Planning a trip to Turkey and want to explore the Turkish Riviera by gulet? In this Turkey gulet cruise review, I share all about my experience on a luxury gulet cruise in Turkey and everything you need to know about planning your own gulet cruise along the Turkish Riviera!
A few years ago, I did a week-long gulet cruise along the Dalmatian coast in Croatia. While planning that trip, I learned that gulet cruises are also very popular in Turkey — where the gulet boat is originally from!
And last summer, I was able to experience a wonderful week on a gulet boat on the beautiful Turkish Riviera on my very first visit to Turkey.
Here’s my full Turkey gulet cruise review, plus what you need to know about chartering a gulet on the Turkish Riviera!
What is a Gulet?
A gulet is a type of traditional wooden sailing vessel that originated in Turkey and is commonly used for leisure cruising in the Mediterranean Sea.
They typically range in size from 45 to 115 feet in length and have two or three masts, although some larger ones may have four or more.
Gulets are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing sailing experience, with spacious decks for sunbathing and dining, as well as cabins for sleeping and private bathrooms. They often have a crew that includes a captain, chef, and other support staff to cater to passengers’ needs.
Also, gulets are typically made of wood and have a distinctive shape with a wide, rounded hull and a flat bottom. Usually, they are fitted with both engines and sails and can be propelled by either.
Popular for cruising along the coastlines of Turkey, Greece, Croatia, and other Mediterranean countries, gulet yachts are often chartered by groups of friends or families for vacation trips.
About the Turkish Riviera
The Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean that is known for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and picturesque towns and villages. The region encompasses the provinces of Antalya, Muğla, and Aydin and is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers.
The section of coastline that is considered the Turkish Riviera is quite big — starting roughly from Çeşme (near Izmir) in the west, all the way east to the city of Antalya. To give you a sense of how large the Turkish Riviera area spans, it would take you about 10 hours to drive if you took the coastal roads!
It’s known for its turquoise waters (hence the name!), charming towns, historical sites, stunning natural landscapes, and islands that dot the coast.
Some of the islands off the coast — called the Dodecanese islands — are actually Greek islands (like Kos and Rhodes) so you could easily visit both Turkey and Greece in one trip!
Popular Destinations on the Turkish Riviera
The size of the Turkish Riviera can be a bit overwhelming if it’s your first time planning a visit! Let’s break down some of the best places to visit on the Turkish Riviera:
Antalya
The largest city on the Turkish Riviera, Antalya is known for its historic old town, known as Kaleiçi, which is filled with narrow streets, traditional architecture, and historic landmarks such as the ancient Hadrian’s Gate. The Antalya region is also known for its gorgeous beaches and is a popular destination for gulet trips!
Kas
Often said to be one of the most charming towns, Kas (also written Kaş) is in the Antalya region but is about 3 hours from the city of Antalya. One of the main attractions of Kas is its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. The town is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, making it a perfect location for outdoor activities like swimming, diving, and hiking.
Fethiye
The town is surrounded by stunning mountains and beaches and has a beautiful harbor, making it an ideal base for exploring. The famous Blue Lagoon, located in the nearby Oludeniz beach, is a must-see attraction and a great place to relax and swim in the clear blue waters. The area is also known for its ancient sites and ruins, the most famous of which is the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos, which dates back to the 5th century BC.
Mugla
Another popular province on the Turkish Riviera, Mugla is known for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, and turquoise waters. Bodrum is one of the most famous towns in Mugla and is renowned for its marina, castle, nightlife, luxurious hotels and trendy beach clubs. Marmaris, another popular destination in Mugla, is famous for its long sandy beaches, bustling marina, and picturesque old town.
Aydin
While Aydin is a less well-known province on the Turkish Riviera, it’s still worth a visit. It is home to the ancient city of Ephesus, which is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The province also has plenty of pretty beaches and quaint coastal towns like Alacati.
While these are some of the major destinations on the Turkish Riviera (especially for gulet trips), there are countless other little towns and things to do on the coast. I’ll go into more detail on what we did with our week-long trip below!
