Turkey Bodrum stands as Turkey's premier yachting destination where the Queen of Sea offers one of the most authentic gulet experiences available. With four well-equipped marinas and easy access from Milas Airport, this coastal paradise has become particularly popular for travelers seeking both luxury and tradition on the water. During our recent charter, we discovered why these wooden vessels, traditionally crafted from teak and mahogany, have captivated sailors for generations.
The Queen of Sea gulet, built in 2007 and moored in Bodrum, certainly impressed us with its impressive specifications. Stretching 27 meters in length with a 7-meter beam, this magnificent vessel accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 well-appointed cabins, each with private bathrooms. Whether cruising at 9 knots along the Turkish coastline or anchoring in secluded bays, the yacht's experienced crew remains ready to meet every need.
At approximately $1000 USD daily, this Bodrum charter experience isn't budget-friendly, but we found the Queen of Sea yacht charter delivers a remarkable blend of traditional seafaring charm and modern comfort that's worth considering.
Surrounded by the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea, Bodrum has emerged as the epicenter of gulet charter operations in Turkey. After exploring this vibrant coastal town aboard the Queen of Sea gulet, I discovered several compelling reasons why Bodrum outshines other Mediterranean harbors for traditional wooden yacht experiences.
The journey to your gulet adventure begins smoothly with Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) located just 36 kilometers northeast of Bodrum. This proximity translates to a comfortable 30-45 minute transfer to the harbor, making it remarkably convenient for international travelers. My transfer from the airport took approximately 38 minutes, a welcome relief after a long flight.
From the airport, reaching your Queen of Sea yacht charter is straightforward with several options:
Additionally, while Milas-Bodrum serves as the primary gateway, Dalaman Airport provides an alternative, especially for travelers connecting through different routes.
Bodrum's marina infrastructure impressed me immediately. The town boasts four well-equipped marinas, with two standing out for gulet charters:
Bodrum Marina accommodates over 650 berths with capacity for vessels up to 230 feet in length. Throughout my stay, I appreciated its comprehensive amenities including water, electricity, gas facilities, and reliable WiFi connectivity.
Meanwhile, Milta Bodrum Marina offers approximately 450 berths and has earned its reputation as one of Europe's top 10 marinas. Its central location allowed me to walk to Bodrum's city center in minutes, perfect for exploring before boarding the Queen of Sea gulet. The marina's Blue Flag and Five Gold Anchor Awards reflect its exceptional quality and environmental standards.
Stepping aboard the Queen of Sea reveals a perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern comfort. This spectacular gulet, extensively refitted in 2022, showcases what makes Turkish gulet experiences truly special.
The Queen of Sea accommodates 10 guests in 5 well-appointed cabins. The layout includes 2 master cabins, 2 double cabins, and 1 twin cabin, each featuring beautiful varnished wooden elements complemented by soft-toned fabrics. Every cabin comes equipped with air conditioning and private en-suite bathrooms.
Moving through the vessel, I discovered the saloon offers a flat-screen TV and an audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Moreover, the yacht provides Wi-Fi access throughout, although reception naturally varies when sailing remote coastal areas
A professional crew of 4-5 members attends to guests throughout the journey. Based on my experience, the crew's attentiveness makes all the difference in a charter experience. About eight weeks before embarkation, they send a detailed questionnaire to understand specific preferences, dietary requirements, or special occasions you might be celebrating.
The crew maintains separate quarters, ensuring privacy while remaining available for prompt service. Gratuity, though not mandatory, is customarily extended at approximately 10% of the charter fee.
After exploring numerous sailing routes from Bodrum, the Queen of Sea gulet offers exceptional journeys along Turkey's breathtaking coastline. The yacht's 27-meter length and 7-meter beam provide ample space for 10 guests while navigating these picturesque routes at a comfortable cruising speed of 9 knots.
This classic 7-night journey remains the most requested route aboard Queen of Sea. Departing from Bodrum Harbor, we sailed first to Orak Island, known for its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life – perfect for our first snorkeling session. Thereafter, we visited the enchanting Seven Islands region, where multiple small islands create a peaceful haven with excellent swimming spots.
The journey's highlight was undoubtedly Cleopatra ( Sedir ) Islan with its unique golden beach said to be a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra. The Queen of Sea's 2.7-meter draft allowed us comfortable access to several secluded bays that larger vessels cannot reach.
Our experienced crew arranged daily swimming breaks in stunning locations including Tuzla Bay, Löngöz, and Kisebükü (Alakışla Bay), where we explored fascinating Byzantine ruins directly from the shore.
For travelers seeking more diverse landscapes, the one-way journey from Bodrum to Marmaris offers a compelling alternative. This route begins at Bodrum Harbor (just 20 minutes from Milas International Airport) and concludes in Marmaris, accessible via Dalaman Airport.
Indeed, this path takes you through the Gulf of Hisaronu before reaching Marmaris – a rare Turkish town where you can swim right in the city center. The Queen of Sea's five comfortable cabins with private bathrooms proved ideal for longer stretches between stops.
Hisarönü Bay stands out for its outstanding natural beauty, stunning bays, and significant archeological sites. Aboard Queen of Sea, we accessed secluded spots perfect for sun-seekers preferring hidden coves over crowded beaches.
Key highlights included:
Regardless of which route you choose, the Queen of Sea's experienced crew remains ready to accommodate special requests and customize the journey to your preferences.
The Queen of Sea gulet can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. It features 2 master cabins, 2 double cabins, and 1 twin cabin, each with private en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning.
There are three meal package options: Half Board + 4 Dinners + Soft Drinks (€610 per person/week), Full Board + Soft Drinks (€700 per person/week), and Gourmet Full Board + Soft Drinks (€1000 per person/week). Children under 6 eat free, while those aged 6-12 receive a 50% discount.
The Queen of Sea is equipped with various water toys including snorkeling gear, canoes, paddleboards, water skis, and wakeboarding equipment. It also features a flat-screen TV, audio system, Wi-Fi, and comfortable lounging areas on deck.
The Queen of Sea has a professional crew of 4-5 members who attend to guests throughout the journey. They handle navigation, meal preparation, and provide attentive service to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Popular routes include the Bodrum – Gokova – Bodrum loop, a one-way journey from Bodrum to Marmaris, and exploring Hisarönü Bay. These routes offer a mix of beautiful landscapes, secluded bays, historical sites, and charming coastal towns.
