Booking a luxury gulet for your principal? Real costs, night A/C, Greek-island rules and 3 hand-picked gulets from a Marmaris broker since 1988.
Your CEO looks up from the desk and says: “Organize a private blue cruise in Turkey this summer. Top tier only.” And the clock starts ticking.
Picture what they are really asking for. Waking up in a silent, pine-fringed bay. A swim in water so clear you can see the anchor chain on the seabed. Breakfast on deck while the crew readies the tender, and not a single detail they have to think about.
Making that happen is your job. Helping you do it is mine. I have worked in Turkish tourism since 1986 and in yacht chartering since 1988, first with international tour operators, today as a charter broker in Marmaris. Over the years I have worked with many Executive Assistants (PAs) who had to turn that same one-line request into a flawless week at sea.
This guide gives you what they needed from me: what a luxury gulet charter in Turkey really costs, the questions to ask before you sign, and three gulets I know personally.
- Why Executives Choose a Luxury Gulet Over a Motor Yacht
- How Much Does a Luxury Gulet Charter in Turkey Cost?
- The PA's Checklist: What's Included, APA and Hidden Costs
- Night A/C, Wi-Fi and Onboard Comfort: What to Confirm
- Sailing to the Greek Islands: Visas, Fees and Rules
- Three Luxury Gulets I Recommend
- 7-Day Routes from Marmaris, Göcek and Bodrum
- How We Support Executive Assistants
- Ready to Plan It?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- About the Author
Why Executives Choose a Luxury Gulet Over a Motor Yacht
When people picture Mediterranean luxury, they often imagine a sleek white motor yacht off Monaco. On the Turkish coast, the gulet is the classic choice, and for good reason.
A gulet is a traditional wooden motor-sailer, built for generations by craftsmen in Bodrum and along Turkey’s southwest coast. Today’s luxury gulets keep that heritage and add the comfort of a boutique hotel.
- Space where it matters:
a generous beam for their length means large aft-deck dining areas, wide sunbathing lounges and spacious saloons. - Warm, crafted interiors:
teak decks, mahogany joinery and en-suite cabins feel personal rather than corporate. - A slower, calmer rhythm:
short cruising days, long swims and quiet anchorages give executives real time to switch off, or to talk privately away from the office. - Built for these waters:
gulets have sailed these coves for generations, and their crews know the quiet bays that never appear in guidebooks.
How Much Does a Luxury Gulet Charter in Turkey Cost?
Short answer:
A week on a luxury gulet in Turkey for 8–12 guests costs from about €10,000.- in early and late season to €100.000.- in July and August, for the yacht and crew. On top of that, plan for an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of about 25–30% for food, drinks and running costs, plus any VAT and Greek-island fees.
Prices depend on four things:
- The yacht:
length, number of cabins, age and level of finish. - The season:
July and August are the most expensive weeks; June and September offer warm water at lower rates. - The charter terms:
some yachts are quoted for yacht and crew only, others include fuel for a set number of cruising hours per day. - The route:
a cruise that crosses to the Greek islands adds entry and exit fees.
Every quote we send lists each cost on its own line, so you can show your principal the full picture before anything is signed.
The PA’s Checklist: What’s Included, APA and Hidden Costs
Your biggest risk is not the price. It is a surprise line on the final invoice, or a disappointed principal on day two. These are the points to clarify before you sign.
What the charter fee includes
On most gulets in Turkey, the weekly charter fee includes the yacht, the crew and fuel for the planned cruising route. Two exceptions are worth asking about:
- Extra routes:
if you add longer distances or extra cruising hours, additional fuel may be charged. - APA-terms gulets:
depending on their standard and features, some gulets, especially in the motor-sailer category, work with an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance). Fuel, food, drinks and harbor fees are then all paid from an onboard account.
Ask which terms apply, and whether VAT is included in the price you are shown.
Food & Beverage: three ways to pay
Food and beverage is usually not part of the charter fee. Depending on the yacht, you choose one of these:
- Menu plan (our recommendation):
you choose from our menu options, priced per person per day. Before the charter, we ask about every guest’s needs, such as allergies, diabetic or other special diets, and the menus are prepared with them in mind. - Shopping list based on your own menu:
you create your own menu. The captain works out the quantities from your menu preferences, the provisions are ordered from that list, and you pay for the list. - APA:
an onboard expense account, usually 25–30% of the charter fee, paid before embarkation. Our agency shops together with the chef according to your preferences, and at the end of the charter you receive an itemized statement with receipts. Any unused amount is refunded.
Please note:
in all three options, the crew’s meals are included in the food cost.
Easy-to-miss extras
- Fuel for the tender and motorized water toys
- Marina fees in busy harbors such as Bodrum or Göcek in high season
- Greek-island entry and exit fees, if you cross the border
- Airport transfers
- Crew gratuity, customarily 5–10% of the charter fee and at the guests’ discretion
Tip for PAs:
Tell us at the very start if your principal might want to visit the Greek islands. It affects the route, the paperwork, the cost and possibly the visas your guests need.
