Turkey Luxury Yacht Charter Guide

Yacht charter rates in Turkey vary based on several factors, including the yacht’s type, size, build year, onboard amenities, and guest capacity. Weekly base rates for crewed luxury motor yachts typically begin around €25,000 and can exceed €350,000 for the largest superyachts. Traditional gulets, which are iconic to the Turkish coast, offer a broad price range.

Seasonality plays an important role in pricing. July and August are considered high season across the Turkish Riviera, particularly in well-known cruising areas such as Bodrum, Göcek, and Fethiye. May, June, September, and early October fall into the shoulder season, when rates are lower and the cruising conditions are often more relaxed.

In addition to the base rate, guests should budget for an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), typically calculated at 25–40% of the charter fee. This allowance covers expenses such as fuel, food and beverage provisioning, berthing, and other incidentals. At the end of the charter, the Captain will provide a full expense breakdown and any unused balance is refunded to the charterer.

A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 18% is applied to charters that embark in Turkey. In some cases, itineraries that extend into international waters or begin outside Turkish territory may qualify for adjusted tax treatment.

Gratuity is not included in the base rate but is customary. Most charter guests choose to offer between 10% and 20% of the base charter fee, depending on the level of service received.

To explore current availability and tailor your Turkish itinerary, IYC’s expert consultants would be happy to assist you.

Turkey is one of the most rewarding yacht charter destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, offering over 4,400 miles of coastline, a rich maritime heritage, and a cruising season that runs from late April through October. The most popular charter routes unfold along the Turquoise Coast, where pine-fringed bays, ancient ruins, and modern marinas create a dynamic blend of nature and culture. Itineraries typically begin in Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris, or Fethiye, all easily accessible via international airports and home to well-equipped marinas.

The Gulf of Gökova and the Gulf of Hisarönü are particularly favored for coastal cruising. Their calm conditions and low swell make them ideal for families or first-time charterers, with each anchorage offering a balance of natural beauty and historical intrigue. From the ruins of Knidos and Caunos to the artisan villages of Datça and Bozburun, the region reveals a steady rhythm of discovery. For guests seeking a livelier scene, Bodrum and Marmaris offer beach clubs, promenades, and waterfront dining.

Charters in Turkey focus primarily on the mainland coast, but with the right paperwork, itineraries can include nearby Greek islands such as Kos, Rhodes, and Symi. These cross-border routes provide additional variety while preserving the relaxed pace of coastal cruising. Turkish cuisine is another highlight, with many itineraries including stops at seaside taverns serving meze, grilled seafood, and regional wines.

For tailored itineraries and current yacht availability along Turkey’s southwest coast, IYC’s expert consultants would be happy to assist you.

Turkey offers a rich and diverse charter fleet that caters to every style of coastal cruising. Motor yachts are a favored choice for their speed, comfort, and range, making them ideal for exploring the Turkish Riviera’s scenic ports, including Bodrum, Göcek, and Marmaris. Whether you prefer the sleek profile of a sport yacht or the opulence of a full-displacement superyacht, these yachts provide a seamless balance of performance and luxury.

Turkey is also internationally recognized for its gulets, traditional wooden sailing yachts that blend classic craftsmanship with modern amenities. These yachts offer generous deck space, often with multiple alfresco lounges and ensuite cabins, making them an elegant option for guests seeking a cultural connection to the region’s maritime heritage.

Catamarans are another excellent choice, particularly for families or those looking for stable, shallow-draft cruising in protected coves. With wide beams, open layouts, and panoramic views, they create a relaxed atmosphere well suited to the quiet bays of the Aegean coast. Sailing yachts, meanwhile, appeal to guests drawn to the romance and rhythm of traditional sail, with routes shaped by the seasonal Meltemi winds.

Most yachts are fully crewed and designed to accommodate up to 12 guests, with configurations that range from ultra-private to highly social. Whether you're drawn to the power of a motor yacht, the charm of a gulet, or the versatility of a catamaran, Turkey’s charter fleet offers a tailored experience for every pace and preference.

The charter fee in Turkey includes the core components of your yachting experience: the yacht itself, full-time professional crew, insurance, and standard onboard equipment for navigation and guest use. However, the base fee does not cover variable operational costs.

Fuel consumption, food and beverages, marina fees, and local port taxes are paid through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). This allowance, typically 25–40% of the charter fee, is paid in advance and managed by the Captain throughout the itinerary. At the end of the charter, guests receive a full accounting, and any unused funds are returned.

