Turkey’s traditional, wooden sea-going vessel, the gulet, was originally used for fishing and sponge-diving.

Gulets of our time blend in style modern-day practicality and old days’ traditional look. They are typical sailing boats, featuring one, two or three masts with sails although you can expect them to motor-cruise most of the time, at a leisurely speed of 8-10 knots. Given the fact that these boats became very popular amongst the enthusiasts of “Blue Cruise” for private or shared charters, new adaptations in design have been made to make them more comfortable for living aboard (but undoubtedly, they are now less suitable for sailing) They have evolved from traditional fishing and cargo vessels into their present profile of broad beam and wide deck. The roomy decks are ideal for lounging, dining and sunbathing. Today’s gulets offer superior seagoing qualities and a unique opportunity to explore the hidden harbors of Turkey.

They differ in size, standard and passenger capacity. The number of passengers a gulet carries depends on the boat’s size. There exist gulets in the market from 2 cabins up to 12 cabins, each with double occupancy. These are wide and stable vessels offering passengers separate accommodations, and chartering one includes services and entertainment.

Another specific feature of the gulets is that they are completely hand-made. Mainly built of pine, teak, chestnut, mahogany timber, gulets are mostly constructed in the shipyards of southwestern coastal towns of Turkey like Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris and Fethiye.

A “blue cruise” or “blue voyage” is simply the name given to gulet cruises in Turkey.

This blue cruise or blue voyage is done onboard a “gulet”, a special type of wooden vessel chartered to cruise along the southwestern coastline of Turkey, also referred to as “Turquoise Coast”.

Turquoise Coast is very popular with the beauty of its numerous hidden bays, pine forests, little coves and gulfs with small islands.

Here we talk about typically weekly trips to overnight, stay on board the gulets and mostly, the programs are designed in a way to explore the secluded and often deserted bays and coves of the coastline. Gulets stop at beautiful bays and let people explore the gulfs along the stretch of coast from Bodrum to Antalya.

If we are looking at a charter out of Bodrum, the most popular of all programs is Bodrum-Gokova-Bodrum itinerary, Gokova being the closest gulf to Bodrum with the presence of so many hidden bays with pine forests everywhere. For sure, further south you go, there are many other gulfs to discover. The idea here is to explore the coastline and enjoy the cruise itself and nature’s beauty. The small harbors, settlements, coastal towns offer a genuine and sincere view of coastal life and discovering the ancient ruins nearby adds more fun to the trip.

Despite the fact that Bodrum is where the whole idea of blue cruising started, all the other towns lining the turquoise coast like Fethiye, Finike, Marmaris, Gocek, Ekincik, Bozburun are now as reputed as Bodrum, meaning there are charters available from these places as well.

A blue voyage definitely supports and encourages an intimate atmosphere of sharing and companionship due to the closeness of the entourage on board and passengers together with the crew share a calm, relaxed and casual environment.

These traditional wooden vessels were once used by fishermen of the coastal towns. Craftsmen, primarily of Bodrum, have modified these vessels and adapted them for luxury motor-sailing. Losing nothing from their original beauty and elegance, gulets were redesigned to fit today’s contemporary expectations and needs.

Thanks to the famous “Fisherman of Halicarnassus” Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli, – a writer who had been exiled to Bodrum in 1925 and his close friends, a group of famous writers and scientists like Azra Erhat, Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu, gulets regained importance in 1960’s. Cevat Sakir was simply amazed by the beauty of the area and the simplicity of life style he witnessed in Bodrum.

He and his friends were the ones to first discover the great pleasure of blue cruising along the shores of southwestern Turkey. Their experiences during the cruise introduced to the world the “gulets” and the concept of “Blue Voyaging”. The relaxing life style on board, the incomparable beauties of nature turned their blue cruise experience into a philosophic activity and inspired today’s charter trips.

If you feel like experiencing life at sea for a few days and want to explore the coast by boat, then gulet cruising in Turkey is real fun and would offer you great value for what you would pay.

