The Best Boat Rentals in Turkey

For private sightseeing cruises in Istanbul, most standard motor yachts for small groups run about $90–$200 per hour, with higher-end options starting around $250 per hour. Along the Turquoise Coast (Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris, Fethiye), expect roughly $750–$1,500 for a full-day private boat, while multi‑day gulet charters often range from about $12,000–$20,000 per week for comfort class and $25,000+ in peak season for luxury. Prices typically include the vessel, licensed captain and crew, fuel for local cruising, and standard safety gear; catering, decorations, extra fuel for longer routes, and marina stops are usually additional. Your host will confirm exactly what’s included before you book so there are no surprises.

Turkey offers a wide choice: modern motor yachts for Bosphorus cruises and day trips, traditional wooden gulets for classic “Blue Cruise” itineraries, sailing monohulls and catamarans for weeklong charters, and speedy day boats for swimming stops. Group sizes range from intimate 6–12 guest yachts to larger event boats that host dozens comfortably. If you’re planning a multi‑day journey with cabins, gulets and larger motor yachts are the most popular and come crewed. For hands‑on sailors, bareboat sailing yachts and catamarans are based mainly in Göcek, Fethiye, and Marmaris.

For a captained or crewed charter, you don’t need a license—the professional skipper runs the boat while you relax. To drive a bareboat yourself, Turkey expects an accepted skipper’s certificate such as an ICC or an equivalent national license (for example, RYA Day Skipper or ASA 104) and basic experience; the harbor master or base will check documents before issuing the transit log. If you’re unsure, book with a captain; it’s the easiest route for groups and special occasions. Your Getmyboat host can advise what’s required for your specific boat.

In Istanbul, common pickup piers include Kabataş, Beşiktaş, Karaköy/Eminönü on the European side and Üsküdar or Kadıköy on the Asian side, with additional boarding at Kuruçeşme, Arnavutköy, and Bebek by arrangement. Ferries and many private cruises also run toward the northern villages, with scenic breaks near Anadolu Kavağı. On the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, popular departure marinas are Milta Bodrum Marina (Bodrum), Netsel Marina (Marmaris), Ece Marina (Fethiye), the marinas in Göcek, Kaş Marina, and Antalya’s Kaleiçi Marina. Share your preferred side of the city or resort area when you inquire, and your captain will suggest the most convenient pier.

In Istanbul, a Bosphorus cruise glides past Dolmabahçe Palace, the elegant Ortaköy Mosque, the Maiden’s Tower, centuries‑old fortresses like Rumeli Hisarı, and the Bosphorus bridges linking Europe and Asia, with grand yalı mansions lining the shore. Along the Turquoise Coast you can swim in coves around Bodrum’s castle, Orak Island and Karaada, explore the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz and Butterfly Valley near Fethiye, and island‑hop the sheltered 12 Islands of Göcek. Farther east, boats drift over the Kekova Sunken City near Kaleköy/Simena and anchor by ancient ruins and pine‑covered bays. Wildlife sightings may include sea turtles and, occasionally, dolphins.

Yes—families with children are welcome on most private charters in Turkey. Crews carry life jackets for all ages and can set aside child sizes if you share ages and approximate weights in advance. Many yachts have shaded seating, secure railings, and enclosed salons for naps; strollers fit best on larger boats. For swimming stops, ask your host about swim vests, shallow coves, and easy boarding ladders to keep the day relaxed and safe.

Policies vary by boat. Many private charters allow you to bring snacks, birthday cakes, and beverages and may charge a modest service or corkage fee for glassware and setup, while others provide set menus or catering packages so the crew can serve smoothly underway. Alcohol is typically permitted on private yachts; if you prefer halal, vegetarian, or kid‑friendly menus, just request these during booking. Soft coolers and non‑staining drinks are appreciated, and most boats follow a shoes‑off policy on deck.

Some private yachts accept small dogs with prior approval and a refundable or cleaning fee, while many vessels—especially cabin or dinner cruises—do not allow pets. If your pet is joining, mention size and temperament early so your host can match you to a pet‑friendly boat and advise on suitable shaded areas and non‑slip mats. Bring a water bowl, waste bags, and a plan for brief shore breaks where local marina rules permit. If pets aren’t allowed on your preferred yacht, your host can suggest alternatives.

Summer is reliably sunny, but the Aegean can see strong seasonal northerlies known as the meltemi in July and August, making afternoons breezier around Bodrum and Datça while Göcek and Fethiye stay more sheltered. Istanbul cruises run most of the year; crews adjust routes for wind, current, and occasional rain or haze, with the calmest water often in the morning or near sunset. If conditions are unsafe, your captain will reschedule, modify the itinerary, or cancel per the boat’s policy, with safety always the priority. Ask about weather‑related flexibility before you book so you know your options.

Absolutely—boats in Turkey are set up for celebrations, from two‑hour sunset cruises with a cake and playlist to full‑day swimming parties and corporate off‑sites. Share your headcount, date window, and vibe (quiet views vs. lively DJ) and your host can arrange decorations, catering, photographers, or surprise proposals. Be sure to confirm maximum capacity, footwear rules, and your preferred pickup pier to make boarding simple for guests. If you need split payments or a per‑person budget, mention that early and your host can recommend fitting options.

For warm weather without peak crowds, late May–June and September–October are ideal across the Turquoise Coast, while July–August bring the hottest temps and the most demand. Istanbul cruises are lovely from spring through fall and operate year‑round on calmer days. Weekdays and morning departures tend to be quieter and smoother on the water than weekend afternoons, and sunset cruises are popular in every region. U.S. boating holidays like Memorial Day or July 4 aren’t observed in Turkey; instead, expect local demand spikes around national and religious holidays and signature events like the Bosphorus Cross‑Continental Swim in late summer and major regattas in October—booking early helps secure your preferred time.

For most groups, a captained charter is the easiest path—you focus on guests while the crew handles navigation, docking, and local timing for bridges, currents, or swimming coves. If you’re an experienced sailor planning a weeklong itinerary from Göcek, Fethiye, or Marmaris, a bareboat can be rewarding, but you’ll need an accepted license and recent skippering experience. A good compromise is hiring a skipper for day one or two on a bareboat, then taking over once you’re comfortable. Your host can help you weigh the tradeoffs for your dates and route.

Yes. From Göcek, boats easily island‑hop among the sheltered “12 Islands” for calm anchorages and swim stops. From Fethiye or Ölüdeniz you can plan a Blue Lagoon and Butterfly Valley day, and from Kaş, Üçağız, or Demre, skippers run to the protected Kekova area where you view the Sunken City from the boat and go ashore at Kaleköy/Simena for castle views. Your captain will time the route for quieter coves and advise where swimming is permitted versus sightseeing only in archaeological zones.