From the turquoise bays of Turkey to the ancient harbours of Greece, Croatia, and Montenegro – discover why a traditional gulet cruise is the most magical way to experience the Mediterranean.
There's a moment on every gulet cruise when time seems to stop. Perhaps you're anchored in a secluded Turkish bay, the only sounds the gentle lap of crystal-clear water against the hull and the distant call of seabirds. Or you're watching the sun set over a Greek island, the sky turning from gold to pink to deep violet while your chef prepares dinner on deck. It might be swimming into a hidden cove on the Croatian coast that no road can reach, or waking to find your gulet moored beneath the dramatic mountains of Montenegro's Bay of Kotor.
These are the experiences that make gulet cruising unlike any other holiday. You're not rushing between destinations or fighting crowds at tourist hotspots. Instead, you're living on the water, moving at the pace of the sea, discovering coastlines and islands that most travellers never see. Your floating hotel takes you to a new paradise each day, while a dedicated crew attends to your every need.
At Diamond Star Experience, we've spent 30 years perfecting the art of gulet holidays. We've personally inspected hundreds of vessels, sailed every route, and built relationships with the captains and crews who make these voyages so special. This guide shares everything we've learned about choosing and enjoying the perfect gulet cruise.
What Is a Gulet? The Traditional Vessel That Started It All
A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden sailing vessel, originally designed for fishing and sponge diving along the Aegean coast. Over the decades, these beautifully crafted boats have evolved into floating boutique hotels, purpose-built for leisure cruising while retaining their classic Mediterranean charm.
Modern gulets typically range from 20 to 50 metres in length, featuring between 3 and 16 cabins. Each cabin comes equipped with air conditioning and en-suite facilities including private WC, hand basin, and shower. The spacious sun deck – perfect for lounging, sunbathing, and al fresco dining – is the heart of gulet life, while shaded seating areas provide respite from the midday sun.
What sets a gulet apart from other sailing holidays is the experience itself. These aren't boats you sail yourself; they come with a professional captain and crew who handle navigation, cooking, and service. Your only job is to relax. The crew know the coastline intimately – the best swimming spots, the quietest anchorages, the hidden bays that don't appear on tourist maps. They'll prepare fresh Mediterranean cuisine daily, often incorporating ingredients bought that morning from local markets or fishing boats.
Why Choose a Gulet Cruise Holiday
A gulet cruise offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: genuine escape. You'll reach secluded bays accessible only by sea, swim in waters so clear you can see the bottom 20 metres below, and explore ancient ruins without another tourist in sight. Each day brings a new view – from golden beaches and charming fishing villages to dramatic clifftops and historic harbours.
Life On Board
Gulet cruising is refreshingly informal. Swimwear, casual clothes, and bare feet are the order of the day – shoes aren't worn on board, though you'll need them for going ashore. Life moves at an unhurried pace: morning swims before breakfast, lazy afternoons on deck, evenings watching the sunset with a drink in hand. Meals are served al fresco, featuring homemade cooking with fresh vegetables, fruits, and traditional dishes. Most gulets carry recreational equipment including snorkelling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and fishing rods.
The Crew Makes the Difference
Most gulets are family-run operations where the captain is often the owner. This creates a warmth and personal attention that larger cruise ships simply can't match. Your crew will go the extra mile – remembering your preferences, suggesting the best local restaurants when you go ashore, ensuring every detail of your trip runs smoothly. Many of our guests return year after year, specifically requesting the same captain and crew.
Where to Cruise: Four Stunning Mediterranean Destinations
We offer gulet cruises in four of the Mediterranean's most beautiful regions, each with its own distinct character. Whether you're drawn to Turkey's ancient history, the Greek Islands' timeless charm, Croatia's thousand islands, or Montenegro's dramatic fjords, there's a gulet cruise to match your dreams.
Turkey: The Birthplace of Gulet Cruising
The Turkish Riviera – also known as the Turquoise Coast – is where gulet cruising began, and it remains the most popular destination for good reason. The coastline between Fethiye and Bodrum offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, ancient history, and warm Turkish hospitality.
Cruise past the sunken city of Kekova, where ancient Lycian ruins lie beneath crystal-clear water. Anchor in the butterfly-filled valley of Ölüdeniz, consistently rated one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Explore the rock tombs of ancient Myra or swim in secluded bays surrounded by pine-forested hills. The region was once home to sixteen ancient civilisations, and their remains dot the coastline – accessible from the sea in ways that land-based travel simply can't match.
Turkey also offers the widest range of gulet options and the best value for money. Cabin charter cruises start from just £1,198 per person for a week on a standard gulet, rising to £2,498 for luxury vessels. Private charter rates range from £9,500 per week for a traditional 8-cabin gulet to £91,000 for the ultimate VIP Ultra Luxury experience.
Greek Islands: Ionian Charm and Aegean Beauty
The Greek Islands offer two distinct cruising experiences. In the Ionian Sea, routes departing from Corfu or Zante (Zakynthos) take you through lush green islands with Venetian architecture, hidden caves, and the famous Blue Lagoon. Explore Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, and Kefalonia – islands of myth and legend where the pace of life has barely changed in centuries.
