Relax Into The Easy Pace Of Life On A Private Gulet Charter Holiday In Turkey
Escape To Luxury On A Gulet Charter In Turkey
A Choice Selection Of Bodrum's Best Gulets With SJ Travel & Yachting
Sailing Charter In Turkey For Couples, Families & Groups
Mouthwatering Turkish - Mediterranean Cuisine Prepared By Your Chef On Board
Spacious Gulet Yachts Designed For Dreamy Days Of Pure Relaxation
Cruise Between The Unspoilt & Tranquil Bays of The Turkish Coast
From Super Luxe to Welcoming No Frills, SJ Has A Gulet For Everyone
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
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What is included in the price of a gulet holiday?
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What are the extra costs of a gulet charter holiday?
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Is a gulet holiday in Turkey suitable for small children?
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.
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I have limited mobility, can I still enjoy a gulet vacation?
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.
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What if I need a doctor in Turkey?
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.
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What about seasickness?
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.
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What day of the week do your gulet charters start?
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.
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What time do we embark?
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.
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Can we cruise for more or less than 7 days?
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.
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Can we choose our own cruising route?
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.
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Which places will we see on our gulet cruise?
We can send you our sample itineraries for all possible gulet cruising routes with descriptions of towns, villages and bays you may stop at.
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Can we combine our gulet charter with a land tour in Turkey?
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
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What is the best time to cruise in Turkey?
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.
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How do we get to Turkey?
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.
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Do I need a visa to come to Turkey?
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
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Can you arrange hotels and accommodation for us?
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.
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Do we need insurance?
Guests should obtain relevant cancellation and medical insurance for a holiday of this type.
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What currency can we use in Turkey?
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.
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Will we need money on board?
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.
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Do the captain and crew speak English?
On all our gulets there are crew members who speak English.
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Are there lifejackets on board?
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.
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Will the gulet cruise at night?
Our gulets do not cruise with guests on board at night. You will always be in a sheltered place by dinner time.
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How many crew members are there?
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.
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Should we tip the crew?
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.
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Is it safe to leave passports, cameras, money etc. in our cabins?
Yes. Our gulets are secure; if you are all off the yacht, some crew members will always be on board.
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Can you cater to special diets – vegetarian, gluten free etc?
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
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Can we drink the water on our yacht?
It is fine for brushing teeth but we always stock plenty of bottled water on board for drinking.
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What is my Duty Free allowance?
You can bring 1 x 100 cl or 2 x 70 or 75 cl of wine or spirits into Turkey.
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What is the quality of Turkish wine?
The quality of Turkish wine has improved dramatically in recent years and there are many new varieties. Please ask us for a wine list.
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Can we visit historical sites?
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.
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What should we bring?
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
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Are there towels on board?
Yes, we supply hand towels, bath towels and beach towels on all our yachts.
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Are there hair dryers on board?
Yes. All our yachts have hair dryers.
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Can we do laundry on board?
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).
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Is there music on the gulet?
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.
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Is there Internet on board?
Some yachts have WiFi. Off board, many restaurants and bars offer free Internet connections.
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Can I buy a Turkish Simcard/Datacard for my Smartphone or Tablet?
Yes, our staff will help you to buy a card, you just have to show your passport.
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What is the electricity supply onboard?
Electricity in Turkey is 220 volts. On board your gulet this is available from shore or generator power. Plugs in Turkey are 2 pin.
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Can we charge our camera and mobile phone batteries on board?
Yes.
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Will our mobile telephones work when we are cruising?
In most places along the coast the mobile phone signal is strong.
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Is there anything dangerous in the sea?
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.