Find Your Perfect Yacht for a Bosphorus Cruise
Bosphorus Cruise Yacht Options
Gallery: Stunning Moments from Our Bosphorus Yacht Tours
Private Yacht Rental on the Bosphorus
Why Choose a Private Yacht for Your Bosphorus Cruise?
Reasons why you should try a Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul by Private Yacht

Personalized Experience
Our private luxury yachts enable you to enhance your Bosphorus cruise experience, by customizing it with various add-on options that allow you to tailor your trip to your preferences.

Scenic Beauty
Bosphorus Cruise offers breathtaking views of Istanbul, including its skyline, historical landmarks, and beautiful waterfront mansions.

Historical Landmarks
Bosphorus cruise provides a unique perspective of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque.

Leisure and Relaxation
Bosphorus cruise on a private yacht offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Istanbul, allowing you to relax and enjoy the serene waters.

Photographic Opportunities
The ever-changing scenery and iconic landmarks provide excellent opportunities for photography, capturing memorable moments of your trip.
Why Lotus Yachts?
Why Lotus Yachts is the Best Choice for a Luxury Bosphorus Cruise
Private Rental
Our private yacht trips are just for you and your friends or family. You can enjoy the sea without any interruptions!
Personalized Services
You can make your cruise just how you want it. We offer lots of customization options so your trip can match exactly what you're looking for.
Easy and Safe Booking
Our online system makes it simple and safe to book, allowing you to quickly secure your spot on the yacht of your choice.
Experienced Team
With over 2,000 yacht tours conducted in the past 5+ years, the Lotus Yachts team is here to ensure your Bosphorus cruise is smooth and enjoyable.
5-star Guest Reviews
People love our yacht tours and have given us 5-star reviews. They've had amazing experiences and repeatedly choose us for new adventures.
Top Landmarks to See on a Bosphorus Cruise
During Bosphorus Cruise, you will be able to enjoy the views of;

Çırağan Palace

Rumeli Fortress

Dolmabahçe Palace

Ortakoy Mosque

Maiden's Tower

Beylerbeyi Palace

Historical Peninsula

Bosphorus Bridges
What is an Ideal Bosphorus Cruise Itinerary?
Bosphorus Cruise Itinerary

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise: What's Included & Optional Add-ons
Bosphorus Cruise Experience Overview
If you want to see Istanbul in a special and memorable way, try a Bosphorus cruise by private yacht. The Bosphorus Strait has been an important waterway for centuries and has played a big role in the city's history. On a luxury yacht cruise, you'll see many famous landmarks and beautiful neighborhoods along the water. The view of Istanbul from the water is amazing, whether it's during the day, at sunset, or when the city is illuminated at night.
Overview
- Private yacht; exclusive for you and your group
- Minimum 2-hour rental
- Customize your experience with "extra services"
What is included?
- Private Yacht Rental
- Certified Captain & Crew
- Music System with Bluetooth
- Fuel
- Insurance
Extra services
- Food and Beverages
- Decoration
- Photography
- Live Music
- Shows (Laser, volcano)
- Tour guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Customize Your Yacht Cruise: Tailor Every Detail for a Unique Experience
Personalize your experience with premium add-ons
It is very easy to add extra services while making a reservation; after selecting a yacht from our reservation system, choose the date, time, and duration of the cruise, and add extra services before making a payment.