Alternatively, our Rhodes cruises explore the Dodecanese Islands in the southeastern Aegean, visiting gems like Symi with its neoclassical harbour, the unspoiled island of Tilos, and tiny Chalki. These cruises offer a perfect blend of Greek island charm, ancient history, and crystal-clear swimming spots.
Greek Islands cabin charter cruises start from £1,368 per person (Corfu or Zante) or £1,448 (Rhodes). Private charter of an entire gulet starts from £10,900 per week for a 6-cabin vessel, ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together.
Croatia: A Thousand Islands to Explore
Croatia's Dalmatian coast is blessed with over 1,000 islands, crystal-clear seas, and an architectural heritage spanning millennia. A gulet cruise here combines natural beauty with cultural riches – ancient walled cities, Venetian harbours, and UNESCO World Heritage sites that you can explore at your own pace.
Departing from Split, Šibenik, or Dubrovnik, Croatian gulet cruises take you to islands like Hvar (famous for its lavender fields and glamorous harbour), Korčula (possibly the birthplace of Marco Polo), and the car-free island of Mljet with its saltwater lakes and ancient monastery. The sailing season runs from May to October, with July and August temperatures averaging 36-38°C.
Croatia private charter starts from £12,500 per week for a luxury 5-cabin gulet, or £12,500 for our Lagoon 46 catamaran based in Dubrovnik – a modern alternative offering exceptional stability and contemporary style.
Montenegro: The Adriatic's Hidden Gem
Montenegro offers perhaps the most dramatic scenery of any Mediterranean gulet destination. The Bay of Kotor – often called Europe's southernmost fjord – presents sheer mountains rising directly from the water, medieval towns clinging to cliffsides, and a sense of grandeur that takes your breath away.
Our Montenegro gulet cruises depart from Porto Montenegro Marina in Tivat, exploring the UNESCO-listed old town of Kotor, the baroque village of Perast, the beaches of Budva, and hidden swimming bays along the coast. The combination of Adriatic sunshine, mountain scenery, and rich history creates an experience quite unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
Montenegro cabin charter cruises start from £2,045 per person on a luxury gulet with half-board plus four dinners included. Private charter begins at £17,900 per week. Many guests combine Montenegro cruising with a stay in nearby Dubrovnik for the ultimate Adriatic experience.
Cabin Charter vs Private Hire: Choosing the Right Option
We offer two ways to experience a gulet cruise, each suited to different needs and budgets.
Cabin Charter: Perfect for Couples and Solo Travellers
With cabin charter, you book individual cabins on scheduled departures, sharing the gulet with other guests. This is ideal for couples or solo travellers who enjoy meeting like-minded people and want the gulet experience at a lower price point. You'll follow a set itinerary with fixed departure dates, typically running weekly throughout the May to October season.
Cabin charter prices start from £1,198 per person in Turkey, £1,368 in Greece, and £2,045 in Montenegro. These rates typically include full-board or half-board meals, air-conditioned accommodation, and all the amenities of the gulet.
Private Charter: Complete Freedom and Flexibility
Private charter means hiring the entire gulet exclusively for your group. This gives you complete privacy, the flexibility to influence your itinerary, and the ability to travel on dates that suit you. It's ideal for families, groups of friends, or special celebrations like milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings.
Private charter often provides better value than you might expect. A standard 8-cabin gulet in Turkey starts from £9,500 per week – split between 16 guests, that's under £600 per person for a week's accommodation, all meals, and exclusive use of the vessel and crew. Luxury options range up to £91,000 for VIP Ultra Deluxe gulets with 5-star-plus service, but most of our private charters fall in the £12,000-£30,000 range.
Understanding Gulet Categories
We categorise our gulets by comfort level, helping you choose the right vessel for your style and budget.
Standard gulets (3-star comfort) offer authentic, traditional experiences at excellent value. Cabins are comfortable with air conditioning and en-suite facilities, but décor and amenities are simpler. These are perfect for travellers who prioritise the destination and experience over luxury fittings.
Premium gulets (3-star plus) step up with better facilities, larger cabins and deck space, upgraded décor, and improved onboard service. They're ideal for those seeking more comfort without moving into the luxury category.
Luxury gulets (4-star) feature stylish design, quality furnishings, and a higher level of onboard hospitality. Expect refined interiors, excellent cuisine, and attentive service throughout your cruise.
Deluxe gulets (5-star) combine elegant interiors with exceptional service and premium dining experiences. These are floating boutique hotels offering genuine luxury at sea.
Ultra Deluxe VIP gulets (5-star plus) represent true superyacht luxury – the finest quality, the most spacious cabins, top-tier amenities, and fully personalised service. No expense is spared, and no luxury is overlooked.
Gulet Cruise & Stay Holidays: The Best of Both Worlds
Many of our guests find that combining a gulet cruise with a land-based stay creates the perfect holiday. A week on the water followed by a week at a beach resort – or vice versa – offers variety and the chance to experience a destination from different perspectives. We've designed seamless packages that handle all the logistics, with private transfers between your gulet and hotel.
