Story: The Turkish wooden gullet

If you’re travelling in the Mediterranean try to look out for a day cruise on a wooden gullet. These wooden sailing boats originate from Turkey and were once used by fishermen and sponge divers on the east coasts of the Mediterranean. Majestic and elegant, they now grace many a harbour in various Mediterranean countries where they are now used for cruises by companies offering tourism services. Their size varies from 15 to 35 metres and offer spacious decks for sunbathing and entertaining. Day cruises usually include buffet lunches, snacks and open bar. Small groups can even charter these boats complete with skipper and staff for different types of cruises such as harbour cruise, round island cruise, diving and snorkling cruise, sunset cruise, wedding parties and many other possibilities tailored to a client’s needs. If you’re staying in a coastal hotel with a jetty, you can even be picked up directly from your hotel.

Here in the picture is the m/s Hera II, a 31.5 metre gullet operating in Malta. Built in 1997 it is made of mahogany and has 9 double cabins all with shower facilities.

Just picture yourself sipping a cold drink on one of these magnificent vessels. That gentle sound of the familiar wooden creaking of these boats, the sea gently lapping the sides, a gentle breeze keeping you cool, all adding to this relaxing experience.