This idyllic cruise is about exploring many beautiful bays along the coastline. Doing short hikes, exploring interesting ancient ruins along the way is the bonus. The trip itself offers great opportunities for relaxing, feeling nature, contemplating the stars and the Milky Way at night, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking etc. Fishing tackle and nets are available on board. You may also choose to join daily excursions at additional cost both on cabin and private charters. An enriching cultural exchange with the hospitable people of the places visited also adds more joy to the overall experience.

Some gulets have a few kayaks and kayaking can be a fun activity while onboard. Gulets may also have a supply of snorkels, masks, flippers for passenger use although there may not be enough for all travelers to use at the same time. On cabin charters, you may choose to bring your own snorkeling equipment with you and on private charters, if particularly requested, we may be pleased to provide.

Following your first “Blue Cruise” in Turkey, the pleasure of the journey, the fun involved will tempt you to return, for another trip, or more, to explore another stretch of the beautiful “Turquoise Coast”.

You may simply decide to only book a cabin onboard a gulet where there would be other travelers like yourselves from different nationalities and ages. This is called cabin charter. This is ideal for singles, couples, friends who enjoy socializing with other people.

Alternatively, you may choose to charter a gulet privately, with family, friends. This is called private gulet charter. The private gulet charter can be hourly, daily, short weekly or weekly (even chartering for more days is possible) Ideal for people who value their privacy and prioritize their own expectations.

The blue cruising on board a gulet is done along the southwestern coasts of Turkey, also named “Turquoise Coast”. The numerous hidden bays and scenic gulfs are scattered all over the beautiful coastline and decorate the shores. Actually, the town of Bodrum is where the idea of blue cruising started but all the other resort towns along the shore, Fethiye, Finike, Marmaris, Gocek, Ekincik, Bozburun are now as popular as Bodrum. Mainly blue cruising in Turkey covers the southern Aegean and western Mediterranean coastline. Hubs to start/finish a gulet cruise are Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Gocek, Kas, Antalya.

If the gulet is privately chartered, the travelers would have the flexibility of deciding on where to start and end their trip. The itinerary to be followed within that route, the possible bays of anchorage would be decided by the captain dependent on the weather, sea, wind conditions, prioritizing the safety and security of the cruise but also taking into consideration the preferences of the travelers.

Yes. On cabin charters, there are fixed programs to follow so travelers joining cabin charter have to start and end the cruise in the ports of the itinerary they book. They have to follow the fixed itinerary which generally starts and ends on Saturdays.

Modern gulets are sufficiently comfortable. These boats are designed in a way to fulfill the expectations of people in terms of daily life onboard. They are equipped with cabins, shower, WC, mainly air-condition (some gulets and the ones being used for cabin charters do not offer air-conditioning), living room, deck, sun terrace, therefore bring you the amenities of home. The presence of engine and sail power enable motor-cruising and sailing at times. As they are heavily built, sail power can only be used when weather and sea conditions are convenient. They offer you an environment in which you are expected to do nothing but simply, relax and enjoy yourself.

Looking at gulets from outside, they still reflect their traditional design (of the earlier transportation and fishery times) On the other hand, the contemporary designed boats, the ones built in our times, nowadays have expanded areas. They are more spacious, fitted out with modern accessories and equipment in navigation.

Gulets in the market may have a minimum of 2 cabins and they go up to 12 cabined ones or more, although the easiest-to-find gulets would be the 6 and 8 cabined ones. The cabins are cozy but basic, with ensuite toilet and shower facilities. Not all gulets have air-condition. The ones that may have mostly come up with cabin-controlled air conditioning. (The gulets used for cabin charters do not have air-conditioning) Shampoo and soap may be provided in cabins, but are not guaranteed to be available on all gulets. We recommend you to bring your own shampoo and soap for showering. On some gulets, a few hairdryers may be available but if you definitely require a hairdryer, please make sure to bring your own. There is no laundry service on board the gulets.

You can store your clothing and other personal items in the several drawers of your cabin. Aside from the drawers, there is very little storage in cabins. You would need casual clothes, shorts, towels, your swimwear and they are all easy to store items. There is no storage for baggage outside of cabins. It would be a practical idea to bring a soft-sided suitcase, collapsible duffel with wheels or something that can be emptied and made flat. This would definitely facilitate easier storage on the gulets.

