Last Updated on March 12, 2025
Sailing in Turkey offers an appealing blend of ancient history, turquoise waters, and secluded coves. Here’s my guide to help you plan a sailing adventure.
Turkey doesn’t usually come to mind when it comes to sailing adventures. Most people go sailing in Greece and Croatia, maybe Italy and France, but Turkey? It comes as a surprise to many that the Turkish Riviera offers some of the most glorious sailing routes, dotted with cerulean waters, charismatic fishing towns and the freshest seafood you can find.
After my previous escapades sailing in Greece and island hopping in Croatia, I really didn’t expect much from my trip to Turkey. But this beautiful country was above and beyond my expectations. We spent a week aboard a gullet (traditional wooden yacht of Turkey), sailing from Fethiye to Olympos near Antalya, and absolutely loved our time.
Each day unfolded like a dream — waking to morning dips in the warm sea, wandering through ancient ruins steeped in history and feasting on Turkish food. Evenings were just as magical, sipping drinks in lively fishing ports where the scent of grilled fish filled the air. To help you plan your adventure, here’s a detailed guide to sailing in Turkey, packed with tips and practical insights to ensure a memorable experience.
Sailing in Turkey Guide
Where to Sail in Turkey?
In Turkey, you can choose to sail in the Aegean Sea or along the Mediterranean Coast. The Aegean Sea is perfect for island-hopping and lazing on remote beaches. On the other hand, the Mediterranean route offers a glimpse into authentic Turkey, leading to bazaars and ancient historical sites.
- Aegean Coast – Stretching from Izmir to Bodrum, this region is dotted with breathtaking islands, each boasting white-sand beaches, fascinating ruins, and welcoming seaside tavernas. Bodrum, the main sailing hub, is a vibrant city set on a picturesque peninsula near the Greek island of Kos. Here, you’ll encounter medieval history and a buzzing nightlife.
- Mediterranean Coast – Turkey’s Mediterranean route stretches from Bodrum to Antalya, revealing a rugged yet enchanting landscape. Here, steep cliffs give way to hidden bays, untouched beaches, and lush pine forests. Marmaris is the region’s premier sailing hub, boasting a lively waterfront promenade lined with cafés, bazaars, and boutique shops. Yachts can be chartered from Fethiye, Göcek, Finike, and Kemer.
Sailing the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey
For our Turkey sailing adventure, we opted for the Mediterranean Sea because we wanted to see the more authentic side of this beautiful country. We chartered Turkish Blue cruise gulet boats from Fethiye and went on an adventure of a lifetime.
With towering mountains shielding us from strong winds, the sailing conditions were nearly perfect, with smooth sailing seas and fantastic weather. The Gulf of Fethiye quickly became a favorite, with its untouched coves and dramatic landscapes. Ölüdeniz, with its famous turquoise lagoon, was my personal favorite spot.
My daughter was over the moon at the blissful Butterfly Valley. And rightly so! Here, we saw fluttering butterflies dancing among waterfalls and rocky cliffs. Further along, the sunken ruins of Kekova region emerged from the crystal-clear waters like echoes of an ancient world. The charming town of Kaş welcomed us with its vibrant marine life, beautifully preserved amphitheater, as well as groves of almonds, oranges, lemons, and bananas.
Best Time to Sail in Turkey
The sailing season in Turkey typically runs from April to the end of October or early November. However, I highly suggest you plan your trip in May-June or September-October (shoulder seasons). During these months, the Turkish coastline enjoys warm weather, excellent sailing conditions, and few crowds.
That’s what makes sailing in Turkey perfect for travelers seeking to go off the beaten path and away from crowded, touristy areas. We sailed in the first week of October and we hardly saw any other tourists. Apart from a few yachts we encountered at Ölüdeniz, we were pretty much alone most of the trip. The beaches only had a handful of people and the hotels were surprisingly affordable.
