Embarking on a gulet cruise in Turkey is one of the most magical ways to explore the Turquoise Coast’s hidden bays and historic shores. Picture yourself aboard a traditional wooden Turkish gulet, sailing between crystal-clear coves, swimming in warm Mediterranean waters, and dropping anchor at idyllic coastal villages and ancient ruins. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to join a fun-loving group or a family seeking a private yacht experience, gulet cruises offer options for every style. In this guide, we’ll break down the two main ways to sail – cabin charter (shared cruises) versus private gulet charter – so you can choose the perfect adventure on the Turkish Riviera.
What Exactly Is a Gulet Cruise in Turkey?
A gulet is a traditional two-masted wooden yacht from Turkey, originally used by fishermen and sponge divers, now charmingly refitted for leisure cruising. A gulet cruise in Turkey – often called the “Blue Cruise” or “Blue Voyage” – is a sailing holiday along Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Typically, you’ll spend multiple days living on board, island-hopping and bay-hopping each day. By day, enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or even hiking to ruins; by night, savor freshly cooked Turkish meals under the stars on deck. It’s an intimate way to experience the Turquoise Coast, with its pine-studded shorelines, ancient Lycian sites, and secluded beaches only accessible by boat.
Fun fact: The Blue Cruise tradition dates back to the 1950s, when writer Cevat Şakir (the “Fisherman of Halicarnassus”) started taking friends on gulet voyages from Bodrum, inspiring the term Mavi Yolculuk (“Blue Journey”) in Turkish literature. Today, what was once an insider secret has become a beloved holiday for travelers worldwide.
Cabin Charter Gulet Cruises (Shared Blue Cruise Trips)
Cabin charter gulet cruises are a join-in option – you book a cabin on a shared gulet that follows a preset itinerary with a mixed group of passengers. It’s like joining a floating hostel (but far more comfortable and scenic!). Here’s what to expect from a cabin charter experience:
Affordability and Inclusions
Cabin charters are a budget-friendly way to enjoy a gulet cruise. Instead of renting the whole boat, you pay per person/per cabin, which makes it much cheaper than a private charter. The price typically includes your cabin accommodation, an experienced crew (captain, chef, and sailors), and all meals on board (Turkish breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea time). You get the luxury yacht experience on a shared cost basis.
Social Atmosphere
A cabin charter is perfect if you enjoy meeting new people and a bit of adventure. You’ll be sharing the deck, dining area, and route with other travelers from around the world. It’s common to make new friends over sunset drinks on deck or group excursions on shore. Many solo travelers, couples, and small groups opt for cabin cruises specifically for the camaraderie and fun of a shared journey. (In fact, about 70–80% of cabin guests rate the social aspect as a highlight of their trip!) For younger travelers looking for a lively vibe, some cruises are labeled “18-39 Young Adults”, featuring a more party-like atmosphere. Meanwhile, mixed-age cruises offer a relaxed setting suited for families or travelers over 35 who prefer a mellower trip.
Fixed Itineraries
Cabin cruises follow a fixed itinerary and schedule planned by the operator. You don’t have to worry about the route – the cruise will stop at all the popular sights and swim spots on a pre-set route. For example, one day you might explore Butterfly Valley or St. Nicholas Island; the next, you’ll cruise past the Sunken City of Kekova or visit a quaint town like Kaş. The itinerary is carefully crafted to showcase the best of the region, so you won’t miss the must-see bays and historical sites.
Trip Durations and Routes
In Turkey, cabin charters generally come in two lengths – 4 days/3 nights or 7-8 days/7 nights. The shorter 4-day trips are often one-way routes, great for those on a tighter schedule (e.g. the famous Fethiye to Olympos route). The week-long trips allow a round-trip exploration or longer one-way journeys with more stops. Popular cabin charter itineraries include:
Fethiye to Olympos: 4 Days 3 Nights Gulet Cruise
Sail from Fethiye down to Olympos (Demre), passing Olüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kaş, and Kekova’s Sunken City. This classic Blue Cruise route is often cited as the most popular gulet cruise in Turkey, beloved by backpackers and adventure seekers.