Food and Beverages

Live Music Options

Photographer

Decoration & Celebration Options

Laser Show Under the Bridge

Pick-up and Drop-off

Belly Dancer

Flower Bouquet
Unique Experiences on a Bosphorus Cruise: From Proposals to Corporate Events
Design your Bosphorus Cruise experience
You can customize your Bosphorus Cruise and design one of the experiences below. Click on each experience to get inspired before creating your own. If you're ready to make a reservation, click the "Book Now" button, select a yacht, date, and time, add extra services, and make a reservation for your dream Bosphorus Cruise experience.
Bosphorus Cruises for Big Groups
Bosphorus Cruises: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Is a Bosphorus cruise worth it?
Absolutely! A Bosphorus cruise is one of the best experiences you can have in Istanbul. It offers a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to admire its stunning skyline, historic landmarks, and iconic bridges from the water.🚤 Why a Bosphorus Cruise is Worth It:
✔ Breathtaking Views – See Dolmabahçe Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the Bosphorus Bridges from the best vantage point.
✔ A Peaceful Escape – Avoid the city’s hustle and enjoy the calm and luxury of a yacht.
✔ Day or Night Magic – A daytime cruise offers crystal-clear views, while a night cruise showcases a beautifully illuminated Istanbul.
✔ Perfect for Special Moments – Whether it’s a romantic proposal, birthday, anniversary, or corporate event, a Bosphorus cruise creates unforgettable memories.
✔ Customizable and Private Options – With Lotus Yat, you can choose your own private yacht, add special services like live music, gourmet dining, or photography, and tailor the experience to your needs.
If you’re visiting Istanbul or looking for a unique experience, a Bosphorus cruise is 100% worth it! 🌊✨
How much does a private Bosphorus tour cost?
The cost of a yacht rental for private Bosphorus tour in Istanbul depends on several factors, including the size of the yacht, duration of the rental, season, and additional services. Below, you’ll find key factors that determine the pricing for a private Bosphorus yacht tour.
Pricing Based on Rental Duration⏳
1-Hour Private Yacht Rental – Ideal for a short yet luxurious experience. Not available during high season.
2-3 Hour Bosphorus Cruise – The most popular option for enjoying Istanbul’s breathtaking views.
Dinner Cruises (3+ Hours) – Perfect for a dining experience combined with a longer cruise.
Full-Day Yacht Rental (6-8 Hours) – Great for a relaxing day on the Bosphorus or a swimming tour.
Pricing Based on Yacht Type⚓
Standard Yachts – Ideal for small groups and budget-friendly private tours.
Luxury & Mega Yachts – Larger, more comfortable yachts equipped for exclusive events and luxury experiences.
Reception Yachts – Luxury designs with spacious areas and premium event services for the most prestigious experience such as weddings, corporate events etc.
Additional Services & Cost Factors✨
🍽️ Private Dining & Catering – Gourmet menus, snacks, and drink options.
📸 Professional Photography & Drone Shooting – Capture unforgettable memories.
🎶 Live Music & DJ – Enhance your cruise with live entertainment.
💃 Belly Dance & Shows – Add a touch of Turkish culture to your experience.
🔥 Custom Decorations & Laser Shows – Perfect for marriage proposals, birthdays, and special celebrations.
Average Price Ranges 📌
While yacht rental prices in Istanbul vary depending on the yacht’s size and included services, the approximate ranges are:
✅ Standard yachts: Hourly €125 – €170 (4,500 – 6,500 TL)
✅ Luxury yachts: Hourly €180 – €300 (7,000 – 12,000 TL)
✅ Mega yachts & Reception yachts: Hourly €300+ (12,000 TL and above)
Get the Best Price for Your Private Yacht Tour!
Please click on the “Book Now” button to check the prices.
For an exclusive and unforgettable Bosphorus yacht rental experience, contact us today. At Lotus Yat, we offer a variety of customized yacht options to fit your needs and budget.
Which is the best company for Bosphorus cruise?
If you’re looking for the best company for a Bosphorus cruise, Lotus Yat is the top choice for a luxury private yacht experience in Istanbul. Unlike crowded public tours, Lotus Yat offers exclusive, customizable cruises, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking Bosphorus in complete comfort and privacy.
Why Choose Lotus Yat?
✔ Choose Your Own Yacht – Select from a range of luxury yachts that match your style, group size, and occasion.
✔ Private Luxury Cruises – No crowds, just you and your guests for a truly exclusive experience.
✔ Tailored Experiences – Enhance your cruise with professional photography, live music, gourmet dining, laser shows, and more.
✔ Scenic Routes – Sail past Dolmabahçe Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Ortaköy Mosque, and the iconic Bosphorus Bridges.
✔ Secure & Easy Booking – Hassle-free reservations with flexible options.
✔ Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for romantic proposals, birthdays, corporate events, and celebrations.
With Lotus Yat, you have the freedom to personalize every detail, from choosing your yacht to selecting extra services that make your experience unforgettable.
