
What is a Gulet boat ?
The word gulet might be derived from the goulette (schooner) or galiota. The structure of a gulet is like a schooner with a sharp bow, broad beam and round aft or ketch rigged. These mostly two-masted wooden custom-made boats which were used as transport or fishing boats along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey are nowadays being built with the luxury and comfort of charter boats.
These Turkish boats can accommodate from 4 to 24 guests and have from 2 to 12 double guest cabins and besides private quarters for crew. The boats mostly range from 18 meters to 30 meters in length, while in last decade you can find even more gulets that are longer than 30 meters.
Gulets are strongly influenced by traditional Mediterranean sailing vessels, adapted to modern use. In the vast range of offer that exists you can find gulet boats that have really incredible sailing possibilities. All of these boats have cabins with own showers and toilets, spacious saloon, galley, and huge amount of space on deck. In front of the boat there is space for sunbathing while at the back you have enough space to eat and rest in the shade made by a sun awning.
Why should I choose a Gulet boat to charter in Turkey ?
Turkey has been a land to many cultures, so is decorated with the most impressive historical ruins and monuments of these glorious ages and epochs. Turkey's fascinating turquoise coast is probably the best boat charter destination and the best way of visiting this destination is surely by a Gulet boat. A Gulet is a traditional style motor sailing boat for cruising ashore in the calm and crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Gulet boats offer comfort that sailing boats and motor boats can not offer in that price range. You can afford diverse destinations every time on cruise and rent the gulet when you are not on board. Gulets are built and designed to offer comfort. Besides, a gulet boat can offer extreme luxury, with Jacuzzis on board and hydro-massage showers in toilets, plasma TVs in every cabin and saloon and complete VIP treatment when motoring. No matter how big and luxury gulets can be compared to prices of sailing boats and motor boats, they are very affordable. A Blue Voyage in Turkey is really a synonym for cruising in style.
Rent a gulet boat and visit many ancient cities and historical sites of fabulous Turkey. Experience the history of man from the perspective of the sea. Stay onboard your Gulet, enjoy with sunbathing or take the opportunity of swimming, fishing, skiing, surfing and diving in the clear waters. There are hundred of beaches, coves and sheltered moorings for your boat under a backdrop of rugged pine-studded mountains. Feel the warm hospitality of Turkish people. Charter a Turkish Gulet boat and explore the picturesque ports and towns through the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey in the day time and stop for a lovely dinner at a colorful seaside restaurant.
How can I choose the right Gulet for my/our Turkey boat holiday ?
You may have a look the different gulet boat choices available in our categories within any price range. But before you make a final decision, it’s often helpful to discuss your boat rental and charter plans with us. We inspect all the boats we offer and know the crew and charter itineraries very well. The more you can tell us about your interests, period, duration of your boat charter , number of people, budget and even about your expectations, the better we will be able to guide you for the best option of your Blue Voyage.
Once you have decided which Gulet boat is the most suitable and which ports you wish to embark and disembark, the dates of your boat cruise, etc, we then negotiate the scheduling your Blue Voyage.
How is the life on board a Gulet ?
Gulets are built to center life on deck during a boat charter. Spacious decks and housing a large aft for dining and lounging area are their main features. The number of guests a Gulet carries depends on the boat’s size, though most of them accommodate between eight to sixteen people. These boats offer their guests separate accommodations with ensuite facilities. Modern Gulets are comfortably equipped with all of the amenities that you would feel at home and encourage an environment in which you are expected to do nothing but enjoy yourself. On a gulet boat charter, you have the chance, unlike cruises on large Cruise Ship, to explore the secluded and often deserted bays and coves of the coastline. The small harbours and settlements offer an intimate view of coastal life which large ships cannot replicate authentically.
You could lounge on the deck feeling the sun, sipping your favorite drink; read your favorite novel or explore the turquoise deep with your snorkel. On your Gulet boat, you may find some snorkels, simple fishing equipment, windsurf or a canoe for free of use. Some of the boats have also water sport equipment that is mostly available for rent at extra. Land trips to plenty of ancient ruins to visit are available out of many moorings. You can even fish for your supper on the boat and your cook will gladly prepare for you. Meal times are another form of entertainment with all that exquisite Turkish cuisine and wonderful conversation. Having a meal under the stars on a serene sea, gently touching the sides of your Gulet boat is an experience not to be missed. For those who prefer a different view each day and are prepared for the changing moods of Mother Nature, a holiday on a gulet boat is the perfect solution.
Your cruise is full-board on boat cabin charters, excluding all beverages. On private boat charter, you can spend your boat holiday without even having to decide what is going to be on the menu, you may let the boat’s Chef prepare you delicious set menus with a small additional charge per person basis. Or you may choose to book half board meals on some days and stop for a lovely dinner at a colorful seaside restaurant.
Information about the Gulet Crew
During a gulet boat charter, your party is exclusively attended by a professional and friendly crew. On a boat, the crew and the service is as important as the quality of the boat; or even more. It makes the difference and plays an important role in your gulet boat holidays. We pay the same attention to the quality of both boat and crew and only add those boats to our portfolio where we are sure that the crews are dedicated to making a gulet vacation a truly memorable one.
Depending on the size of the Gulet, the boat crew usually consists of a Captain, Chef and a Deckhand (on smaller gulets; a Captain and a Chef/Deckhand). On larger boats over 26 meters, a fourth crew member will be at your service. The crew members are friendly providing a relaxed atmosphere but at the same time extremely professional familiar with the coastal waters of Turkey and the boat’s inside out.
The Captain is usually source of information on the local history and surroundings, being able to advise the best places to anchor for swimming, snorkeling and visiting. He customizes every day of your boat charter to your personal preferences. Together with his crew members, they provide an ambitious and very personalized yet discreet service.
The Chef prepares delicious food. You can also get some valuable tips from the Chef on local cuisine. The Deckhands are licensed seamen and in charge of safe navigation and sailing, preparation and operation of water toys and transportation of the passengers from the boat ashore to the beach during the day or for a night out. Of course, they are generally water sport lovers and good divers. They are always around when needed but never intrude in your privacy unless you want.
On more luxury gulets, there are is an extra host/hostess responsible for the service and/or a housekeeper is in charge of the interior and laundry.