Night A/C, Wi-Fi and Onboard Comfort: What to Confirm
Two questions cause more complaints on board than anything else: “Why is it so hot in the cabin at night?” and “Why can’t I get online?” Both are easy to prevent if you ask before booking.
Air conditioning at night
On some gulets the generator is switched off at night to save fuel or reduce noise, so the A/C stops too. For most executive guests, that is not acceptable. Before booking, confirm one of these:
- 24-hour A/C:
the generator runs day and night and the cabins stay cool. - Night A/C:
A/C runs during sleeping hours, sometimes with a break in the middle of the day while guests are on deck or swimming. - Limited A/C (for example, up to 12 hours a day):
ask whether 24-hour A/C is available on request, and at what extra cost.
We confirm the A/C schedule in writing for every yacht we offer.
Wi-Fi and connectivity
Most luxury gulets offer Wi-Fi through an onboard 4G/5G router. Coverage is good along most of the coast, but can be weak in remote coves. If your principal must stay reachable, tell us early: we will plan anchorages with good signal on the days that matter.
Food and dietary needs
A private chef cooks for your group throughout the week. Before arrival, you complete a preference sheet covering likes, dislikes, allergies and special occasions. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus are easy to arrange; Kosher or very specific requests are possible on request, subject to what can be sourced locally.
Sailing to the Greek Islands: Visas, Fees and Rules
From the Turkish coast, Greek islands such as Symi, Rhodes and Kos are only a short sail away, and many principals love the idea of two countries in one week. It is very doable, but it needs planning.
- Greek islands licence:
a Turkish-flagged gulet may only visit and stay overnight in the Greek islands if it holds a licence approved through a Greek survey. If you would like to visit the Greek islands, ask us about this option before you choose a yacht. - Passports and visas:
every guest needs a valid passport. Guests from countries that require a Schengen visa must have one before departure. Check this early, as it is a common reason a Greek-island plan has to change. - Start and end in Turkey:
Turkish-flagged gulets usually begin and end the charter in Turkey, visiting Greek islands during the week. - Check-out and check-in costs:
to visit the Greek islands, the yacht must check out of Turkey and back in again (transit log), and check in and out of Greece. These formalities are an extra cost, paid from the APA if the yacht works with APA.
The easiest crossings are from Marmaris to Symi and Rhodes, and from Bodrum to Kos.
Three Luxury Gulets I Recommend
As an independent broker, I don’t own these yachts. I recommend them because I know them, their owners and their crews personally, and because each one suits a different kind of group.
M/S MARE NOSTRUM
From €80,000.- Peer Week
- Length / Beam: 43m / 8.60m
- Guests & Cabins: 12 Guests / 6 Cabins
- Crew Members: 6 Dedicated Crew
- A/C System: 24 Hours Continuous
- Best For: Five-star comfort, jacuzzi in every cabin
M/S PRENSES ESILA
From €17,500 / week
- Length / Beam: 32m / 8.20m
- Guests & Cabins: 12 Guests / 6 Cabins
- Crew Members: 6 Dedicated Crew
- A/C System: Night-Time A/C Standard
- Best For: Families and corporate groups, flybridge, many water toys
M/S GRAND SAILOR
From €9,800 / week
- Length / Beam: 24m / 6.30m
- Guests & Cabins: 8 Guests / 4 Cabins
- Crew Members: 4 Dedicated Crew
- A/C System: Up to 12 hours (24h on request)
- Best For: Privacy and value for small groups
Not sure which yacht best fits your group? Simply share your dates, guest count, and any must-have requests with us. We will respond within hours with verified availability, exact pricing, and ready-to-forward yacht brochures complete with deck plans—making your presentation to your principal effortless.
To get started, simply complete the contact form at the bottom of this page.
1. M/S MARE NOSTRUM: 43m Luxury Schooner for up to 12 Guests
Best for: up to 12 guests who want the full five-star experience, with a private jacuzzi in every cabin.
If your principal expects resort-level comfort, MARE NOSTRUM is the one. Built in 2008 and refitted in 2026, this 43-meter schooner pairs classic lines with the space and amenities of a small luxury hotel.
- Cabins:
6 en-suite cabins (5 doubles with double beds, 1 twin), each with its own jacuzzi and shower. - On deck:
a sun-deck jacuzzi with sea views and an aft-deck dining terrace with an outdoor TV for evening films under the stars. - Comfort:
24-hour air conditioning, watermaker and satellite TV in every cabin. - Crew:
6 (captain, chef, hostess and 3 sailors), English-speaking. The chef creates menus around your group’s preferences. - Water toys:
tender, water skis, kneeboard, canoes, snorkeling and fishing gear.
View MARE NOSTRUM details and availability →
2. M/S PRENSES ESILA: 32m Flybridge Gulet for up to 12 Guests
Best for: families and corporate groups of up to 12 who want space, a flybridge and plenty of water toys.
