GTurkiye

Category: Cruise

  • What is a Gulet (Boat)

    What is a Gulet (Boat)

    A gulet is a traditional wooden sailing vessel that originates from the southwestern coast of Turkey, especially around Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye. They are famous for combining classic design with modern comfort and are primarily used for leisure and tourism. Let’s break it down in detail:

    1. Definition

    A gulet is typically a two- or three-masted wooden yacht. They have a broad beam (width), a rounded stern, and a spacious deck and cabin area. Traditionally, gulets were used for fishing, sponge diving, and cargo transport, but today they are mostly leisure boats for cruising along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.

    2. Primary Uses

    Today, gulets are mainly used for:

    • Tourism & Charter Cruises: Perfect for private or group vacations along the Turkish coast, Greek islands, and other Mediterranean destinations.
    • Sailing Holidays: Equipped with cabins, bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas for comfortable multi-day cruises.
    • Special Events: Gulets are often rented for weddings, corporate events, or private parties due to their spacious decks.

    3. Characteristics

    • Length: Usually 15–35 meters (50–115 feet). Some luxury gulets exceed 40 meters.
    • Material: Traditionally wood (pine, mahogany, or oak), sometimes reinforced with fiberglass for durability.
    • Sails: Usually have 2 or 3 masts but also have engines for motor sailing.
    • Cabins: Typically 4–10 cabins, accommodating 8–20 passengers.
    • Deck Space: Large open deck for sunbathing, dining, or relaxing.
    • Crewed: Most gulets come with a full crew—captain, cook, and sometimes deckhands.

    4. Types of Gulets

    1. Classic Gulet: Traditional wooden design, spacious and sturdy. Often favored for nostalgia and charm.
    2. Modern Gulet: Wooden frame but with contemporary interiors, luxury amenities, and modern navigation equipment.
    3. Luxury Gulet: High-end gulets with deluxe cabins, Jacuzzi, entertainment systems, and gourmet kitchens.
    4. Small Gulet: 15–20 meters, suitable for families or small groups.
    5. Large Gulet: Over 30 meters, ideal for groups or private charter for events.

    5. Advantages

    • Spacious & Comfortable: More space than typical yachts of similar length.
    • Stable: Broad hull makes them very stable, even in moderate seas.
    • Versatile: Can sail, motor, or anchor in small bays.
    • Authentic Experience: Combines traditional craftsmanship with modern cruising comfort.

    6. Popular Regions for Gulet Cruises

    • Turkey: Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Göcek
    • Greece: Ionian Islands, Cyclades, Dodecanese
    • Croatia: Dalmatian Coast

  • Blue Cruise in Turkey

    gulet

    Bodrum is the birthplace of the Blue Cruise, a type of tourism that weaves into Turkey. These boat tours, which cover the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, are known as the Blue Cruise since they gave this name, as a sea voyage discovered by the Fisherman of Halicarnassus, Azra Erhat and their friends. The flow point of the journey between the Gulf of Gokova and Marmaris and Antalya is to bring people together with nature on the coasts with a rich cultural history.

    Black island, Kargacik Buku, Pabuc Cape, Kargi Island, Alakisla and Cokertme are the first places to be seen on tours departing from Bodrum. Bays such as Kucuk cati, Buyuk cati, Seven Islands, Longoz, Degirmen Buku, Karacasogut, whose sea was clear and wooded, are the most important routes and stops of the Blue Cruise.

    In addition to natural beauties, it is visited in historical places such as Sedir Island, Koramos Ancient City, and Seven Islands. Groups are formed and structures, it is necessary to allocate 7-10 days to this journey. Gulet boats are generally used on Blue Cruises. These traditional boats have a distinctive aesthetic with an all-wood construction. Gulet boats, designed by exhibiting the most beautiful examples of handicrafts, were used as fishing boats until recently.