We have noticed that many guests discover gulets for the first time when they start planning a holiday at sea, and naturally, one of their first questions is: “What is actually inside a gulet?” So, we decided to put together this guide to give you a better idea of what to expect — from the cabins and bathrooms to the decks, dining areas, amenities and everyday life on board.
A Turkish gulet is more than a traditional wooden boat. It is a floating holiday home designed around relaxed days at sea, comfortable accommodation, outdoor living and the pleasure of travelling with a dedicated crew. For first-time guests, however, it can be difficult to know exactly what is waiting inside a gulet. How are the cabins arranged? What is on the deck? Does a gulet have a salon? Where do guests eat? What amenities can you expect? And how is a gulet different from a yacht?
This guide takes you inside a typical Turkish gulet for charter and explains the spaces, features and facilities you are likely to find on board. Of course, every gulet is different. The size of the vessel, her age, design, refit history and charter category will influence the exact layout and amenities. A classic traditional gulet will not have exactly the same facilities as a larger luxury gulet. Nevertheless, most charter gulets share a familiar layout and way of life.
A gulet is a traditional wooden sailing vessel associated with the Turkish coast, particularly the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Historically, gulets were working boats used along the coast. Today, they have been adapted for private holidays, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern comfort. A charter gulet is generally designed for relaxed cruising rather than high-speed travel. Guests spend much of their time outdoors, swimming from the boat, enjoying meals on deck, relaxing in the shade and moving between beautiful bays and coastal villages. This combination of traditional character, generous outdoor space and hotel-style accommodation is what makes a gulet different from many other charter boats.
The interior of a gulet is usually compact but comfortable, with the main emphasis placed on the outdoor living spaces. A standard charter gulet normally includes:
The exact arrangement varies considerably. On some traditional gulets, the interior is simple and charming, while larger and more luxurious vessels can feel closer to a boutique hotel on the water.
Your cabin is your private space on board. Most charter gulets have between four and eight or more guest cabins, depending on their size and configuration. Cabins are usually located below deck, although the layout can vary from one vessel to another. A standard guest cabin commonly includes:
Some gulets offer particularly spacious master cabins, while others have cabins of relatively similar size. If you are travelling as a family or group of friends, it is worth checking the exact cabin configuration before booking. A gulet advertised as sleeping a certain number of guests may have a combination of double, twin and convertible beds.
Most modern charter gulets have private bathrooms connected to each guest cabin. The bathroom normally includes a shower, toilet and washbasin. Depending on the gulet, the bathroom may be compact, similar to what you would find on a yacht, or surprisingly spacious. As with cabins, bathrooms vary from boat to boat, so photographs and the individual vessel specification are useful when choosing your gulet.
The saloon is the main indoor social space on many gulets. It can include sofas, a dining table, television, bar area or other entertainment facilities. Larger luxury gulets may have a beautifully finished saloon with substantial seating and a more sophisticated interior design. In practice, guests often spend much more time outside than inside. The saloon becomes particularly useful during cooler evenings, occasional rainy weather or when guests simply want a break from the sun.
For many guests, the aft deck is where life on a gulet really happens. This is generally the main dining and social area, often positioned toward the stern of the boat. Depending on the gulet, you may find:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are commonly enjoyed outside, surrounded by the sea and the scenery of the Turkish coast. It is also where guests naturally gather for coffee in the morning, long lunches, drinks before dinner and relaxed conversations with friends or family.
The front or foredeck is usually dedicated to sunbathing and relaxation. A typical gulet foredeck may have:
This is often the favourite part of the boat for guests who want to read, sunbathe or simply watch the coastline pass by. On larger gulets, the foredeck can be exceptionally spacious, with enough room for everyone on board to find their own comfortable place.
One of the most important things to understand about a gulet is that the boat is designed for outdoor living. Unlike a conventional hotel room, where the bedroom is the centre of your holiday experience, the gulet's outdoor deck becomes an extension of your living space. You may start the morning with breakfast at sea, spend the afternoon swimming from the boat, have lunch under the shade, enjoy a nap on a sun mattress and return to the dining table for dinner as the sun goes down. The boat itself becomes part of the destination.
Most charter gulets are designed to make getting into the sea easy. A swimming ladder or bathing platform normally provides access to the water, and the crew can assist guests when necessary. Many gulets carry water toys and equipment such as:
The equipment available depends entirely on the individual gulet and should be checked before booking if particular activities are important to you.
For families and groups of friends, the water-sports equipment can be one of the most enjoyable features of a gulet charter. A typical charter package may include basic equipment for swimming and snorkelling, while more luxurious gulets can carry a much wider selection of toys. Some activities may require an additional charge, special arrangements or an appropriately qualified crew member. It is always worth checking what is included in the charter price.