Why Charter a Gulet Cruise in Turkey?
Chartering a gulet in Turkey is a popular way to explore the beautiful coastline and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea — because of this, it’s been nicknamed the Blue Voyage. There are several benefits to traveling by gulet that make it an appealing option for many:
Ease & Convenience: Since you’re on a boat, you won’t have to do any driving or planning logistics to get from one destination to the next. You just sit back, relax, and you’re already at your next fabulous destination! Generally, gulet trips have a pre-planned itinerary so you won’t need to stress about what’s next on the agenda. Also, since you’ll have many of your meals onboard prepared by your friendly crew, it takes the planning work out of where to eat.
Water Activities: Honestly, this is probably my favorite thing about being on a gulet and it’s a real benefit if you’re a pisces and love being in the water like me! I love being able to just jump in the water and go for a swim at any point in the day. There’s also typically plenty of water sports on board like snorkeling, paddle-boarding, kayaking, diving, jet ski, and tubing.
Large Groups: Gulet boats are generally pretty large so they can sleep quite a few people. This makes it a great way to travel with private groups like a large gathering of family or group of friends. Plus, when you’re all on one boat, you get plenty of quality time together!
Budget: There are definitely some luxurious gulet boats that you can splurge on… but, often times, Turkish gulets can be a pretty affordable way to travel. When you add up hotel rooms, car rentals, travel and dining costs, chartering a gulet can sometimes cost less than your typical trip! This is especially true when you’re splitting the costs with a large group.
How to Charter a Turkey Gulet Cruise
With a quick Google search, you’ll see that there are plenty of private gulet charter companies out there — Blue Cruise and Goolets are popular ones (just to name a few!). It’s best to reach out to a couple of highly-rated charter companies with your trip requirements and see what gulet charters they can offer you.
Here are some things to keep in mind when planning a gulet cruise in Turkey:
Choosing your gulet: There are many gulets available for charter in Turkey, ranging in size from small vessels that can accommodate a few people to larger boats that can hold up to 20 or more passengers. When choosing your gulet, consider factors such as the size of your group, your budget, and your itinerary.
When selecting a gulet boat, some of the things you may want to consider are:
- Build & refit years: some gulets can look brand new while others may be in dire need of a refit!
- Speed: this often impacts the route as with faster boats, you can cover more ground.
- Air-conditioning: Some boats have A/C that works great, some boats have A/C that is just on for a few hours a day, and some don’t have A/C at all… which can be brutal for sleeping on those hot summer nights!
Water-sports: It’s good to know if the boat is equipped with paddle boards, kayaks, snorkels, etc. or if there is an additional charge to have these on board.
Crew: Most gulets come with a professional crew that includes a captain, chef, and other support staff. The crew members will take care of everything from navigating the boat to preparing meals, allowing you to relax and enjoy your cruise.
I would also recommend asking your charter company if they have worked with the captain of the gulet in the past and what you can expect. I think it can be helpful to know if your group will be communicating with the captain directly and if he/she is flexible with itineraries!
Cost: The cost of chartering a gulet in Turkey can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the boat, the length of your trip, and the level of service you require. Be sure to discuss your budget with your gulet charter company to find a boat and itinerary that works for you.
Planning your itinerary: Turkey has a wealth of stunning destinations along its coast, from bustling cities to remote coves and islands. When planning your itinerary, consider the places you want to visit, the length of your trip, and the activities you want to do, such as swimming, snorkeling, and exploring historic sites. Will you want your itinerary to be one way or round-trip? Will your departure and destination ports be near airports that you can fly in and out of? All great things to consider while planning your itinerary!
Anchoring vs. Marinas: Will the gulet be anchored in a secluded bay overnight or parked at a marina… or a bit of both? Depending on your preference, it’s a good question to ask before you finalize your trip!
The Best Time for a Turkey Gulet Cruise
Summer is definitely the peak season for cruising along the Turkish Riviera. The weather is sunny and hot — temps often get up to 95° F in July and August!
The shoulder seasons of May to June and September are an ideal time to visit because the weather is still warm but there aren’t quite as many crowds as in high season. Temperatures are still in the 80s during the day but can dip down to the 60s at night so you may need a light sweater.
