Yachting Holidays in Turkey

Why Choose a Yachting Tour in Turkey?

There are many reasons to choose a yachting holiday in Turkey.

Amazing yachting destinations

To begin with, the country’s seashore is full of surprises - from ancient ruins to hidden lagoons. Prominent yachting routes in Turkey include Marmaris to Fethiye, Bodrum to Göcek (north of Fethiye), and the Gulf of Gökova. Cleopatra’s Island is a peaceful bay, while harbours in Kaş and Kalkan bustle with nightlife energy. Some itineraries even include visits to proximate Greek islands, such as Meis or Kastellorizo (officially Megísti), depending on a particular charter. And, certainly, there are secluded options far from civilisation, such as the Island of Tersane (Tersane Adası), Kumlubük Bay, and Sarsala Bay.

While most charters focus on the Aegean and Mediterranean, some itineraries venture toward the Eastern Black Sea, making Turkey an ideal extension to broader regional journeys – including overland trips to Georgia, a neighbouring country rich in culture and mountain scenery.

Best yachting conditions

Another reason is the extensive yachting season that runs from April to October, thanks to Turkey’s mild Mediterranean climate. As a result, the best yacht holiday in Turkey is granted to those who love getting on the water. Peak season, July to August, affords the warmest weather and liveliest vibe. Experienced charterers looking to save money should consider periods between April and May and September to October – the sea is still warm for swimming, and there are fewer tourists.

For those visiting in late October, the 36th Marmaris International Race Week (MIRW) from October 25 to 31, 2025, offers a thrilling chance to participate or witness one of the most exciting sailing events in Turkey. Open to both charters and private yacht owners, the regatta brings together international crews for a week of competition, celebration, and Mediterranean camaraderie.

Cultural and culinary richness

Additionally, many Turkish marinas are located near captivating UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient markets, maritime museums, quaint fishing villages, Ottoman forts, and traditional hammams. For example, yachts up to 90 meters are served at Setur Antalya Marina. It combines modern amenities and is conveniently located near the ancient city of Perga (Perge). Similarly, Milta Bodrum Marina is an excellent base for sailors to explore Ephesus (Efes). Fethiye Marina often serves as a starting point for learning about the Lycian history of the region and visiting the UNESCO-recognised cities of Xanthos (Ksantos) and Letoon. And, of course, the Turkish cuisine – you can sample mezes, seafood, and more aboard.

Turkey’s role in the maritime Silk Road

Modern-day Turkey played a pivotal role in the Maritime Silk Road. Its southern, western, and norther coasts served as principal points between East and West. Ancient ports like Antalya (Attaleia), Alanya (Coracesium), and Phaselis welcomed goods from the Red Sea and Levant, while Bodrum (Halicarnassus) and Izmir (Smyrna) linked maritime trade to inland routes and onward to Europe. Further north, Istanbul (Constantinople) and Trabzon (Trebizond) connected the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, acting as vital hubs where seaborne trade met the overland Silk Road. Today, sailing these same waters showcases the region’s history as cultural and commercial crossroads.

Growing yachting infrastructure

Finally, Turkey continues to add new marinas and berthing facilities. According to the International Boat Industry (IBI) business magazine, the newest addition in the Mediterranean, the Gazipaşa Gold Marina, was opened in January 2025 and currently hosts around 40 boats.

Yachting infrastructure strives on Turkey’s Black Sea coast. The Sinop Marina, and the port of Gerze in Sinop Province provide some anchorage options and basic amenities. İnebolu Marina is primarily a shipyard, servicing repair and maintenance for various vessels.

What is a Gulet Holiday in Turkey, and Why Is It Popular?

A gulet is a traditional handcrafted wooden sailing yacht that has become a signature for Turkey gulet holidays, prized for its spacious designs and smooth sailing. Common especially for group getaways and cruises for families, these boats, stretching between 15 and 25 meters (50-82 feet) in length, with rounded sterns, graceful lines, and low, water-skimming profiles, are ideal for calm coastal cruising.

This transformation of a regional fishing vessel into the sleek sailing yacht is credited to Erol Ağan, a yacht builder of Bodrum, who, in the 1970s, redefined maritime tourism at his İçmeler-based yard. His legacy lives on in Bodrum, often hailed as the gulet capital of Turkey, where two annual regattas – The Bodrum Cup and The Tırhandil Cup – honour the gulet community’s enduring love. From discerning between gulet and catamaran tours to arranging an affordable gulet cruise itinerary in Turkey, this authentic vessel remains a favourite for sea lovers.

Types of Yacht Charters in Turkey

Types of yacht charters in Turkey include motor yachts, sail yachts, catamarans, gulets, and more. According to Yacht Style magazine’s August 2024 article “Turkey: A Quiet Achiever”, there are 16,000 registered private vessels in Turkey, proving the nation’s yachting industry is growing.

Those new to a life at sea can opt for a relaxing skippered charter with a family or group of friends in Turkey. Savvy sailors, on the other hand, can bareboat charter (rent a boat without a captain and crew). Affluent adventurers can hire a crewed luxury yacht where top-tier service, gourmet meals, and five-star amenities come standard.

The Turkish gulet charters are particularly appealing and renowned for their spacious decks, traditional craftsmanship, and flexibility. These charters are in high demand for regional itineraries that combine Turkey and the nearby Greek islands.

Sea enthusiasts can try a dinghy charter and flotilla yachting in Turkey. One of the best flotilla sailing holidays can be spent in the Gulf of Fethiye (Fethiye Körfezi).

Popular Marinas and Moorings in Turkey

While exploring yachting holidays in Turkey, yacht owners will find plenty of marinas with moorings catering to a wide range of towering superyachts. However, mooring fees in Turkey have surged significantly, with average annual costs now reaching 80,000 Turkish Liras (approx. $2,066/€1,836/£1,553) – a threefold increase over the past years, according to the Yacht and Boat Industry Association (YATED). Despite rising prices, demand remains high, and many docks are currently operating at full capacity.

Here are some of the country’s most notable and equipped marinas:

1. Atakoy Marina is a Blue Flag luxury marina close to Istanbul’s centre on the Marmara Sea, which can accommodate mega yachts up to 100 metres.
2. Çeşme Marina is another Blue Flag marina offering all the necessary amenities, capable of accommodating 60-metre yachts and boasting a berth capacity for 400 vessels.
3. D-Marin Didim is another superb shipyard that provides moorings for prestigious superyachts ranging from 30 to 90 metres.
4. D-Marin Göcek welcomes up to 85-metre yachts in the National Park of Göcek Gulf with a blue-flagged beach.
5. D-Marin Turgutreis, 20 km from Bodrum, boasts mooring facilities for 550 yachts of 75 metres.
6. Ece Saray Marina in Fethiye caters to a mooring infrastructure for superyachts along its harbour.
7. Gökova Ören Marina is situated in the Gulf of Gökova, described by some sailors as the most picturesque coast of the Mediterranean, an oasis for yachts over 30 metres long.
8. Kaş Marina in the small town of Kaş has four types of moorings and renders berths for up to 150-metre gigayachts.
9. Marmaris Yacht Marina is the largest marina in Turkey, with a capacity of 750 boats at sea and 1000 boats on land.
10. Yalıkavak Marina, the 2022-2023 World’s Best Superyacht Marina, has 620 berths for yachts up to 140 metres.
11. Setur Antalya Marina is very close to Antalya city. It has around 235 berths for yachts up to 90 metres.

Three of these marinas - Didim, Göcek, and Turgutreis – won five awards at the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards 2024 in the year's Outstanding Marina, Customer Experience, and Sustainability categories – reinforcing Turkey’s status as a premier yachting destination.

The Most Beautiful Anchorages in Turkey

When finding a place at the marina becomes almost impossible, stopping at the anchor is always the best choice. Some of the best anchorages in Turkey lie between Göcek and the small Island of Kekova, the soul of the Turkish Riviera, where the shoreline unfolds sheltered coves, ancient ruins, and turquoise bays.

Sailing in Turkey along this route is an invitation to appreciate nature and history, from the pine-fringed serenity of Tasyaka Cove (Bedri Rahmi Bay) to the mythic charm of Cleopatra Cove (Kleopatra Koyu). The 350-meter cliffs of Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) rise dramatically from the sea, while the sunken ruins of seaside village Simena near Kekova display a breath-taking anchorage beneath the stars. This scenic stretch of the coast is the heart of a luxury yachting holiday in Turkey.

For those planning their voyage, this anchorage in Turkey map is a handy visual guide to the enchanting anchorage spots and a glimpse into Turkey's best yachting.

How Much Does a Yachting Holiday Cost in Turkey?

The cost of a yachting holiday in Turkey varies significantly based on the vessel type, season, and inclusions such as fuel, food, and crew. Based on listings from top charter platforms like Nautal and Viravira, the average daily rate for a standard motor yacht (6-8 people, skippered) ranges from $850/€765/£643 to $2,500/€2,2252/£1,893, with low-season starting as low as $373/€336/£282 and high-season peaks reaching $4,100/€3,693/£3,104. Typically crewed and more inclusive gulets, fluctuate between $1,100/€990/£832 and $2,500/€2,252/£1,892, per day, depending on the size and amenities. Catamarans usually cost around $1,400/€1,261/£1,059 per day, with minimal variation between seasons.

While some charters include essentials like a captain, fuel, snorkelling gear, safety equipment, basic amenities on board, and light refreshments, extras such as alcoholic beverages, harbour taxes, and transfers are often excluded. Overall, the average cost of a small yacht charter in Turkey hovers around $1,600/€1,441/£1,211 per day, though superyacht charters can exceed $30,000/€27,023/£22,714 per week.

