A private yacht turns a day in Istanbul into a day at sea. You have the deck, the cabin and the crew to yourselves. And the whole Bosphorus becomes your route, from the palaces of the old city to the Black Sea. We arrange the yacht, the captain, the menu and the timing, so all you have to do is come aboard.
Why charter a luxury yacht
On a yacht, you set the rhythm of the day. For instance, start late in the morning with breakfast on deck, or leave in the afternoon and stay out until the city lights come on. You can also anchor in a bay for lunch. Or sail past the waterfront mansions at Kanlıca and Yeniköy. For the marinas where yachts berth on the southwest coast, read Turkey yacht marinas.
A yacht also gives you privacy and comfort that a small boat cannot. There is room to sit and to eat at a proper table. You can bring the whole family or a group of friends. Best of all, for celebrations there is space for music, a cake or a photographer.
Plan your day on the water
First, tell us how many of you there are and what the day is for. We then match a yacht to your group and suggest a route. On a short charter, the yacht usually stays between the old city and Rumelihisarı. For a full day, however, the yacht can continue toward Anadolu Kavağı and Yoros Castle near the Black Sea.
Once on board, the crew can serve tea and coffee, a lunch of meze and fish, or a dinner with wine. If you prefer, however, you can arrange your own catering. Finally, a licensed guide can join you to tell the story of the strait as you pass. To add Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi palaces on land, see our Bosphorus tour.
Private yacht for occasions
A yacht day can mark a celebration: a birthday, an anniversary, a bachelor party, a proposal or a company day out. For these, we plan the decoration, the music, the photographer and the timing around the moment. See our special event cruises for ideas.
Notes from our captains
- Bosphorus piersPrivate yachts in Istanbul often board at piers in Kuruçeşme, Bebek or Karaköy.
- GöcekOn the coast, the bays near Göcek offer sheltered anchorages.
- SwimmingSwimming from the boat is part of every coastal day. The Bosphorus itself has strong currents, so we swim only on the coast.
- MealsMany yachts serve fresh meze and grilled fish on deck.
Our suggestion In Istanbul, sail in the last two hours of daylight. On the coast, start early and anchor in a cove before noon.
Dinner on a private yacht
In Istanbul, a private dinner on the Bosphorus makes a memorable evening. You board in the late afternoon, sail past the palaces and fortresses as the light fades, and sit down to dinner on deck, with a menu you choose with us. For a set evening on the water, see our Bosphorus dinner cruise. For a week on the coast instead, see our fleet of gulets and motor yachts, in classic, deluxe and luxury classes, and our luxury gulet charters.
Before you book a private yacht
Because yacht days depend on the season and the weather, we confirm the route with you before the day. For a shorter time on the water, a sunset cruise or an hourly Bosphorus cruise may suit you better. For background on what you will see, read our guide to the Bosphorus.
Who it is for
Families, groups of friends and companies who want a long, comfortable day on the water, and anyone celebrating a birthday, anniversary, proposal or bachelor party.
Step by step
- Tell us your date, group size and what the day is for
- We match a yacht and suggest a route and menu
- You confirm, and we arrange catering, music, a guide or decoration
- Board the yacht and enjoy the strait
What is included
- A private yacht with captain and crew
- A route planned around your day
- Meals and drinks on request, or your own catering
- A licensed guide on board, if you want one
- Decoration, music and a photographer for occasions
Where the boats sail
Yachts sail the Bosphorus between the old city and the Black Sea. We match the yacht to your group size.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a private yacht charter on the Bosphorus?
A half or a full day. On a full day, the yacht can continue toward Anadolu Kavağı and Yoros Castle near the Black Sea.
Can we eat on board?
Yes. The crew can serve tea and coffee, a lunch of meze and fish or a dinner with wine, or you can arrange your own catering.
What is the difference between a private yacht and a private Bosphorus cruise?
A private yacht is a charter for a half or full day or a celebration, with room to eat at a proper table. A private Bosphorus cruise is a boat of your own by the hour, from about two hours.
Where does a private yacht go on the Bosphorus?
On a short charter, between the old city and Rumelihisarı; on a full day, on toward Anadolu Kavağı and Yoros Castle near the Black Sea.
Can a guide join the yacht?
Yes. A licensed guide can tell the story of the strait as you pass.
Can we celebrate on a private yacht?
Yes. For a birthday, an anniversary, a proposal or a company day, we plan the decoration, the music and the photographer.