Istanbul has plenty of shared boat tours, but a private Bosphorus cruise is a different experience: the yacht, the captain and the crew are there for your group alone. Shared tours follow a fixed timetable and route, so if you want to set your own pace, choose where to board and decide what is served, a private yacht is usually the better fit.
Below are five good reasons to book one, whether you are a couple, a family on holiday, a group of friends or a company. If you are still comparing formats, start with what a Bosphorus cruise is and the main options.
1. Privacy: the yacht is for your group only
On a private cruise there are no other passengers. You share the deck only with people you know, which makes it easier to relax, talk and move around, and it is much more comfortable for young children or older family members than a crowded tour boat.
Acetes arranges private yachts with captain and crew for groups of every size, from a couple to 250 guests. The yacht is chosen to match the number of people, so a small family is not lost on a huge boat and a large party is not squeezed onto a small one.
2. Your own timing and route
Shared cruises leave at set times and turn around at set points. With a private yacht you decide when to start, how long to stay out and where to go. Some groups want a short two-hour loop past the palaces; others want to sail up to the Black Sea or add the Golden Horn.
You can slow down for photos at the landmarks you care about most, including:
- on the European shore: Galata Tower, Galataport, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge;
- on the Asian shore: Maiden's Tower, Beylerbeyi Palace, Cengelkoy, Kuleli, Kandilli, Kucuksu Pavilion, Anadolu Fortress, Kanlica and the Amcazade Huseyin Pasha yali, one of the oldest surviving waterside mansions.
Read about these sights in our Istanbul Bosphorus guide, and about individual palaces such as Beylerbeyi Palace.
3. Board at a pier that suits you
Instead of travelling across the city to one departure point, you can board close to your hotel or meeting place. Acetes yachts pick up from eight piers on both sides of the strait:
- European side: Karakoy, Kabatas, Besiktas, Kurucesme, Arnavutkoy and Bebek
- Asian side: Kuleli and Beylerbeyi
Boarding near where you are staying saves time in Istanbul traffic, and on the Asian side it means guests based in Uskudar or Beylerbeyi do not need to cross the city first.
4. A menu and service you choose
On a private cruise you are not tied to a set menu. You can plan a breakfast, lunch or dinner on board, or keep it simple with drinks and snacks while you sail. A professional team looks after you during the cruise:
- a licensed captain and experienced crew;
- friendly bar and service staff;
- proper glassware, tableware and table linen;
- a sound system with the music of your choice.
You do not need any sailing experience or a boat licence; the captain handles everything. If you would like to learn about what you are passing, a local host or guide can join you on request and tell the stories behind the palaces and mansions.
5. Ideal for celebrations, families and companies
A yacht of your own turns a sightseeing trip into an occasion. Popular reasons to book include:
- birthdays, anniversaries and wedding celebrations;
- marriage proposals at sunset;
- family days out with children and grandparents;
- company meetings, client hosting and team events.
Extras can be arranged on request, such as flower arrangements and decoration, a DJ or live music, a Turkish folk dance team or belly dancers, and a recommended photographer or videographer to capture the day. See more ideas on our yacht celebrations in Istanbul page, or if the light is what matters most, read our Bosphorus sunset cruise guide.
How to book a private Bosphorus cruise
Tell us your date, the number of guests, your preferred pier, the length of the cruise and any food or extras you have in mind. We usually send a written quote within the hour by WhatsApp. Fuel and marina fees are included in private quotes, so there are no surprises on the day.
You can send your request through our private Bosphorus yacht cruise page. If you are weighing it up against a shared trip, our guide on which Bosphorus cruise to take may help.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can join a private Bosphorus cruise?
Acetes arranges private yachts for groups from a couple up to 250 guests. The yacht is matched to your group size.
Where does a private Bosphorus cruise start?
You can board at one of eight piers: Karakoy, Kabatas, Besiktas, Kurucesme, Arnavutkoy, Bebek, Kuleli or Beylerbeyi. Choose the one closest to your hotel or plans.
Can we choose the route and length of a private cruise?
Yes. You decide how long the cruise lasts and which parts of the Bosphorus to see, from a short loop past the palaces to a longer trip towards the Black Sea.
Are fuel and marina fees included in the price?
Yes, fuel and marina fees are included in Acetes private yacht quotes. Send your date, group size and wishes and you will usually receive a written quote within the hour by WhatsApp.
Can we celebrate a birthday or proposal on a private yacht?
Yes, private yachts are popular for birthdays, anniversaries, proposals and company events. Decoration, music, entertainment and a photographer can be arranged on request.
See the Bosphorus on your own yacht
A private yacht cruise with captain and crew, only for your group: sunset, dinner or a full day on the strait. Book directly with a TURSAB-licensed Istanbul operator.
More from our Istanbul guide
- Bosphorus Sunset Cruise in Istanbul: All You Need to KnowBosphorus and cruises
- Which Bosphorus Cruise to Take in Istanbul? A Guide to the OptionsBosphorus and cruises
- Istanbul Bosphorus Guide: Landmarks, Villages and CruisesBosphorus and cruises
- What Is a Bosphorus Cruise? Routes, Durations and SightsBosphorus and cruises