Turkey Cruise & Stay
Our Turkey gulet cruise and stay holidays combine a week's sailing with accommodation in stunning beach resorts like Fethiye, Kalkan, or Ölüdeniz. Two-week packages start from £1,798 per person including flights, all transfers, a full-board gulet cruise, and a week's bed and breakfast at a 4 or 5-star hotel.
For a more immersive Turkey experience, our Istanbul and Gulet Cruise package (from £1,998) adds three nights in this extraordinary city before your coastal voyage. Or go further with our signature Istanbul, Cappadocia & Gulet Cruise – 14 nights exploring Turkey's cultural highlights and natural wonders, from £2,448 per person.
Greek Islands Cruise & Stay
Combine a Greek Islands gulet cruise with time in Athens or a relaxing island stay. Our Athens & Gulet Cruise packages (from £2,098) include three nights in the Greek capital followed by a week sailing the Ionian or Dodecanese islands. Alternatively, the Ionian Islands Cruise & Stay (from £2,198 for two weeks) pairs your gulet adventure with a week at a resort in Corfu or Zante.
Montenegro & Croatia Cruise & Stay
Our Adriatic packages offer wonderful flexibility. Combine a Montenegro gulet cruise with a stay in Kotor, Budva, or Tivat – or cross the border to Dubrovnik or Cavtat in Croatia. Montenegro cruise and stay packages start from £2,675 per person (10 nights) or £3,048 (14 nights). For a Croatia-focused experience, our catamaran cruise and Dubrovnik stay packages start from £2,624.
Planning Your Gulet Cruise Holiday
When to Go
The gulet season runs from late April through October across all destinations. Peak season (July and August) brings the warmest weather and sea temperatures, but also higher prices and busier ports. We particularly recommend May, June, and September – still excellent sailing conditions with better availability, lower prices, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Early and late season can bring slightly cooler evenings, but daytime temperatures remain perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
What to Bring
Pack light and casual. Swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, and a light layer for cooler evenings are all you need on board. Bring shoes for going ashore, but they won't be worn on the gulet itself. A soft holdall is far better than a rigid suitcase – space is limited, and flexible bags stow much more easily. Sheets and bath towels are provided, though you'll want to bring your own swimming towel.
What's Included
Our cabin charter and cruise & stay packages typically include flights, private transfers, accommodation, and meals as specified (usually full-board on Turkish gulets, half-board on Greek and Adriatic routes). Air conditioning operates for limited hours daily (typically 5-6 hours, usually in the evening) and cannot run while in harbour. Most gulets provide snorkelling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, and fishing gear at no extra charge.
Exclusions vary by destination but typically include alcoholic beverages (though you're welcome to bring your own), some shore-based meals, crew tips, and local port taxes (usually €100-150 per person, payable in cash). All our packages come with 100% financial protection – when you book flights through us, you'll receive an ATOL certificate.
Why Book Your Gulet Cruise with Diamond Star Experience
Gulet cruising is our specialty. For 30 years, we've been matching travellers with the perfect vessels, routes, and experiences. We've personally inspected every gulet we offer, met the captains and crews, and sailed the routes ourselves. That first-hand knowledge means we can recommend the right gulet for your group, suggest the best itineraries, and ensure every detail is handled properly.
When you speak with our specialist Akin on 0808 588 0599, you're getting advice from someone who has extensive personal experience of these holidays. He can tell you which gulets are best for families with children, which routes suit first-time cruisers, and which vessels offer the best value in your price range. That expertise – combined with our 100% financial protection and responsive customer service – is why our guests return year after year.
What Our Guests Say
"A week's trip on Perla del Mar captained by Mustafa, with chef Dohan, and crew Cem, Emre and Meric turned out to be the best family holiday we had ever booked. The crew went out of their way to assist us at every opportunity and their care and attention to the children was exemplary. A holiday found by Google, sold to us by Akin who took the trouble to explain everything, turned out to be beyond the dreams of all of us."
– Christine, May 2025
"The Semercioglu 4 is stunning. Pictures and videos cannot do it justice. This boat is huge but still beautiful and elegant. The crew made me feel most welcome and at home. Food onboard was lovely. I arrived at Fethiye with time to look at all the other gulets there and did not see one to match it. Highly recommended."
– Mr Fred Shiress, May 2018
Start Planning Your Gulet Cruise Adventure
Whether you're drawn to Turkey's turquoise waters, the timeless Greek Islands, Croatia's thousand islands, or Montenegro's dramatic fjords, we're here to help you find the perfect gulet cruise. Browse our full range of gulet holidays on our website, or speak directly with Akin on 0808 588 0599 to discuss your requirements.
From cabin charters starting at £1,198 to private VIP gulets and seamlessly combined cruise & stay packages, there's a gulet holiday for every traveller. Contact us by phone, email, or WhatsApp – we'll respond promptly and personally.
The Mediterranean is waiting. Let Diamond Star Experience help you discover it from the deck of a traditional gulet.
Related: Turkey Gulet Cruises | Greek Islands Gulet Holidays | Croatia Gulet Charter | Montenegro Gulet Cruise | Gulet & Stay Holidays | Private Gulet Hire
