Private Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

The sunset, but with the boat to yourselves

Same forty-minute window of changing light, same route past Dolmabahçe, Ortaköy, Rumeli Fortress and Maiden’s Tower — but the boat is yours. No group of forty strangers, no scheduled boarding, no departure alarm from a cruise operator. Start whenever works for your party and adjust the route as you go.

The yacht holds up to 12 comfortably. You choose the pickup point (Galata, Kabataş, or a specific pier if you’re staying near the water). Usual booking is two hours, which fits the sunset sequence — board 30 minutes before sunset, sail through the gold, stay for blue hour, return after the lights come on. Longer durations possible.

On a private boat you can actually stop. The bridge shot everyone takes is much better if you’re not drifting past at 8 knots — the captain can hold position under the first Bosphorus Bridge for two or three minutes while you frame the shot. Same for Ortaköy Mosque with the bridge behind it. The shared cruise can’t do that.

Soft drinks and Turkish snacks are included. You can add catering (full meal, cheese and wine platter, or Turkish mezze spread) at booking — priced separately. An English-speaking crew is always onboard; an additional licensed guide is optional.

Who this is for: couples on honeymoon or anniversary, small friend groups, anyone who wants control of timing and photography. If you’re flexible on group company and budget-conscious, the shared sunset cruise at €34/person is the natural alternative. For proposals specifically, see the proposal package.

Practical: book at least 24 hours ahead. Bring a light jacket — the water air is cooler than the city.

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Route

As the yacht sails along the shores of the European continent, our guide will tell you the stories of historical buildings. The historical places you will see on the European shore of the Bosphorus are as follows:

• Galata tower
• Dolmabahçe Palace
• Ciragan Palace
• Ortakoy Mosque
• Bosphorus Bridge
• Rumeli Fortress
• Fatih Mehmet Bridge
• Galata bridge
• Galata Port

The historical places you will see on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus are as follows:

• Kanlıca
• Amcazade Hüseyin Pasha Mansion
• Anatolian Castle
• Kucuksu Palace
• Kandilli
• Kuleli Naval Post
• Cengelkoy
• Beylerbeyi Palace
• Maiden’s Tower