The short distance between the Turkish coast and the Greek islands makes a delivery between the two countries look simple. At sea, it often is. The planning, however, involves two countries’ formalities, the Meltemi season and the practical question of where to clear in and out. This guide explains how a delivery between Turkey and Greece is typically planned. Formalities change, so always confirm current requirements before departure.
1. Typical routes
- Bodrum – Kos: One of the shortest crossings, a few hours under sail or power.
- Marmaris – Rhodes: A common route for boats based in Marmaris and the Gulf of Hisarönü.
- Çeşme – Chios, Ayvalık – Lesvos: Northern Aegean crossings.
- Longer deliveries: From the Turkish coast to Athens, the Ionian or further west, crossing the Aegean or rounding the Peloponnese.
Our delivery routes page lists common routes and distances.
2. Leaving Turkey
Yachts leaving Turkey clear out at a designated port of entry, where passport control, customs and the harbour master are available. Boats cruising in Turkey under a transit log close it on departure. Clearing out takes time, so plan it into the schedule. Our transit log guide explains the basics.
3. Arriving in Greece
On arrival, the boat must clear in at a Greek port of entry with passport control and customs. Depending on the boat and its status, documents such as the registration certificate, proof of insurance, crew list and VAT or customs status may be required. Greece also applies a cruising tax to many recreational yachts above a certain length; check whether and how it applies to your boat before departure.
4. Crew and documents
- The skipper’s licence and crew passports, with any visas needed.
- A written authorisation from the owner allowing the skipper to act on their behalf.
- The boat’s registration, insurance and radio documents.
- An up-to-date crew list for both countries’ formalities.
5. Insurance
Check that the boat’s insurance covers the passage, both countries’ waters and the delivery skipper. Some policies have navigation limits or require notice for a delivery. Get written confirmation from the insurer.
6. Weather and the Meltemi
In summer, the Meltemi blows from the north across the Aegean, often strong for several days. It accelerates between islands and around headlands. A delivery going north or west in summer may need to wait for a lighter window. Spring and autumn often offer more moderate conditions, with more variable weather. Build weather days into the plan.
7. Timing
For short crossings, the sailing time is often less than the time spent on formalities and waiting for the right window. A realistic schedule includes clearance on both sides, possible weather delays and a margin for arrival at the destination marina.
8. Preparing the boat
A pre-delivery check covers engine, fuel filters, cooling, steering, pumps, safety equipment and navigation lights. A boat that has been sitting in a marina should be run for a few hours before a longer delivery. See our guide to what goes right and wrong in deliveries.
9. Handover
A photographic condition report is made on departure and on arrival: fuel level, engine hours and any issues. Our handover report sample shows the format.
How we work
Deliveries are carried out by a licensed yacht captain under a written contract. Payment is typically 50% at booking and 50% before departure. Safety decisions at sea rest with the captain, and weather waiting is handled as set out in the contract; see our delivery contract sample. For an estimate, use our delivery quote calculator.
10. Common mistakes on cross-border deliveries
- Arriving at a port that is not a port of entry and being sent on to another harbour.
- Assuming the boat’s insurance covers the other country’s waters without checking.
- Leaving the transit log or clearance papers open when the boat has left the country.
- Planning a tight schedule in the Meltemi season with no weather days.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Bodrum–Kos delivery take?
The crossing is short; most of the day is spent on formalities on both sides. Allow a full day.
Does the owner need to be on board?
No, as long as the skipper has written authorisation and the boat’s documents are in order.
Can a delivery wait for weather?
Yes. The captain decides when it is safe to sail; how waiting days are handled is agreed in the contract.