What's Included in a Bodrum Yacht Charter? Food, Crew & Hidden Costs
Booking a holiday on the water should feel as relaxing as the journey itself. However, one of the first things you might wonder when planning your trip is exactly what is included in a yacht charter in Bodrum. Understanding the pricing structure ahead of time ensures you can step on board with complete peace of mind, ready to enjoy the Turkish Riviera.
At The Blu, we believe trust is built on fairness and transparency. Whether you are planning a single day exploring hidden bays or a week-long voyage to Göcek, we want you to know exactly what to expect from your booking. Let's break down the standard inclusions, how provisioning works, and how we handle additional expenses so you can plan your trip confidently.
Daily Yacht Rentals: The All-Inclusive Approach
If you are joining us for a day trip, the pricing structure is usually very straightforward. Most day charters are designed to be low-effort for you, meaning the core elements of your day are already covered in the base price.
When you book a daily trip, the fee generally covers your fuel, lunch, crew and yacht in Bodrum for a set route. You can expect a professional captain to handle the navigation and a deckhand or host to assist with service. The fuel included covers a standard cruising route, often taking in beautiful spots like Karaada or the nearby bays of the Bodrum peninsula.
Lunch is typically prepared fresh on board, featuring local Turkish meze, salads, and a main course of fish or chicken. Soft drinks are usually provided throughout the day, while alcohol is generally on a bring-your-own basis, or we can organise it for you upon request.
Multi-Day Charters: The Base Fee and APA System
For weekly or multi-day charters, the pricing structure changes to offer you more flexibility. The base charter fee covers the rental of the yacht itself, the crew's wages, and the vessel's insurance.
To cover the variable costs of a longer journey, the industry uses a system called the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). This is usually calculated at 25% to 30% of the base charter fee and is paid before you embark. The APA acts as a transparent expense account managed by your captain. It covers your chosen food and beverages, fuel for your specific itinerary, marina docking fees, and any special requests you make during the trip.
At the end of your charter, the captain presents a clear, itemised ledger of all expenses. If the total is less than your APA, the remaining balance is refunded to you in full.
Standard Yacht Charter Inclusions
Regardless of whether you are sailing for a day or a week, certain yacht charter inclusions come as standard across our fleet. We take pride in ensuring every vessel meets our premium service standards before you even step aboard.
Every charter includes:
A professional crew: Fully trained to handle both the vessel and your comfort.
Linens and towels: Fresh bedding for overnight stays and clean towels for swimming.
Water equipment: Depending on the yacht, this often includes snorkelling gear, paddleboards, and basic water toys.
Cleaning services: Daily cabin upkeep for overnight stays and an end-of-charter deep clean.
Are There Any Hidden Costs on a Yacht Charter?
We know that hidden costs on a yacht charter are a common concern for travellers. At The Blu, we eliminate confusing contracts and hidden clauses by outlining all potential extra charges before you book.
While there are no true "hidden" fees with us, there are a few extra elements you should factor into your budget. Firstly, Value Added Tax (VAT) is not always included in the initially advertised base rate, depending on the yacht's flag and local regulations.
Secondly, if you request to dock overnight at a premium private marina, such as Yalıkavak Marina or Milta Bodrum Marina, these berthing fees will be deducted from your APA. Finally, crew gratuity is not included in the charter price. While tipping is entirely at your discretion, a customary gratuity of 10% to 15% of the base charter fee is a wonderful way to thank the team for exceptional service.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you certainly can. If you wish to travel further than the standard daily cruising route, for example, venturing further into the Gulf of Gökova, we can easily arrange this. We will simply calculate the additional fuel required and let you know the cost upfront.
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If you are on a crewed charter with a chef, we will send you a preference sheet before you arrive. This allows you to list any allergies, dietary requirements, and favourite foods, ensuring the crew provisions the yacht exactly to your tastes.
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Your safety is always our priority. If the captain determines that weather conditions make sailing unsafe, we will work with you to reschedule your charter or offer a fair resolution based on our clear cancellation policies.
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Organising a yacht holiday should be exciting, not complicated. If you have any questions about pricing, want to discuss a specific vessel, or need help mapping out a potential route along the Turkish Riviera, we are always here to help.
