Comparing Yacht Types: Gulets, Motor Yachts, Sailing Yachts — Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the right type of yacht is essential to creating the perfect charter experience. Whether you’re planning a luxurious escape along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast or a multi-island cruise through the Greek, understanding the differences between gulets, motor yachts, and sailing yachts will help you match your preferences with the perfect vessel.

1. Gulets: Traditional Comfort with Modern Luxury

Overview: Gulets are traditional wooden sailing vessels, custom-built in Turkey, now often equipped with modern comforts and operated as fully crewed yachts.

Ideal for: Families, large groups, relaxed cruising

Guest Capacity: 6 to 18 guests, depending on the size

Speed: Moderate (10–12 knots)

Comfort: ✅✅✅✅✅ (Spacious decks, large cabins, often with ensuite bathrooms)

Advantages:

• Wide beam offers superior stability and deck space

• Often includes full-board service with chef

• Ideal for calm cruising along Turkey’s coast or Greek islands

• Large indoor and outdoor lounging areas

Considerations:

• Slower than motor yachts

• Not designed for high-speed island-hopping

👉 Best Use: A relaxing, all-inclusive holiday aboard a luxury gulet in Bodrum or Göcek with family or friends.

2. Motor Yachts: Speed, Style & Luxury on Demand

Overview:Motor yachts offer fast, stylish travel and are perfect for those who want to visit multiple destinations quickly without sacrificing comfort.

Ideal for: Luxury travelers, couples, event charters

Guest Capacity: 2 to 12 guests

Speed: Fast (20–30+ knots)

Comfort: ✅✅✅✅✅ (Air conditioning, modern interiors, often with Jacuzzi and water toys)

Advantages:

• Quick travel between multiple destinations (ideal for island-hopping)

• High-end interiors and luxury service

• Smaller crew-to-guest ratio for personalized attention

• Jet skis, Seabobs, and other water toys often included

Considerations:

• Higher fuel costs

• Less outdoor deck space than gulets

👉 Best Use: Short-term, high-end yacht charter in Bodrum or the Greek Isles, or a luxury day trip along the Turkish Riviera.

3. Sailing Yachts: For the True Nautical Enthusiast

Overview:Sailing yachts offer a more adventurous and eco-conscious way to explore the sea, powered primarily by the wind.

Ideal for: Experienced sailors, couples, small groups

Guest Capacity: 2 to 8 guests

Speed: Variable (8–12 knots under sail)

Comfort: ✅✅✅ (Cosier interiors, more limited cabin space)

Advantages:

• Authentic sailing experience

• Quiet, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly

• Ideal for exploring smaller, off-the-beaten-path bays

Considerations:

• Dependent on weather conditions and wind

• Smaller common areas and cabins

• Less stable in choppy waters compared to gulets

👉 Best Use: Romantic getaways or sailing holidays from Göcek or Fethiye, especially for guests with sailing experience.

Summary Comparison Table

Feature	Gulet	Motor Yacht	Sailing Yacht
Guest Capacity	6–18	2–12	2–8
Speed	Moderate	Fast	Variable
Comfort Level	High	Very High	Moderate
Best For	Group relaxation	Luxury & speed	Sailing enthusiasts

Need Help Choosing the Perfect Yacht?

At The Bodrum Concierge, we offer expert guidance to match you with the best yacht type based on your group size, budget, and dream itinerary. Whether it’s a classic gulet, a sleek motor yacht, or an adventurous sailing yacht — we’ll help you book the perfect vessel for an unforgettable Mediterranean escape.

Contact us today to start planning your tailored yacht charter in Bodrum, Turkey, or beyond.