a great place for both new and experienced sailors. The blue waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean provide ideal conditions for leisurely cruising and more active sailing adventures.
For first-time sailors, Turkey's friendly atmosphere and well-established charter trade provide the perfect introduction to sailing holidays. Turkey's long history of seafaring ensures high standards of safety and professional service throughout the trade. This means that visitors can concentrate on fully enjoying their Mediterranean holiday.
What Sailors Love About Turkey
- Pristine Waters: Clear sparkling and clean for a swim
- Affordable Luxury: Better value for money than most Mediterranean resorts
- Rich History: Ancient sites accessible right from your boat
- Fewer Crowds: Many secluded bays and coves
- Excellent Food: Fresh, local cuisine on board
- Reliable Weather: Long season with steady conditions
- Friendly Locals: Warm Turkish hospitality
- Sheltered Waters: Protected sailing areas for beginners
References
- Turkish Chamber of Shipping - Official Maritime Industry Standards and Regulations
- Wikipedia - Historical Development and Technical Specifications of Turkish Gulets
- International Council of Marine Industry Associations - Turkish Yacht & Boat Industry Standards
- Association of Turkish Travel Agencies - Blue Cruise Tourism Guidelines and Official Certifications
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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