The Most Exclusive Way to Experience the Istanbul Bosphorus
There is one experience that separates a good Istanbul trip from an unforgettable one: watching the city's palaces, mosques and fortresses glide past from the deck of your own private yacht, with nobody's schedule but your own. Our private premium yacht charter in Istanbul puts a fully-crewed luxury motor yacht, gulet or excursion boat at your exclusive disposal on the Bosphorus — the narrow strait that has divided (and connected) Europe and Asia for millennia.
Whether you want a two-hour sunset sail for a marriage proposal, a full day of swimming coves near the Black Sea, or an overnight charter with five-star comfort, every detail — route, duration, menu, music and departure point — is built around your group. This is not a scheduled group cruise with a fixed timetable; it is your own yacht, your own captain, and your own itinerary along one of the world's most photographed waterways.
Istanbul's Bosphorus is lined with 19th-century Ottoman palaces, Byzantine and Ottoman fortresses, waterfront mansions ( yalıs ) and fishing villages that have barely changed in a century. A private yacht is the only way to see all of it slowly, from the water, at whatever pace you choose — anchoring for photos at the Maiden's Tower, slowing beneath the Bosphorus Bridge beside Ortaköy Mosque, or continuing north toward the quiet coves near the Black Sea for a swim.
Our yachts range from intimate 2–6 guest motor yachts to 15–28 metre luxury and mega yachts suitable for private celebrations and corporate events. Every charter includes a licensed captain, professional crew, and the flexibility to add catering, live music, and decoration for special occasions — from marriage proposals and honeymoons to weddings, henna nights, birthdays and corporate entertaining.
Why Charter With Us
- 100% private — no other guests on board, ever
- Fully customisable route, duration and departure point
- Optional gourmet catering, cocktail & BBQ menus
- Live music, DJ or solo violin/guitar on request
- TÜRSAB & İMEAK licensed, Safe Tourism Certified
- Available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day
What Makes This Charter Different
Fully Private & Exclusive
The yacht is reserved only for your group — no shared decks, no strangers, no fixed schedule. Only your party and the crew are on board.
Your Route, Your Pace
Choose the Short or Long Bosphorus route, a swimming tour toward the Black Sea, or a custom itinerary planned with our reservations team.
Tailored Catering & Entertainment
From a simple tea-and-Nescafé sail to a full VIP set menu with live violin — every add-on is optional and built around your occasion.
Perfect For Every Occasion
Palaces, Fortresses & Villages Along the Bosphorus
Your captain builds the route around your preferences, but nearly every private charter passes some combination of these landmarks — each one steeped in Ottoman and Byzantine history and best appreciated slowly, from the water.
The Bosphorus Bridge & Ortaköy
IconicDolmabahçe Palace
The 600-metre waterfront façade of Dolmabahçe Palace is the single most opulent sight on the Bosphorus. Built between 1843 and 1856 for Sultan Abdülmecid I, it served as the Ottoman Empire's main administrative centre and later as Atatürk's residence, where he passed away in 1938. From the water you can appreciate its full Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical façade — a view rarely possible on land.
Most PhotographedOrtaköy Mosque & the Bosphorus Bridge
A lace-white Neo-Baroque mosque perched on its own tiny pier, Ortaköy Mosque was completed around 1855 by the same Balyan family of court architects behind Dolmabahçe. Framed directly behind it is the 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge) — together they form Istanbul's most photographed "old meets new" composition, and one of the best photo stops on any charter.
UNESCO Buffer ZoneRumeli Fortress (Rumelihisarı)
Built in just four months in 1452 by Sultan Mehmed II ahead of the conquest of Constantinople, Rumeli Fortress sits at the strait's narrowest point, directly across from its sister fortress on the Asian shore. Its three massive towers and battlements remain remarkably intact, and from a passing yacht you can trace the full defensive layout that once controlled all maritime traffic on the Bosphorus.
LegendMaiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi)
Standing on its own islet at the meeting point of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, the Maiden's Tower has served as a lighthouse, defence post, quarantine station and now restaurant across roughly 2,500 years of history. Local legend tells of a princess isolated here to escape a prophesied death by snakebite — a story every guide will happily retell as your yacht slows nearby.
Asian ShoreBeylerbeyi Palace
A 19th-century summer residence built for Sultan Abdülaziz, Beylerbeyi Palace hosted state guests including Napoleon III's wife Empress Eugénie and later Sultan Abdülhamid II, who spent his final years here under house arrest. Its white marble façade and waterfront gardens make it one of the most elegant palaces on the Asian side of the strait.
