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A yacht is a private vessel used for leisure, holidays and accommodation rather than for carrying cargo or paying passengers. The most common types are motor yachts powered by engines, sailing yachts driven by the wind, twin-hulled catamarans and traditional wooden gulets. Sizes range from day boats under 10 metres to superyachts over 24 metres.
For anyone thinking about chartering a yacht for the first time, the real question is usually "which one is right for me?" This guide brings together yacht types, size classes, current charter price ranges and which yacht suits which kind of holiday.
What Does Yacht Mean? How Is It Different from a Boat?
In everyday language, "boat" and "yacht" are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference in use. "Boat" is a general word that covers everything from fishing boats to passenger ferries. A yacht is a private boat built around comfort and leisure, usually with living spaces such as cabins, a galley and bathrooms.
Three features define a yacht:
- Purpose: It is used for holidays, cruising and private events rather than commercial transport.
- Living space: Most yachts have cabins suitable for overnight stays, a saloon and sunbathing areas.
- Equipment: Besides navigation equipment, it has comfort features such as a generator, air conditioning, a watermaker or water sports gear.
What Are the Types of Yacht?
The most practical way to classify yachts is by how they move and how their hull is built. Here are the five yacht types you will most often find in the charter fleet in Turkey.
Motor Yacht
A motor yacht is powered entirely by engines. Because it does not depend on the wind, it moves quickly between bays and is the first choice for those who want to see several bays in one day. It offers a spacious deck and a comfortable saloon, but its fuel consumption is higher than other types. See our motor yacht rental page for details.
Sailing Yacht
A sailing yacht moves with the wind and has an auxiliary engine for manoeuvring and anchoring. It offers quiet sailing, low fuel costs and a real seafaring experience, and it is one of the main types that can be chartered bareboat. We explain how sailing yachts are built and used in our guide things to know about sailing boats.
Catamaran
A catamaran consists of two connected hulls. This design makes it much more stable, which is a big advantage for anyone prone to seasickness and for families with children. It also offers more living space than a monohull of the same length. You can read about its advantages in what is a catamaran.
Gulet
A gulet is a traditional wooden yacht native to Bodrum and the Aegean coast. It is usually chartered with a crew: the captain, cook and deckhands take care of everything throughout the holiday. It is the classic blue cruise choice for large families and groups of friends.
Trawler
A trawler is a type of motor yacht inspired by fishing boats. It cruises slowly but very economically and steadily, standing out on long routes thanks to its low fuel consumption and generous interior volume. Browse our trawler rental fleet to see the options.
Yacht Sizes: Classification by Length
A yacht's length directly determines how many people it can accommodate, how comfortable it will be and how much it costs. There is no strict industry standard, but the following classification is widely used:
| Size class | Approximate length | Typical capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small yacht | Up to 12 metres | 2–6 people | Couples, day trips |
| Mid-size yacht | 12–18 metres | 6–8 people | Families, weekly routes |
| Large yacht | 18–24 metres | 8–12 people | Large groups |
| Superyacht | 24 metres and over | 10 people and more | Luxury, crewed holidays |
Yachts over 24 metres are generally referred to as superyachts in the international industry. In this class, a full-time crew, several saloons and water toys become standard.
Yacht Prices: Daily Charter Ranges by Type
Yacht prices vary widely depending on type, length, age, season and the services included. Current daily prices in the Ada Yacht Sailing fleet fall within these ranges:
| Yacht type | Daily price range | Detailed guide |
|---|---|---|
| Sailing yacht | €450 – €1,250 | Sailboat rental prices |
| Gulet | €625 – €7,250 | Gulet rental prices |
| Catamaran | €650 – €2,100 | Catamaran rental prices |
| Motor yacht | €750 – €2,850 | Motor yacht rental prices |
| Ultra-luxury motor yacht | Up to €13,000 | Luxury motor yacht rental |
These are the daily ranges listed for the 2026 season; the exact amount depends on your dates, rental period and included services.
Which Yacht Is Right for You?
To choose the right yacht, first be clear about what you want from your holiday. The table below summarises the needs we hear most often:
| What you want | Recommended yacht type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| See many bays in one day | Motor yacht | Fast and independent of the wind |
| A real sailing experience | Sailing yacht | Quiet sailing, bareboat option |
| A relaxed holiday with children | Catamaran | Stable deck, plenty of space |
| Large group, all-inclusive | Gulet | Many cabins, crew service |
| A long, economical route | Trawler | Low fuel consumption |
| Luxury and private service | Superyacht / ultra-luxury motor yacht | Full crew, top-end equipment |
A small budget tip: calculate the cost per person. A 10-person gulet chartered at full capacity can work out cheaper per person than a 4-person motor yacht.
What to Check When Chartering a Yacht
- Skippered or bareboat: A bareboat charter requires a valid amateur sailor's certificate or an international equivalent.
- What the price includes: Fuel, marina and port fees, cleaning and food differ from package to package; compare quotes on the same basis.
- Cabin and bathroom layout: Check whether there are as many bathrooms as cabins.
- Departure point: Choosing a yacht that departs from the marina closest to your route means more time in the bays and less time travelling.
If comfort is your priority, our guide to the most luxurious yachts in the world may give you some ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a yacht the same as a gulet?
No. A gulet is a type of yacht. Traditionally built wooden yachts that are usually chartered with a crew are called gulets.
At what length does a yacht become a superyacht?
The generally accepted threshold is 24 metres. For yachts over 50 metres, the term "megayacht" is used.
Where is yacht tourism most popular in Turkey?
Yacht tourism in Turkey is concentrated on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, especially around Bodrum, Gocek, Marmaris and Fethiye in Mugla, and Kas and Kekova in Antalya.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
Not for a skippered charter. If you want to sail the yacht yourself, you need an amateur sailor's certificate or a qualification such as the ICC.
Which type of yacht is the most affordable?
In the Ada Yacht Sailing fleet, the lowest daily prices are on sailing yachts, starting from €450.
Let's Choose the Right Yacht Together
Knowing the differences between yacht types is half the job of choosing the right boat. The other half is your dates, the size of your group and your route. Send us these details and we will help you find the best options in our fleet, from motor yachts and gulets to catamarans and sailing yachts.