I visited in mid-September and couldn’t have asked for better weather. It was warm and sunny (but not too hot!) and the sea was perfectly refreshing. Along the coast, the towns were still bustling but we didn’t have any issues crowds!
Dining on a Gulet Boat
Dining experiences on gulet boats will vary based on the boat, the chef, and your group size — since making meals for smaller groups can be more customizable than feeding a large group. Typically, the chef is local to the country where the charter takes place so guests can expect authentic cuisine and fresh, local ingredients.
One of the best parts about our gulet boat experience was getting to enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine in stunning settings all along the coast!
My Turkey Gulet Cruise
For our group of six people, we chartered a 30-meter gulet with 5 cabins for 7 nights beginning in Gocek and ending in Bodrum. However, a few weeks before our trip, the charter company let us know that there was an issue with our gulet boat and it was no longer available. Instead, we got upgraded to a 36-meter gulet, named Babylon with a crew of 6… so, definitely not the worst news to be upgraded to a bigger boat!
We let our charter company know our preferences for our meals and itinerary – we wanted to prioritize secluded swimming coves with just a few “must visit” spots. Once we had everything planned out, we were ready to set sail!
Destination Highlights from the Turkey Gulet Cruise
Since our gulet cruise began in Gocek and ended in Bodrum, we flew into Dalaman Airport which was just 25 minutes from Gocek, and out of Milas–Bodrum Airport.
Over the next seven days, we were able to experience some of the best places on the Turkish Riviera including quaint towns, stunning beaches and picturesque islands.
Here are some of the top destination highlights from my Turkey gulet cruise!
Gocek
Gocek (written Göcek in Turkey, and pronounced go-chek) is a beautiful town located on the south coast of Turkey, about half an hour from Fethiye. It is situated between the Mediterranean and the Taurus Mountains and is known for its crystal-clear waters, and charming marina.
Since we arrived in Gocek the night before our gulet trip, we were able to explore the town’s bustling marina.
Gocek’s marina can accommodate over 700 boats so it’s a popular destination for boaters from all over the world!
The town has tons of restaurants to chose from with a range of delicious Turkish and international cuisines. And, there are lots of shops so you can grab any last minute items you may need for your trip — from swimsuits and clothing to towels and pool floats! Plus, there are plenty of grocery markets and wine shops so you can stock up on anything you’ll need for the boat.
Gocek Hotels
Looking for the best hotels in Gocek? Here are my top picks!
- D Resort Gocek: If you have some time to spend at your hotel in Gocek (a least a day or two!), this luxury hotel is an excellent pick! With a gorgeous beach club, swimming pool, and spa, you’re guaranteed to have a luxurious and relaxing time at D Resort Gocek.
- Hotel Marina Bay Göcek: Just planning a quick stay in Gocek before your gulet trip? Hotel Marina Bay Göcek is a great and convenient option that’s right on the marina! Guests loved the comfortable, well-appointed rooms and the view of the marina from the balconies.
- Rixos Premium Göcek: I really wanted to stay here after I came across some photos of their stunning beach club on Instagram! However, they were fully booked and required a minimum 2 night stay. (Their minimum stay varies based on time of year though, so it could still be worth looking into for your trip!). This luxury hotel is all-inclusive and features a private beach, making it a great option for families or groups to enjoy Gocek for a few nights.
Dalyan
Dalyan is a small town situated on the banks of the Dalyan River, which flows into the Mediterranean sea. The town is very picturesque with sweeping river views and stunning mountains in the backdrop!
And, Dalyan offers plenty of things to do. One of the most famous sights is the Lycian rock tombs that are carved into the cliffs overlooking the town. Nearby, visitors can bathe themselves in mud that is said to have therapeutic properties for the skin — I know my skin felt buttery soft afterwards!
Since we were coming from the gulet boat, our crew organized a private river cruise for us on the Dalyan River. Our little river boat picked us up directly from our gulet and we got to stop at Iztusu Beach on the way, which is a protected nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.
