Boat Rental and Yacht Charter in Bodrum

Discover Turkey's coastal jewel of Bodrum, where ancient wonders meet Aegean beauty. Sail with a knowledgeable skipper to explore historic ruins, secluded beaches, and the lively cosmopolitan life of this resort town.

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Sailing Guide Bodrum

Dubbed the “St Tropez of Turkey”, Bodrum, is a vibrant city and centre of the arts located on the south-western tip of Turkey. Discover the beauty and elegance of an ancient city that was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Bodrum is an exceptional choice for those looking to charter a yacht in Turkey and explore a wealth of sites and activities not accessible to the land-faring traveller.

Things to do and see when sailing in Bodrum

Discover ancient worlds when sailing in Bodrum and the surrounding peninsula while taking in the breathtaking views above and under the water. Bodrum offers many opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Nearby Vass is excellent for windsurfing. The bays also provide fantastic spots for divers and snorkellers. The nearby port of Gümüşlük offers a particularly good glimpse of local sea life. Diving centers around Milta Bodrum Marina include Yunus and the Aegean Pro Dive Centre. A Bodrum sailing holiday will allow you to arrive at the Tropical Camel Beach, which offers camel rides at a very affordable price.

For those looking to enjoy great cuisine and nightlife, Bodrum will not disappoint. The seafood selections here are excellent. Visit the renowned restaurants of Terzi Mustafa’nin Yeri and the restaurant at Kocadon hotel, among the finest in town, where you can savor a delicious meal with a fantastic view of the sea. For fantastic nightlife, head to Funk Club located close to the marina, catering to Bodrum’s sophisticated seafaring clientele, or check out the glass dance floor on Marine Club Catamaran, which sets sail at night while partygoers dance to the beats of a live DJ.

Activities in Bodrum

  • Visit Bodrum castle and spend the day exploring the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which is now located inside the castle
  • Get from Bodrum to Marmaris by boat and explore this bustling city
  • A party boat in Bodrum is the perfect choice for groups of friends travelling together and eager to have an unforgettable time
  • Boat tours in Bodrum allow you to explore the city from a different perspective, to discover the surrounding beaches and natural beauty, as well as the islands just off the coast of Bodrum, including Kara Adası Sıcak Suyu, where you can enjoy the natural hot springs
  • Visit the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, an ancient site dating back to 350 BC

Beaches in Bodrum

  • Bitez Beach: Bitez Beach is a popular destination known for its close proximity to the city centre and many amenities on offer. You get a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere with several beach clubs, restaurants and water sports activities, as well as umbrellas providing shade. The calm and shallow waters make it ideal for swimming with children
  • Yalikavak Beach: Yalikavak Beach is located in the charming village of Yalikavak and offers a beautiful stretch of sandy beach surrounded by picturesque hills and crystal-clear waters. It is known for its calm and tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the coastline. The mountains in the background just add to its beautiful look and feel.

Restaurants in Bodrum

Casual dining in Bodrum:

  • Hane Ocakbaşı kebab salonu: There is nothing better than savouring all the delicious local dishes when visiting a place - and at an affordable price too! The mixed grills will make your mouth watery and craving more from the first bite
  • Tinto Wine & Coffee Bar: Located amongst the most beautiful trees, this place is offering you comfort foods at a very high level and a very reasonable price

Best restaurants with a view in Bodrum:

  • Landscape Bistro: The mixture of Italian and Turkish dishes might come as a surprise, but the flavours work and accompanied by a nice wine will make your dining experience memorable. And the stunning views of the bay just add to that
  • The Club Restaurant & Bar: The sunsets you can admire from the terrace are magical - and so is the food. Whether you are going for sushi or a steak, you will enjoy every dish here. And the staff will make sure that you will have an unforgettable experience here

Fine dining in Bodrum:

  • Bistro Marina Neyzar: The sea views, the elegant decorum and helpful staff all contribute to the fantastic dining experience you will have in this restaurant
  • Marina Yacht Club Restaurant: Conveniently located next to the marina, this fine establishment is offering you the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal after a long day out on a boat without having to go far

Bars and Clubs in Bodrum

  • Marine Club Catamaran: This is definitely an experience you shouldn’t miss! Party on a boat all night long while sipping on the most delicious cocktails.
  • Vittoria Bodrum is THE place to be when it comes to clubbing in Bodrum. Spacious, dark and full of fun people ready to party, this nightclub is the perfect place to dance the night away and forget about all your worries for a while

Explore historical Bodrum

The imposing medieval fortress Bodrum castle is the most iconic landmark in Bodrum and well worth a visit. Built in the 15th century, the castle now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where you can discover ancient shipwrecks, artifacts, and exhibits that showcase the region's maritime history. A special treat is the extensive collection of glass.