Turkish VAT applies to all charters embarking in the country. The standard rate is 20%. In certain cases, a reduced rate or exemption may apply if the itinerary enters international waters or begins or ends outside of Turkey.

Crew gratuity is not part of the charter fee or APA. While not obligatory, a tip of 10–20% of the base fee is customary and reflects appreciation for excellent service.

Some yachts, particularly Turkish gulets, may offer full-board or half-board meal packages as an alternative to the APA. IYC charter agreements follow MYBA standards, providing clear terms and financial transparency.

The APA, or Advance Provisioning Allowance, is a key component of the yacht charter process. It is a fund paid in advance of your charter, typically equal to 25–40% of the base charter fee, and is used to cover all operational expenses incurred during your trip. This includes fuel, food and beverages, marina fees, port taxes, transfers, and any special arrangements made to tailor your experience.

The APA is held onboard and managed by the yacht’s Captain, who ensures all provisioning and logistics are carried out efficiently and in line with your preferences. Prior to boarding, guests complete a preference sheet, noting dietary requests, beverage selections, activity interests, and more, which guides how the APA is allocated. Every expenditure is documented, and at the end of the charter, a full accounting is provided. Any unspent funds are refunded, while any overages are settled directly with the client.

As an example: if your weekly charter fee is $100,000, an APA of approximately $25,000 to $40,000 would be requested in advance. These funds might be used for cruising fuel, provisioning of meals and drinks, berthing fees, and third-party services such as private transfers or curated onshore excursions.

This system allows for complete flexibility, ensuring that the charter experience can be adjusted in real time, whether you decide to cruise further than originally planned or make spontaneous arrangements along the way. APA funds must be received before embarkation, typically via bank transfer alongside the final balance payment.

In Turkey, the standard minimum charter duration is seven days, particularly for luxury gulets and crewed motor yachts operating under MYBA agreements. Weekly charters typically begin and end on Saturdays, aligning with marina scheduling at ports like Bodrum, Göcek, and Marmaris. Rates are quoted on a per-week basis, with most itineraries designed accordingly to make the most of Turkey’s Gulf cruising routes and coastal anchorages.

That said, shorter or extended charters may be considered depending on the yacht’s availability, season, and routing. In these cases, pricing is often calculated on a pro-rata basis using a six-day divisor, an industry-standard method that accounts for the yacht’s fixed operational costs. As with all luxury charters, final terms are determined on a case-by-case basis between the client and Central Agent.

Charters in Turkey generally follow Mediterranean timing norms, with embarkation at 12:00 pm on the first day and disembarkation at the same hour on the final day. This schedule allows crews to carry out thorough cleaning, technical checks, and provisioning between trips, ensuring smooth turnarounds and a high standard of onboard experience.

For tailored itinerary planning, yacht selection, and full cost transparency across the Turkish coast, IYC’s expert consultants would be happy to assist you.

Turkey offers a smooth and visa-free entry process for most yacht charter guests. EU citizens may enter for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, using either a passport or national ID card, depending on their country of origin. U.S., U.K., and Canadian passport holders are also permitted to enter without a visa for stays up to 90 days. All passports or ID cards must be valid for at least 150 days from arrival. Major airports, including Istanbul (IST) and Bodrum-Milas (BJV), ensure direct international access to key charter hubs along the Turquoise Coast.

The Turkish lira is the official currency, though euros and U.S. dollars are widely accepted in charter ports and marinas. English is spoken in major yachting destinations such as Bodrum, Göcek, and Marmaris, where infrastructure includes modern marinas, luxury provisioning, and access to private medical care.

There are no health-related travel restrictions in place. Hygiene standards remain high, though bottled water is advised.

Turkey enjoys a Mediterranean climate along its southwestern coast, making it a compelling choice for summer yacht charters. From mid-April through mid-October, weather conditions are largely sunny and dry, especially in the prime cruising hubs of Bodrum, Marmaris, and Göcek. During the peak summer months of July and August, daytime temperatures climb between 86°F and 95°F (30°C to 35°C), with sea temperatures reaching up to 82°F (28°C).

For many charterers, September is considered one of the best times to explore Turkey’s coast. The sea remains warm at around 77°F (25°C), while air temperatures ease slightly to between 75°F and 84°F (24°C to 29°C), creating a more comfortable and less crowded cruising environment. The Meltemi wind, common in the Aegean, can influence certain routes near Bodrum, but its impact is generally milder than in the central Cyclades.

Spring, from late April through early June, is another excellent window for chartering, with wildflower blooms, mild seas, and daytime highs ranging from 68°F to 79°F (20°C to 26°C). The season begins to wind down by late October, when rainfall increases and temperatures start to drop. Winter months are cooler and damp, with most yachts undergoing maintenance and charter activity significantly reduced.

