Lotus Yachts

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.

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.

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 & 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! 🌊✨

The best time of day to go on a boat tour on Bosphorus 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.

A private yacht charter 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.

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 🚤✨

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.

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.

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.

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.