Private Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht

The best time for a Bosphorus sunset cruise depends on the month you’re visiting. Here are the optimal times for each period:

Period 1: November to February

• Sunset Cruise Time: Starts at 16:00 and finishes at 19:00
• Enjoy the early evening ambiance and watch the city light up as the sun sets.

Period 2: March to April and September to October

• Sunset Cruise Time: Starts at 17:00 and finishes at 20:00
• Enjoy the transition from day to night during the mild spring and autumn evenings.

Period 3: May to August

• Sunset Cruise Time: Starts at 18:00 and finishes at 21:00
• Make the most of the longer days and warmer weather with a late evening cruise and stunning sunset views.

Pick the period that matches your visit to Istanbul for the best sunset cruise on the Bosphorus.

Please contact us to find out the best time for sunset cruise.

Absolutely!

A Bosphorus sunset cruise is one of the most magical and unforgettable experiences in Istanbul. Whether you’re a tourist, a couple looking for romance, or someone who enjoys breathtaking views, sailing on the Bosphorus at sunset is totally worth it.

Why You Should Take a Sunset Cruise on the Bosphorus?

1️⃣ Unparalleled Views – Watch the sky turn golden and pink as the sun sets over Istanbul’s iconic skyline, with stunning landmarks like the Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge glowing in the evening light.

2️⃣ Romantic & Peaceful Atmosphere – A sunset cruise is perfect for couples, creating an intimate setting with the city lights reflecting on the water. It’s also great for friends and families who want to relax in a stunning setting.

3️⃣ Private & Luxurious Experience – If you choose a private yacht, you get VIP treatment, customized services, and complete privacy, making it a truly exclusive experience. You can add champagne, a gourmet dinner, live music, or even a professional photographer to capture the special moments.

4️⃣ Avoid the Crowds – Unlike daytime tours, a sunset cruise allows you to experience the Bosphorus in a calmer, more peaceful setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

5️⃣ Perfect for Special Occasions – Whether it’s a romantic proposal, anniversary, birthday, or corporate gathering, a Bosphorus sunset cruise adds a touch of elegance and exclusivity to any event.

If you’re visiting Istanbul or looking for a unique experience, a Bosphorus cruise is 100% worth it! 🌊✨

Private Sunset Cruise (⭐ Best Option!) – Offers privacy, comfort, and a fully customized experience with food, music, and decorations. Ideal for couples, small groups, or special celebrations.

Public Sunset Cruise – More affordable but crowded. You can’t personalize the experience, and finding a good seat can be a challenge.

📍 Final Verdict: A Bosphorus sunset cruise is 100% worth it! If you want an unforgettable experience, go for a private yacht rental to make the most of the magical atmosphere.

✨ Want to book a private sunset cruise in Istanbul? Lotus Yat offers luxury yacht rentals for the perfect experience. 🛥️🌅💙

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 & 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 🚤✨

The cost of a yacht rental for private Bosphorus sunset 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.

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.

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.

If you’re looking for the best company for a Bosphorus sunset 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.

A private Bosphorus sunset 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.