A well-designed gulet gives guests a choice between sun and shade. Aft dining areas are commonly covered with an awning or canopy, while the foredeck usually provides open space for sunbathing. This is especially important during the summer months when guests may want to enjoy the sea without spending the entire day in direct sunlight.
The galley is the gulet's kitchen and is generally a working area for the chef and crew rather than a guest space. Meals are prepared on board, and the chef works around the preferences and requirements of the guests whenever the charter arrangement allows. The crew also has separate accommodation and working areas, allowing them to look after guests while maintaining appropriate privacy for everyone on board.
The inclusions depend on the gulet, charter company and chosen package, but a typical crewed gulet charter may include:
Some items are charged separately, such as premium alcoholic drinks, marina fees, transfers, special water sports equipment, additional fuel or certain cruising expenses. Always check the individual charter terms rather than assuming that every gulet has the same inclusions.
The crew is one of the most important parts of a gulet holiday. A typical crew can include a captain, chef and deckhands, although the exact number depends on the size and category of the gulet. The captain is responsible for navigation, safety and the operation of the boat. The chef prepares meals and can often adapt menus to guests' preferences, dietary requirements and allergies when informed in advance. Deck crew members assist with anchoring, mooring, cleaning, serving guests, preparing the deck and launching water toys. The result is that guests can concentrate on enjoying the holiday rather than operating the boat or managing the daily practicalities.
Most modern charter gulets have air conditioning in the guest cabins, while many also have air conditioning in the saloon. However, air-conditioning systems and operating hours can vary between vessels. Some gulets have restrictions on when the system can be used, particularly when the boat is anchored or when the generator is not running. If air conditioning is important to you, check the individual gulet's specification before booking.
Gulet cabins generally have wardrobes, drawers or other storage areas, but they are not designed for large hard-shell suitcases. Soft luggage is usually much easier to store on board. For a week-long charter, travelling light is recommended. The less you bring, the more comfortable your cabin will feel.
A gulet holiday is generally relaxed, informal and social. You are not expected to dress formally during the day. Swimwear, shorts, T-shirts, light dresses and sandals are the natural choice. Evenings can also be casual, although guests sometimes choose to dress up slightly for dinner. The atmosphere is one of the reasons gulet holidays work so well for families, groups of friends and couples: the boat creates a private environment where everyone can spend time together without the formality of a traditional yacht charter.
Not all gulets are the same. A standard gulet may focus on traditional character, clean and comfortable cabins, generous deck space and good value. A luxury gulet may offer larger cabins, more sophisticated interiors, high-end finishes, larger bathrooms, extensive water toys, premium entertainment systems and a larger crew. There are also modern and ultra-luxury gulets that can offer amenities approaching those found on high-end motor yachts. When choosing a gulet, it is therefore more useful to look at the individual vessel rather than assuming that every Turkish gulet offers the same experience.
A gulet combines accommodation, transportation and outdoor living in one place. Instead of changing hotels every few days, you wake up in a new bay while keeping the same cabin. Instead of driving between beaches, you cruise directly to them. And instead of planning every day around restaurants, you can often enjoy freshly prepared meals on board. Most importantly, a gulet allows you to experience the Turkish coast from the sea which is where many of its most beautiful places are best appreciated.
The name “Turkish gulet” does not necessarily mean that the gulet is currently chartering in Turkey. Gulets are traditionally built in Turkey, particularly along the southwestern Turkish coast, and Turkish boatyards have a long-established reputation for constructing these distinctive wooden vessels. Many gulets available for charter in other Mediterranean destinations including Croatia, Greece and Italy were originally built in Turkey and later sold, transported or sailed to their new home country.
Once there, a gulet may be completely refitted, redesigned and upgraded to meet the standards and regulations of the local charter market. It may then operate from a Croatian, Greek or Italian port and appear in local charter fleets, while its origins and traditional construction remain distinctly Turkish. This is why you may come across a “Turkish gulet” when searching for a charter in Croatia, Greece or Italy. The location of the charter and the origin of the vessel are two different things. For guests, this can be an interesting advantage. A gulet charter in another Mediterranean country can offer the opportunity to explore a different coastline while still enjoying the distinctive character, spacious decks and traditional wooden design of a Turkish-built gulet. So, when you see the term Turkish gulet, think of it primarily as a description of the vessel's heritage and style, not necessarily the country where you will board her.
What is the best gulet for a family or group of friends?
The best gulet depends on the size and needs of your group. Families often prefer gulets with spacious decks, safe swimming access, flexible cabin arrangements and water toys. Groups of friends may place more emphasis on large social areas, comfortable sunbathing spaces, a good sound system and generous dining areas. For larger groups, the number and arrangement of cabins is particularly important.
