Yacht Charter in Turkey

When is the best time for a yacht charter in Turkey?

In the Mediterranean, spring and autumn are the best seasons for sailing. During the high season in July and August, prices are higher, and so are the temperatures. We recommend travelling to Turkey in October or April if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy pleasant temperatures. The only disadvantage is that many shops are often closed during these months. Therefore, May, June and September are probably the best months to rent a yacht in Turkey! In fact, you will have more pleasant temperatures, fewer people and the shops will be open! The long summers and reliable winds make for unforgettable sailing in Turkey.

In May, the great Aksu-Giresun Festival takes place, which is composed of several Turkish traditions. One of the rituals is to sail a boat around the island of Giresun to celebrate fertility. Turkish dances are performed, Turkish music is played, and numerous shows attract and fascinate countless tourists yearly.

June also sees the cherry season and the famous Kiraz Festivali in Tekirdag on the Sea of Marmara.

Where to start your sailing trip from

First of all, the Turkish coast stretches over 8000 km, offering navigators a variety of possible routes. In the bays of the sometimes very steep coastline, you will find beautiful anchorages that protect you from the wind (Meltem) and, at the same time, invite you to swim in their bright blue waters. With 13 different bases, you can sail in the Sea of Marmara, the Aegean or the Icarian Sea! You can charter from Istanbul, Bodrum, or Antalya, depending on which city is best for you to reach or which you like best. If you can't decide, we will be happy to advise you!

Cruising on the Aegean coast:

In the Gulf of Fethiye, the bays are very sheltered so that you can avoid the strong storms from the north. During your yacht charter in Turkey, be amazed by beautiful lagoons, white sandy beaches, unspoilt islands, and incredible nature. Those who appreciate culture, extraordinary experiences, flora and fauna, and relaxation have found their ideal destination in the province of Mugla. When you sail on a yacht in Fethiye, you'll see that it's a beautiful coastal town with 70,000 inhabitants, popular with water sports enthusiasts and history buffs. Walk through the historical ruins and discover the local cultural heritage. Visit the ghost town of Kayaköy, head to Istuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, and visit the archaeological site of Caunos. Go to the town's typical bazaar and enjoy the smell of spices and local specialities. From Fethiye, you can reach the country's main cities by bus around the clock (including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya). Dalaman International Airport is only 45 minutes away.

Sailing the Lycian Coast:

The Lycian Coast is located in southwestern Turkey and stretches from Antalya to Kas. Before setting off for Adrasan Bay, sail to the impressive Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall near Antalya, and admire the beautiful natural spectacle. As you sail leisurely along the coast, you can soak up the pleasant Mediterranean sun and occasionally jump into the blue waters. Set sail for Adrasan Bay, located at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, and enjoy the bay's extraordinary beauty. Be sure to take a trip to Myra and visit its famous rock tombs, from which you have a beautiful sea view. Visit the nearby town of Demré and its Byzantine church of St Nicolas. For anchoring, we recommend Gökaya Creek or Kekova Bay. A sailing yacht charter in Turkey gives you access to deserted beaches and bays that can't be reached by car, allowing you to explore this beautiful country from a different perspective!

Turkey's Top Destinations

Istanbul

If you make a stop in Istanbul, there are numerous activities to partake in and sights to behold in this lively and historically rich metropolis. Istanbul is a unique city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, and is renowned for its culture, impressive architecture, delectable cuisine, and hospitable inhabitants. Here are some recommendations for things to engage in during your trip to Istanbul:

• Embark on a visit to the historical quarter of Sultanahmet, where you can witness some of Istanbul's most well-known landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
• Explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and biggest covered markets, boasting over 4,000 shops selling a plethora of goods, such as spices, textiles, jewellery, and pottery.
• Indulge in a serene experience at a traditional Turkish bath, known as a hammam, where you can unwind with a steam bath, exfoliating scrub, and massage.

Fethiye

Fethiye is a charming coastal town located in the southwest of Turkey, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some recommendations for your Fethiye vacation:

• Explore the Lycian Rock Tombs, which are historic tombs hewn into the cliffs overlooking Fethiye. Dating back to the 4th century BC, these tombs offer stunning views of the town and sea.
• Experience Turkish culture and cuisine by visiting Fethiye's local markets, such as the Fethiye Tuesday Market, where you can purchase traditional souvenirs, textiles, and spices.
• Browse the Fethiye Museum, which showcases a collection of antiquities from the ancient Lycian civilization.

Gocek

Due to its scenic coastline and numerous marinas, Gocek, a quaint town situated in the province of Muğla in the southern region of Turkey, is a well-known destination for sailing enthusiasts. If you plan to visit Göcek, here are some recommendations for things to do during your stay:

• Pay a visit to the Gocek Marina during your stay, which is one of Turkey's largest and most contemporary marinas. At the marina, you can relish a variety of options, including shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Embark on a hike or bike ride through the breathtaking Gocek countryside, which boasts hills and forests.
• Tour the ancient city of Telmessos, situated close to Gocek. The ruins of this ancient city include a theatre, an acropolis, and a necropolis.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a stunning coastal town in southwest Turkey, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, crystal blue waters, and historical importance. If you are planning a Bodrum holiday, here are some exciting activities to consider:

• Visit the Castle of St. Peter, Bodrum's most popular tourist attraction. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, the castle now serves as a museum of underwater archaeology.
• Explore the ancient city of Halicarnassus, once a major city in the ancient world and now a famous archaeological site.
• Savour Turkish culture and cuisine by visiting Bodrum's local markets, such as the Bodrum Bazaar, where you can purchase traditional souvenirs, textiles, and spices.

