What is a gulet?

A gulet is a traditional wooden motor-sailer originally built along the southwest coast of Turkey. Today, gulets are one of the most popular yacht-charter options in Croatia, offering a unique blend of comfort, spacious outdoor living, and an authentic nautical experience.

Unlike classic sailing yachts, gulets are wide, stable, and designed for relaxing holidays with family and friends — with full crew service included.

Gulets began as broad-beam wooden vessels designed for carrying goods, fishing, and sponge diving. Their stability, space, and strong construction made them ideal for Mediterranean coastal life.

In the 20th century, travellers discovered Turkey’s “Blue Cruise” routes, and shipbuilders began transforming gulets into comfortable passenger vessels. Cabins, bathrooms, larger decks, and stronger engines were introduced—and the modern charter gulet was born.

Today, they are purpose-built luxury charter yachts operating in Turkey, Croatia, Greece, and Montenegro.

Gulets differ from modern yachts in several ways. Their defining characteristics include:

• Length: usually 20–40 meters
• Guest capacity: ideal for 8–16 guests
• Construction: handcrafted wooden hulls (mahogany, teak, or pine)
• Beam: wide and stable, providing large deck spaces
• Deck layout: shaded aft dining area, spacious sunbed foredeck, salon with bar
• Cabins: 4–8 en-suite cabins with private bathrooms
• Crew areas: separate crew quarters for privacy
• Sailing/motor: equipped with two or three masts, but primarily powered by motor for itinerary flexibility

Wooden construction gives gulets a warm, traditional atmosphere—something no fiberglass yacht can replicate.

The Croatian coastline, with more than 1,000 islands and countless bays, is the ideal environment for a gulet holiday. Gulets offer comfort, stability, and plenty of outdoor space—making them perfect for families, couples, and groups.

• Spacious outdoor lounging and dining areas
• Large cabins compared to sailing or motor yachts
• Full-time professional crew (captain, chef, deckhand, hostess)
• Stress-free island-hopping at a relaxed pace
• Flexible itinerary tailored to your preferences
• Excellent onboard food prepared fresh daily
• Great value when costs are shared among 8–16 guests

A gulet is essentially a floating villa with a private crew.

Gulet vs. motor yacht

Motor yachts focus on speed and luxury. Gulets focus on space, relaxation, and value. Fuel costs are also significantly lower on gulets.

Gulet vs. sailing yacht

Sailing yachts are built for performance. Gulets are built for comfort and stability. They may sail occasionally, but most navigation is done under engine.

Gulet vs. catamaran

Catamarans offer stability and modern interiors. Gulets offer more outdoor deck space, larger cabins, and the benefit of a full crew included in the price.

A gulet charter is typically a 7-day private cruise for your group only. Every gulet comes with a dedicated crew who manage all navigation, cooking, cleaning, and onboard service.

Crew on a gulet

• Captain
• Chef
• Deckhand
• Hostess (on most gulets)

This creates a hotel-like experience—meals, water activities, anchorages, and service are all handled for you.

Food is one of the highlights of a gulet holiday. Your private chef prepares Mediterranean cuisine using fresh local ingredients.

Typical options include:

• Half board (breakfast + lunch or dinner)
• Full board (three meals per day)
• Special diets upon request
• Local Croatian wines, olive oils, seafood, and grilled dishes

Meals are usually served outdoors in the shaded aft dining area.

Gulet charter prices depend on the season, crew size, year of construction or refit, onboard amenities, and level of luxury.

Typical weekly prices in Croatia

• Standard gulets: €10,000 – €15,000 per week
• Comfort gulets: €15,000 – €22,000 per week
• Luxury gulets: €22,000 – €35,000 per week
• Deluxe gulets: €35,000 – €70,000+ per week

When divided among 10–14 guests, the cost is often more affordable than hotels or other private yacht options.

A popular route is Split → Hvar → Pakleni islands → Vis → Korčula → Mljet → Dubrovnik, offering a mix of swimming, local culture, charming old towns, and quiet coves.

Highlights include:

• Hidden bays and turquoise lagoons
• Wine tasting on Hvar or Korčula
• Visiting national parks
• Sunset dinners at anchor
• Snorkelling and water sports
• UNESCO heritage sites and medieval towns

Every itinerary is customizable based on your preferences.

• Families with children
• Groups of friends
• Couples traveling together
• Corporate or team-building retreats
• Wellness or yoga groups
• Celebrations (anniversaries, birthdays)

Gulets offer plenty of space and privacy, making them ideal for group travel.