Browse through our guests' frequently asked questions for advice and info on what to expect from a private gulet charter in Turkey. Please feel free to contact us with any other queries.
There’s no reason at all why mobility restrictions should spoil your enjoyment. Gulet gangplanks are wide with handrails and most gulets only have a few steps from the deck down to the saloon or cabins. Swimming ladders are like foldaway steps with a platform at water level and plenty of hand holds. Our crew members are always on hand to help you on and off the yacht or into the dinghy. Please ask us if you have any specific concerns.
There’s no reason at all why mobility restrictions should spoil your enjoyment. Gulet gangplanks are wide with handrails and most gulets only have a few steps from the deck down to the saloon or cabins. Swimming ladders are like foldaway steps with a platform at water level and plenty of hand holds. Our crew members are always on hand to help you on and off the yacht or into the dinghy. Please ask us if you have any specific concerns.
Our crews have all had basic First Aid training. Turkey now has some of the best trained doctors and well-equipped modern hospitals in Europe. You will never be far away from emergency service access.
Gulets are heavy and stable boats, and you will not generally be cruising in rough open seas. If you are prone to seasickness, as a precaution you could bring tablets or pressure bands. Seasickness tablets are stocked on board.
Generally on Saturdays, but in the early or later part of the season it is sometimes possible to start your cruise on a different day.
Embarkation is at 1500 on the first day and disembarkation at 0930 on the last. If we can get your gulet ready earlier we will let you know.
We can sometimes offer short gulet charters of 3 or 4 days but usually in early or late season. 8, 10 and 14 day cruises are also possible, please ask us about possibilities.
By booking early you get more choice of starting and finishing ports. You can even start in one port and finish in another. On a private charter, your cruising route is flexible, we send you sample itineraries to give you an idea of the kind of places you are likely to see, then work with you to tailor make a route according to your interests. Get an idea of the kinds of routes you could take here.
We can send you our sample itineraries for all possible gulet cruising routes with descriptions of towns, villages and bays you may stop at.
Yes. At SJ Travel & Yachting we also offer tailor made overland tours in Turkey. Many of our guests choose to combine their week or 2 on board a gulet with a land experience. Take a look at what's on offer here
Our season runs from May until the end of October. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures of 30 – 38 degrees C. May is warm and nights are cool, the same for October but with warmer water for swimming. June and September can be warm to hot during the day with balmy evening breezes.
There are charter flights direct from most European countries to coastal airports such as Bodrum-Milas, Dalaman and Antalya – please ask your own travel agent. You can fly scheduled airlines to Istanbul and then with Turkish Airlines or other domestic carriers to Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya airports. For more info on logistics see our travel services page.
There are daily ferries to Bodrum and Marmaris.
Turkey requires citizens of some countries to purchase a visa before they arrive, others on arrival at the airport in Turkey. Please see visa information for foreigners for visa requirements. To save queuing for a visa at the airport you can now purchase one online at www.evisa.gov.tr
Yes, we can assist with making hotel reservations based on our recommendations for you. We also have a selection of holidays houses and villas for an extended stay in the Bodrum area.
Guests should obtain relevant cancellation and medical insurance for a holiday of this type.
Turkish Lira is the national currency but most shops and restaurants also accept Euros, Sterling and Dollars. Credit cards are also widely accepted and there are ATM machines in all towns.
You will need money on board for any road excursions you may opt for, the occasional meal ashore if you wish, and for personal shopping.
On all our gulets there are crew members who speak English.
All gulets must pass a strict seaworthiness and safety inspection which includes the provision of lifejackets in each cabin (enough for guests and crew). We also have lifejackets for children on board.
Our gulets do not cruise with guests on board at night. You will always be in a sheltered place by dinner time.
Depending on the size of the gulet, there can be between 3 and 6 crew members – captain, cook, and sailor(s) who share the duties of serving guests, cleaning cabins and work on deck.
Tipping as appreciation for good service is customary in Turkey. This is entirely at your discretion. As a rough guideline between 5 – 10% of your charter fee would be appropriate if you feel your crew has provided good service.
Yes. Our gulets are secure; if you are all off the yacht, some crew members will always be on board.
Our cooks have a lot of experience in catering for special diets, if you are vegetarian or have food allergies, just let us know in advance. For more about food and dining on board your gulet click here
It is fine for brushing teeth but we always stock plenty of bottled water on board for drinking.
You can bring 1 x 100 cl or 2 x 70 or 75 cl of wine or spirits into Turkey.
The quality of Turkish wine has improved dramatically in recent years and there are many new varieties. Please ask us for a wine list.
Turkey has a huge number of ancient historical sites, some of which are very near the coast. Your captain can arrange transportation for you if you would like to visit and explore.
Swimwear and very light clothing is all you really need, and something warm for cooler evenings out of the high summer seaon. Protection against the sun is important – high factor sun cream and a hat. If you would like to wear shoes on deck you should bring a separate pair for use on board only. Soft bags are easier to store than hard suitcases
Yes, we supply hand towels, bath towels and beach towels on all our yachts.
Yes. All our yachts have hair dryers.
Some yachts have a washing machine and the crew will be happy to do small amounts of laundry for guests. On yachts without a machine we supply detergent so that you can hand wash small items, and when staying near larger towns the crew can arrange a laundry service (time permitting).
All our gulets have a CD player with a selection of music. You are very welcome to bring your own CDs. Many of our gulets now also have an ipod connection.
Some yachts have WiFi. Off board, many restaurants and bars offer free Internet connections.
Yes, our staff will help you to buy a card, you just have to show your passport.
Electricity in Turkey is 220 volts. On board your gulet this is available from shore or generator power. Plugs in Turkey are 2 pin.
Yes.
In most places along the coast the mobile phone signal is strong.
You might see the odd jellyfish, and spiny sea urchins clinging to rocks but the water is so clear they are easy to avoid. Turkish Waters are very safe for swimming on the whole.