Gulet Cruising Frequently Asked Questions


What is a gulet?
A gulet is a wooden motorised yacht with one or two masts, built for cruising the Mediterranean Coast. Originally built and used by fishermen and sponge divers to transport their catch, today's gulets have been purpose-designed for yachting holidays. The classic gulet has a rounded aft, low-to-the-water profile and a spacious hull. However, the rounded aft of the original gulets limits the number of cabins that can be built into it, and so these days, the flat-backed style of vessel has become increasingly popular for charters. Modern gulets are also equipped with fresh water tanks, a fuel tank and a waste tank. And while these additions to the original design make the boats more comfortable, they have also increased the weight of the vessels, which means that these days gulets are mainly used for cruising rather than sailing.


What is the difference between cabin charter and private charter?
A cabin charter is where you and your friends hire one or two cabins on a gulet that has a set itinerary and departure date. Your cabin charter includes your meals.

A private gulet charter is where you hire the complete gulet (including captain and crew), for a specific period of time (usually one or more weeks). You agree on the route with your captain, including which ports you embark and disembark at. The private charter fees do not include the cost of food, but does include preparation and service of your provisions. Or, you can go the route of most of our guests and save your energy for swimming and sightseeing, and pay an additional cost for us to supply your meals.

What Should I Pack?
  • Soft bags are easier to store in your cabin than hard suitcases! You may also like to bring a light day pack for optional excursions ashore.
  • Swimsuits (it is a good idea to bring at least two as you spend most of the day in your swimsuits), T-shirts, shorts, some warmer clothes as well, especially for the cool spring and autumn nights;
  • Mosquito repellent, plenty of efficient sun lotion (the mix of sea breeze, salt and sun is most ideal for a great tan!)
  • Good sunglasses, a hat and some aloe vera gel or something similar to soothe any sunburns
  • If snorkeling is one of your favorite pastimes, we suggest you pack your own set of gear, then you won’t need to adjust the mask size every time you want to explore the depths;
  • A sleeping bag if you are planning to sleep on deck, under the stars! (for the cooler spring/autumn months);
  • Normal street shoes are definitely not acceptable on board a yacht... walking barefoot is the rule on board! However, you are welcome to wear some soft-soled shoes for getting around only on deck.
  • Basic toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, soap etc.
  • Sun cream and lots of it.
  • A second pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses
  • Adequate supplies of your prescription medication as there will be limited opportunities to visit a pharmacy
  • Antihistamine and/or cold/flu medicine
  • Aspirin or equivalent
  • Antibiotic / cortisone cream
  • Sun burn medications (Aloe Vera gel works wonders)
  • Insect repellent
  • Large band aids and bandage
  • Tweezers, nail clippers, a needle (for splinters)
What is the best time of year to go?
June and September are generally hot enough to get a nice tan without the harsh summer temperatures. If you want to be able to swim at any time of day or night or if you are a sun worshipper, then July and August will be the best months for your blue cruise. May and October are a beautiful time of year in terms of scenery and nature, and is also when the coves and beaches are not so crowded. It sometimes rains during these months, but the rain is usually only for a few hours at a time. The sun at this time of year can still provide a nice dose of Vitamin D for you.

What about children?
Provided they are accompanied by adults, children of any age are welcome on our cruises and will positively thrive in the warm waters of the Turkish Aegean and Mediterranean.

Are tips for the crew included in your prices?
No. Tips are not included in our prices. It is customary to tip the crew at the end of your cruise, however the amount of the tip is left to the discretion of the passengers. However, as a guideline, 3-5 percent of the charter fee is usual in Turkey. The tip is normally given to the captain, who divides it among the crew members.

Olympos to Fethiye Itinerary
Fethiye to Olympos Itinerary
Fethiye to Marmaris Itinerary (private charter only)
Kas to Olympos Itinerary (private charter only)
12 Island Cruise Itinerary
Cabin Charter Information and Prices
Private Charter Prices
Cruising Frequently Asked Questions

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