A gulet charter is an easy way for a family to spend quality time together on holiday. The boat is entirely yours, so mealtimes, swimming stops and the general pace can be tailored to whoever is on board. Younger children, school-age kids and teenagers will all enjoy it, although their needs are slightly different. If you’re planning a week with children, this guide will cover everything you need to know about choosing the right boat and route!
Is a private gulet right for your family?
A private charter is ideal for families as it gives you control over the day, rather than having to follow a fixed group schedule. The boat can stay in one bay for as long as the children want to swim, and you can move on when everyone is ready. There’s no need to share a dining room or depart at a fixed time with strangers, and gulets are also relatively stable and wide, which is helpful for younger children and anyone who prefers less motion.
The crew handle the sailing, cooking and deck work, so parents don’t have to manage the boat as well as the children. While it doesn’t replace supervision since the crew aren’t childminders, but it does remove a lot of the logistical challenges associated with self-catering or bareboat holidays.
Cabins and onboard features to check
When travelling with children, the layout of the cabins is more important than the total number of berths. Families with young children usually prefer cabins close together so that parents can hear what is happening at night. Teenagers often prefer a bit more separation. Twin or convertible cabins are useful if you have older children who would prefer not to share a double cabin.
On deck, you should look for:
- Decent shade over the main seating and dining areas (especially important in July and August)
- An easy swim platform or ladder, so children can get in and out of the water unaided.
- Enough open deck space for drying off and quiet play, when the younger ones need a break.
Some boats carry snorkelling gear, paddleboards or a small kayak. You can arrange to have extra water toys provided if you want them. The water toys tend to get more use than people expect especially when travelling with children. Some boats have safety nets along the rails which is very useful if you have very young children. You should always ask specifically about child-friendly features on a gulet charter in Turkey rather than assuming they are standard.
Planning shorter cruising days
Children tire quickly after long days of motor or sail travel. One advantage of the Turkish coast is that many of the best bays are only a couple of hours apart.
In particular around Gocek and Fethiye, you can reach a new anchorage in the morning, spend the middle of the day swimming, and still enjoy a calm evening at anchor.
A typical family day often consists of a series of short journeys rather than one long transit. While planning your itinerary, you can talk to our experts and your captain to find the best route for you. With children on board, routes that stay in sheltered waters tend to suit families better than longer open-water stretches. The Gocek islands and the inner bays near Fethiye are good and highly preferred examples of this.
Meals and activities for different ages
Once the ages and preferences of the passengers are known, the cook can adapt the meals. Most families find that simple grilled options, pasta, fruit and familiar breakfast foods go well with the Turkish dishes. When you first enquire, it’s worth mentioning any dietary needs and children’s favourite foods so that the provisioning can be planned properly.
Activities are naturally split by age. Younger children usually spend most of their time in the water near the boat or on the swim platform. School-age children often want to use snorkels or paddleboards, or to explore a small beach. Teenagers tend to look for a bit more independence, such as longer swims, using a water toy or spending an afternoon ashore if the bay has somewhere to go.
When you book with Guletsailor, you can provide the ages of your party, any cabin preferences and the kind of pace you want. The team will match you with a suitable boat and can arrange extras such as water toys.
Questions to ask before booking
A short checklist can help you avoid any surprises:
- How are the cabins arranged, and is it possible for parents to sleep near their younger children?
- Is there reliable shade on deck, and is there air conditioning that can run overnight?
- Are there child-sized life jackets available for all ages travelling?
- What is the normal length of the daily cruising legs on the suggested route?
- Can the cook prepare simple meals or cater for specific dietary requirements?
- Are safety nets or extra water toys available if required?
These details can vary from boat to boat, so it’s worth asking rather than relying on general descriptions. You can view current options on the gulet charter in Turkey page or explore the shorter, more sheltered routes from Gocek and Fethiye. Feel free to contact our team at any time if you need help narrowing down your options based on your needs and preferences.
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