1. Vessel Class: Economy – Luxury – Ultra Luxury

Gulets are classified by quality, interior design, technical equipment and service level. This classification depends on many criteria such as material quality, cabin sizes, living-area design, comfort equipment (jacuzzi, air conditioning, entertainment systems) and the professionalism of the crew. To browse gulet charter options, visit our Gulet Charter page.

Economy Gulets

• Basic and essential cabin equipment
• Smaller living areas
• Limited water sports equipment
• Lower weekly charter rates

Explore economy gulets via the main gulet charter page above.

Luxury Gulets

• Modern interiors and refitted cabins
• Comfortable seating areas and wide decks
• Skilled chef and larger crew
• Paddle boards, kayaks and similar water toys

For additional luxury options see our Gulet Charter listings.

Ultra Luxury Gulets

• VIP master suites and spacious cabins
• Professional chef, hostess, butler and a larger crew
• Seabob, jet ski, wakeboard and many water toys
• Advanced tech systems, hydraulic platforms, jacuzzi, advanced stabilization

See ultra luxury gulet options and pricing at our Gulet Charter Prices page.

Price Impact

A gulet in the luxury segment can be 40%–150% cheaper than an equivalent in the ultra luxury segment. This is mainly because ultra luxury gulets use higher-standard materials, have larger crews, offer extra services and maintain more and pricier water toys.

Expert Tip

Define your holiday expectations clearly — accommodation comfort, food quality and service level. As expectations rise, so does the segment and therefore the price in layers. For tailored advice and options, consult Platinyachting’s experts via our contact page.

2. Vessel Length and Capacity

A gulet’s length, beam and cabin capacity are among the most fundamental price drivers. Larger vessels do not only offer more living space; operational costs, crew numbers, fuel consumption and port fees also increase. Therefore larger gulets naturally command higher charter fees. When you review gulet charter options you may see up to a 10x price range between a 20-metre economy gulet and a 40-metre ultra luxury gulet.

How Length Affects Price

• 20–24 metre gulets: Usually 3–4 cabins, found in economy/standard class. Lower fuel use and fewer crew make them more affordable.
• 25–30 metre gulets: 4–6 cabins, more comfortable and commonly in the luxury segment.
• 30–40 metre gulets: Large salons, spacious cabins, jacuzzi and extra toys; often in the ultra luxury segment.
• Above 40 metres—mega gulets: VIP services, master suites, extensive deck areas and professional crew; top tier segment.

Cabin Count and Guest Capacity

As the number of cabins increases, so do costs: more cabins mean more crew, higher consumables and a larger vessel. Choose capacity based on your group size to avoid inefficiency.

• 2–3 cabin gulets: Ideal for couples and small families; cost-effective.
• 4–6 cabin gulets: Popular for friends groups and larger families; mid-to-high segment options.
• 7–10+ cabin mega gulets: Designed for large groups, corporate events and VIPs; premium pricing.

Concrete Price Effect

A 20-metre gulet’s daily price may typically range between €1,000 – €2,500, while a 35–40 metre ultra luxury gulet’s daily rate can reach €15,000 – €80,000+. The differences come from higher crew costs, fuel consumption, larger berth fees and rich comfort features.

Expert Tip

Determine your group’s size first. Choosing a vessel that matches capacity both optimises cost and preserves comfort. For a 10-person group, a 4-cabin small gulet is not appropriate — likewise, a family of four does not need an 8-cabin mega gulet. For options tailored to your needs see Gulet Charter.

3. Seasonality

Season is a critical factor in pricing. For Turkey the commonly used season breakdown is:

• Low season: April – May – October
• Mid season: June – September
• High season: July – August

During high season (especially July–August) demand rises and weekly prices can be 30%–60% or more above low-season levels.

4. Embarkation Port and Itinerary

Your embarkation port and chosen itinerary have a direct effect on fuel consumption, border/customs procedures, permits and port fees.

• Bodrum: Highly popular and in demand — prices may be above average.
• Göcek: Dense luxury yacht traffic — many premium options available.
• Marmaris: Wide variety of boats and flexible price range.
• Fethiye: Routes to Kekova and Kaş may involve special permits/transfer costs.

Example: A Bodrum departure that includes Greek islands can be more expensive because of longer passages and additional permits.

5. Crew Size and Experience

Crew quality and number determine service level and overall cost. Experienced chefs, hostesses, butlers or therapists increase prices but significantly enhance the holiday. Ultra luxury gulets may have a 6–8 person specialist crew; crew salaries, insurance and living costs increase the charter price accordingly.

6. Fuel Policy

Fuel handling is typically included in the charter contract in different ways and has a major impact on total cost:

• Fuel included: All fuel covered by the weekly price (common in ultra luxury charters).
• Certain hours included: The weekly price includes a set number of cruising hours (e.g., 3 hours per day).
• Guest pays fuel: Fuel is paid by the charterer (common for economy/standard boats).

Example: Active cruising and frequent use of water toys increases fuel consumption and can push the weekly fuel bill from a few hundred euros to several thousand euros.

7. Food and Beverage Packages

Catering forms a large portion of gulet holiday costs. The menu type (standard, luxury, chef’s menu), the scope of breakfast/lunch/dinner and whether alcoholic beverages are included directly affect price.

• Standard menu: Local dishes and basic service — cost-effective.
• Luxury menu: Seafood and special presentations — increases cost.
• Premium chef menus: Private chef and fine dining experience — highest cost.
• Beverage packages: Alcoholic beverage packages add to the total bill.

8. Water Sports and Toys

Jet skis, seabobs, paddle boards, kayaks, ringos and wakeboards increase both the charter rate and operational costs (fuel, maintenance). Some premium toys may require additional rental fees.

Note: Machine-type toys such as jet skis usually require guests to pay for fuel separately and usage increases cost.

9. Vessel Age and Maintenance Condition

Newly built or recently refitted gulets offer modern equipment and lower breakdown risk, which raises their price. Older boats may be cheaper but could incur indirect costs from maintenance and potential downtime.

Example: Gulets built after 2020 typically fall into premium categories and command higher charters.

10. Yacht Insurance and Safety Equipment

Insurance coverage, lifesaving equipment, fire suppression systems and overall safety procedures influence pricing. Boats with broader insurance and advanced safety gear tend to be pricier because they provide a more secure and comfortable experience.

11. Trip Duration and Charter Length

Weekly charters are the standard. Short-term charters (3–4 days) can be more expensive per day. Long-term bookings (10–14 days) generally allow discounts.

Example: A 7-day trip usually has a lower daily average compared to a 3-day booking on the same vessel. Owners frequently offer discounts for longer reservations.

12. Booking Timing (Early Bird / Last Minute)

When you book affects price directly. Early bookings (especially in winter and pre-season — February–March) usually provide discounts, while last-minute bookings can result in either bargains or higher prices depending on demand.

Example: Early booking discounts of 10%–20% can offer substantial savings; last-minute periods may bring deals but also carry the risk of higher rates if demand spikes.