Long Tour OnlyAnadolu Kavağı & the Black Sea Mouth
On the Long Bosphorus Tour, the route continues north past İstinye, Tarabya, Sarıyer and Rumeli Kavağı to Anadolu Kavağı — a quiet fishing village crowned by the ruins of Yoros Castle, with sweeping views over the point where the Bosphorus opens into the Black Sea. It's the most peaceful, least crowded stretch of the strait, and a favourite for swimming stops in the nearby coves of Büyük Liman and Keçilik.
The Long Bosphorus Tour (≈5 hours) follows the same route and continues north via İstinye, Yeniköy, Tarabya, Büyükdere, Sarıyer, Rumeli Kavağı, Beykoz, Paşabahçe and Çubuklu to Anadolu Kavağı near the Black Sea mouth. Complimentary departure points within the Bosphorus include Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş, Kuruçeşme, Bebek, Rumelihisarı, Emirgan, İstinye, Tarabya, Sarıyer, Beykoz, Çubuklu, Anadoluhisarı, Göksu, Vaniköy, Kuleli, Beylerbeyi and Kadıköy; departures from other marinas (Kalamış, Ataköy, Pendik) or City Lines piers carry additional pier fees.
Every charter type below can depart from any of our complimentary Bosphorus piers and can be combined with catering, decoration or entertainment add-ons.
1–8 Hours, Daytime (09:00–18:00)
The most flexible option: choose any 1 to 8-hour window between 09:00 and 18:00. A 2-hour minimum applies on weekdays and a 3-hour minimum on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Ideal for a Short Bosphorus Tour, a daytime celebration, or a quick sightseeing sail between other plans.
- Route planned together with our reservations team at booking
- Tea, Nescafé and water included; meals available on request
- Best for: first-time visitors, business meetings, small celebrations
Up to 12 Guests, 6-Hour Full-Day Sail
Available on yachts with a maximum capacity of 12 guests, scheduled within your preferred window between 09:00 and 18:00. Perfect for swimming tours — anchoring in coves such as Büyük Liman and Keçilik near the Black Sea entrance, or around the Princes' Islands — with time for swimming, sunbathing, water sports and going ashore where conditions allow.
- With or without meals — cocktail, buffet, BBQ or set-menu options
- Groups larger than 12 are arranged on daily excursion or event boats
- Maritime safety procedures strictly enforced at every anchorage
3–6 Hours, 18:00–24:00
Our most requested charter for proposals, anniversaries and celebrations. A 3-hour minimum applies, extendable up to 6 hours. Watch the sun set behind the Ottoman skyline, then continue under the lit Bosphorus Bridge as the city's palaces and mosques glow at night.
- Live music add-ons: trio, solo guitar or solo violin available
- Decoration for proposals, anniversaries and birthdays on request
- Night charters (00:00–04:00) also available for late celebrations
2–8 Guests, Five-Star Comfort
Available within Istanbul or beyond, our overnight yachts host 2, 4, 6 or 8 guests with air conditioning, shower, WC, safe and refrigerator on board — comparable to a five-star hotel. A captain, deckhand and service staff remain with you throughout the stay.
- Boarding any time up to 13:00; 5-hour daily cruising allowance included (extendable)
- Yacht anchors overnight in sheltered coves around the Bosphorus or Princes' Islands
- Breakfast and unlimited hot/cold beverages included; lunch, dinner and alcohol priced separately
Choose the Right Yacht for Your Group
After selecting a yacht that suits your group size, you're welcome to visit the marina and view it in person before confirming your reservation.
Good to know: Gulets (traditional wooden yachts), motor yachts and excursion boats are all available. Our team matches yacht type to your group size, budget and occasion during the reservation call — there's no obligation to choose from a fixed list.
Private Yacht Charter Prices in Istanbul
Yacht rental prices vary by capacity, comfort level, reservation date, duration and route. The ranges below reflect current market rates for licensed private charters in Istanbul; your reservations manager will confirm an exact quote for your dates.
| Charter Type | Duration | Standard Yacht | Luxury Yacht |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly (daytime) | 2–8 hrs, min. 2 hrs weekday / 3 hrs weekend | €120–€220 / hr | €220–€380 / hr |
| Daily Charter | 6 hours | €750–€1,050 | €1,050–€1,450 |
| Evening / Sunset | 3 hours (min.) | €450–€650 | €650–€950 |
| Overnight Charter | Full day, breakfast incl. | €1,050–€1,450 | €1,450–€3,200 |
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Exclusive private use of the yacht for your group only
- Licensed captain, deckhand and service crew
- Fuel and route planning within the agreed charter area
- Tea, Nescafé and water throughout the charter
- Onboard sound system (CD / USB / Bluetooth)
- Life jackets and full maritime safety equipment
- Breakfast on overnight charters
Not Included (Optional Add-Ons)
- Meals — cocktail, buffet, BBQ, VIP set menu, breakfast/brunch (priced per guest)
- Alcoholic beverages (outside alcohol may be permitted; ask at booking)
- Live music, DJ or decoration for celebrations
- Hotel transfers to/from non-complimentary marinas
- Pier docking fees at Kalamış, Ataköy, Pendik or City Lines piers
- Additional cruising time beyond the booked duration
Please note: outside food is not permitted on board for hygiene and licensing reasons; snacks and alcoholic beverages brought from outside may be permitted depending on the specific yacht's conditions — please confirm at the time of booking.
