Turkey has 12 main sailing regions, with 1,956 boats available for you to choose from for your sailing vacation. Favorite sailing destinations can be found around the Mugla Province, Antalya Province and Istanbul Province.

You can rent a boat and start your journey from 129 marinas, the most popular being Bodrum Milta Marina, Ece Marina and Göcek Muçev Marina.

When you search for a boat, you have a choice from the fleets of 337 charter companies in Turkey. Thea Sailing and 4U Yachting have the highest ratings from our customers.

What is the best time of year for a yacht charter in Turkey?

The sailing season runs roughly late April to late October, with settled weather and sea temperatures above 20 °C. Shoulder months (April–early June & late Sept–Oct) are quieter and a little cooler, yet still pleasant for swimming and usually cheaper than mid-summer.

Which sailing areas in Turkey are most suitable for beginners?

The protected Göcek & Fethiye Bays are often called Turkey’s “beginners’ area”: distances between anchorages are short, the coast is indented with well-sheltered coves, and marinas provide reliable services. Marmaris Gulf and the inner reaches of the Gulf of Gökova offer similarly gentle conditions with plentiful overnight spots.

What type of boat should I choose?

• Monohull sailing yachts are the most economical per berth and fit easily into smaller town quays.

• Catamarans provide extra deck space and greater stability—useful for family groups or anyone prone to seasickness.

• Traditional wooden gulets come crewed and are popular for relaxed “Blue Cruise” itineraries but usually motor rather than sail.

• Fast motor-yachts cover longer distances but cost more to charter and to refuel.

How do I reach the main charter bases?

The bulk of charter fleets are clustered around Göcek, Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum. Dalaman Airport is 25 min to Göcek, 50 min to Fethiye and about 90 min to Marmaris; Milas-Bodrum Airport is 40 min from Bodrum marina; Antalya Airport serves the eastern Lycian coast in about three hours by road. Most operators can arrange private transfers or advise on shuttle buses and taxis.

How much should I budget for mooring and marina fees?

• Anchoring in bays is free, though in national park zones you may need to pick up a mooring buoy (≈ 400–1 000 TL/night for a 12 m yacht).

• Municipal quays typically charge 5-10 €/m in high season.

• Fully-serviced private marinas range 8-15 €/m in summer, with electricity, water and pump-out billed separately.
  Remember to factor in the one-off Transit Log (≈ 60 €) 

Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Turkey?

Yes. For bareboat charters the harbour master requires the skipper to present at least an ICC, RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104 or national equivalent, plus a VHF certificate; originals are checked when the Transit Log is issued. If you do not hold a recognised licence you must hire a local skipper.

What weather conditions should I expect?

Along the Turquoise Coast summer sees reliable NW “Meltemi-type” breezes of 10-20 kn, strongest after midday and easing overnight—ideal for predictable afternoon sails. July–August can bring gusts above Force 6 in open stretches, so less experienced crews often choose May-June or September.

Are there restrictions in marine protected areas?

Special Environmental Protection Areas such as Kaş–Kekova and Fethiye–Göcek ban sewage discharge; holding-tank pump-outs must be logged every 14 days and spot fines apply for non-compliance. Anchoring on seagrass is prohibited; use the park buoys where provided.

What should I budget for provisioning and incidentals?

On crewed charters the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is usually 25-40 % of the charter fee, covering food, fuel, moorings and taxes, with any unused balance refunded. Bareboat crews provisioning themselves will find supermarket prices broadly similar to central Europe, while eating ashore remains relatively affordable in small coastal towns.