Also, planning your trip in any of these months means you’ll avoid Meltemi wind, which frequently blows in July and August. The meltemi is a strong, dry wind that can affect sailing conditions, especially in the Aegean Sea. Check weather forecasts daily and be prepared to alter your route or seek shelter if necessary.
How Long to Sail in Turkey?
Most Turkish sailing holidays last around 7-8 days. One week is enough time to see the hidden beaches, beautiful towns, enjoy local cuisine, and scour the underseas. If it’s your first time in Turkey, I would recommend spending at least 2 weeks in Turkey.
That would give you enough time to explore other parts of Turkey and throw in adventures like hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, exploring the ancient ruins in Esphesus and soaking up the travertines of Pamukkale. On our trip to Turkey, we spent 7 days sailing across the Mediterranean and another week exploring Istanbul.
Best Way to Sail in Turkey
Turkey offers a trove of boat options for scouring its coastline. Depending on the sailing tour or company you opt for, you’ll have around 3 options; yacht, catamaran, and gulet. For our trip, we opted for a gulet because it’s unique to Turkey and we’d already been on a yacht and catamaran.
Yachts
Sailing along Turkey’s beautiful coastline on a yacht is an accessible and flexible experience, with a wide range of options to fit any budget. Yachts vary in size, typically starting from around 10 meters to hundreds of feet. Yacht rentals in Turkey typically range from $160 to $1,800 per day, allowing you to choose the best vessel based on your preferences and budget plans.
Catamaran
A catamaran is an exceptional way to experience the stunning Mediterranean views without sacrificing comfort. The catamaran is simply a boat with two parallel hulls. It derives its name from the Tamil word “kattumaram,” meaning “logs bound together,” reflecting its design.
Ideal for those seeking a luxurious yet adventurous journey, catamarans provide a smooth and stable sailing experience. Ranging in price from $480 to $3,120, these vessels are equipped with various amenities, ensuring you have everything you need for a relaxed sailing trip.
Turkish Gulet
Turkey’s picturesque coastline is best explored on a traditional gulet. These wooden sailing vessels are a common sight in coastal towns like Bodrum and Marmaris. Gulets typically have spacious decks and comfortable cabins.
Gulet rentals in Turkey start from $150 to $22,500 per day. While these rates can feel painfully expensive, the experience is well worth it. For our sail across the Turkish Riviera, we opted for Turkish Blue cruise gulet boats and it was quite the experience.
We had the option of picking out a gulet based on our budget and preferred experiences. We also got a professional crew that ensured we had everything we needed on our sails. It was an unbelievably exceptional trip across the Blue Cruise route.
What It’s Like to Sail in Turkey
Our Turkey sailing trip was the perfect mix of relaxation and activity. It was a chance to unwind in picturesque settings while enjoying the excitement of exploring new places. Each day unfolds at a leisurely pace, starting with a coffee or a refreshing dip in the indigo sea after waking up.
Here’s how our typical day was like during as we sailed through the Turkish Riviera;
- 8+am: There’s no rush to start the day, so we casually emerge from our cabins and either enjoy a quiet morning coffee or dive into the clear waters.
- 9am: A delicious Turkish breakfast is served, featuring fresh fruit, yogurt, and a selection of hot dishes like scrambled eggs, menemen (Turkish-style eggs), and simit (sesame-crusted bread).
- 10am: We set sail, and the group enjoys the freedom to lounge on the deck or curl up with a book under the shade of the sails.
- 1pm: We anchor at a hidden swim spot or dock in a charming town, where our host serves a delicious Mediterranean-inspired lunch—perhaps grilled sea bass, köfte (Turkish meatballs), or a fresh meze platter.
- 3pm: Time to explore! Whether wandering through town, going for a hike, or discovering secluded beaches, there’s always something new to experience. One of my favorite days was when we stopped at Kaş and ventured to the hillsides to see almonds.