On cabin charters, no wifi is available. On private charters, it depends on the boat you would like to charter. If you inform us about your technological requirements in advance, we can search for you the right boat or provide you with internet onboard. All gulets would have a radio used by the captain to communicate with neighboring vessels and in case of emergency.

Power on board the gulet is 220 volts/50 cycles, with European style outlets that accommodate a round, 2-prong plug. It is important to make sure you check the specifications of your device before your arrival onboard and to bring the necessary accessories. There will be electricity in cabins when the engines are running or the generator is turned on. One other important information is that gulets are legally required to turn the generators off during the night due to environmental reasons.

Smoking is not permitted at any area inside the gulets including the cabins. You can smoke only outside on deck, in designated areas. Please make sure to use appropriate ashtrays for cigarette butts and used matches. It is prohibited to throw cigarettes or cigars over the side of the ship. With wind, these may blow back onto the ship and cause a fire.

Shoe Policy: It is not allowed to wear shoes on board, except for sandals on outside decks. No pointed heels are allowed on deck. Bare feet or socks only are allowed below deck on the gulets as a safety measure to keep dirt and water, which can be slippery, out of the interior of the gulet. There is typically a box or area on deck where sandals/shoes can be stored.

Gulet cruise costs vary significantly depending on several factors. Are you interested in a private charter for your group, or a cabin charter where you share the gulet with others? The time of year, duration of the cruise, size and type of gulet, and number of guests all play a role in determining the final price.  

Many people mistakenly believe gulet cruises are only for the wealthy. This isn’t necessarily true! It’s worth exploring the options before assuming it’s beyond your budget.

Cabin charters offer fixed itineraries and prices, often starting around €750 per person for a week-long cruise in a double cabin in low season. Private charters, on the other hand, are completely customizable, and pricing is tailored to your specific requirements. Provide us with your details, and we’ll be happy to create a personalized quote for your dream gulet cruise.

If you are considering private charter, no matter motor yacht or gulet, booking in advance, in the months of spring, lets you secure your boat with a down payment as the peak season (July/August) gets fully booked very easily. On cabin charter programs on gulets, early bookings a few months before also help if you are eager to choose your itinerary and boat because very last-minute bookings may not allow you to purchase the boat you are after. It might be already fully booked. Then you might need to stick to what is left.

That said, we do not claim you cannot book last minute. For sure, it is possible but then, you will have to accept going with the options available in time of your booking.

We recommend you to be clear about your expectations, especially on private charters, please provide information as to your preferences. This will help us in providing you with the most accurate product. Either chartering a motor yacht or a gulet, you can contact us by filling out our form on our website or call us to give us the most important information like your dates, the area you plan to cruise, the length of stay onboard (whether it is a daily or short-weekly or weekly charter), the number of travelers to join the trip and we will get back to you in the shortest time possible with the right boat for your expectations and needs. On cabin charters, there are fixed routes and dates of departure and we would share them with you if you are to go for cabin charter.

If your choice would be chartering a motor yacht, charter fee generally does not include the fuel. Fuel is to be added on top of the charter price, dependent on consumption. On daily trips, price would generally include meals.

Supplies (food & drinks, sanitary products, water, ice) are not included in the charter fee. Once you decide to charter the boat privately, we request your specific preferences for food along with any dietary requirements or limitations. The gulet crew will do their best to accommodate special dietary requests, this is why we must be notified in advance, prior to the start of the trip, in writing.

The meals served onboard will be good samples of Turkish cuisine and will definitely be among the freshest often including fresh seafood too. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on deck.

For full board supplement on board, after we hear back from you in response to your preferences for food, we may submit you a sample menu and provide you with a per person/per day supplement price (for food).

Only drinking water / tea / coffee would be included in that per person/per day supplement) Any drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, soft drinks, hard alcohol) would be at extra cost and if requested a daily / per person drinks package price can be provided.

Provisioning would be done by us taking into consideration your particular food preferences and/or allergies.

On cabin charters, food is already included in the weekly per person price to be paid by the traveler.