“Chartering a yacht” isn’t just one thing. In Bodrum the options range from a few hours on a shared tour to a week-long blue cruise. Below are the most common types, what they offer and who they suit.
1. Shared day tour
A tour with other guests on the same boat, following a fixed route and schedule. Budget-friendly and suitable for solo travellers and couples who want a short time at sea. The downside: you have no say over the route or the stops.
2. Private day charter
The boat is entirely yours. Planned as a half day (10:00–16:00) or a full day (10:00–21:00), with the route, stops and lunch time decided by you. The most popular choice for families, groups of friends and first-time charterers. We describe a typical day in this article.
3. Sunset cruise
A short, romantic programme of about 3–4 hours between 17:00 and 21:00. Ideal for couples, marriage proposals and small celebrations. Details: sunset tour guide.
4. Overnight charter and blue cruise
A holiday of a few nights up to a week, sleeping on board and waking up in a different bay every morning. Done on gulets and motor yachts with cabins. Routes from Bodrum into the Gulf of Gökova are the favourites: blue cruise guide.
5. Event and party boat
High-capacity boats with large decks for birthdays, corporate events and big gatherings. In our fleet, Black Angel, for up to 125 guests, is built for exactly this. See also birthdays on a yacht and corporate events.
By type of boat
- Motor yacht: fast, modern and with water toys – for reaching distant bays quickly.
- Gulet: traditional, with wide decks and a gentle pace – for big groups and blue cruises.
- Catamaran: very stable thanks to its twin hulls – for families and anyone worried about seasickness.
Quick decision guide
- Budget first, travelling solo or as a couple → shared tour
- Family or group of friends, one day → private day charter
- Romantic evening → sunset cruise
- A few nights at sea → overnight charter
- Big celebration → event boat
Frequently asked questions
How long does a day tour last?
Between 6 and 11 hours depending on the programme; sunset cruises last 3–4 hours.
How long is a blue cruise?
Usually planned for 3 to 7 days.
Not sure which type suits you? Write to us and we’ll recommend one based on your group and dates.