- 8pm: We head ashore for dinner, often sharing a meal with fellow travelers, though some evenings we opt for a romantic dinner by the sea. The Turkish seafood is unparalleled, and each restaurant we visited exceeded expectations.
- 10+pm: After dinner, we either enjoy drinks with our travel companions. We would then return to the boat for a peaceful night under the stars, reflecting on another perfect day of sailing in Turkey.
Food in Turkey
While sailing in Turkey, the food experience was nothing short of amazing. We had a daily spread of fresh, Mediterranean-inspired meals onboard the Turkish gulet. Breakfast and lunch were included, and we enjoyed a variety of healthy and flavorful dishes like Adana kebab, köfte (Turkish meatballs), and lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza).
For breakfast, we had delicious menemen, a dish with eggs, tomatoes, and peppers. On some days, we had dolma—grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and minced meat. Each evening, we ventured off the boat to charming taverns and hilltop restaurants with breathtaking views.
In Kaş, we indulged in local favorites like dolma at Keyf-i Dem Restaurant. My daughter loved this dish, so I had to learn the recipe and prepare it back at home. I also loved the Turkish pizza at Beyhude Meyhane, meals here are accompanied by live music. Sailing across the Mediterranean left me completely in love with Turkish cuisine and it truly was one of the best food experiences I’ve ever had!
Cost of Sailing in Turkey
The cost of a sailing trip in Turkey can vary, but for our one-week Blue Cruise adventure, we paid around €845 (around $915) per person. While it’s not the cheapest sailing tour available, it provides excellent value for the experience. This price includes accommodation aboard a luxurious gulet, with all breakfasts, lunches, and drinks covered throughout the trip. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, aim for September and October.
Beyond sailing, Turkey is an affordable destination, offering a great value for money compared to many other European countries. Dining out is reasonably priced, with breakfast typically ranging from $9-$15, lunch between $7 and $25, and dinner costing anywhere from $17 to $40. Coffee is around $4 while street food or fast food can be found for around $8.
Accommodation is also quite affordable, with 3-star hotels averaging $90.74 per night, providing a solid balance of comfort and cost. For a slightly more luxurious stay, 4-star hotels are priced around $107.82 per night while 5-star hotels come in at around $136.32 per night. Remember, prices vary town to town. In busy hubs like Antalya, dining at a restaurant is more expensive than in Ölüdeniz or Kaş.
Who Do You Sail With?
Depending on the experience you seek, you can opt to rent an entire gulet or share it with other travelers. If you’re traveling with a large group of friends or family, it might make more sense to rent an entire gulet. Alternatively, you can book a sailing tour, like we did, and see who you end up sharing the journey with.
On our sails across the Turkish Riviera, we shared our gulet with a lively family from Argentina. They had a girl who was around the same age as my daughter, Kaleya. They were super-friendly and easy to get along with, and Kaleya even made a lasting friendship. They still occasionally chat on the phone.
Things to Know Before Sailing in Turkey
Get Ready for Motion Sickness
Most leisure sailing trips in Turkey stay close to the coast, which generally reduces the risk of seasickness since land remains always in sight. On our sailing trip, we didn’t get any motion sickness at all but it all depends on the route you’re taking, the sea conditions and the weather during your visit.
To prevent motion sickness, it’s best to stay on deck in the fresh air. Avoid going below unless necessary, and keep your gaze in the direction of travel. Medication can also be a big help sometimes—take Dramamine an hour before departure. It should help calm the nerves, but be mindful of the dosage guidelines—one to two tablets every four to six hours as needed.
Sailing Can be Super Relaxing
Sailing was often the most relaxed time of our trip. Every time we left the beach or harbor for a new destination, the silence would envelope the group. I’m not typically one to sit still for long, but there was something about the gentle rocking of the boat and the endless horizon that made it effortless to do nothing at all.
Hours slipped by as I gazed out at the sea, occasionally drifting off into the most peaceful naps I’ve ever had. The other couple also naturally settled into their own rhythms—basking in the sun on the upper deck.
