The Best Boat Rentals in Bodrum

Prices vary by boat size, style, and season. As a simple guide, smaller private boats and standard gulets typically run about $100–$250 per hour, while larger luxury motor yachts are commonly $400–$900+ per hour. For full‑day outings, expect roughly $700–$1,200 for simpler boats and $3,000–$6,000+ for premium yachts. Most captained charters include the crew, basic safety gear, and fuel for a standard local route; many gulet day trips also include a set lunch and soft drinks, with alcoholic beverages and specialty requests extra. Longer routes, water toys, marina fees outside Bodrum, and tips are usually additional. Booking early for July–August or late‑October event weeks keeps pricing predictable.

You’ll see traditional wooden gulets for relaxed cruising and swim stops, modern motor yachts for faster hops between coves, sailing yachts and catamarans for travelers who love time under sail, and speedboats or RIBs for quick half‑day trips. Gulets are ideal for groups and family days with plenty of shade and deck space, while motor yachts suit celebrations or upscale itineraries. If you want quiet sailing, pick a monohull or catamaran and plan a route with fewer engine hours.

Most visitors book a captained charter, which removes the stress of local navigation, anchoring, and prevailing summer winds. Self‑operated (bareboat) charters are available mainly for multi‑day sailing yachts and catamarans, and you’ll need a recognized skipper’s credential (such as an ICC or equivalent national license) and recent experience on a similar vessel. Day trips on motor yachts and gulets are almost always captained, which keeps the day effortless for your group.

Common departure points include Milta Bodrum Marina in the town center and the historic Bodrum harbor by the castle. Many yachts also start from Yalıkavak Marina on the northwest of the peninsula or D‑Marin Turgutreis on the western tip. Depending on your boat and route, some captains can arrange pickup from nearby spots like Gümbet or Bitez piers; confirm the exact meeting point after you book so transfers and timing are easy.

Expect classic Aegean scenery: the stone ramparts of Bodrum Castle, the old windmills on the hills, and a necklace of turquoise bays. Favorite stops include Aquarium Bay for crystal‑clear snorkel water, the “blue lagoon” hues of Orak Island, and Karaada (Black Island) with its warm mineral cave and swim spots. On clear days you’ll also glimpse Kos across the channel. Most captains tailor the swim stops to the day’s wind and sea conditions to keep things smooth.

No license is needed when you book a captained charter, which is the norm for day trips. If you want a bareboat rental, Turkish authorities and local operators will ask for proof of competence such as an ICC or an equivalent national skipper’s license, and they may request a VHF/short‑range radio certificate and a recent sailing resume. Small license‑free boats are uncommon for visiting travelers; most holidaymakers find that hiring a local captain makes for a safer and simpler day.

Yes—families are welcome. Captained boats carry the required safety equipment, including lifejackets, and most can provide child‑sized vests if you request them in advance. For little ones, ask for shaded seating, bring sun protection and snacks your kids like, and let the captain know if you prefer calmer coves and shorter swim stops. Many crews are used to family days and will pace the itinerary accordingly.

Policies vary by boat. Private gulets often include a simple onboard lunch and allow you to bring additional snacks; alcoholic drinks may be sold onboard or allowed as BYO, sometimes with a corkage fee. Many shared day boats include lunch with drinks sold separately and may not permit outside beverages. If you have dietary needs or a special celebration cake, share the details when you book so the crew can plan refrigeration, plating, and timing.

Some boats allow well‑behaved pets, typically small to medium dogs, while others don’t due to upholstery and allergy policies. If pets are welcome, bring a towel, a leash for piers, fresh water, and a non‑slip mat. Expect a cleaning fee on certain yachts and note that most captains will limit pets to deck areas during service or meal times.

Summer in the Aegean is generally sunny, but seasonal northerly winds can pick up in the afternoons. Captains typically recommend morning departures for the smoothest seas and will adjust the route to sheltered bays if it’s breezy. If conditions are unsafe, your trip will usually be rescheduled or refunded per the boat’s cancellation policy. Build a little flexibility into your schedule, especially during peak wind days.

Yes—boats here host everything from milestone birthdays to proposals. Most yachts can arrange a playlist hookup, simple decorations, and a celebratory dessert, and many offer set menus so you don’t have to coordinate catering. Share your headcount, preferred vibe, and must‑do photo moments when you inquire. For bigger groups, a spacious gulet with shade and wide decks is a comfortable choice.

Peak boating season runs June through September, with the warmest water in July and August. May and October bring pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better value, with late October also drawing sailors for the Bodrum Cup regatta. If you’re traveling from the U.S., dates like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day aren’t Turkish holidays but still fall in high demand periods, so boats book up fast. Weekdays are easier to secure than weekends, and morning departures are calmer and cooler in midsummer. For July–August, book a few weeks to a month in advance; for shoulder months, a shorter lead time often works.

Half‑day cruises (about 4–6 hours) often visit Aquarium Bay and nearby coves off Bitez and Gümbet, keeping ride times short. Full‑day trips (6–8 hours) commonly head to Orak Island for its brilliant blue water and long swim stop, or to Karaada for thermal cave swims plus a circuit of bays like Rabbit and German Bay. Captains choose the sequence based on wind and sea state so you spend more time swimming than motoring.