Princes Island Yacht Tour

Princes Island yacht tour, private, without the ferry crowds

Same islands as the shared ferry tour, but on your own yacht — no 90-minute standing ferry ride with a hundred other passengers, no fixed schedule. You leave from central Istanbul at your chosen time (typically 10 AM) and arrive at Büyükada or Heybeliada about an hour later, depending on sea conditions.

The yacht holds up to 12 people. Full day is 8 hours. Standard route: cruise south past the Asian shore (good views of Kadıköy and Bostancı from the water), arrive at Büyükada by late morning, anchor in the harbour. Go ashore for 3–4 hours to do the island walk, electric-vehicle tour, lunch at a fish restaurant, and back to the yacht for the return.

Alternative routing: island-hop between Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada with 30–45 minutes at each stop for a coffee or quick walk, rather than spending the full middle of the day on Büyükada. The captain advises based on your preference and the sea that day.

Lunch: most groups eat ashore at one of the harbour fish restaurants (not included in the boat price, budget €39–40 per person). Alternatively, onboard catering can be arranged — Turkish spread, grilled fish, salads — at €39 per person extra.

Who this is for: groups who want the island visit with control of timing and boat capacity. For the budget ferry version, see the shared island tour (€59/person). For swimming off the yacht instead of island walking, see the swimming yacht tour.

Practical: book ahead in summer months (heavy demand). Sea can be choppier going south in winter — we recommend May–October for the best conditions.