Quick Answer
Choose a licensed, established company that gives you a written charter contract, shows real photos and real prices of each yacht, explains exactly what is included, and has genuine reviews from past guests. In Turkey, look for a TÜRSAB licence – the official licence of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies – and avoid offers that ask for full payment without a contract.
Turkey’s coast has hundreds of gulets and yachts, and many ways to book them. Most guests have wonderful experiences, but the company you book with makes a real difference – to your money, your peace of mind and your week at sea. Here is what to check before you book a yacht charter in Turkey.
1. A Recognised Licence
In Turkey, travel agencies are licensed by TÜRSAB, the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies. A TÜRSAB licence number shows that a company is officially registered to sell travel services. Aren Yachting’s licence number is 18994, and we have arranged private charters since 2001.
2. A Written Charter Contract
- The yacht’s name, dates, embarkation and disembarkation ports and times
- The charter fee and exactly what it includes and excludes
- The payment schedule and deposit (typically 40–50% depending on the yacht and owner)
- Cancellation terms and what happens in bad weather
Never pay the full charter fee without a signed contract. See our winter booking payment schedule for how payments usually work.
3. Real Photos and Real Prices
A trustworthy company shows each yacht with real photos, cabin layouts and weekly prices – not just “price on request”. If the photos look very different from the yacht that arrives, or the price changes without explanation, something is wrong. Every yacht on our site is listed with photos and weekly prices.
4. Clear Inclusions
Ask exactly what the price includes: crew, fuel, food, drinks, marina fees, water toys, transfers. Different yachts work differently, and a clear written offer avoids surprises.
5. Genuine Reviews
Look for reviews from real guests, with names, dates and details. You can read what our guests say in their own words.
6. A Personal Point of Contact
The best charters are arranged by people who know the yachts and crews personally and are reachable before and during your charter. A real person on WhatsApp is worth more than an anonymous booking form.
Red Flags to Watch For
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| No licence number | You cannot verify the company is registered |
| Full payment requested upfront | Standard practice is a deposit and balance by contract |
| No written contract | You have no protection if plans change |
| Prices far below the market | Often an old yacht, hidden extras or a bait offer |
| Only stock photos | The yacht may not match what you see |
| No reviews or contact person | Hard to know who you are dealing with |
Learn more about booking safely in our guide: is a yacht charter in Turkey safe?, and why to book early for 2027.
Yachts listed with real photos and prices
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TÜRSAB?
TÜRSAB is the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies. A TÜRSAB licence number shows a travel company is officially registered in Turkey. Aren Yachting’s licence number is 18994.
How much deposit is normal?
A deposit of 40–50% of the charter fee, depending on the yacht and owner, is common, with the balance paid before the charter as set out in the contract.
Should I book directly with a yacht owner?
You can, but an experienced, licensed agency compares many yachts for you, knows the crews personally and manages the contract and payments safely.
What should be in a charter contract?
The yacht, dates, ports, charter fee, inclusions, payment schedule and cancellation terms.
How long has Aren Yachting been operating?
We have arranged private yacht and gulet charters in Turkey since 2001.
Ready to plan with a licensed team you can trust? Discover our gulet and yacht charter in Turkey.