1. Private yacht or shared tour?
Two very different services are sold in Istanbul under the name "yacht tour." On a shared tour you buy a ticket and cruise with other guests on the same boat, at a fixed time and on a fixed route. On a private yacht charter, the yacht, captain and crew are reserved for your group alone; you decide the departure time, duration, route, menu and music. Occasions such as a marriage proposal, birthday, engagement or company dinner call for a private yacht.
2. How long should I charter for?
The classic Bosphorus route between Bebek and the Maiden's Tower can be enjoyed comfortably in 2 hours. Dining cruises typically run 3 hours, parties 3–4 hours, and full-day cruises with a swim stop 6–8 hours. Hourly rentals also include the captain and crew. For details, see our hourly yacht rental page.
3. What determines the price of a yacht charter?
The main factors are duration, date and time (weekends, sunset and special occasions such as New Year's Eve), number of guests, menu and drinks, and extras such as decorations, music and a photographer. The size and age of the yacht also affect the price. When requesting a quote, always ask whether fuel, captain and crew, and marina and pier fees are included. On our yacht charter prices page, we list exactly what is included.
4. What size yacht do I need?
Capacity is the passenger number stated on the yacht's license and cannot be exceeded. Capacity for a seated meal is usually lower. Istanbul Yachting has three options: the Essential package for 12–15 guests, Premium for 25–35 and VIP for 45–65. The VIP package's 2025-built 24-meter yacht serves a seated dinner for 57. Whichever you choose, the yacht is reserved just for you. A 2-hour private cruise costs €480, €680 or €980 respectively.
5. Where does the yacht depart from?
Most Bosphorus cruises depart from piers on the European side, such as Bebek, Kuruçeşme, Ortaköy, Beşiktaş or Kabataş. Our departure pier is in Bebek; pick-up and drop-off at a different pier can be arranged together with you, depending on your plan.
6. Menu and drinks
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails and finger food are the most popular menus. For dinner, the main course is usually a choice of meat, fish or chicken. If you would like to bring your own cake or food, get approval in advance. See our yacht menus for examples.
7. What is the best time of day?
Mornings offer the calmest water, midday the clearest views, sunset the most beautiful photos, and evenings the illuminated bridges and palaces. Sunset is the most requested time; for summer weekends, we recommend booking a few weeks in advance.
8. Payment, cancellation and weather
A booking is usually confirmed with a deposit; ours is 30% of the total price and is fully refunded if you cancel more than 7 days before departure. In bad weather the cruise is postponed or the payment refunded; the captain's decision on navigation safety is final. All terms are on our terms and cancellation page.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book a yacht charter in Istanbul?
A few days may be enough for weekdays; for summer weekends, sunset and special occasions, we recommend booking 2–3 weeks in advance.
Is the captain included in an hourly yacht rental?
Yes. With us, a professional captain and crew are included in the price of every charter; the yacht is never rented without a captain.
Can we have a meal on the yacht?
Yes. We prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktail menus; in winter, meals are served in the heated salon.
