Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about yacht and gulet charters in Türkiye and Greece: booking, payments, APA, VAT, crew, safety and what to pack.

Everything You Need to Know

Find answers to common questions about chartering, onboard services, policies, and preparation.

1. Booking & Reservations

The charter fee usually covers the yacht, her crew, the yacht’s insurance, linen and towels, and standard onboard equipment such as kayaks or snorkeling gear.

Depending on the yacht type, fuel, food and drinks, marina fees and VAT may be included or charged separately. Your proposal lists exactly what is and isn’t included.

  • Confirmation:
    A booking is confirmed once the charter agreement is signed and a deposit (usually 30% to 50% of the total charter fee) is received.

  • Balance & APA:
    The remaining balance, as well as the APA (where it applies), is usually paid together, typically 30 to 45 days prior to embarkation or as specified in your agreement.

  • Agreement Terms:
    Please note that all payment terms and conditions are set in the yacht’s official charter agreement, not by Ekmar Yachting.

VAT (Value Added Tax) is determined by the cruising location and is specified in your official quote.

Currently, charters operating in Türkiye are subject to 20% VAT, while charters in Greece are subject to 12% VAT.

For Türkiye–Greece itineraries, your quote shows how VAT is applied.

The APA is an advance payment, typically 25%–40% of the charter fee, used to cover running costs such as fuel (where not included), food and drinks, and port fees.

It applies mainly to motor yachts and MYBA-style charters; many gulets work on a board basis instead. The captain keeps a full record with receipts.

At the end of the charter, any unspent balance is refunded, or any shortfall is settled on board. [Read our guide to charter costs →]

During peak summer season (July & August), charters typically operate on a 7-night minimum, often Saturday to Saturday depending on the yacht.

In the mid and low seasons, shorter trips (3 to 5 nights) or weekend getaways may be arranged depending on yacht availability.

  • Deposit & Balance:
    Cancellations made prior to final payment may forfeit the initial deposit. Cancellations closer to the charter date depend on whether the yacht can be re-booked for the same period.

  • Applicable Agreements:
    Specific cancellation conditions are detailed in our Terms & Conditions and the relevant MYBA, TYBA, or owner’s charter agreement.

  • Travel Protection:
    We strongly recommend purchasing charter cancellation insurance to cover unexpected delays or cancellations.

2. Onboard Experience & Services

Absolutely. While we offer sample itineraries for popular destinations like Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris, and the Greek Islands, your daily route can be customized to match your preferences.

Your Captain will make every effort to accommodate your requests, but holds the final say on all navigational decisions to ensure safety and respond to weather conditions.

Not every yacht is permitted to cruise in Greek waters, as this depends on the yacht’s flag and permits.

We confirm this before you book. Entry requirements also depend on your nationality.

  • The charter season runs from May through October:

  • High Season (July & August):
    Peak summer heat, warm waters, vibrant nightlife, and the Meltemi, a seasonal northern wind that can be strong in the Aegean and may affect routes. Southern areas such as Göcek and Fethiye are usually more sheltered.

  • Mid Season (June & September):
    Ideal weather, comfortable sea temperatures, and fewer crowds at popular anchorages.

  • Low Season (May & October):
    Peaceful bays, pleasant daytime temperatures, and lower charter rates.

Depending on the yacht, food and drinks are arranged either on a board basis (common on gulets) or through an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), an advance payment used for provisions, fuel and port fees during the charter.

Before your trip, we send a Preference Sheet where you can note food tastes, dietary needs and drinks, so the chef can plan your menus.

Wi-Fi is available on board.

Coverage depends on the yacht and cruising area, and satellite connectivity is offered on selected yachts.

3. Safety, Crew & Policies

No.

Ekmar Yachting is a licensed yacht charter broker (TÜRSAB Group A, No. 2262). The yachts are independently owned and operated.

We help you choose the right yacht, check the contract and costs, and coordinate the details with the owner and captain.”

  • MYBA:
    The Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association standard contract for luxury charters, operating under a “Plus Expenses” system (charter fee + APA + VAT).

  • TYBA:
    The Turkish Yachting & Brokers Association agreement, tailored specifically for charters operating in Turkish waters.

  • Owner Contracts:
    Direct agreements provided by independent yacht owners for specific vessels, with custom terms outlined prior to booking.

Yachts carry the marine and third-party insurance required for charter, but this does not cover your personal travel risks.

We strongly recommend travel, medical and cancellation insurance.

Children of all ages are welcome.

Many yachts can fit safety netting and provide children’s life jackets on request, so please let us know when you book.

Pet policies vary by yacht; please ask us in advance.

We work only with yachts that hold valid commercial yacht certificates and the required insurance.

Captains and crew hold the licences required by the yacht’s flag and cruising area.

Safety equipment and crew qualifications are the responsibility of the owner and captain, and copies of certificates are available on request before you book.

Crew gratuities are customary in yacht chartering but remain at your discretion based on service quality. Industry standard tips typically range between 10% and 15% of the base charter fee.

4. Preparation & Departure

Soft luggage or duffel bags are highly recommended, as hard suitcases can damage yacht surfaces and take up storage space.

Pack lightweight resort wear, swimwear, sun protection, and soft-soled deck shoes (shoes are generally not worn inside the cabins).

Embarkation is usually from 15:00–16:00 and disembarkation by 09:00–10:00 on the final morning.

Changeover days vary by yacht, and exact times are confirmed in your charter documents.

Yes.

We can arrange private airport transfers to the marina, and on request other ground or air transport through trusted local partners.

Life Onboard & Beyond

Bringing together clear policies, professional crew hospitality, custom gourmet experiences, and refined stateroom comfort for a seamless escape.
Ekmar Yachting Aft Deck Day View
Ekmar Yachting Flybridge With Jacuzzi And With Sea View
Ekmar Yachting Al Fresco Dining Area With Waitress View
Ekmar Yachting Master Cabin With Sea View
Ekmar Yachting Wheelhouse With Sea View
Ekmar Yachting Beach Club Top View

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