Once in Daylan, we had a great day taking in the views, exploring the town, and soaking in the mud baths. We also had a wonderful lunch at La Boheme, where we met the friendly owner and got to dine with views of the Lycian rock tombs!
Bozburun
The Bozburun Peninsula is a fairly untouched and rugged region that is home to stunningly beautiful beaches, secluded coves, and little islands. The area is perfect for hiking, swimming, and exploring, and offers sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands. On the other hand, the small town of Bozburun is a popular starting point for the “Blue Cruise,” a traditional Turkish sailing adventure that takes visitors along the coast of the Aegean Sea, stopping at different towns and islands along the way.
We opted to spend the day near a little island off the coast of Bozburun and had a fabulous time snorkeling, swimming, paddle-boarding and relaxing. We loved this area for it’s incredibly clear and calm waters!
D Maris Bay
D Maris Bay is a luxury resort located on the Datça Peninsula in southwestern Turkey, near the town of Marmaris. It is situated on a hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea, and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and islands.
The mega resort is also home to a yacht club, spa, and several beach clubs and world-renowned restaurants.
The resort’s flagship restaurant, Nusr-Et Steakhouse, is famous for its high-quality meat dishes (and is owned by internet personality, Salt Bae!), while the Zuma Beach Club offers Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine, and Manos serves traditional Greek food by the sea.
We made a reservation at La Guérite, a restaurant and beach club serving French and Mediterranean cuisine that also has locations in France.
The restaurant has a buzzy vibe with a DJ and cabanas along the beach. We absolutely loved the beautiful beach, delicious food (hello, truffle pasta!), and overall fun atmosphere.
Datca
Similar to Bozburun, Datca (written Datça in Turkey, and pronounced daht-cha) is both a small town and a peninsula. The area is known for its unspoiled beauty, with lovely beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged hillsides covered in pine forests. Datca also has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. The town is located near the ruins of Knidos, an important center of trade and culture in ancient Greece, and there are several other ancient sites in the area, including Loryma and Kastabos.
The charming town of Datca is home to seaside restaurants, shopping, and weekly markets where locals sell fresh produce, crafts, and other goods. The markets are a great place to experience the local culture and buy souvenirs to take home.
Kara Ada Island
Kara Ada is a small island located off the coast of Bodrum, one of the most popular resort towns in southwestern Turkey. The island feels very untouched since there isn’t much development on it (unlike nearby Bodrum!) and it offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.
We spent the day in Aquarius Bay which is honestly one of the most beautiful bays we saw. The bay had such crystal clear water that it felt more like a swimming pool than the sea!
Bodrum
Bodrum is a large resort town on the Turkish Riviera that is known for its history, natural beauty, beach clubs, nightlife, and shopping.
The town is home to the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as several other ancient sites, including the Bodrum Castle, which was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century.
Bodrum is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. The town is particularly popular with younger crowds, who come to party and dance until the early hours of the morning.
For those looking for more of a relaxing visit (like me!), there are a number of resorts outside of the hustle and bustle that offer private beach clubs, spas and restaurants.
Bodrum Hotels
Looking for the best hotels in Bodrum, Turkey? From small boutique hotels to sprawling resorts, Bodrum has a range of accommodations both in the center of town and on the coast of the Aegean Sea.
Luxury
- The Bodrum EDITION: A stylish and contemporary luxury hotel overlooking Yalikavak Bay, offering a range of amenities including a private beach club, multiple restaurants and bars, and a spa with a Turkish hammam.
- METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum: METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum is a contemporary beachfront resort and is one of the top rated hotels in the area. It features a private beach, multiple pools, a spa, lots of dining options, and incredible sea views!
- MGallery The Bodrum Hotel Yalikavak: This modern boutique hotel located in Yalikavak has luxurious accommodations, a private beach, an infinity pool, a spa, and beautiful sea views.
- Mandarin Oriental: A luxurious resort offering panoramic sea views, a gorgeous private beach club, and a range of amenities including restaurants, spa, fitness center, and tennis courts. I absolutely loved my stay here and would highly recommend it for a luxury getaway!
- Mare Deluxe Residence: This modern beachfront hotel located near Kucukbuk Beach offers stylish rooms, a private beach area, multiple pools, and a range of dining options.
- Lujo Hotel A`la Carte All Inclusive: A luxury all-inclusive resort located in Guvercinlik, home to a private beach, multiple pools, water sports activities, a spa, and several restaurants.
Mid-Range
- Swissôtel Resort Bodrum Beach: This beachfront resort is located in Turgutreis, Bodrum and has a stylish, modern design, as well as a private beach, multiple pools (both indoor and outdoor!), and a spa. The marina is about a 30 minute walk from the hotel making it a good option for those who want to be outside of the hustle and bustle!
- Radisson Collection Hotel, Bodrum: Located in Akyarlar, this hotel is uniquely positioned between the mountains, the beach, and a small harbor — and offers views of all three! Plus, guests can expect modern accommodations, a private beach, multiple pools (indoor and outdoor), and a spa with a Turkish hammam.
- Prive Hotel Bodrum – Adult Only: Located 20 minutes’ walk from the center of Bodrum , this hotel is known for its contemporary accommodations, stunning sea views, and friendly service.
- Casa Nonna Bodrum: Just 10 minutes from the city center, Casa Nonna is a chic boutique hotel exclusively for adults. Some of the highlights of this hotel are the infinity pool with panoramic sea views and the Turkish hammam at the spa!
Budget
- Costa Maya Bodrum: With trendy decor, spacious rooms, and an outdoor pool and sundeck, you can’t beat Costa Maya for a budget stay just 5 minutes’ walk from the marina.
- Asmin Hotel Bodrum: Located in the heart of Bodrum, Asmin Hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a friendly, welcoming staff.
- Roas Hotel: This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, peaceful location surrounded my nature, and beautiful sea views. Plus, it’s just a 7-minute walk to Bitez Beach!
- Su Hotel – Bodrum: Guests love that Su Hotel is close the harbor in Bodrum but still feels secluded. And, the hotel features well-designed rooms, an outdoor pool, and friendly service.
- Costa Bitezhan Hotel – All Inclusive: Located at the seafront of Bitez, Costa Bitezhan Hotel has its own private beach with sun loungers, we well as a pool and Turkish hammam!
Tips for Visiting the Turkish Riviera on a Gulet Cruise
After spending a week on a gulet boat, I have a couple of tips to make your trip as smooth as possible:
Bring cash: You’ll want to bring some cash to tip your crew at the end of your trip. We found that there were a few ATMs throughout our stops but definitely not many so I’d recommend coming prepared!
Cell Service: Some boats have WiFi on board but I’ve found that it can be very spotty. Also, there were some areas where we found we didn’t have any cell service so we weren’t able to access the internet. I would recommend downloading music playlists and kindle books in advance. Or you could disconnect completely and pack physical books, games, etc to keep you entertained during downtown on the boat!
My Turkey Gulet Cruise Review
Overall, I absolutely loved spending a week onboard a gulet boat to explore the Turkish Riviera and would highly recommend it.
Turkey’s incredible natural beauty surpassed my expectations and I loved how, being on a boat, we were able to explore secluded coves and hidden islands that we otherwise would probably never get to visit! Spending our days swimming, snorkeling and paddle-boarding was a highlight for me — as I love being in the water.
One thing that did surprise me was how remote and untouched much of the coastline was. Most of the towns we visited were sleepy yet quaint (expect for Bodrum and Gocek!). While this was a positive for me — I felt like we got to disconnect and enjoy nature — it may not be for those who prefer an action packed trip.
If you’re looking for a relaxing week to spend with friends over good food and wine, with plenty of sunshine, swimming, and the unmatched beauty of the the Turkish Riviera… then this could be the perfect trip for you!
What to Pack for the Turkish Riviera
That’s a wrap on my Turkey gulet cruise review! Still have questions about chartering a gulet in Turkey? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for all this great info!
What is the boat company you used? Thanks so much
Absolutely! We used Barbaros Yachting 🙂