Take an unforgettable yacht trip around Turkey

A cruise is a journey on a sailing yacht with a small group along a pre-planned route. Often, the cruises are designed to include not just the route but also leisure activities both on board and on shore. Everything is managed by a professional captain who has sailed the route multiple times and is familiar with all its features. The cruise program can be adjusted according to the passengers' wishes, but it usually looks like this: In the morning, there's breakfast on the boat or in a café on shore, after which the yacht sets sail. The journey from one point to another rarely exceeds 4-5 hours, and you can participate in handling the boat if you wish. Along the way, the captain makes stops for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. A light lunch is also enjoyed at sea. When the yacht arrives at a new location, the captain either organizes leisure activities according to the program or suggests what to see, where to have a delicious dinner, and where to have fun. You can spend the night in a cabin or at a hotel on shore.

Typically, the cruise price listed on the website includes accommodation in a cabin on the yacht, captain services for the route, bed linens and toiletries, final cleaning, and on-board entertainment (equipment and gear for fishing, snorkeling, and diving, as well as the use of paddleboards or kayaks). Less frequently, the cost includes fuel and port fees. If not included, these expenses are usually shared among all participants. The cruise price generally does not cover airfare and transfers from the airport to the marina, as well as food, excursions, and onshore entertainment. When choosing a cruise, pay attention to what is included in the price (this is indicated in the tour description). An event with a larger set of additional options may be more cost-effective than a cheaper one.

The captain is fully responsible for the safety and comfort of the passengers. ImSkipper pays close attention to selecting professional captains to ensure a high-quality cruise experience. We thoroughly verify the licenses and professional reputations of the skippers, and we are personally acquainted with many of them. Additionally, we ensure that the captain is well-acquainted with the chosen sailing area. This way, the captain also serves as a guide: sharing historical insights, pointing out interesting places, helping with understanding local cuisine, and recommending good restaurants.

A modern yacht has everything needed for a comfortable and safe vacation. Bright cabins, relaxation areas on the deck and inside the boat, toilets with showers, and even a kitchen with a stove and oven for cooking meals. If you want maximum comfort, choose a cruise on a catamaran. It offers twice the space of a yacht of the same length and has a large deck for leisurely relaxation or social gatherings. However, catamarans are more expensive.

Children from the age of one feel great on board a yacht. They enjoy turning winches, standing at the helm with adults, tying nautical knots, and learning to plot a course. They get particular joy when they are trusted to steer the dinghy (inflatable rubber boat). When going on a cruise with children, ask the captain to prepare children's life jackets and, if the children are very young, to set up a safety net on the guardrails for extra security.

Take a few swimsuits, long-sleeve T-shirts to protect your arms from "farmer's tan," a wide-brimmed hat to shield your neck and ears from sunburn, and Crocs for walking on the deck and swimming on wild beaches. Even budget polarized sunglasses will be better for your eyes at sea than expensive branded ones. Don’t forget a waterproof phone pouch, a power bank, and a couple of sets of chargers. An extension cord with multiple outlets will help avoid a queue for charging devices. Pack everything in a soft bag, as it's much easier to find space for it on the yacht than for a suitcase.

To some extent, everyone is susceptible to symptoms of motion sickness. The good news is that 99% of people acclimate by the second day on a yacht, meaning they get used to the motion. There are also tried and tested ways to combat seasickness, such as standing at the helm, eating ginger candy, or taking a Dramamine tablet. Any captain knows 101 effective remedies and will definitely help.