Gulets and motor sailers are traditional Turkish vessels, characterised by their one or two masts. Originally, these boats were used to transport fish along Turkey’s Aegean coast. However, today they have been reimagined and transformed into luxurious vessels equipped with all modern conveniences. They are a popular choice for charter, especially in Turkey and Croatia, though you can also find them in smaller numbers throughout the Mediterranean in destinations such as Greece, Italy, and Spain.
Gulets typically range in length from 16 to 40 metres, offering spacious deck areas perfect for sunbathing and relaxation. They are also equipped with comfortable cabins, each with en-suite bathrooms, and large communal spaces, making them ideal for group travel. For groups of more than 12 people, gulets are a particularly good choice, as many are specifically designed to accommodate larger parties, something that is often not possible with other types of charter boats.
Gulets come with a crew of at least two or three people – a captain, a cook, and a deckhand – and depending on the size of the boat and the level of service required, the crew may be larger. Charterers typically have the option to choose between half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive packages.
The price of a gulet charter for a week usually includes the boat hire, crew, insurance, fuel for three to four hours of daily sailing, and water toys. However, meals, drinks, port fees (such as mooring costs), fuel for water sports, airport transfers, and tips for the crew are not typically included.
Gulets generally sail for around three to four hours a day, usually under motor. The itineraries are tailored to the preferences of the client and their group, with considerations for children, elderly guests, and any other specific needs.
There are hundreds of gulets available, with varying levels of quality and service. At YourCharterYacht, we recommend gulets that meet the highest standards, ensuring our clients have an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons. While we cater to a range of budgets, you can be confident that we will never market a standard gulet as a luxury one. You can trust us to offer honest and reliable recommendations.
In Turkey, the main embarkation and disembarkation ports for gulets are Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek, and Fethiye. In Croatia, popular ports include Split, Sibenik, and Dubrovnik. In Greece, most charters begin in Athens, though it is also possible to embark from the islands. In Italy, where gulets are rarer, they can be found in the Aeolian Islands, Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast.