Chartering a Turkish Gulet
can be a wonderful way to explore the beautiful coastlines of Turkey, offering a unique blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure. Here are some key points to consider when chartering a gulet:
What is a Gulet?
A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden sailing vessel, typically ranging from 14 to 35 meters in length. ( 4-8 cabins) They are known for their spacious decks and comfortable accommodations, making them ideal for leisurely cruising.
How to Charter a Gulet
- Choose Your Route:
- Turquoise Coast: Popular routes include Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, and Antalya. Each of these destinations offers stunning landscapes, historical sites, and beautiful beaches.
- Customized Itinerary: Many charter companies offer customized itineraries based on your preferences, allowing you to explore lesser-known bays and islands.
2. Selecting a Gulet:
- Size and Capacity: Gulets come in various sizes, accommodating groups from 4 to 20 people or more. Consider the size of your party when selecting a vessel.
- Luxury Level: Gulets range from standard to luxury, with different levels of amenities and services. Decide on the level of comfort and luxury you desire.
- Older well maintained gulets may be of greater value than a newer one and higher standard.
- A standard gulet may have 6-10 cabins, where as a more luxurious model may have 4-5 in the same 22-28 meter length.
- Air conditioning is a duel edged sword. It will cool your cabin but the noise level may not be acceptable especially if you are using shore power vs a generator. AC is mostly used to cool the cabins in the early evening to make sleeping comfortable.
3. Crew and Services:
- Crewed Charters: Most gulet charters include a professional crew consisting of a captain, chef, and deckhands. They handle navigation, cooking, and cleaning, allowing you to relax.
- Meal Options: You can choose between full board (all meals included) or half board (breakfast and lunch or dinner), depending on your preference.
- Catering is arranged in advance and costs between 40-80 Euros per person per day. Many captains give you a night or two per week to dine ashore and give the crew a night off.
- Wine tasting and selection is an option. Some yacht owners offer various alcohol packages.
4. Booking and Costs:
- Booking in Advance: It’s advisable to book well in advance, especially for the peak summer months (June to September).
- Cost Considerations: Prices vary based on the size of the gulet, the level of luxury, and the season. It's essential to understand what is included in the price, such as meals, drinks, fuel, port fees, airport transfers and gratuities.
5. Activities and Excursions:
- Water Sports: Many gulets offer equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Most gulets include a range of free water toys. In Bodrum you may rent equipment too.
- Cultural Visits: Plan visits to historical sites, local villages, and markets to immerse yourself in Turkish culture. Most operators will arrange shore trips that require vans or small busses. Such trips may include Didyma, Miletus, Ephesus, Dalyan River and so forth.
6. Tips for a Great Gulet Experience
- Communicate Preferences: Share your preferences and interests with the Tropical Sails Corp to tailor the experience to your liking.
- Pack Wisely: Bring comfortable clothing, swimwear, sun protection, and any personal items you may need.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions when visiting coastal towns and villages.
By considering these factors, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience while chartering a Turkish gulet. If you have specific questions or need recommendations, feel free to ask!