Built in 2019, PRENSES ESILA has one feature most gulets don’t: an upper flybridge deck. It’s the best seat on board for sunset drinks, with views all around the bay.
- Cabins:
6 cabins (2 master suites, 2 doubles and 2 triples). The triples make her ideal for families with children or teams sharing. - Comfort:
night-time air conditioning for quiet, cool sleep, plus a full coffee station in the saloon (espresso, cappuccino, filter and Turkish coffee), satellite TV and Bluetooth sound. - Tenders:
a 4.65m Joker tender (100 HP) for fast shore trips and a 3.5m service tender (20 HP). - Crew:
6, English-speaking. - Water toys:
banana, ringo, water skis, wakeboard, kneeboard, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, snorkeling and fishing gear.
View PRENSES ESILA details and availability →
3. M/S GRAND SAILOR: 24m Modern Gulet for up to 8 Guests
Best for: up to 8 guests, such as two families or a small executive team, who value privacy and good value.
Refitted in 2020, GRAND SAILOR shows that a smaller yacht can mean a more personal week. With only four cabins on board, your group has the whole boat, and the crew’s full attention, to itself.
- Cabins:
4 en-suite cabins (2 master suites, 2 doubles), each with individually controlled A/C, Smart TV, hairdryer and fresh linens every day. - Air conditioning:
up to 12 hours a day as standard; 24-hour A/C available on request at [extra cost / no extra cost]. - Comfort:
solar panels, watermaker, onboard laundry, Wi-Fi, ice maker and a coffee station in the bright, panoramic saloon. - Crew:
4 (captain, chef and 2 deckhands), known for warm Turkish hospitality. - Water toys:
4.20m Orca tender (50 HP), water skis, ringo, banana, wakeboard, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, snorkeling and fishing gear.
View GRAND SAILOR details and availability →
7-Day Routes from Marmaris, Göcek and Bodrum
Every route is planned around your group: how much time on the move, how many quiet bays, how much time ashore. These three are the ones executives ask for most.
For more luxury gulet lists click here →
Marmaris, the Bozburun Peninsula and the Greek Islands
From our home port of Marmaris, this route combines the quiet coves of the Bozburun Peninsula with Symi’s colorful harbor and the medieval old town of Rhodes. It is the easiest way to add the Greek islands to a week in Turkey.
Göcek, the 12 Islands and Fethiye
The calmest waters on the coast. Pine-covered islands, sheltered bays and short sailing distances make this the best choice for guests who want to relax, swim and rest, or for families with young children.
Bodrum and the Gulf of Gökova
Start with the lively marinas and restaurants of Bodrum and Yalıkavak, then sail into the green, quiet bays of the Gulf of Gökova. Kos is a short crossing away for guests who want a Greek island day.
Private transfers from Dalaman or Bodrum airport, a helicopter transfer (subject to availability), a table at a favorite restaurant ashore or a celebration on board: tell us, and we arrange it before you arrive.
How We Support Executive Assistants
Your time is limited, and your principal expects answers fast. This is how we work with PAs:
- Fast, ready-to-forward options:
within hours, you receive yacht options with photos, deck plans and videos, formatted so you can send them straight to your principal. - Itemized pricing:
charter fee, VAT, APA and optional extras on separate lines. No surprises at the end. - Guest preference sheet:
we collect food likes and dislikes, allergies, wake-up habits, water-sport sizes and special occasions before arrival, so the crew is ready on day one. - One contact, start to finish:
you deal with me directly, before, during and after the charter.
Ready to Plan It?
Send your dates, number of guests, preferred departure port and must-haves to [email protected] or WhatsApp +90 532 740 85 11.
You can also fill our contact form at the bottom of this page. You will receive three tailored options, an itemized price with nothing hidden, and a deck plan you can forward as it is.
Your principal gets the trip of the year. You get the credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
For 8–12 guests, expect from about €10,000.- in early and late season to €100,000.- in July and August for the yacht and crew. Add APA of about 25–30% for food, drinks and running costs, plus VAT and any Greek-island fees.
About the Author
Faruk Köşker is the founder of Ekmar Turizm (est. 1986) and has arranged yacht charters on the Turkish coast since 1988. In more than 35 years in Turkish tourism, he has worked with international tour operators such as TUI and Magic Life, and ran the Sixt rent a car franchise in Marmaris for 12 years, before focusing on private gulet and yacht charters. Based in Marmaris, he works with clients and agencies in English, German and Turkish.
Headquarters
Ekmar Turizm Ticaret A.Ş.
TÜRSAB Licence No. 2262 · Member of the İMEAK Chamber of Shipping
Kemeraltı Mah.
Yeni Datça Yolu No: 21E
48700 Marmaris / Muğla
Türkiye
Concierge Desk Hours
9:00 AM – 06:00 PM (GMT+3 / TRT)
Direct Enquiries
Direct Line: +90 252 412 25 52
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