Fethiye to Kekova and Back: 8 Days 7 Nights Gulet Cruise
A week-long loop from Fethiye that explores the Göcek bays, Kaş, Kekova, and other gems, then returns to Fethiye – perfect for those who want to start and end in the same port.
Bodrum to Gökova and Back: 7 Nights Gulet Cruise
Depart from Bodrum to discover the serene coves of the Gökova Gulf (the original Blue Cruise waters), including English Harbour, Çökertme, and Cleopatra’s Beach.
Marmaris to Fethiye: 4 Days 3 Nights Gulet Cruise
Journey along the Carian coast, with highlights like Ekincik (near Dalyan), Turunç, and the Gulf of Fethiye islands.
Group Types
Cabin charters truly can be for everyone. Many operators categorize cruises by target audience to ensure a good match. For instance, as mentioned, there are “young adults” trips geared toward 18–35 with a fun party vibe (popular with backpackers from Australia and the UK), as well as “all ages” or family-friendly departures where the atmosphere is more laid-back. You can pick a cruise style that fits your vibe. If you’re a couple or small group of friends, you might choose a mixed-age cruise for a chill time – or jump on a youth-oriented boat if you want a more vibrant social scene. Families often opt for family-designated cabin cruises (or consider a private charter).
Comfort and Amenities
Don’t let the word “cabin” fool you – you’ll still enjoy plenty of comfort on board. Standard gulets used in cabin charters typically have 6 to 8 cabins, each with a private ensuite bathroom (toilet & shower). You’ll find sunbeds on the forward deck for everyone, shaded dining areas, and often simple water sport gear like snorkels or paddleboards provided. While cabins are usually cozy (not huge) and air-conditioning may be limited to certain hours, you’ll likely spend most of your time above deck soaking in the views or in the water.
Pro tip: Many travelers love sleeping on deck under the stars on warm summer nights – a truly unforgettable experience!
Private Gulet Charters (Your Own Yacht Experience)
If you have a family or group of friends and want a boat all to yourselves, a private gulet charter is the ultimate way to sail. This means renting the entire gulet yacht with its crew for your exclusive use. It’s like having your own floating villa! Here are key features of a private gulet charter:
Exclusivity & Privacy
With a private charter, it’s only your group on board (aside from the crew). You’ll have complete privacy to enjoy the gulet’s spaces – whether it’s sunbathing on deck, dining al fresco, or jumping off for a swim – without sharing with strangers. This makes private gulets ideal for family reunions, a trip with close friends, or special occasions like birthdays, honeymoons, or even small weddings.
Customized Itinerary
One of the biggest perks of a private charter is itinerary flexibility. While the captain will suggest a route (based on weather and your interests), you have a say in where you go and how long you stay. Love a particular bay? You can drop anchor for the whole afternoon. Feeling adventurous? Ask the captain to include a lesser-known cove or an extra stop for snorkeling. Essentially, you aren’t tied to a fixed schedule – the trip is tailored to your preferences. Some families choose to focus on quiet bays and swimming, while others might hop ashore to explore ancient ruins or visit different towns.
Personalized Service
When you charter an entire gulet, the crew can really personalize the experience. Expect attentive, boutique service. The onboard chef can customize menus to your tastes or dietary needs – whether that’s a BBQ night of freshly caught fish, a birthday cake for a celebration, or kids’ favorite snacks. Crew members often act as guides and hosts, arranging activities like fishing, water sports, or a visit to a local market on shore. With a higher crew-to-guest ratio than cabin trips, private charters deliver a luxurious, all-inclusive experience where every detail is handled for you. (For example, a typical 6-cabin private gulet might have 4–5 crew looking after your group.)
Choice of Gulet (Standard vs Luxury)
Private gulets in Turkey come in various classes – from traditional standard gulets to deluxe and luxury gulets. This means you can choose a boat that fits your budget and desired comfort level:
Traditional/Standard Gulets
These are charming, classic wooden boats with comfortable but modest amenities. They usually have basic cabins (double or twin beds, ensuite), a cozy salon, and sundeck. Crew might be smaller (e.g. captain + cook + 1 deckhand). You’ll get authentic atmosphere and home-style Turkish meals. Standard private charters are great value for groups who don’t need ultra-fancy facilities – you still get the full gulet adventure at a lower cost.
