Turkey Yacht Charter
A Mediterranean paradise where ancient tombs, secret coves, towering cliffs and sandy beaches await your discovery.
Spectacular Yachting Holidays in Turkey
You’re anchored in a pine-scented bay where ancient Lycian rock tombs watch over crystal-clear water so turquoise it seems photoshopped.
Traditional wooden gulet yachts glides past while you sip Turkish tea and contemplate whether to explore underwater ruins, hike to a ghost village, or simply surrender to the afternoon breeze.
A private yacht charter along the Turkish Riviera deliver this intoxicating blend of ancient civilizations, dramatic landscapes, and authentic eastern Mediterranean hospitality.
There's a huge variety of yachts available in Turkey (Türkiye), catering to every taste, from sailing yacht to motor yacht to luxury gulet charter (also known as a blue cruise). The Anchor team have sailed these waters extensively, and know how to find the idela boat to explore the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey is good for:
Fresh fish and traditional Turkish food
Ancient Lycian tombs and ruins
Traditional Turkish Gulets
Beautiful anchorages and clear waters
Turkish delight
Bazaars & Markets
Start planning your Turkey Charter
The reliable meltemi winds that sweep the Aegean Sea are ideal for the experienced sailor, creating perfect conditions for proper passage-making along the Lycian coast.
Newcomers discover that traditional gulets offer floating luxury, with professional crews who navigate while guests feast on meze and local wines. Turkey rewards both approaches with equal generosity.
The Turkish coast can be split into three regions, each with distinct personalities.
Bodrum sparkles with sophisticated marinas and legendary nightlife.
Marmaris combines natural harbor beauty with bustling bazaars and gulet culture.
Fethiye and Göcek reveal the famous Turquoise Coast in all its pine-forested, tomb-studded glory.
Each region tells different stories—Byzantine churches, Greek theaters, Roman temples, Ottoman villages—while modern Turkish cuisine and hospitality create experiences that satisfy every sense.
The Anchor team are all experts in Turkey yacht charters, and your personal broker will listen to your wants and needs before picking the perfect yacht to suit your group.
Find yachts to charter in Turkey
Knowledge hub
See & do
Check the following attractions before going to Turkey
Akvaryum Koyu
Fethiye Market
Cleopatra's Baths
Ancient City of Ephesus
Amyntas Rock Tombs
Bodrum Castle
Where to charter in Turkey?
When to visit Turkey?
We love Turkey, in part because of how long the season lasts - it's pleasant right from early April through until November. It gets very hot in the peak summer months, so you'll want a boat with Air Conditioning if you're going in July or August.
Peak Season (July-August): Not for the faint-hearted. Turkish summer delivers temperatures consistently in the mid-30s°C (c.95°F) or hotter, and the meltemi winds are at full strength. Water temperatures reach 27°C, perfect for extended swimming and diving. Expect full services, vibrant nightlife, and the complete spectacle of Turkish coastal culture.
Shoulder Seasons (May-June, September-October): These are Turkey’s optimal charter periods. September stands out particularly, with warm sea temperatures, reliable winds without the summer ferocity, and settled weather (averages around 85°F).
Early Season (April-May): Spring sailing reveals Turkey at its most authentic, with wildflowers covering hillsides, local festivals celebrating harvests, and archaeological sites empty of tour groups. Water temperatures start cool, but sailing conditions are often perfect, with gentle winds building through the day.
Extended Season (October-November): The long tail of Turkey’s sailing season extends well into autumn, with surprisingly stable conditions. October offers warm water, moderate winds, and the bonus of harvest season cuisine. This is when local olive oils, pomegranates, and wines reach their annual peak.
Popular yacht for charter in Turkey
The Gulf of Fethiye (Gocek or Fethiye)
The Gulf of Fethiye defines Turkish yacht chartering at its most spectacular. This protected gulf combines everything that makes Turkey legendary—Lycian tombs carved into cliff faces, pine-forested bays with impossibly clear water, and enough sheltered anchorages to fill multiple week-long charters.
Key Destinations:
Göcek: Six modern marinas, sophisticated dining, perfect provisioning base
Ölüdeniz: Famous Blue Lagoon, paragliding from 1,650m Babadağ Mountain
Butterfly Valley: Dramatic canyon accessible only by sea, seasonal waterfalls
Gemiler Island: Byzantine ruins and churches, stunning sunset anchorages
Kayaköy: Abandoned Greek village, haunting Ottoman-era architecture
Archaeological Treasures:
Telmessos (Fethiye): Lycian rock tombs overlooking the harbor
Letoon: UNESCO World Heritage sanctuary ruins
Tlos: Ancient Lycian city with Roman theater and Ottoman fortress
Kaunos: Rock tombs visible from sea, ancient city ruins
Sailing Conditions: Protected waters perfect for all experience levels. Thermal afternoon breezes build to 10-15 knots, creating excellent sailing without challenging conditions. Pine-forested bays provide multiple anchoring options, with most offering restaurant jetties for complimentary mooring.