Sailing conditions in Bodrum

Sailors should watch out for the Dikilitas Reef, situated about 1 nautical mile from the harbor when approaching from the west. When you hire a boat in Bodrum, you’ll find that the waters are generally very calm. Anchorages are easy to find at the major marinas, but note that the old Bodrum Harbour caters to gulets only. However, with so many marinas to choose from, you won’t find it difficult to find a spot for mooring.

Wind speeds in Bodrum are around 5 km/h in the summer, making for ideal sailing conditions during this time of year. Tidal shifts vary but are generally about 0.15 ft at low tide and 0.40 ft at high tide. Currents are rarely strong and do not tend to exceed 1.2 knots. The wave height is generally low, usually no more than 1.5 m, and you’ll enjoy sea surface temperatures of about 20°C in the summer, making for excellent swimming conditions. With air temperatures reaching up to 30°C or more in summer, it’s no surprise that Bodrum is a top choice for a sailing holiday in the Mediterranean.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Bodrum?

Renting a boat in Bodrum is one of the most affordable ways to vacation in the Mediterranean. Of course the prices will increase during high season in the summer, but you can still always find the best deals with Zizoo throughout the year. You can rent a boat in Bodrum for as little as 1800 EUR per week during low season and for an average price of 3500 EUR per week in high season.

What type of boat is best for sailing in Bodrum?

As the wind conditions are ideal for boats sailing with a sail in Bodrum, offering enough power to move them forward, it doesn’t come as a surprise that these types of boats are very popular in this region of Turkey - especially the traditional gulets that are known to be sturdy, fun and available for a fun adventure. However, any other boat that fulfills your needs is a great choice too.

Rent a gulet in Bodrum

Pros of renting a gulet in Bodrum

A gulet rental in Bodrum is a fantastic choice for those who want to sail on a traditional Turkish water vessel.

When you rent a gulet in Bodrum, it usually comes with a professional crew that takes care of all your needs. The crew includes a captain and other staff taking care of your meals and ensuring a hassle-free sailing experience. The team handles navigation, meal preparation, and other services, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time on board to the fullest.

Another great thing about a gulet charter in Bodrum is the fact that they are well-equipped to sail for a week or two without having to stop at any marina. The water tanks are big and provide plenty of storage space for enough water that’s going to last you for the duration of your trip.

If you plan on travelling with a bigger group of friends or family, you will be pleased to know that there is plenty of space available on board to bring all your loved ones. The cabins of a gulet hire in Bodrum might not be as spacious and comfortable as the ones on a catamaran, but they provide enough space for you to sleep comfortably.

Cons of renting a gulet in Bodrum

One thing to keep in mind when chartering a gulet in Bodrum is the fact that they are rather difficult to navigate and operate. You certainly can’t do it alone and you need extensive skills in addition to the basic minimum in sailing experience.

Rent a gulet in Bodrum

Rent a catamaran in Bodrum

Pros of renting a catamaran in Bodrum

A catamaran rental in Bodrum is a great choice for travellers who wish to enjoy a rather relaxing vacation on the water without having to put too much effort into moving the boat forward. You have ample space on board in order to stretch out your legs and sunbathe all day long if you wish.

In addition to enjoying the finer things in life and the comforts that come with sailing on a catamaran, a catamaran hire in Bodrum is giving you the flexibility you probably crave. You can either sail with the sail or use the engine should the wind suddenly stop blowing or simply if you want to relax and not have to worry about operating the boat in a complicated manner.

Charter a catamaran in Bodrum if you plan on discovering all the hidden beaches this region of Turkey has to offer. As catamarans have a shallow draft, you will be able to access the beaches quite easily and without having to worry about hitting anything underwater.

Catamarans in Bodrum are also great, because anyone with a sensitive stomach and sleeping problems will be grateful for the two hulls that catamarans stand on. This makes catamarans less shaky and much more comfortable to sleep on.