Luxury Gulets
A luxury gulet is like a mini boutique hotel at sea. Expect larger cabins (some with king beds), high-end interiors, and possibly extras like air-conditioning 24/7, onboard Wi-Fi, TV/media systems, or even a jacuzzi on deck on the highest-end boats. The crew on luxury gulets is often more extensive – for example, in addition to the captain and chef, you might have a dedicated hostess/steward and additional deckhands. Service tends to be top-notch, with gourmet cuisine, premium drink selections, and more water toys (jet skis, sea kayaks, etc.). Naturally, luxury gulets come at a higher price point, but they offer a truly first-class sailing holiday.
Cost Considerations
A private charter’s pricing is for the whole boat per week, not per person. The cost can vary widely based on the gulet’s size/grade and the season. As a rough idea, a standard 6-cabin gulet might start around €8,000–€10,000 per week in shoulder season, whereas a luxury gulet could be €20,000+ in peak season. When you divide it among your group, the per-person rate can actually be reasonable if you fill most cabins. For example, 10 friends sharing a €10,000/week boat is about €1,000 each, comparable to some cabin cruises. However, smaller groups will obviously pay more per person (e.g. 4 people on that same boat = €2,500 each). Generally, if you have 8 or more guests, private charters start to make excellent financial sense; for 2–4 people, a cabin charter will be far more economical. It’s all about finding the right balance for your budget and group size.
Also note that private charters sometimes have extra expenses not in the base price – such as marina fees, custom food/beverage requests, or crew tips – whereas cabin cruises bundle most costs upfront. Be sure to discuss what’s included (meals, fuel, taxes, etc.) when booking a private charter, so there are no surprises.
Who Should Go Private
Private gulet charters are perfect for groups who want exclusivity and are willing to pay a bit more for a tailored experience. They excel for:
Large Families and Friend Groups
Have 8–12 people ready to vacation together? A private gulet is your own mini resort where you all have quality time together, without other tourists around.
Special Occasions
Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, or even corporate retreats – a private charter can turn an event into an unforgettable voyage. The crew can help arrange surprises like decorations or a special on-shore dinner.
Privacy Seekers
If you value peace and quiet or have specific needs (e.g. young children’s schedules, dietary requirements, etc.), private is the way to go. You won’t have to accommodate anyone outside your group.
Adventurers & Photographers
Those who want a say in the route (perhaps to find the best dive spots or secluded bays for photography) will appreciate the flexibility of a private charter to customize the itinerary for their passions.
Cabin Charter vs. Private Charter: Which Should You Choose?
Both options will let you live the gulet cruise Turkey dream – waking up to turquoise bays and enjoying Turkish hospitality at sea – but the right choice depends on your travel style, budget, and group. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide:
Cost per Person
If you’re watching your budget or traveling in a small party, cabin charters clearly win on price. You can book a 3-4 night cabin cruise for a few hundred euros per person. Private charters, on the other hand, require paying for the whole boat (thousands of euros in total). Unless you have a larger group to split the cost, a private charter will cost significantly more per person. (In fact, during peak season a standard private gulet for a week might run €1,000+ per person with a full group, whereas a cabin cruise is roughly €600–€900 per person.) For groups of 8 or more, however, a private charter’s cost per head becomes much more reasonable – sometimes close to cabin cruise rates. Tip: Do the math: dividing the total boat price by your group size. If it comes out less than about 1.5x the cabin rate per person, you might consider going private for the added benefits; if it’s double or more, cabin charter is likely the smarter value
Atmosphere
Do you prefer a social vibe or an intimate getaway? Cabin cruises are all about the social experience – chatting with new friends, maybe partying at the famous Smuggler’s Inn in Kekova with other boats one night, and generally sharing the adventure. This can be energizing and fun, especially for solo travelers or outgoing couples. Private cruises offer a quieter, more personal atmosphere – just you and your invited crew. Great for quality time with family or close-knit friend groups, but you’ll forego the chance to meet other travelers on board. Neither is better or worse – just different styles. If you love meeting people and don’t mind a bit of compromise, a cabin charter will be enjoyable. If you cherish privacy or have a specific group dynamic in mind, private is worth it.