Tips for Planning Your Yachting Holiday in Advance

Planning a route is key to ensuring a pleasant sailing vacation in Turkey. Here are a few important questions to consider before you start arranging your sailing trip.

• Preferred itinerary: Are you looking for off-the-beaten destinations or well-known tourist attractions?
• Sailing season: When are you planning to sail? The peak season falls in July and August, translating into higher costs and larger crowds. You may opt for the shoulder months of May, June, September, and October to enjoy a more relaxing trip.
• Sailing duration: Are you going to sail for one week, one month, or more?
• Crew expertise and boat licensing: Is your crew skilled? Make sure to check out the boat license. Captains of all private pleasure boats in Turkey are required to have the Certificate of Competence, either the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC).
• Sailing conditions: Examine the meteorological conditions of a specific region in Turkey you are planning to cross in the Mediterranean and Aegean waters.
• Choose your boat: Are you sailing with a family or a group of friends? If so, catamarans are often a favoured choice. Motor yachts suit those who prefer a fast cruise and luxury while sailing yachts guarantee a peaceful sea journey along with top-tier services.
• Make a budget: Include a yacht charter fee, fuel and mooring fees, expenses for food, beverages, and other items on your yacht, and travel insurance to cover any emergency.
• Book a yacht tour ahead in Turkey: Booking a yacht in advance is highly recommended, especially for high seasons, to secure the best vessels, routes, and rates.
• Water toys and amenities: Hiring a yacht that has e-foils, floating pools, inflatable slides, and a towed tender can significantly enhance your experience.

Safety and Regulations for Yachting in Turkey

If you own a yacht or plan to rent one, there are several important seafaring rules to follow to sail Turkish waters.

• Transit Log (Yacht Registration Form) - the Turkish Cruising Permit: Foreign yachts entering Turkish waters must purchase a Transit Log at the Harbour Masters, a cruising permit valid for up to one year.
• Proper documentation: The crew must present valid passports with visas, boat registration, and skipper’s license to acquire a Transit Log.
• Customs and Immigration: Passport control and vessel declaration must be done at the Port of Entry.
• Registration in the DAU system: Within 48 hours of arrival, yachts must register with the DAU (Denizcilik Atıkları Uygulaması) system or Maritime Waste Management, which replaced the Blue Card in 2020. The system requires yachts to have grey and black water tanks and to offload waste at designated pump-out stations.
• Restricted zones: Travellers should also avoid restricted zones and confirm whether night sailing is allowed on their route.
• VAT-free fuel bunkering: Available to foreign-flagged yachts via approved marinas.
• Flag and radio requirements: All yachts must fly their national flag and comply with VHF radio use regulations.
• No commercial activity: Private yachts are permitted to cruise Turkish waters for leisure, sports, and travel only.
• Five-year rule. Foreign-flagged yachts can remain in Turkey for up to five years, provided they sail at least once every two years.
• Bareboat charters: Clients must hold a valid sailing license and will be asked for proof of sailing experience.
• Skippered and crewed charters: No license is needed; the charter company ensures crew compliance with maritime safety standards.
• Life jackets and safety equipment: All yachts are required to carry life-saving equipment, fire extinguishers, navigation tools, and first-aid kits.
• Insurance requirement: Most charters include basic yacht insurance, but personal travel insurance is highly encouraged for all passengers.
• Children on board: Regulations require child-sized jackets; many yachts are equipped for families but ask in advance.
• The Turkish Coast Guard Command oversight: Regular patrols enforce maritime law. You may be subject to inspection.
• Weather monitoring: For local weather and wind forecasts, mariners should stay updated via NAVTEX and marina offices.
• Visa requirements: Nationals of certain countries don’t need a Turkish visa for the first three months (90 days) in Turkey, but extended visas of up to one year are possible with a contract at the marina licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

Why Now is the Time to Set Sail in Turkey?

From secluded anchorages and UNESCO sites adjacent marinas to five-star service aboard elegant gulets, yachting holidays in Turkey deliver a blend of culture, comfort, and maritime wonder available from April to October. One of the most adventurous ways to traverse Turkey’s vast sea expanses is by embarking on a Blue Cruise – a multi-day sailing tour aboard a traditional gulet.

Whether you are planning a private sailing tour, a bareboat charter, or a luxury yacht charter, the options are as diverse as the coastline attractions themselves. For those drawn to group voyages or themed itineraries, we also invite you to unveil the Turkey cruise holidays that highlight the spirit of the sea.

With expanding marina infrastructure, international recognition, and gorgeous landscapes, Turkey is fast becoming the best yachting destination in the world. Start planning your journey today, and let the wind guide you into the heart of the Turkish Riviera and the other seas of Turkey.