The last decade has seen Türkiye become a premier destination for superyachts. The country’s stunning coastline, luxury resorts, phenomenal food, and first-class yachting facilities have secured its position on the superyacht map, making it the go-to for many luxury yachts cruising the Med and the Aegean each summer.

While Türkiye’s allure for yachts is undeniable, navigating the country’s waters does involve more than stopping off at ports and dropping anchor in pristine bays. There are regulations for superyachts in Türkiye that operators, owners, and crew should be aware of to ensure your travels run smoothly.

Here is some information on the best time for superyachts to visit Türkiye and a few regulations for superyachts in Türkiye you should know before arrival.

(Please Note: The rules and regulations in Türkiye change frequently, and although we believe the following to be correct at the time of publication, it is best to CONTACT US to double-check entry requirements, paperwork, and protocol before arrival)

The Best Time For Superyachts to Visit Turkiye

Türkiye has been a yachting haven for many years. Conveniently located between Europe and Asia, the country boasts over 8,300 km of coastline and has one of the longest summer cruising seasons, running from April through early November.

High Season (Jul-Sept)

From late June to early September, the high season is the most popular time for superyachts to visit Turkiye. During these months, temperatures are between 35°C and 40°C most days, and the marinas and bays are brimming with yachts, life, and action. Conditions are ideal for cruising most days, although captains should be mindful of the Meltemi (Etesian) winds. These dry, northerly winds start in late May and typically run to September. They can affect cruising conditions along the Aegean coast between Türkiye and Greece.

Mid-Season (May-June & Sept-Oct)

In the shoulder seasons of late April to early June and mid-September to October, temperatures average a pleasant 20°C to 25°C. Most marinas, bars, restaurants, and facilities are open, yet the bays are less crowded, making this the perfect time to visit and escape the tourist masses. You can expect occasional rain and showers, but these are usually short-lived. Most days are sunny with blue skies and good cruising conditions.

Low Season (Nov-Apr)

Türkiye’s low season is cooler from November to early April, with rain and choppy seas occasionally – especially from late December to early February. Many restaurants, bars, and amenities in smaller coastal resorts close during this period, although larger towns and resorts like Antalya and Marmaris remain open. Although very few superyachts cruise in Türkiye off-season, some owners base their yachts in Türkiye for the winter. Many superyachts also stop off in Fethiye or Marmaris for provisions or to stock up on fuel due to the significant savings that can be made here rather than bunkering in the EU.

Regulations for Superyachts Visiting Turkiye

Whether you are planning to add Türkiye to your summer cruising itinerary or looking to base the yacht in the country year-round, it is advised that you work with a reliable superyacht agency and understand the local conditions and superyacht regulations in Türkiye.

Essential Superyacht Permits

Although Türkiye is very accommodating to superyachts, it is best to engage the services of a local superyacht agency like 360 Yachting to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in hand before arrival.

Most superyachts visiting Türkiye use a licensed local yachting agency to assist with clearance, as navigating the language, rules, and regulations can be challenging. In addition, for foreign-flagged charter and commercial yachts over 39 meters carrying guests, a licensed Turkish yachting agent is mandatory to obtain a Turkish Charter License.

Turkish Charter Licence

Until 2023, foreign-flagged commercial yachts were allowed to operate charters, provided they followed set entry and exit procedures. This included paying a set fee per meter for a cruising permit, known as a “Contribution to the Ministry of Tourism”, for the privilege. However, this changed in 2023/4.

Now, the port and entry clearance for foreign-flagged commercial yachts of more than 39 meters is more complex, and you require a Turkish Charter License.

Various documents are required to obtain a Turkish Charter License, including the owner company registration certificate, certificate of registry, P&I insurance, and agency contract – all of which must be officially translated and notarised. A Turkish Charter License must be obtained via a Turkish yachting agent like 360 Yacting, and it can take up to two weeks to process. A fee is payable (ASK US for details), and discounts may apply if you intend to cruise for less than 10 days.

Please note that these regulations apply to commercial yachts and do not affect commercial yachts (without guests) arriving at a Turkish port for bunkering or stopping for provisions. Rules also differ for private yachts, which require a Cruising Permit. The rules and regulations are subject to change at short notice, so please CONTACT US for the latest and most up-to-date information.

Watersports Regulations for Superyachts in Türkiye

Most superyachts have water sports equipment onboard for the guest’s enjoyment. Several laws do, however, surround the use of watersports equipment in Türkiye, and it’s best to ask us to highlight areas where their use is prohibited, such as Gocek Bay. The main rules governing watersports in Türkiye include:

Scuba Diving

By Law, foreigners who wish to go scuba diving must be accompanied by a fully licensed Turkish Diving Instructor.  We can easily arrange this. In addition, diving is prohibited in some areas.

Jet Skis

Jet skis are not allowed to depart from the harbour or marina while the yacht is docked. They are also prohibited in diving-restricted areas. Their use is only allowed 400 meters from the shore during daylight hours.

Tenders

Some waterways in Türkiye, including the Bosporus Strait and the Dalyan River, forbid using foreign-flagged tenders.

Keep Up-to-Date With Superyacht Regulations in Turkiye

360 Yachting is a Captain’s Recommended superyacht agency in Türkiye and a World League of Agents member. As such, we make it our business to keep all our clients updated with clearance protocol and current yachting rules and superyacht regulations in Turkiye. Maritime laws and port and entry procedures in Türkiye can change quickly, so please CONTACT US for advice and assistance before arrival.