Flexibility & Itinerary
Private charter is the choice if you want control over your schedule. You can discuss the route daily with your captain: linger where you like, skip places you’re not interested in, even modify plans on a whim (weather permitting). This flexibility is ideal if you have a bespoke trip in mind (e.g. focusing on snorkeling spots, or a slower pace with kids). Cabin charters stick to a fixed itinerary – which means less decision-making for you, but also no ability to alter the schedule. The set routes are tried-and-true, covering all the highlights, so most travelers are perfectly happy with them. Just remember, on a cabin cruise you’ll need to follow the group timetable (e.g. meal times, departure times) whereas on a private boat the timetable adjusts to you.
Food & Facilities
Both cabin and private cruises will give you a taste of delicious Turkish cuisine on board, but a private charter can elevate this experience. With your own chef catering just to your group, menus can be custom-tailored. For instance, if you want a fish BBQ night or have dietary restrictions, the private chef can accommodate that. On a cabin charter, meals are hearty and home-cooked, served buffet or family style for everyone (one menu for all). It’s always tasty, but choices are less individualized due to the group setting. As for facilities, private boats (especially luxury ones) may offer more comforts – from spacious cabins to amenities like kayaks or even onboard jacuzzi – whereas the shared boats provide standard comforts. That said, many cabin charter gulets are quite comfortable and even feature air-conditioned cabins at night, etc. If you require upscale facilities, lean private; if you’re okay with standard comfort, cabins do the job nicely.
Group Size & Dynamics
Perhaps the biggest deciding factor is your group size. As a rule of thumb, small party (1-4 people) = cabin charter is usually the better choice (you’ll only pay for the beds you need, and you’ll enjoy the trip without trying to fill a whole boat). Large group (6-12 people) = private charter becomes very appealing, since you likely can fill the boat and enjoy a private experience for around the same cost per person as a cabin cruise. Also consider the mix of ages and interests: On a private charter, you can tailor everything to suit your family/friends (e.g. kids’ bedtimes, activities everyone likes). On a cabin, you’ll have a mix of people – which can be a wonderful experience, but requires a bit of flexibility and sharing spirit. The official tourism board of Turkey sums it up well: you can either “rent a boat with your loved ones, or just rent a cabin and share the journey with sea-lovers from around the world – the choice is yours!”
In the end, there’s no wrong choice – it’s about what gulet holiday experience you’re after. If it’s your first time doing a gulet cruise and you’re not traveling with a big group, a cabin charter is an easy, fun introduction (with guaranteed departures even if it’s just you joining). If you’re traveling with a ready-made group or you have specific wishes for your trip, a private gulet offers unbeatable freedom and personalization.
Still undecided? Get in touch with our team for expert advice! We can help you compare options and even mix and match – for example, join a cabin cruise this year, and plan a private charter for a future reunion once you’ve fallen in love with sailing Turkey’s coast.
Ready to Sail the Turquoise Coast?
A gulet cruise in Turkey – whether you choose a shared cabin charter or an exclusive private yacht – promises an unforgettable blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture. From sunbathing on deck with new friends to savoring a private candlelight dinner under the stars with your family, there’s a gulet experience tailored for everyone. Picture days spent diving into clear turquoise waters, afternoons exploring ancient coastal ruins, and nights enjoying fresh grilled fish and raki with the sound of waves lapping the hull. It’s no wonder travelers from all over the world (especially from Australia and the UK) rave about gulet cruises as the highlight of their Turkey trip.
Now that you know the differences between cabin and private gulet charters, you can book with confidence. Imagine your ideal holiday and go with the option that fits it best – or try one of each in your lifetime! Either way, the Turkish Riviera is waiting to enchant you.