What is the best time to go on a Bosphorus cruise?
The best time of day to go on a Bosphorus cruise depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for:
Morning:
A morning cruise offers a calm and peaceful experience. The water is usually calm, and the air is fresh, making it a great time for sightseeing and taking photos. You’ll also avoid the midday heat in the summer.
Afternoon:
An afternoon cruise is great for enjoying the bright sun and seeing the Bosphorus at its most lively. The busy shores and vibrant colors make it a fun and energetic experience.
Sunset:
A sunset cruise is one of the most popular choices. As the sun sets, the sky is painted with beautiful colors of orange, pink, and purple. This creates a magical atmosphere. It’s a romantic and serene time to be on the water. Sunset time offers breathtaking views and perfect photo opportunities.
Evening/Night:
An evening or night cruise allows you to see the Bosphorus illuminated by city lights. The landmarks and bridges are beautifully lit up. This is a great option for those who enjoy a more relaxed and enchanting ambiance.
Each time of day offers a unique experience. So, choose the one that best suits your preferences and schedule.
What is included in private Bosphorus Cruise?
A private Bosphorus cruise with Lotus Yat includes a luxury experience tailored to your needs. Here’s what’s typically included:
🚤 Standard Inclusions:
- Private Luxury Yacht: Enjoy an exclusive cruise with no other guests on board.
- Professional Crew: Experienced captain and staff ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
- Scenic Bosphorus Route: Cruise along iconic landmarks like the Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and Bosphorus Bridges.
- Music System: Play your favorite songs onboard.
Indoor & Outdoor Seating: Cozy lounges and open decks to enjoy the view.
✨ Optional Add-Ons:
- Professional Photography & Drone Shooting 📸🎥
Capture unforgettable moments with stunning photos and aerial videos. - Luxury Catering 🍽️
Enjoy a dining experience with delicious Turkish or international meals or snacks. - Live Music 🎻
Add romance or entertainment with a violinist, saxophonist, or other musicians. - Belly Dancing 💃
Enhance your experience with a Turkish cultural performance. - Laser Show 🔥
Personalize your cruise with a customized laser display on the Bosphorus. - Champagne & Drinks 🍾
Celebrate with premium beverages onboard. - Floral Decorations & Setup 🌸
Elegant decor for weddings, proposals, birthdays, or anniversaries. - Guide Services 🗺️
Private tour guide for historical insights about the Bosphorus.
⏳ Duration Options:
- 1 Hour: A quick luxury experience with stunning views. Limited to low season only.
- 2 Hours: Most popular choice for a relaxing cruise.
- 3+ Hours: Perfect for dining, swimming, or celebrating special events.
Where do Bosphorus cruises depart from?
Yacht rentals in Istanbul typically depart from central locations along the Bosphorus, depending on the selected yacht and the tour route. Here are the most frequently used departure points for yacht rentals:
🚤 Most Popular Yacht Departure Ports
✔ Kuruçeşme – One of the most prestigious departure points for luxury yacht rentals, located in the heart of the Bosphorus.
✔ Bebek – A popular starting point on the European side, known for its historic mansions and stunning waterfront views.
✔ Arnavutköy – A central departure point that offers easy access to the historic and picturesque parts of the Bosphorus.
✔ Karaköy – Ideal for those who want to start their tour near the Historic Peninsula.
✔ Kandilli and Kuleli – Convenient options for yacht rentals departing from the Asian side of Istanbul.
Each yacht has a different departure point, which you can view on the yachts’ booking page.
✨ Special Departure Locations on Request
To make your yacht rental experience even more exclusive, some yachts can depart from private marinas or hotel piers. If you have a specific request or preferred departure point, we can arrange a customized pick-up location for you.
📩 For more details on yacht rental and departure points, contact us today 🚤✨
Is there a tour guide during the Bosphorus tour?
Yes, upon request, we can arrange a knowledgeable tour guide for your cruise. The guide will provide insights into the landmarks you will see. An English-speaking crew member can also assist you throughout your yacht cruise. These services are available for an extra cost. You can add extra services while making your reservation.
What are the meal options you provide on board?
We provide a range of meal options including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. You can select your preferred food and beverage options when you make your reservation.
Please click on the “Book Now” button. Then, select duration, date, and time. Next, select the food and beverages you wish to have on board from the Extra Services section.
We also cater to dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan meals. Please let us know in advance if you have any specific dietary requirements.
What is the cancellation policy of Bosphorus Cruises?
Cancelling your reservation: We understand that plans can change. For a full refund, you can cancel your booking up to 7 days before your departure time.