Marmaris

Marmaris is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, bustling nightlife, and historical sites. Marmaris is a perfect destination for those looking for a fun-filled holiday with plenty of activities and attractions to explore:

• Drop by Marmaris Castle was erected in the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire and now serves as a museum. You can relish breathtaking views of the town and the sea from the castle.
• Unwind on one of Marmaris' scenic beaches, such as Icmeler Beach or Marmaris Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy various water sports.
• Revel in the vibrant nightlife in Marmaris, with numerous bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from.

Sailing Bareboat or With a Crew

Sailing with or without a skipper is a personal preference and depends on several factors, such as experience, comfort level, and budget. Suppose you are an experienced sailor with a good understanding of navigation. In that case, yacht charters without a skipper (also called bareboat) can be a rewarding adventure, providing more freedom and flexibility to explore the destination at your own pace. However, if you are a beginner or prefer a more relaxed sailing holiday, sailing with a skipper is the best option. A skipper is like the captain of the ship, and they can provide guidance, share their local knowledge, and ensure the safety of the crew and the yacht.

There is also an option to have a hostess or a cook on board GlobeSailor yachts. A hostess is responsible for making two of the daily meals (usually breakfast and lunch) and will take care of the boat's upkeep (tidying up common areas etc.). A cook is responsible for making all three meals on board the boat. Both crewed options allow clients to eat Mediterranean-inspired dishes aboard a beautiful sailboat. Some guests prefer to choose the hostess option as it allows them to sail to a different marina each night and find the best authentic Turkish restaurants on land.

How to get to Turkey

Want to charter a yacht in Turkey but haven't figured out how to get there yet? Catching a flight is definitely the quickest and most convenient way, as the country is home to many international airports.

Once you arrive in Turkey, our boat rental Turkey services make it easy to start your sailing adventure.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport is undoubtedly the most popular Turkish airport. Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is known for the many low-cost airlines that fly to it daily. The cities of Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Dalaman (near Göcek and Marmaris) also have their own airports.

If your base is a little further away from the listed international airports, you can reach it with the help of a domestic flight by making a stopover in Istanbul.

You can also take the local bus or a taxi to reach your boat and start your holiday.

Yacht Charter Options

Turkey is a tourist favourite for skippered boat charter and bareboat boat rentals, resulting in fantastic marinas in destinations all over Turkey for you to choose from. 

Due to its justified popularity, Turkey offers you a huge variety of boats, making it easier to organise a perfect sailing holiday which fits your needs. You can hire sailing and motor boats, catamarans or even bigger boats with many cabins to accommodate a bigger group (like a luxury yacht or a gulet charter in Turkey). With a variety of marinas to choose from in popular destinations (Istanbul, Fethiye, Gocek) and many others throughout the coastline, you will have no issue finding somewhere to berth your catamaran or monohull. 

Many Turkish islands offer tranquil and secluded mooring spots too, where you can relax and take in the exquisite scenery of Turkey during the day and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep, free from noise on board your boat in the comfortable private cabins.

These marinas are equipped to deal with any issues you may have during your sailing holiday in the Mediterranean. Your skipper will know some hidden gems to explore during your week, which may make crewed boat trips more enticing for a group that has not spent much time on the Turkish coast.

Book Now

GlobeSailor has an incredible fleet of yachts, catamarans, motor boats, gulets and luxury yachts to offer you for rental. Our boats range in length, size and year of manufacture, and the number of cabins to accommodate your preferences. Choose the boat of your dreams that fits your and your crew's needs, and spend a week or two sailing around on the trip of a lifetime! You can also choose between renting a bareboat charter and a crewed charter (meaning hiring a skipper and crew). Our crewed option for a boat rental can be the best choice if you don't have much sailing knowledge but still want the independence of chartering a boat. Your skipper or captain will take care of the navigation, and the hostess/cook will ensure your vacation week is at the luxury level. Your hired crew will have their own private cabins, meaning there's plenty of space on your boat for everyone!

Our experienced crews can take care of all the details, leaving you and your guests to do all the relaxing in the sun! Whatever type of boat hire in Turkey you're looking for, GlobeSailor can help you find it!

One of the best things about a yacht charter is its flexibility. You can make the most of your day by choosing your own itinerary and touring the places that interest you the most, whether you want to island hop, explore the coastline, or both. It's entirely up to you how you spend your holiday, and sometimes, there's nothing better than relaxing in the sun on your private deck or one of the cabins while having an excellent book to read! Whether you're looking for a relaxing holiday, a cultural experience or an action-packed adventure, sailing in Turkey has something to offer everyone.