Best Time to Charter
Booking, Payment & Cancellation Policy
Reservation Process
Reservations are confirmed through a detailed consultation with our customer relations team — by phone, at our office, or aboard the yacht itself — covering date, guest count, yacht selection, route, menu and departure point.
Deposit & Payment
A 50% deposit confirms your reservation, payable by bank transfer, EFT or credit card (up to 9 instalments with partner banks), or securely online through our e-commerce system.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund for cancellations due to force majeure, earthquake, pandemic, documented health issues, adverse weather or government restrictions. Without a valid excuse, the deposit is non-refundable; cancelling 30+ days ahead allows a free reschedule or a 20% penalty fee.
Licensing & Safety
Operated under Law No. 2634 with a Yacht Type Sea Tourism Vehicles Tourism Operation Certificate from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, TÜRSAB membership and İMEAK Chamber of Shipping registration.
What to Bring
More Ways to Experience the Bosphorus
Prefer a scheduled cruise instead of a private charter, or want to combine your yacht day with more of Istanbul? Explore these related experiences.
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
A scheduled ultra-luxury yacht cruise at sunset — no private-charter minimum required.
Explore TourDinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show
Combine a Bosphorus cruise with dinner and a live folkloric show.
Explore TourAsian Side Historical & Cultural Tour
Cross the Bosphorus to explore Kadıköy, Üsküdar and Beylerbeyi on land.
Explore TourPrivate Istanbul City Tour + Cruise
Pair a full private city tour with a Bosphorus cruise in a single day.
Explore Tour5-Star Excellent Service — The History Travel
"We chartered a sunset yacht for our engagement and it was flawless — the crew arranged decoration and timed the proposal perfectly as we passed Ortaköy Mosque. Worth every euro."
"Booked the Long Bosphorus Tour with lunch on board. The captain knew exactly where to anchor for swimming near the Black Sea entrance. Completely private, completely relaxed."
"Our company used a mega yacht for a corporate dinner — professional crew, great menu options, and stunning views of Dolmabahçe Palace at night. Will book again."
Why a Private Bosphorus Yacht Charter Belongs on Your Istanbul Itinerary
Istanbul is the only city on earth built across two continents, and the Bosphorus is the 31-kilometre strait that makes that possible. For over 2,500 years it has carried traders, sultans, warships and now travellers between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara — and no single experience captures the city's layered history as completely as sailing it privately, at your own pace, aboard a private luxury yacht.
A private tour, not a scheduled cruise
Most Bosphorus cruises in Istanbul run on a fixed timetable with dozens of other passengers. A private premium yacht charter flips that entirely: the yacht, captain and crew are yours alone, the departure time is set by you, and the route can be adjusted on the water if you want more time near Rumeli Fortress or an extra half-hour anchored for photos beside the Maiden's Tower.
Ideal for Turkey tour itineraries and special occasions
Whether you're building a historical Turkey tour around Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus, or planning a single unforgettable evening — a proposal, honeymoon, henna night or corporate gathering — a private yacht hire on the Bosphorus adds a level of exclusivity that group tours simply can't match. Both private tours for couples and small families, and larger group tour charters for corporate or wedding parties, are accommodated on the same flexible booking system.
Licensed, insured, and locally operated
The History Travel Agency has operated in Istanbul for 40 years, and every yacht in our charter network is operated under a valid Yacht Type Sea Tourism Vehicles Tourism Operation Certificate, TÜRSAB registration and İMEAK Chamber of Shipping membership — the three credentials required by Turkish law for any legitimate yacht rental or intermediary service in Istanbul.
Book Your Private Yacht Charter
- Exclusively private — no shared guests
- Licensed captain & professional crew
- Tea, Nescafé & water included
- Full maritime safety equipment
- Complimentary departure from 18 Bosphorus piers
- Secure payment options
- Free cancellation for valid force majeure reasons
+90 212 000 0000
Not sure which yacht or route is right for you? Send us your dates and group size and our reservations team will reply within a few hours.
Choose Private Charter or our Shared Sunset Sail, select your guest count, and provide your details. We'll confirm yacht availability within a few hours.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation for force majeure, documented health issues, adverse weather or government restrictions. Otherwise the 50% deposit is non-refundable; cancelling 30+ days ahead allows a free reschedule or a 20% penalty.