Thanks to over 300 sunny days a year in regions like the Turquoise Coast, Turkey’s weather supports one of the longest and most rewarding charter seasons in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The currency used throughout Turkey is the Turkish lira (₺), which is the country’s official legal tender. Whether you're exploring Istanbul’s historic coastline, chartering along the Turquoise Coast, or cruising through the Dodecanese islands on a cross-border itinerary, all local transactions within Turkey are conducted in lira.

While most marinas, high-end restaurants, and charter-friendly ports accept major credit and debit cards, it’s advisable to carry some cash when venturing into smaller harbors, traditional markets, or family-run establishments, where card use may be limited. ATMs are widely available in urban centers and coastal towns, but in more remote bays or anchorage points, access can be sparse so it’s best to plan ahead, especially when provisioning or arranging shore excursions.

For yacht charters in Turkey, all APA (advance provisioning allowance) transactions, marina fees, fuel costs, and shore-based arrangements are typically priced in lira. That said, some larger marinas and international suppliers may quote in euros or U.S. dollars, particularly when dealing with charter clients. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and exchange bureaus, but withdrawing local cash via ATM generally provides more favorable rates.

Turkey operates on a 230V / 50Hz electrical system and uses Type C and Type F plug sockets, which are standard across much of continental Europe. Travelers from the U.S., U.K., Canada, or other non-EU countries will need a plug adapter. A voltage converter is only required for devices that do not support dual voltage. Most modern electronics, such as phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras, are dual voltage and require only an adapter.

For guests chartering a yacht in Turkey, electrical compatibility is generally straightforward. Luxury yachts are designed with international travelers in mind and are typically equipped with universal plug sockets, USB charging points, and onboard power inverters. When docked in Turkey’s well-serviced marinas, including Yalıkavak, Göcek, and Bodrum, yachts connect to stable shore power at 220 to 240 volts. When at anchor, onboard generators supply uninterrupted electricity to all guest areas.

A universal travel adapter with surge protection is recommended, especially when using sensitive equipment. Guests traveling with medical devices or other high-powered electronics should confirm compatibility in advance. IYC’s expert consultants can assist with yacht-specific configurations to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.

Turkey offers excellent mobile connectivity along its southern coastline, with 4.5G coverage widely available and 5G networks emerging in select urban and resort areas. Major providers such as Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, and Türk Telekom offer prepaid SIM and eSIM packages that are ideal for international travelers. Because Turkey is not part of the EU, roaming charges apply for most visitors, including those from the EU, U.K., and U.S., making local data packages a practical choice.

Most charter yachts operating in Turkish waters come equipped with onboard Wi-Fi powered by cellular routers. In popular yachting centers such as Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye, coverage is generally strong. That said, remote anchorages may experience variable signal quality. If seamless connectivity is essential, whether for work or entertainment, IYC can ensure your yacht is fitted with the appropriate systems.

Drone use in Turkey is permitted but regulated. Foreign visitors must apply for drone flight permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) if their device exceeds 500 grams or includes a camera. Permits are mandatory for all commercial flights and for recreational use in sensitive areas. Flying near military zones, over archaeological sites, or within airport flight paths is prohibited without express authorization. Turkey does not accept EU or U.S. drone registrations, so all approvals must be obtained locally.

Turkey is a safe and well-equipped destination for yacht charters, with modern medical services available in coastal hubs like Bodrum, Marmaris, and Gocek. Emergency support is streamlined via the national 112 hotline, which connects to all services and typically includes English-speaking operators in tourist areas. Pharmacies (eczane) are widespread and well stocked, with duty pharmacies available after hours and staff often able to assist in English.

UV levels are high during the summer months, particularly from June to September, when temperatures regularly exceed 86°F (30°C). Sun protection, shade, and hydration are essential for extended time on deck. Sea temperatures range from 75°F to 81°F (24–27°C), offering excellent conditions for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Turkey’s sheltered bays and calm waters make swimming directly from the yacht both safe and enjoyable.

Food hygiene standards are high, and yacht chefs are skilled at preparing Mediterranean menus tailored to dietary needs, including halal, gluten-free, and allergy-aware options. No special dietary precautions are necessary, and no vaccinations are required for entry, though hepatitis A and tetanus are recommended.

While Covid protocols have relaxed, crews continue to observe hygiene best practices. Mosquito repellent is advisable in summer, especially near marshy anchorages.