This is a yacht charter guide that has everything you need to know for your next sailing holidays in Turkey.
Turkey offers a mix of centuries’ history, turquoise waters, well-settled anchorages and calm bays.
In this sailing guide you’ll learn all about:
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In the waters of Turkey, you will ride the winds of the Carians, Lycians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines who sailed here ages ago.
Set sail, starting from either Bodrum northerly or land in Dalaman Airport and sail from Marmaris, Gocek or Fethiye in the south.
Enjoy a lively afternoon amongst the bazaars of Bodrum, wander cobbled streets in the yachtsman’s favourite of Marmaris, explore the caves and ruins of Caunos or the islets and well-loved anchorages of Fethiye.
Turkey boasts superb sailing conditions with at least 10 hours of sunshine each day, calm waters and favorable westerly winds blowing at about 15 knots.
Are you ready to dive into more details for each sailing area?
Let’s get started.
A Yacht Charter in Bodrum is the ideal option for those wanting to sail right in the heart of the Mediterranean, i.e. the Southwest Aegean region of Turkey, which is very close to the Greek islands.
Set sail from Bodrum and explore the Gulf of Gokova or head South to the Gulf of Datca.
Bodrum itself, with its open-air clubs, exclusive restaurants, excellent shopping and famous bazaars, offers a more lively stop and is a town not to be missed. The city also has a historic castle, which is declared a UNESCO Heritage site.
The castle includes a museum of underwater archaeology and overlooks the harbour and the marina.
In summer, temperatures can reach 89 F (32 C), making the cooling sea breezes most welcome.
Winds are generally calm in the mornings, getting stronger in the afternoons, in the range of 10 to 20 knots and generally die down after sundown.
Kindly note that the "Meltemi" wind is a regular phenomenon in the area during July and August, reaching up to Force 6-7. It usually dies down at the beginning of autumn and is less frequent during spring.
A yacht charter from Bodrum marina is the ideal way to make the most of the superb sailing conditions Turkey has to offer and is suitable for all levels of sailors.
The easiest way to reach Bodrum is to fly directly to the airport located in the town, which welcomes frequent flights from Europe and the UK. Several low-cost carriers fly to Bodrum airport as well.
Transfer Time: 30 mins
The official currency is, of course, the Turkish Lira, although a lot of places also accept credit cards, euros and USD.
Beginner sailors are advised to charter from Bodrum in spring or autumn when winds are lighter, while more advanced sailors will be able to enjoy some exhilarating sailing in high-season (July and August).
7-day sailing route from Bodrum to Cokertme
⚓ Day 1. Bodrum (check-in)
⚓ Day 2. Akyarlar 10 NM
⚓ Day 3. Gumusluk 11 NM
⚓ Day 4. Maya Marina 15 NM
⚓ Day 5. Kaziliki 17 NM
⚓ Day 6. Gundogan 9 NM
⚓ Day 7. Cokertme 22 NM
14-day sailing route from Bodrum to Yedi Adalari
⚓ Day 1. Bodrum
⚓ Day 2. Cokertme
⚓ Day 3. English Harbour
⚓ Day 4. Korme
⚓ Day 5. Datca
⚓ Day 6. Orhaniye
⚓ Day 7. Paradise Bay
⚓ Day 8. Dirsek Bay
⚓ Day 9. Serce Limani
⚓ Day 10. Loryma
⚓ Day 11. Ovabuku
⚓ Day 12.Yedi Adalari
⚓ Day 13. Bodrum
⚓ Day 14. Check - out
A Yacht charter in Marmaris is the ideal sailing option for someone seeking great sailing conditions, with plenty of sunshine, good winds and welcoming waves.
At the heart of this yachtsman’s favourite sailing ground sits Marmaris. Marmaris is one of Turkey's Premier holiday resorts and a beautiful sea-side town.
The old town consists of white-washed houses and charming little streets, leading up to the famous Turkish bazaars.
From Marmaris, you can either head East, towards Gocek and the Gulf of Fethiye or West to explore the Bozburun peninsula.
In regards to sailing conditions, there are great offshore NW winds (15-20 Kn) throughout the season.
As in all Mediterranean destinations, there are no tides. Local weather phenomena that you need to watch out for is the “Meltemi” picking up in the morning up to late afternoon/ evening (Force 3-5 during summer).
Note though that the area around Marmaris is considered much more protected than the Cyclades in Greece. The average summer temperature is 27°C.
There are several start-point marinas in Marmaris, all server by the international airports of Bodrum and Dalaman.
