Sailing in Turkey
Complete Guide 2026
Turkey's Turquoise Coast offers the Mediterranean's best-value chartering with prices 20-30% below Croatia. Sheltered bays, Lycian ruins, and 28°C water from Göcek to Bodrum. Charter from €1,400/week.
Coastline
8,333 km
Main charter area
Göcek–Fethiye–Marmaris
Charter season
May – October
Main bases
Göcek, Fethiye, Marmaris, Bodrum
Charter from
€1,400/week (cheapest in Med)
Water temp (summer)
26-29°C
Cuisine highlight
Best breakfast in Med
Licence required
Recommended, not always enforced
overview
Turkey's Turquoise Coast stretches from Bodrum to Antalya, offering the Mediterranean's best-value chartering. Sheltered bays backed by Lycian ruins, water temperatures reaching 28°C, and charter prices 20-30% below Croatia and Greece make it irresistible for budget-conscious sailors.
The Göcek-Fethiye region is the most popular charter area — a protected gulf with 12 islands, ancient tombs visible from the water, and reliable Force 2-4 winds perfect for beginners. Further west, the Bodrum-Datça peninsula offers more adventurous sailing and proximity to Greek islands.
Turkish hospitality adds another dimension: expect elaborate breakfasts on board, €3-5 waterside kebab dinners, and fishermen sharing their catch at anchor. Marinas are modern and growing, with D-Marin facilities matching anything in Croatia.
best routes
when to go
| May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air | 23-28°C | 28-33°C | 32-37°C | 32-38°C | 28-32°C | 22-27°C |
| Water | 20-22°C | 23-25°C | 26-28°C | 27-29°C | 25-27°C | 22-24°C |
| Wind | F2-3 | F2-4 | F3-5 Imbat | F3-5 | F2-4 | F2-3 |
| Crowds | Low | Medium | High | High | Medium | Low |
| Rating |
costs
Beer Draft
TRY (EUR widely accepted)2 – 4
Yacht42ft Cat
TRY (EUR widely accepted)2,800 – 5,000
Skipper /Day
TRY (EUR widely accepted)80 – 120
Yacht36ft Mono
TRY (EUR widely accepted)1,400 – 2,400
Yacht40ft Mono
TRY (EUR widely accepted)1,800 – 3,000
Diesel /Litre
TRY (EUR widely accepted)1.3 – 1.5
Marina /Night
TRY (EUR widely accepted)30 – 80
Dinner /Person
TRY (EUR widely accepted)5 – 15
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frequently asked questions
Is the Gocek to Fethiye route good for beginners?
Yes. The Gulf of Fethiye is one of the most sheltered sailing areas in the Mediterranean. Mountains block open-sea swell, winds rarely exceed Force 4, and six of the seven daily legs are under 15NM. It consistently ranks among the best beginner routes in the Med.
How many days do you need to sail from Gocek to Kekova and back?
The standard itinerary is 7 days, covering roughly 80NM round trip. If you want to spend more time ashore or avoid the two longer 25NM passages, an 8 or 9-day charter gives more flexibility.
What is the best time to sail Turkey's Turquoise Coast?
May to October. June and September offer the best balance of warm weather (28 to 32°C), steady Force 3 to 4 winds, and fewer crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest, with popular anchorages filling by early afternoon.
Do I need a sailing licence to charter in Turkey?
Yes, the skipper must hold a recognised certificate such as an RYA Day Skipper, ICC, or IYT Bareboat Skipper. If no one in your group is qualified, you can hire a professional skipper for approximately EUR 150 to 200 per day.
What is a gulet?
A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden sailing vessel, typically 20 to 30 metres long, with a wide beam and large aft deck. Gulet charters are almost always crewed and include a captain, cook, and full board. They accommodate 8 to 16 guests and cost EUR 8,000 to 20,000 per week in high season.
Is Turkey good for sailing?
Turkey is excellent for sailing, especially for first-timers. The Gocek-Fethiye region offers sheltered waters, reliable summer winds of 8 to 15 knots, water temperatures of 26 to 28°C, and prices 20 to 30% lower than comparable Mediterranean destinations like Croatia or Greece. The coastline is packed with ancient ruins accessible only by boat.
How much does a yacht charter cost in Turkey?
A week-long bareboat charter on a 36-foot yacht in Turkey starts from around €1,400 in low season, rising to €2,200 in peak summer. A 42-foot catamaran runs €2,800 to €4,500 per week. Split between a group, that works out to roughly €50 to €80 per person per day for the boat. Meals ashore cost €5 to €15 per person.
Do I need a visa to sail in Turkey?
Most EU, UK, US, and Canadian passport holders can enter Turkey with an e-visa, which costs around €20 to €50 and can be obtained online before departure at evisa.gov.tr. The e-visa allows stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.