Quick Answer
Yes – a private, crewed yacht charter is one of the safest ways to enjoy Turkey’s coast. You travel with a licensed captain and an experienced crew, on a yacht carrying the required safety equipment, in a private group, mostly in sheltered bays. As with any trip abroad, check your own government’s current travel advice before you go, and choose a licensed, established charter company.
For many guests from the United States, the United Kingdom and beyond, a first yacht charter in Turkey brings natural questions: is it safe at sea, what about the weather, the food, the water, and the coast itself? After more than two decades of organising private charters along the Turkish coast, here are our honest answers.
Safety at Sea: Your Captain and Crew
- Licensed captains: every crewed charter is skippered by a professional captain who knows these waters intimately.
- Experienced crew: many of our crews have sailed the same bays for years and return to the same yachts every season.
- Safety equipment on board: life jackets (including children’s sizes on request), a life raft, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits and VHF radio.
- Short, planned passages: routes are planned around the weather, and most days include only a few hours of cruising between sheltered anchorages.
Weather and the Meltemi Wind
Summer weather on the Turkish coast is reliably warm and sunny. In July and August, the meltemi – a steady north-westerly wind – can blow in the Aegean, especially in the afternoons. Your captain plans each day around it, choosing sheltered bays and calmer passages. The Göcek bays and Fethiye are among the most sheltered waters on the coast, and the green Gulf of Gökova near Bodrum offers many protected anchorages. See our guide to the best time to charter in Turkey.
Health, Food and Water on Board
- Fresh food daily: chefs shop at local markets and prepare meals freshly on board. Tell us about any allergies or dietary needs in advance.
- Drinking water: bottled water is provided for drinking on board.
- Sun protection: the summer sun is strong; shaded decks, plenty of water and sun cream are essential.
- Medical help: marinas and coastal towns such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and Göcek have pharmacies and medical centres, and your captain can arrange help quickly if needed.
Privacy and Personal Security
A private charter means you travel only with your own family or friends and your crew. Anchorages are quiet, and marinas in the main ports are well run. As anywhere, keep valuables and passports in the yacht’s safe or with your captain when going ashore, and follow your crew’s local advice.
Travel Advice and Insurance
- Check official travel advice from your own government before booking and again before you travel.
- Take out travel insurance that covers your trip, including cancellation and medical care.
- Choose a licensed company: book with an established, licensed agency that gives you a written contract. Aren Yachting is TÜRSAB licensed (no. 18994) and has organised charters since 2001.
Read what our guests say, and learn how to choose a yacht charter company in Turkey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a yacht charter in Turkey safe?
Yes. A private crewed charter with a licensed captain, an experienced crew and a properly equipped yacht is a very safe way to enjoy the Turkish coast. Always check your government’s current travel advice.
Is the sea rough in summer?
The sea is usually calm in sheltered bays. In July and August the meltemi wind can blow in the afternoons, and captains plan routes around it.
Are there life jackets for children?
Yes, children’s life jackets can be provided. Let us know the ages of your children before the charter.
Can I drink the water on board?
Bottled water is provided for drinking. Tank water on board is used for showers and washing.
What happens if someone feels unwell?
Your captain can reach a nearby marina or town quickly, where pharmacies and medical centres are available.
Have more questions before you book? Our team is happy to help. Discover our luxury yacht charter in Turkey.