Yacht Charter FAQ – Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

You rent a private yacht with a professional crew for a set number of days. The captain sails, the crew cooks and looks after you, and you choose where to go. You don't need any sailing experience.

A Blue Cruise (Mavi Yolculuk) is a traditional yacht holiday along the Turkish coast, usually on a wooden gulet. You stop in quiet bays, swim, eat on deck and visit coastal villages. Bodrum, Göcek, Fethiye and Marmaris are the classic starting points.

• Gulet: traditional wooden yacht, lots of deck space, great for families and groups.
• Motor yacht: faster, more modern, good if you want to cover more places.
• Motor Sailer: sails and a strong engine, a mix of both.
• Sailing yacht: for guests who want to feel the wind.
• Catamaran: stable, wide, good for families and shallow bays.

Not sure? Tell us your group and budget and we will suggest two or three options. Browse the yacht charter fleet.

Send us your dates, number of guests, ages, budget and what you want from the trip. We check availability and send you a shortlist. We know the yachts and crews personally, so we can tell you what the photos don't.

Most charter yachts sleep up to 12 guests. Some larger Turkish gulets are licensed for more. For day trips, the limit can be higher. Each listing shows the guest and cabin numbers.

Yes, if the yacht is in port and free. We can arrange a viewing or a video call with the captain.

1. Choose your yacht with our help.
2. We send you a Charter Agreement to review and sign.
3. You pay a 50% down payment. Your booking is now confirmed.
4. You pay the balance and the APA before the charter starts. The due date is written in your Charter Agreement.

It is the contract between you and the yacht owner. It lists the yacht, dates, price, ports, what is included and the cancellation terms. Our agreement is based on the international charter standards and follows Turkish law.

Payments are made by bank transfer, usually in euros. Other payment options can be discussed. All payments are recorded against your Charter Agreement.

For July and August, book 6 to 12 months ahead. The best yachts go first. For May, June, September and October, 2 to 4 months is often enough. Last-minute deals are sometimes available.

Yes. Aquinox Yachting arranges charters through our partner UCT Agency, a TÜRSAB licensed travel agency (Licence No. 17588), under Turkish Law No. 1618. Read more on our Corporate page.

Prices depend on the yacht's size and type, the season and the length of the trip. Our listings show a "Starting From" price. The final rate depends on your dates, duration and route. July and August are the most expensive months.

It always includes the yacht, the crew, standard equipment and the yacht's insurance. What else is included depends on the yacht's terms:

Your quote and contract list exactly what is included. No surprises.

No. Our prices are shown without VAT and without running costs. VAT is added as required by law and shown clearly on your quote.

APA means Advance Provisioning Allowance. It is money you pay in advance to cover costs during the charter: fuel, food, drinks, marina fees and other extras. It is usually 25% to 40% of the charter fee. The captain keeps receipts for everything. At the end, you get a full statement. Any money left is returned to you. If you spend more, you pay the difference on board.

Most yachts price by the week. For trips longer than a week, the daily rate is the weekly rate divided by 7. For trips shorter than a week, it is the weekly rate divided by 6. Some yachts also offer day charters with their own price.

Possible extras include airport transfers, a one-way fee if the trip ends in a different port, special food or drinks, water toys like jet skis, and crew tips. We tell you about these before you book.

Tipping is up to you. A common guide is 10% to 15% of the charter fee. Give it to the captain at the end of the trip and they will share it with the crew.

The season runs from May to October. July and August are hot, busy and windy in some areas. June and September are warm with calmer bays and better prices. May and October are quiet and great for walks and sightseeing.

One week is the most common. Many yachts also take shorter trips of 3 to 6 days, and some offer day charters. Longer trips are possible if the yacht is free.

Often, yes, if the yacht is free. Many gulets run Saturday to Saturday in high season.

It depends on the yacht. Many gulets welcome guests in the afternoon and finish the next morning after breakfast on the last day. Your contract shows the exact times.

Yes. Tell us where you want to go and we plan it with the captain. The captain has the final say on safety, weather and distances. See our routes for Bodrum, Göcek, Fethiye, Marmaris, Datça and Kaş.

Yes, on many yachts. A one-way fee may apply to bring the yacht back.

Sometimes. It depends on the yacht's flag and licence. Guests need valid passports and, if required, a Schengen visa. Entry and exit clearance adds cost and time. Ask us before you book.

Yes. We book restaurants, including boat-in only places you can't reach by road, plus private guides, tours, transfers and beach clubs. Tell us before the trip or ask the captain on board.

Usually a captain, a chef and one or more deckhands or hostesses. Larger yachts have bigger crews. All captains hold the licences required by Turkish law.

The chef cooks fresh Mediterranean and Turkish food. Before the trip, you fill in a preference sheet: favourite dishes, allergies, diets, drinks and any celebrations. The crew shops and plans around it.

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher-style and allergy needs can all be planned. Tell us early.

This depends on the yacht. Some allow it, some charge a fee, some don't allow it. We check for you before you book.

Yes. Tell us their ages so we can arrange child life jackets and safety nets where possible. Many families charter gulets and catamarans because of the space.

Most yachts do not allow pets. A few do on request. Ask us.

Only on the open deck, in areas the captain shows you. Never inside.

Soft bags, not hard suitcases, because storage is limited. Bring swimwear, light clothes, a jacket for the evening, sunscreen and sunglasses. Most yachts are barefoot on deck. Towels and bed linen are provided.

Most yachts have Wi-Fi, but signal can be weak in remote bays. Sockets are usually 220V European type.

Yes. The yacht is yours for the charter. The crew will show you how things work on the first day.

Most charter days are short hops between calm bays. The captain plans the route around the wind. Bring your usual remedy just in case.

It depends on the yacht. Many have paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear and a tender. Some have jet skis or seabobs. Each listing shows the toys.

Yes, if the yacht has one and you meet local rules. A licence or age limit may apply. Some bays do not allow jet skis.

Certified divers can dive with a local dive centre. If you've never dived, we can arrange an intro dive with an instructor. Our founder is a PADI Rescue Diver and knows the best spots.

Often, yes. Local fishing rules apply. The crew will tell you where fishing is allowed.

• Bodrum: Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV).
• Göcek, Fethiye, Marmaris: Dalaman Airport (DLM).
• Kaş and Kemer: Antalya Airport (AYT) or Dalaman.

Yes. We can book a private car to meet you at arrivals and take you to the yacht.

It depends on your passport. Many visitors can enter without a visa or get an e-Visa online. Check before you travel.

Turkish port authorities require a guest list for every charter. We need names, passport numbers and nationalities before the trip.

The captain and crew welcome you on board, show you your cabin and give a short safety briefing. Then you relax and we set sail.

The rules are in your Charter Agreement. As a general rule, the down payment is not refunded after booking. If you cancel after paying in full, the full amount may be kept. If the yacht is re-booked for your dates, part of your money may be returned. We strongly suggest cancellation insurance.

Safety comes first. The captain may change the route or stay in a sheltered bay. Bad weather is not a reason for a refund, but we always find a good plan B.

The crew fixes small issues on board. If a serious problem stops the charter, your Charter Agreement explains the options, such as a replacement yacht or a refund for lost days.

The yacht is insured by the owner. We recommend you take travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical costs and personal belongings.