You Don’t Need Sailing Experience
You don’t need any sailing experience to go on a trip across the Turkish Riviera. Our skipper and host took care of everything, we just helped out sometimes with getting the fenders overboard, holding the ropes or lowering the anchor. It’s nothing terribly hard or tiring. You can take part in the sailing as much or as little as you like.
You’ll Sleep in Tight Quarters
Cabins on a Turkish gulet are not like hotel rooms, and it’s important to set your expectations accordingly. But depending on how far you can stretch your budget, they can still be quite comfortable. Though you’ll likely spend most of your time on deck, soaking up the sun, swimming, dining, and exploring new destinations.
Our cabin was surprisingly spacious. We had a double bed with ample storage compartments on both sides and additional space beneath the bed. Since storage is limited, packing light is essential—ideally, stick to a carry-on, as large suitcases simply won’t fit. The cabin was also well-equipped with two-pin European-style plug sockets and USB ports, ensuring devices could stay charged with a steady power supply.
How to Get Travel Insurance
Most charter companies require you to have travel insurance before you sail with them. I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance whether you’re sailing in Turkey for 1 week or traveling Turkey for months. Having travel insurance has helped me through the times when we lost our luggage, our flights got canceled/delayed, and when we had our valuables stolen.
You never know what’s going to happen, so it’s always wise to have insurance. Read my guide to getting travel insurance. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.
What to Pack for a Turkey Sailing Trip
Packing light is key if you’re planning on sailing in Turkey. You’ll be spending most of your time in the water, so definitely get lots of sun-proof gear. I recommend bringing sun-proof rashguards that can protect your skin while snorkeling.
KEEN footwear or normal sandals are really useful for water activities. If you don’t like getting your sandals wet, you definitely need water shoes as many of the beaches in Turkey are pebble beaches studded with sea urchins.
Packing List for a Turkey Sailing Trip
- Biodegradable Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent with DEET
- Snorkel mask and fins
- UPF50+ rash guard swim shirt
- Dry bag for snorkeling/kayaking
- Quick-dry towels
- Sun hat that covers the neck
- KEEN covered sandals
- Dramamine for motion sickness
- GoPro Hero 7 for waterproof photos/videos!
- Quick-dry t-shirts for the hot weather
Practical Tips for Sailing in Turkey
- The Turkish Aegean Sea is typically calmer than the Turkish Mediterranean, particularly in the summer months. Regardless of where the adventure takes you, there’s still a chance of experiencing choppy waters. If you do suffer from sea sickness, be sure to bring sea-sickness bracelets or medications. Stay above deck and keep your eye on the horizon line.
- Even though the skipper and host take care of everything, you can help with getting the fenders overboard, holding the ropes or lowering the anchor. In general, you can take part in the sailing of the yacht as much or as little as you like.
- There might not be WiFi on your boat (it depends on which vessel you’re sailing with), so it’s wise to buy eSIMs from Airalo beforehand so you can have 5G internet on your phone.
- Try to pack light (carry-on only if you can) because a gigantic suitcase won’t fit in the cabin.
- Use only biodegradable sunscreen (or reef-friendly sunscreen) when sailing in Turkey.
Enjoy Sailing in Turkey!
The Turkish Riviera was one of the biggest surprises during my sailing adventures across Europe. It felt like drifting through a dream of deep blue waters and sun-soaked landscapes. Hopefully, our guide will help you make the most of your time sailing in Turkey.
Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. We’ll be happy to help in any way we can! Here are my other articles related to Turkey and sailing across Europe:
- Guide to Sailing in Croatia
- Guide to Sailing in Greece
- 1-week island-hopping itinerary in Greece
- Our Greece Sailing Holiday
- Croatia Island Hopping Guide
- Europe’s Best Yachting Destinations
- Best things to Do in Istanbul
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.
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