Dalaman airport should be your first choice, as there are many direct flights from the UK (London and Manchester); it is also the closest one.
The official currency is the Turkish Lira. Some places also accept Euros and USD, however, we do advise that you use Turkish Liras, as the exchange rate offered is often not favourable. Many shops and restaurants also accept credit cards.
This area is full of historical sights as well; On Ephesus, Caunus, and Pergamos you can see ruins ranging from the proto-Greek period to the Byzantine period.
Due to the stronger winds, especially during July and August, we recommend Marmaris to more experienced sailors.
7-day sailing route from Marmaris to Kumlu Buku
⚓ Day 1. Marmaris (check-in)
⚓ Day 2. Marmaris - Bozuk Buku 25 NM
⚓ Day 3. Bozuk Buku - Bozburun 13 MN
⚓ Day 4. Bozburun - Keci Buku 15 NM
⚓ Day 5. Keci Buku - Sogut 18 NM
⚓ Day 6. Sogut - Kumlu Buku 30 NM
⚓ Day 7. Kumlu Buku - Marmaris 12 NM
14-day sailing route from Marmaris to Ciftlik
⚓ Day 1. Marmaris
⚓ Day 2. Serce Limani
⚓ Day 3. Ekincik
⚓ Day 4. Tomb Bay
⚓ Day 5. Fethiye
⚓ Day 6. Gocek
⚓ Day 7. Cold Water Bay
⚓ Day 8. Kalkan
⚓ Day 9. Kekova
⚓ Day 10. Kas
⚓ Day 11. Wall Bay
⚓ Day 12. Ekincik
⚓ Day 13. Ciftlik
⚓ Day 14. Marmaris
The town of Gocek lies in a wooded bay at the northern end of Skopea Liman. The town has quickly grown from a small fishing village to a popular yacht charter base.
A Yacht charter in Gocek and Fethiye offers the possibility to explore the surrounding gulf, with short passages and protected anchorages.
You shouldn't miss the ultimate shopping experience at the Bazaars of Fethiye and of course, the area's breathtaking bays, such as Butterly Bay, Wall Bay and Ruin Bay.
Fethiye and Gocek have a longer sailing period with yacht charter bases being open from April and until November.
The temperature ranges between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius in the summer making the cooling sea breezes of the afternoon most welcome.
During the summer period, the winds usually blow from NW as the weather pattern of “Meltemi” is affecting the area. Average wind speed is 10-20 KN.
Thanks to its easy sailing conditions and short passages, this area is ideal for beginner sailors, looking to build on their limited chartering experience.
You can start your holiday from the well-known bases of Fethiye and Gocek, which are both within easy reach of the International Dalaman Airport.
You will find frequent and convenient flights from Europe and the UK, most offered by low-cost carriers.
Gocek is considered a first-class sailing resort with 3 luxurious marinas and many more smaller ports and anchorages dotted around the gulf.
When sailing this area, you will find breathtaking views of mountains, hills, forests etc. as Gocek is situated right in the middle of a National Park.
Make sure you arrive at some of the anchorages early in the afternoon, so that you can enjoy some exploring ashore as well.
7-day sailing route from Gocek marina to Sarsala
⚓ Day 1. Marina Gocek (check-in)
⚓ Day 2. Gocek - Kapi Creek 7 NM
⚓ Day 3. Kapi Creek - Cold Water Bay 13 NM
⚓ Day 4. Cold Water Bay - Wall Bay 15 NM
⚓ Day 5. Wall Bay - Fethiye 16 NM
⚓ Day 6. Fethiye - Sarsala 16 NM
⚓ Day 7. Sarsala - Gocek 6 NM
14-day sailing route from Fethiye to Kappi Creek
⚓ Day 1. Fethiye
⚓ Day 2. Cold Water Bay
⚓ Day 3. Butterfly Bay
⚓ Day 4. Kekova Roads
⚓ Day 5. Kas
⚓ Day 6. Wall Bay
⚓ Day 7. Ekincik
⚓ Day 8. Marmaris
⚓ Day 9. Ruin Bay
⚓ Day 10. Tomb Bay
⚓ Day 11. Gocek
⚓ Day 12. Tersan Adasi
⚓ Day 13. Kappi Creek
⚓ Day 14. Fethiye
It depends. There are many factors that can shape a yacht charter cost. Find below the cheapest yacht charter prices in Turkey today:
*disclaimer: Be aware that the prices change instantly every minute and there may be slighlty cheaper boat listings.
