Boat hire & yacht charter in Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is one of the most important cities in Turkey for its ports, stretching from the southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. With twin bays and many other historical features to explore, Bodrum is an incredible place to visit and explore, as well as an important stop in Turkey which connects many of the Turkish cities and beach towns in the Gulf of Gokova.

Pricing and Info on hiring a boat in Bodrum

To hire a sailboat in Bodum, prices average between £400 - £500 however also have boats which cost from £1,500 - £2,000 for the day due to luxury yachts being popular in the area, while motorboats cost around the same. For a weeklong charter, both sailboats average a price of around £6,000, while motorboats average a much higher price of around £10,000. However, these prices are not guaranteed and can fluctuate based on several factors including the type of boat and time of year.

Boat availability in Bodrum

With the Mediterranean temperatures of Bodrum being highest during the summer months from June to September, reaching as high as 34 degrees Celsius, these months are the most popular among tourists and therefore the busiest and most expensive. As such, some of the best months to visit Bodrum are April and October, when tourists have dispersed but temperatures remain pleasant. As well, the summer months can be very dry, which can be unpleasant and runs the risk of forest fires. It is important to also note that in Tukey, a lot of the boats available are luxury yachts which cost a lot more than other boats.

Do I need a license to hire a boat in Bodrum?

Bodrum follows Turkish law which states that every skipper must have an approved skipper license to charter a boat in Turkey and should also have previous experience on boats of a similar size. If you plan on sailing on a motored yacht, your skipper must have at least 2 years of experience on top of their sailing license.

Overview of Bodrum

Bodrum, sometimes known as the Pearl of the Aegean, is a great place to go for sailing in Turkey. At the entrance of the Gulf of Gokova, surrounded by some beautiful islands and islets, it is the ideal destination to charter your next yacht. It has plenty of marinas and moorings, such as the Marina Milta in the centre, as well as being close to many airports which makes it a great destination to begin your charter in. While winds can get slightly intense in the summer, which means sailing is a lot of fun around here for more advanced sailors, the city and marina are well-protected by being built on an ancient city. The nearby cove known as Aspat Cove is popular among yachters and sailors for this reason, as historically it helped provide refuge for pirates.

One of the most popular sites to see in Bodrum is the Castle of St. Peter, which is rich in history being built in the 1400s and being passed through the hands of many different cultures. Today, the castle displays the exhibits of Bodrum’s Museum of Underwater Archaeology. This exhibit is a must-see and displays artefacts from underwater discoveries and excavations, including a 16-meter Byzantine ship.

Another must-see site is the site of one of the seven wonders of the world. Although only ruins nowadays, the Mausoleum of Mausolus was built as the final resting place of King Mausolus and was 46 metres high. Due to earthquakes and the Knights Hospitallers, the modern site is now just a peaceful garden setting but is still an important place to visit. For some other impressive sites, visit the Bodrum theatre, small by Roman standards but still incredible and used nowadays for concerts and events in the summer. Not only that, but the view of central Bodrum and the Aegean Sea is panoramic. Finally, if you are a history buff, you must visit the Myndos Gate, which was once part of King Mausolus’ sturdy fortress walls and is now a small set of ruins which can be visited a small walk from the main marina.

While the history is fascinating, the real reason Bodrum is popular among tourists is the beaches and Turkish culture. Stroll down the coast to see some of the incredible beaches and soak up the sun on the coast of the Aegean. In the water, enjoy your pick of water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding which is popular at Camel Beach in Ortakent. However, the best way to explore the Peninsula is through boat trips up and down the coast, stopping at the many moorings along the way.

Sailing areas around Bodrum:

• Gocek
• Fethiye
• Kos
• Kekova
• Marmaris