Charter Bases:
Göcek: Multiple marinas including Club Marina, Exclusive Escapes
Fethiye: Ece Marina, convenient to town center and markets
- Fly to: Dalaman Airport – 30 minutes from Gocek and 50 from Fethiye
- Best for: All experience levels, archaeological enthusiasts, families, scenic beauty
- Sailing: Protected waters, reliable winds, line-of-sight navigation, numerous safe anchorages
- Highlights: Lycian tombs, Butterfly Valley, Blue Lagoon, authentic Turkish villages, pine-forested bays
Marmaris and Bozburun Peninsula
Leave behind the bustle of Marmaris and sail towards the serenity of the Bozburun Peninsula.
Enjoy serene anchorages, authentic restaurants, numerous historical sites and the live music that emanates from Datca's amphitheatre throughout the summer. For a contrast of culture visit the picturesque Greek island of Symi where pastel Venetian houses surround a pretty harbour.
Marmaris functions as Turkey’s gulet capital—a natural harbor surrounded by pine-covered mountains where traditional wooden boats have been built for generations.
This region combines bustling marina culture with the serene Bozburun Peninsula, offering both sophistication and authentic Turkish fishing village life.
Key Destinations:
Marmaris: Massive natural harbor, vibrant bazaar, castle overlooking bay
Datça Peninsula: Unspoiled fishing villages, ancient Knidos ruins at the tip
Bozburun: Traditional boatbuilding village, authentic Turkish culture
Selimiye: Quiet fishing village with excellent local restaurants
Symi (Greece): Greek island day trip, Venetian architecture, colorful harbor
Cultural Experiences:
Marmaris Bazaar: Traditional Turkish market for provisioning and souvenirs
Castle of Marmaris: Ottoman fortress with museum and harbor views
Boatbuilding yards: Traditional gulet construction in Bozburun
Knidos: Ancient Greek city at Datça’s western tip, stunning location
Sailing Conditions: More challenging than Fethiye due to afternoon meltemi winds reaching force 5-7, particularly in summer. The Bozburun Peninsula offers protection, while crossing to Greek islands requires experience and proper weather planning.
Gulet Culture: Marmaris represents the heart of traditional Turkish gulet chartering. These magnificent wooden motor-sailers combine the comfort of motor yachts with traditional sailing capability, typically crewed with captain, chef, and deck hands providing full hospitality service.
- Fly to: Dalaman Airport – 90 minute transfer, or Bodrum Airport (2 hours)
- Best for: Gulet enthusiasts, experienced sailors, Greek island hopping, authentic Turkish culture
- Sailing: Moderate to challenging winds, beautiful natural harbors, cross-border sailing opportunities
- Highlights: Traditional gulets, Datça Peninsula, Greek island access, boatbuilding culture, vibrant bazaars
Bodrum Peninsula - The St. Tropez of Turkey
A Bodrum yacht charter combines ancient history with modern sophistication. The Castle of St. Peter dominates a harbor filled with luxury yachts, while hillside villages offer authentic Turkish culture minutes from glitzy marina developments.
This peninsula provides Turkey’s most cosmopolitan yacht charter base, and is known as the Turkish riviera.
Sailing Destinations:####
Gulf of Gökova: Protected sailing, pristine bays, ancient city ruins
Sedir Island: Cleopatra Beach legend, well-preserved ancient theater
Kos (Greece): Greek island easily accessible
Seven Islands: Yacht Inlet and surrounding protected anchorages
Archaeological Highlights:####
Bodrum Castle: Knights Hospitaller fortress, underwater archaeology museum
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus: One of Seven Ancient Wonders site
Ancient theaters: Multiple Greco-Roman ruins throughout peninsula
Underwater ruins: Submerged ancient city sections for diving
Sailing Conditions: Excellent for all levels in the protected Gulf of Gökova. Open waters between Bodrum and Greek islands can be challenging with meltemi winds, requiring experience and weather awareness.
- Fly to: Milas Bodrum Airport
- Best for: Luxury seekers, nightlife enthusiasts, Greek island hopping, archaeological interest
- Sailing: Protected gulf sailing, challenging open passages, excellent marina facilities
- Highlights: Castle of St. Peter, sophisticated marinas, Greek island access, vibrant nightlife, ancient wonders
Turkish Sailing Conditions and Weather Patterns
There are three dominant winds that blow along Turkey's Aegean Sea coastline, as well as localised thermal breezes.
Meltemi (North-Northwest): Dominant summer wind, reaching force 4-6 (15-30 knots), most consistent July-August. Provides excellent sailing conditions for experienced crews, but can challenge novices in open waters. Typically builds mid-morning, peaks afternoon, moderates in the evening.
Poyraz (Northeast): Spring and autumn wind, generally gentle to moderate (10-18 knots). Creates excellent sailing conditions with less intensity than summer meltemi.
Lodos (Southwest): Occasional warm wind bringing humidity and sometimes thunderstorms. More common in spring and autumn, requires weather awareness and flexible planning.
Thermal Breezes: Reliable afternoon winds in protected gulfs, typically 8-15 knots. Generated by land-sea temperature differences, perfect for relaxed family sailing.
Regional Variations:
Fethiye/Göcek: Most protected, gentle thermal patterns, ideal for all levels
Marmaris: Stronger meltemi exposure, more challenging open water conditions
Bodrum: Variable conditions, protected gulf sailing or challenging open passages
Antalya: Generally gentler winds, more influenced by local thermal patterns
Need some help?
If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at Anchor to help you decide.
We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.
