Rent a yacht in Bodrum for 2026: everything you need to know if you are planning a vacation on the water

Can you imagine how your photo album is filled with shots not from the beach, but from the deck of your own yacht against the background of white cliffs and turquoise bay? If you are thinking about how to rent a yacht in Bodrum for the company of friends, family or a romantic trip in 2026, then this article is your practical guide. At Anyships, we organize hundreds of such trips every year and we know all the pitfalls that are not mentioned in the promotional brochures.

The truth about choosing a yacht in Bodrum: how do guleta, catamaran and motor yacht differ

When you start looking for options, you will come across three main types of ships. The choice does not depend on the price, but on how you want to spend the week.

• The Turkish guleta is a houseboat with a history. A wide wooden hull, spacious decks with mattresses for sunbathing, a cozy dining area in the shade of an awning. This is the choice for those who appreciate slowness, authentic atmosphere and want to feel like they are on a classic “blue cruise”. There is often a barbecue area at the stern. It is ideal for families with children and companies where they like long feasts and relaxing holidays.

• A modern catamaran is about stability and space. Two hulls mean minimal rolling, even if there is a small wave at sea. There is a springboard net between the buildings, which both children and adults love to lie on. Inside there is a spacious lounge—dining room with panoramic windows and, as a rule, a more modern interior. This is the best option for a group of friends who appreciate comfort and design, and for those who do not tolerate pitching.

• A motor yacht is about speed and freedom of route. Would you like to swim at the waterfall in the morning and be at the lunch market in the neighboring town by lunchtime? A motor yacht will allow you to cover more locations. It is often equipped with a powerful audio system, a Jacuzzi on the deck and looks more statuesque. The choice for those who want a dynamic journey and vivid photos.

The main advice from Anyships is: Don’t chase the length of the vessel. A 15-meter yacht with a well-thought-out layout often turns out to be more comfortable and functional than a 20-meter yacht, where space is used irrationally. Ask the manager for a detailed layout of the cabins and common areas.

Where to sail: routes for any occasion

Bodrum is an ideal starting point because you can go in different directions from here. We offer three proven options.

For a friendly party: Bodrum — Kara Ada Bay — Cleopatra Island.

Forget about nightclubs on land. Your party will be anchored in a bay with clear water. During the day, jumping from the boat and swimming in warm sulfur springs near the Black Island (Kara Ada). In the evening — music, barbecue dinner on the deck and night swimming in the light of lanterns. Be sure to include Kefaliz Bay (Semiostrovie) in the itinerary, a maze of tiny bays where you can feel like the captain of a pirate ship.

For families with children: Bodrum — Gekova Bay — Akyalar Beach.

A quiet route with short crossings. Children love shallow sandy coves where they can play for hours by the shore. Cleopatra Island (Sedir) with its legendary sand is like a natural sandbox. There are dozens of sheltered coves in Gekova Bay, where the yacht stands like in an aquarium, and schools of fish swim around — ideal for the first snorkeling lessons. The captain knows where to find the friendliest turtles.

For romance: Ciftlik Bay — Bodrum sunset.

You don’t have to swim far. You can rent a yacht for a day or for several nights. Your personal chef (included in the crew’s services) will set the table aft for a candlelit dinner while you watch the sun set behind St. Peter’s Castle. Mooring in the secluded Chiftlick Bay, seafood dinner and a night under the stars in complete silence is an anniversary not to forget.

How much does it cost to rent a yacht in Bodrum in 2026?

The price is the most frequent question. It consists of several parts, and it is important to understand this so that there are no surprises.

The basic cost of the charter. This is the price you see in the catalog. It depends on the season, size and novelty of the yacht.

Low season (May, October): from 700 € per day for a yacht for 6-8 people.

High season (July, August): from € 1,200 per day for a similar vessel.

This amount usually includes: yacht rental, captain and sailor work, bed linen, insurance, final cleaning.

Additional expenses (APA — advance payment for expenses). This is a separate fund that you contribute before the cruise. It is spent on:

Food and drinks (main article): 30-50 € per person per day. The captain or cook handles the purchases.

Fuel (depends on the route): 100-300 € per week.

Port charges (if you spend the night not at anchor, but in the marina): 50-150 €.

At the end of the cruise, you will be provided with a detailed report, and the unspent funds will be refunded.

Tips for the crew. Optional, but they are standard practice in yachting if you are satisfied with the service. The target is 5-10% of the base cost of the charter.

Five practical tips from Anyships for those who book for the first time

• Book in winter. For the summer of 2026, the most popular yachts will begin to be dismantled in the fall of 2025. Early booking is the best choice.

• Demand a contract. The contract must clearly state the exact specification of the yacht, the crew, the payment schedule, and the cancellation conditions.

• Communicate with the captain before the start. Through us, you will be able to discuss the route, menu, allergies and special requests with the captain in advance (for example, a birthday cake on board).

• Plan your budget realistically. Feel free to add 40-60% to the base cost for APA and tips. This way you will avoid unpleasant surprises.

• Take the right things with you. Soft bags instead of suitcases, several swimsuits, slates with white soles (so as not to scratch the deck), a reliable medical insurance policy, including evacuation.

If you want to rent a yacht in Bodrum without hidden fees and on a trusted vessel, entrust it to us. Anyships works directly with responsible yacht owners in Turkey. We don’t just book a ship for you, but accompany the transaction: we check the documents, help you create the perfect itinerary and stay in touch 24/7 for the duration of your entire cruise. Send us a request with the dates and composition of the group. We will select 3-5 proven options and describe the cost of each in detail.