Cons of renting a catamaran in Bodrum

Despite all the good that comes with chartering a catamaran in Bodrum, you also have to consider all the downsides in order to evaluate if this is the right boat for your holiday here. As catamarans are relatively big in size and therefore allowing for more space on board, they are also often more bulky and harder to operate in narrow spaces. Their size might even prevent you from finding a spot for mooring at the marinas during the busy summer periods - and even if you manage to find a spot for mooring, you probably have to pay extra. After all, a bigger boat takes up more space and therefore prevents more boats from mooring, aka you have to pay more.

Another downside of a catamaran charter in Bodrum can be the fact that catamarans are lighter than other types of boats, which can slow them down significantly in comparison. This is just something to keep in mind if you plan on sailing longer distances all at once.

Rent a catamaran in Bodrum

Rent a sailboat in Bodrum

Pros of renting a sailboat in Bodrum

A sailboat charter in Bodrum is absolutely the right choice for anyone who is ready for an adventure. You probably won’t discover a new island or city while on board your sailboat here, but you will certainly be able to feel the wind on your skin, taste the saltwater on your lips and enjoy a sense of freedom that you can experience on a boat like this.

Do you care about the environment and want to mirror your values on your sailing holiday in Bodrum? A sailboat rental in Bodrum doesn’t produce any additional CO2-emissions as the only fuel you need is the wind. This also means that you don’t need to pay extra for fuel, making sailboats one of the most affordable boats to rent in Bodrum.

Cons of renting a sailboat in Bodrum

While renting a sailboat in Bodrum might be incredibly cost effective, it also means that you are highly dependent on the wind. You can only move forward when the wind is strong enough and might even have to cancel your journey if the winds are too strong, making it dangerous to set your sail.

If you plan on discovering all the beautiful beaches the South of Turkey has to offer, a sailboat hire in Bodrum is probably not the best choice for you. Sailboats have a keel, which can make it difficult or even dangerous to sail closer to the shore, so you might end up disappointed if you can only admire the natural beauty of the Turkish beaches from a distance.

Rent a sailboat in Bodrum

Rent a motorboat in Bodrum

Pros of renting a motorboat in Bodrum

A motorboat hire in Bodrum is absolutely perfect for anyone short on time. You can easily hop from city to city, beach to beach or mainland to island and vice versa. Motorboats are generally faster than other types of boats and allow you to explore the coast in your own time.

If you plan on exploring all the beautiful beaches you can find here, including Akvaryum Bodrum. Motorboats generally have a shallow draft, allowing you to easily access the shore.

Another big advantage of a motorboat rental in Bodrum is the fact that they are rather easy to operate. Unlike sailboats, which require a lot of skills and knowledge of the boats themselves as well as the wind and weather conditions, motorboats just require you to push a button or two and use the steering wheel.

Cons of renting a motorboat in Bodrum

While motorboats generally come with many conveniences, a motorboat charter in Bodrum comes at a price. As motorboats solely run on fuel you will most likely have to pay extra for fuel in addition to your bareboat charter.

Rent a motorboat in Bodrum

What kind of boat licence do you need when renting a boat in Bodrum?

Anyone who wants to rent a boat in Bodrum needs to be in possession of a valid boat licence. The Turkish authorities are very strict and will vehemently insist on providing the correct certifications.

Don’t have a boat licence? Don’t worry! You can always hire a skipper or an experienced captain in addition to your bareboat charter in Bodrum. This might even be a great idea if you have a boat licence, but either want to lean back and relax or if you want to have someone more experienced on board your gulet rental in Bodrum and learn from them.

Sailing routes in Bodrum

The peninsula features many charming villages to visit on your sailing holiday. Visit the popular beaches in Yalikavak and Gumusluk, both of which are well-equipped to welcome sailors and are not too far away from Bodrum. You can also visit the islands including Kara Ada or discover the smaller islands of Görecek Ada and Çelebi Adasi nearby, which offer the perfect beach spots for your Bodrum sailing holiday. Alternatively, set sail to the Greek islands Kos, Rhodes, Symi or Kalymnos which are all not too far off the Turkish coast.

Popular sailing routes around Bodrum include the Bay of Güllük or Gökova, or nearby Marmaris to the Bay of Hisarönü or Fethiye. All routes allow sailors to cruise the Aegean and enjoy many experiences and adventures that wouldn’t be possible while staying in a hotel. When going for a sailing holiday in Turkey, you may be interested in renting a gulet in Bodrum, a traditional wooden sailing boat unique to the area. You can choose from a variety of gulets to charter in Bodrum with Zizoo, making for an unforgettable sailing experience.