What is the difference between a gulet and a yacht?
A gulet is a specific type of traditional wooden vessel originating from the Turkish and eastern Mediterranean coastline. The word “yacht” is much broader and can describe many types of private recreational vessels. Gulets are particularly known for their spacious decks, traditional wooden construction, relaxed cruising style and crewed charter experience.
What is the difference between a gulet and a motor yacht?
A motor yacht is generally designed with greater emphasis on powered cruising and speed, while a gulet is traditionally associated with wooden construction, classic lines and a slower, more relaxed cruising experience. Modern gulets can also have powerful engines and may be able to travel considerable distances, but their design remains focused strongly on outdoor living and traditional character.
Are gulets suitable for children?
Yes. Gulets can be excellent for family holidays, particularly when the boat has a safe swimming area, appropriate water toys and a spacious deck. Parents should check the individual vessel's safety arrangements, cabin configuration and suitability for younger children before booking.
Is a gulet charter suitable for couples and honeymooners?
Absolutely. A gulet can be an excellent choice for a honeymoon or romantic holiday. Couples can enjoy private time on deck, swim from the boat, dine under the stars and wake up in a different beautiful bay each morning. For a honeymoon, smaller private gulets or luxury gulets with spacious master cabins can be particularly appealing.
Do I need a sailing licence to charter a gulet?
No. Gulet charters are crewed charters, meaning that the captain and crew operate the vessel for you. This is one of the main differences between a crewed gulet charter and hiring a small boat that you intend to operate yourself.
Does the gulet come with a captain and crew?
Yes. A typical private gulet charter includes a professional captain and crew. The number of crew members depends on the size and category of the gulet. Larger luxury vessels generally have larger crews to provide a higher level of service.
What does the crew do on a gulet?
The crew operates the boat, handles navigation and anchoring, prepares and serves meals, maintains the vessel, cleans the cabins and decks, assists with water sports and helps guests throughout the charter. Their job is to make the holiday comfortable while allowing guests to relax.
Can we choose our own itinerary?
In most cases, yes, within reasonable limits. One of the great advantages of a private gulet charter is the flexibility to discuss your preferred route with the captain. You can often choose which bays, beaches, villages and towns you would like to visit. The final itinerary may depend on weather, sea conditions, cruising distances, marina availability and local regulations. Your captain will advise you on the safest and most enjoyable route.
Can we change the itinerary during the charter?
Usually, yes. Private gulet charters offer considerably more flexibility than fixed group cruises. If you discover a beautiful bay and want to stay longer, or decide that you would rather spend the afternoon swimming than visiting a town, you can discuss the plan with your captain. The captain remains responsible for navigation and safety, so weather and sea conditions always take priority.
Can we choose our meals?
On many private gulet charters, meals can be discussed with the chef before and during the trip. Guests can usually communicate their preferences, dislikes and dietary requirements in advance. For special diets or allergies, it is particularly important to provide information before departure.
What should I bring on a gulet?
Pack light and bring comfortable summer clothing, swimwear, sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and suitable footwear. Soft luggage is preferable because cabin storage is limited. You may also want to bring a light jacket or long-sleeved layer for cooler evenings.
Is Wi-Fi available on a gulet?
Some gulets offer Wi-Fi, while others may rely on mobile coverage or have limited connectivity. Internet availability can vary depending on the route and location. A gulet holiday is therefore best approached as an opportunity to disconnect occasionally and enjoy the sea.
Is a gulet holiday suitable for first-time yacht charter guests?
Yes. In fact, a gulet can be one of the easiest ways to experience a private boat holiday for the first time. You do not need to operate the vessel, the crew takes care of the practical details, meals can be prepared on board and the itinerary can be adapted to your preferences. All you really need to do is step aboard, settle into your cabin and enjoy the Turkish coast.
The easiest way to understand a gulet
The best way to think about a Turkish gulet is as a combination of a private hotel, a restaurant, a swimming platform and a means of exploring the coast. Your cabin gives you privacy. The aft deck becomes your dining room. The foredeck becomes your sun terrace. The sea becomes your swimming pool. And the crew takes care of the practical side of the journey. Every gulet is different, but the basic idea remains the same: life on board is meant to be enjoyed outside, at sea, at your own pace.
If you are considering a gulet charter for the first time, looking at the deck layout, cabin configuration, crew, included amenities and available water toys can tell you much more about the experience than the number of cabins alone. Once you understand what is inside a Turkish gulet, choosing the right one becomes much easier. Our team is here to assist you in every step of planning a beautiful gulet charter vacation. Contact us via email or call our local Australian broker to start your new journey.