Changing your reservation: At latest 1 day before your reservation, you can change the tour start time based on availability. You can extend the duration with hourly charges upon availability.
Is it possible to swim during a Bosphorus cruise?
The Bosphorus has strong currents that can be challenging, even for experienced swimmers. It is only possible to swim at the designated areas.
Please check the swimming tours if you wish to swim at the Bosphorus.
Swimming tours are between 10:00 and 18:00 for 8 hours, which take place at Beykoz, 3rd Bridge or Princes’ Islands.
What happens if the weather is rainy or windy during the cruise?
Generally, weather conditions do not impact the Bosphorus yacht tours.
Our yachts are equipped with protective covers for rain and wind. This ensures that the tours proceed as scheduled, even in the event of rain or snow.
However, in the rare instance of a strong storm, captains may suggest rescheduling.
Tour postponement is only considered if the captain deems it unsafe to proceed. Otherwise, the tours continue as planned.
What do you wear on a Bosphorus cruise?
We recommend you wear comfortable, casual clothing with comfortable shoes. Depending on the season, you may bring a light jacket or sweater. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are also advisable for daytime cruises.
Do I need to book a yacht in advance for a Bosphorus Cruise?
Yes, we recommend you book your yacht in advance to ensure availability. Especially during peak seasons and weekends, it is better to book 2-3 weeks in advance.
What are the safety measures on a Bosphorus yacht tour?
Safety measures include;
- life jackets for all passengers,
- first aid kits,
- fire extinguishers,
- and trained crew.
The yachts are regularly maintained and inspected to meet safety standards.
Is it possible to change the pick up location of the yacht?
You may request a different pick-up or drop-off location than the original location of the yacht. Please note that there is an extra cost for changing the original location. You can see these locations and the associated costs below:
Restaurants
You may request pick-up or drop-off from these restaurants only if you are a guest there. Additional charges may apply.
- Uskumru Restaurant
- Lacivert Restaurant
- Olea Bosphorus & The Bar
- Hakkasan Istanbul
- Novikov Istanbul
- Oligark Istanbul Restaurant
- Ali Ocakbaşı
Restaurants Close to the Piers
These restaurants are close to the piers where we can pick up or drop off. Additional charges may apply.
- Arnavutköy Balıkçısı
- Sur Balık
- Chacha
- Del Mare
- Bebek Balıkçısı
- Park Fora Fish & Seafood Restaurant
- Alaf Kuruçeşme
- Feriye
Hotels
You may request pick-up or drop-off from these restaurants only if you are a guest there. Additional charges may apply.
- Çırağan Palace Kempinski
- Four Seasons Bosphorus
- Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
Other Locations
You may request pick-up or drop-off from these locations. Additional charges may apply.
- Bebek
- Arnavutköy Pier
- Kuruçeşme
- Ortaköy Pier
- Karaköy Pier
- Galataport
- Kandilli Pier
- Kuleli
Extra Charges for Requested Pick-up and Drop-off Location
If you want a different pick-up location than the original one, extra charges apply. Here is how we calculate the extra cost for a different pick-up or drop-off location:
- Travel Time Addition:
The time it takes for the yacht to arrive at your requested pick-up location will create an extra cost. For example, your yacht departs from Bebek but you want to board from Uskumru Restaurant. It will take 30 minutes for the yacht to arrive at Uskumru Restaurant. So, the pick-up price will include the 30-minute rate for the yacht you choose. If you also want to end the tour at the same place, the return travel time will double the price.
- Boarding Fees:
Some marinas or piers require a boarding fee. This amount creates an extra charge for the guests. All marinas and most piers used by ferries have a boarding fee.
Yachts have limited availability. Please check with our guest support team if you want to change the pick-up or drop-off location. This option is only available based on the yacht’s availability.
Guest Reviews: Unforgettable Bosphorus Cruise Experiences with Lotus Yachts
Reviews from our guests!
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Share Your Experience: Tell Us About Your Bosphorus Yacht Cruise!
Share Your Experience with Lotus Yat
This was the highlight of the whole trip
My party was blown away with the experience. The tour guide was knowledgeable, the boat nice and clean, the food delicious, and the crew warm and welcoming. Everything was as good or better than we expected. A question I had before going was whether we could bring our own drinks to the boat. If you’re wondering the same thing, the answer is yes.
Made my wife’s birthday so special.
Made my wife’s birthday so special. Big thanks to the whole crew for this wonderful experience
A perfect contrast to busy Istanbul.
After a few days in busy Istanbul, what a lovely surprise to enjoy the relaxing yacht tour. A perfect end to a Turkey vacation. The hosts were very knowledgeable on the Bosphorus and surrounding area. Thank you Anil and Bashak.