One of the first questions our British guests ask is simple: how big is a Bodrum gulet, and how many people can it really sleep in comfort? The answer matters more than you might think, because the size of the yacht and the layout of its cabins shape almost every aspect of your week on board – how much deck space everyone has, how private the cabins feel, how many crew members look after you, how smoothly the yacht rides in a breeze and, of course, how much the charter costs. The good news is that Bodrum has the widest choice of gulets anywhere in Turkey, so whatever the size of your group, there is a yacht that fits it perfectly.
Most charter gulets in Bodrum fall somewhere between 20 and 50 metres in length, with the most common sizes being around 24 to 35 metres. Smaller classic gulets of 20 to 30 metres typically have four to eight double or twin cabins and offer excellent value for families and groups of friends who want an authentic, relaxed experience. Mid-sized gulets of 30 to 40 metres usually have five to eight cabins with more generous bathrooms, larger saloons and more deck space per guest. At the top end, luxury gulets and motorsailers of 40 to 55 metres tend to have five to seven very spacious cabins, because the extra length is used for bigger suites, wider decks and crew areas rather than for squeezing in more guests.
Bodrum gulets of different sizes
Gulet Sizes at a Glance
| Length | Typical cabins | Guests | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–26 m | 3–5 | 6–10 | Couples, small families, value charters |
| 26–32 m | 5–8 | 10–16 | Families and groups of friends |
| 32–40 m | 5–8 | 10–18 | Larger groups wanting more space |
| 40–55 m | 5–7 | 10–14 | Luxury charters with full crew service |
Under Turkish charter regulations, most gulets are licensed for a maximum of twelve overnight guests, regardless of how many cabins they have, although a smaller number of larger yachts carry licences for sixteen or even eighteen guests. That is why an eight-cabin gulet can be a superb choice for a big family or a reunion: every couple or pair of friends has a private en-suite cabin, and the deck and saloon are large enough for everyone to gather at one long table. When you enquire, we always check the licence and the exact cabin configuration – double, twin, triple or family – so that everyone has a proper bed.
Understanding Cabin Layouts
Cabins on a gulet are almost always en-suite, with a private shower, washbasin and marine toilet. The classic layout places the guest cabins in the aft and middle sections of the yacht, below the big shaded dining deck, with the crew quarters and galley towards the bow. Double cabins have a fixed double or queen-size bed, while twin cabins have two single beds that can sometimes be pushed together. Many family-friendly gulets also have a triple or family cabin with an extra single bunk for a child. On larger gulets the master cabin often stretches across the full width of the stern, with large windows, a sofa and a bigger bathroom, and some luxury yachts have two or three master-sized cabins so that couples do not have to compete for the best room.
When comparing gulets, it is worth looking beyond the number of cabins to their size and headroom, the type of beds, whether each cabin has its own air-conditioning unit and how quiet it is at night. The generator on many modern gulets is now well insulated, and the best yachts run their air-conditioning throughout the night, which makes a real difference to sleep in July and August. Your advisor will explain the cabin plan of each shortlisted yacht in detail and suggest how to allocate the cabins within your group.
Which Size Is Right for You?
For a couple or a small family of four to six, a 20 to 26 metre gulet with three or four cabins offers an intimate, relaxed atmosphere and the lowest weekly price. For two or three families travelling together, a 26 to 32 metre gulet with five to six cabins strikes the best balance between space and budget. Big groups of fourteen to eighteen should look at the eight-cabin gulets licensed for the larger number – such as Queen of Salmakis, Sun World 8 or Parss – which allow everyone to sail together on a single yacht. If you value space and service above all, a 40-metre-plus luxury gulet or motorsailer with five or six large cabins will feel more like a private superyacht. You can compare every option on our gulets by cabin size page.
Inside Bodrum gulets – cabins and saloons
How Size Affects the Price
Generally, the longer and newer the gulet, the higher the weekly price, but cabin count also plays a role. In our Bodrum fleet, eight-cabin classic gulets of 25 to 30 metres start from around €8,000–€14,000 per week, larger eight-cabin gulets of 35 to 40 metres cost around €17,500–€40,000, and luxury gulets of 40 to 50 metres range from €55,000 to more than €175,000. Because the price is for the whole yacht, filling all the cabins makes the cost per person very attractive. See our 2027 price guide for more detail.
Planning for summer 2027? The finest gulets and yachts for July and August are reserved first – read our our guide to booking early for 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average size of a Bodrum gulet?
Most Bodrum charter gulets are between 24 and 35 metres long, although the fleet ranges from 20 to over 50 metres.
How many cabins does a gulet have?
Usually between 4 and 8, all en-suite.
Can 18 people sail on one gulet?
Yes, a few larger gulets are licensed for up to 18 guests. Most are licensed for 12.
Are all cabins the same size?
No – the master cabin is usually larger. We share full cabin plans before you book.
Planning your own week at sea? Discover our Turkey yacht charter – private gulets, motor yachts and superyachts from Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris and Fethiye, arranged by our team since 2001.