Gulet, Motor Yacht, Motorsailer or Trawler? How to Choose the Right Yacht for Your Route and Occasion in Turkey

Gulet, Motor Yacht, Motorsailer or Trawler? How to Choose the Right Yacht for Your Route and Occasion in Turkey blog

Choosing the right yacht is just as important as choosing the right route. A blue cruise in Turkey can be sailed on a traditional wooden gulet, a fast and modern motor yacht, an elegant motorsailer or a spacious trawler – and each one gives your holiday a completely different character.

42 m luxury motor yacht Panfeliss anchored in a turquoise cove on the Turkish coastFrom classic gulets to luxury motor yachts – the right yacht shapes your whole blue cruise.
At a glance

Yacht types compared

Yacht typePaceDeck spaceIdeal forTop route
GuletRelaxed●●●●●Families, large groups, reunionsBodrum – Gökova
Motor yachtFast●●●●Celebrations, VIPs, short breaksBodrum – Greek Islands
MotorsailerModerate●●●●Couples, honeymoons, sailing loversMarmaris – Symi – Rhodes
TrawlerSteady●●●●Families, longer cruisesGöcek & Twelve Islands
The four yacht types

Which yacht suits your blue cruise?

36 m gulet Love Boat cruising past green hills on a sunny dayClassic

Gulet: the traditional Turkish blue cruise

The gulet is the traditional wooden yacht of the Turkish coast, built for generations in yards such as Bodrum and Bozburun. Wide teak decks, large shaded lounges and comfortable cabins make it perfect for long, relaxed days at anchor, usually with a captain, cook and deckhands on board.

Most deck spaceAuthentic atmosphereGreat for large groups
Best for: Family holidays, multi-generation groups, reunions, slow honeymoons.
40 m luxury motor yacht Merve cruising past mountains on the Turkish coastSpeed & Style

Motor yacht: more places, less time

A motor yacht covers distances quickly, so you spend less time cruising and more time swimming. Air-conditioned salons, sleek sun decks, jacuzzis on larger models and water toys make it ideal for combining Bodrum’s bays with a day in Kos, or reaching Kekova from Göcek.

Fast cruisingModern luxuryFlexible itineraries
Best for: Birthdays, proposals, celebrations, VIP guests, short breaks. For Bodrum day charters see our yacht packages.
42 m motorsailer Perla Del Mare under full sail on blue waterSail & Comfort

Motorsailer: the best of both worlds

A motorsailer combines the elegance of sails with the comfort and reliable engine power of a motor yacht. On a good wind day you sail under canvas; when the wind drops, the engines take over. Many luxury gulets in Turkey are built as motorsailers, with tall masts and wide decks.

Real sailingRomantic atmosphereComfortable cabins
Best for: Couples, honeymoons, anniversaries, guests who love sailing.
30 m trawler yacht Neo cruising on a private blue cruise in TurkeySpace & Stability

Trawler: spacious, steady and economical

Trawlers are displacement motor yachts built for comfort at moderate speed. They are stable and fuel-efficient, with generous interiors and wide decks for their size – the comfort of a motor yacht for relaxed, longer cruises.

Very stableFuel-efficientSpacious interiors
Best for: Family holidays, longer cruises, guests who value space and stability.
Match your occasion

The right yacht for every occasion

Gulet or Motorsailer

Honeymoon & anniversary

Quiet anchorages in Gökova or Kekova, sunsets and privacy. Add our Anniversary at Sea touches.

Motor yacht

Marriage proposal

A sunset anchorage off Bodrum Castle – our Proposal on a Yacht package helps with every detail.

Gulet or Trawler

Family holiday

Calm, sheltered water and short sailing days in the Gulf of Göcek or Gökova.

Motor yacht

Birthday & friends

Bays by day and Bodrum by night – or book a Private Yacht Party.

Motor yacht

Island hopping

Kos, Kalymnos, Patmos, Symi and Rhodes on one trip.

Large gulet

Big groups

A large gulet for a week, or our catamaran Brise for day charters in Bodrum.

43 m motorsailer Süreyya – yacht charter in Turkey with Aren Yachting43 m motorsailer Süreyya
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Which yacht is best for a first blue cruise in Turkey?

A gulet is the classic choice for a first blue cruise – it offers plenty of deck space, shade and a relaxed pace, which suits sheltered routes such as Gökova or the Gulf of Göcek.

Is a motor yacht or a gulet better for families?

Both work well. Gulets and trawlers offer more space and a slower, steadier pace, while a motor yacht is better if you want to cover more distance in less time.

What is the difference between a gulet and a motorsailer?

Many luxury gulets are built as motorsailers: they carry masts and sails and can sail in good wind, but rely on their engines for most of the cruising. A motorsailer puts more emphasis on sailing performance.

Can I visit the Greek islands on any yacht?

Yes, Greek island routes from Bodrum, Marmaris and Bozburun are possible on gulets, motor yachts and motorsailers. Passport and border formalities apply, and we help you prepare them.

Not sure which yacht to choose?

Tell us your dates, group size, preferred coast and occasion – we will recommend the right yacht and route and send you a personal quote.