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Boat Rental and Yacht Charter in Istanbul

Turkey's cosmopolitan city straddling Europe and Asia, offering a blend of rich history with iconic structures like Hagia Sophia and the bustling Grand Bazaar.

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Frequently asked questions

What happens when I request a quote?

Once we receive your request, we will confirm the availability of the boat, as well as check for alternative ones. To ensure your experience is the best it can be, we may contact you to discuss your request in detail. Let us do the research for you - free of charge.

When can I get in touch with the captain/skipper?

The timing depends on your charter type. For crewed charters, we can provide the captain's contact details upon request. For bareboat charters with a hired skipper, you can request the contact information 1-3 weeks before departure.

What is the Charter Fee?

The Charter Fee is an additional, obligatory cost, which typically includes the end cleaning of the boat, home port fees, and linen & towels. The details of the charter fee differ depending on the boat, location and charter partner.

Are there any other costs I should be aware of?

There are marina fees and fuel costs which vary depending on the type, duration and location of your sailing holiday. Marina fees need to be paid at each marina you choose to dock overnight - the amount varies but you may be able to find this information in advance by contacting the marinas directly. Fuel costs depend on whether you’re sailing a motorboat or a sailboat. You can estimate fuel costs by double-checking your chosen boat’s engine, and the expected distance you aim to sail.

Sailing in Istanbul

Istanbul - a city between modernity and tradition, between Europe and Asia, a vibrant place full of markets, people enjoying life and amazing food. Rent a private yacht in Istanbul to discover the city from a new angle and to see the surrounding areas and hidden gems by the water that you would miss otherwise.

Things to do and see when sailing in Istanbul

There are plenty of historical sites, food and art markets, as well as restaurants offering delicious local dishes and places with a lot of tradition you have to visit when coming to Istanbul.

Activities in Istanbul

  • Visit Hagia Sophia. This impressive monument used to be a Greek orthodox church, but became a mosque in 1453. It also serves as a museum since 1935, so go and visit this historical site for its splendid architecture and to learn more about its history

  • The Blue Mosque is a huge building of religious worship which you can admire while overlooking the Bosphorus

  • Anyone who visits Istanbul has to see the Grand Bazaar at least once! Discover the beautiful traditional products in the market. Lamps, tapestry, jewellery and plates are just a few of the amazing things you can buy here

  • Topkapi Palace Museum is a huge palace where you get to see the former glory of the Ottoman empire firsthand. At one point in time it was the main residence of the sultans of the empire - and you can definitely see that reflected in the architecture and art of this place

  • The Galata Tower was built by the Byzantines at some point in time and served as a watchtower. Nowadays it’s a museum and exhibition space

  • Dine in one of Istanbul’s fantastic local restaurants and savour the flavours of Turkey

  • A private yacht rental in Istanbul allows you to explore the city from a different perspective

Beaches in Istanbul

  • Uzunya Beach: This magnificent beach is located in a secluded bay about an hour north of Istanbul and bewitches you with the most stunning view of the Black Sea. Right next to the beach you can find Uzunya Beach Restaurant which offers local seafood dishes that you will fall in love with

  • BURC Beach: This is another beach located north of Istanbul by the Black Sea and is generally a little more crowded than Uzunya. The beach is popular among tourists who come here for the watersport.

  • Kazlıçeşme Beach Park is a wonderful park located right next to the sea. Come here for a nice walk, to soak up the sun or for a picnic

Restaurants in Istanbul

Casual dining in Istanbul:

  • Balık ekmek is the perfect spot to grab a fish sandwich. Located on the European side of Istanbul, you get to savour this comfort food in between seeing all the tourist attractions

  • Cihangir Çiğ Köfte: You can find places all around Istanbul to enjoy Çiğköfte, the famous Bulgur meatballs, but this place stands out

Restaurants with a view in Istanbul:

  • GRACE Rooftop Restaurant: This cozy restaurant offers great views and delicious Italian food. It’s not something you would expect to find in Istanbul, but is so worth it!

  • Mesopotamian Terrace Restaurant: This is THE place to try all kinds of Turkish food in a romantic setting. Sit on the terrace while taking in the seaview

Fine dining in Istanbul:

  • Siva Oyster Fish Restaurant: A wonderful place to enjoy elegantly presented seafood dishes. The lobster and oysters are super fresh and should be savoured.

  • BUHARA FİSH MEAT HOUSE ROOF: Enjoy the superb view from the rooftop while digging into some of the tastiest fish dishes and kebab

Bars and Clubs in Istanbul

  • Mikla Rooftop Bar is a fantastic wine bar offering both red and white wines that you can enjoy while looking at the city from a rooftop terrace

  • 16 Roof: Located on the top floor of Hotel Swissôtel The Bosphorus, you can expect an elegant interior and have to adapt to it. Smart casual is the dress code you should follow if you want to enjoy a drink here

  • Ruby is essentially a club hosting two night clubs and offering stunning views of the Bosphorus

Explore historical Istanbul

The turbulent, yet fascinating history of Istanbul was not just shaped by the many foreign powers conquering the city and the different names that still stand strong in many history books, but also by the different religions influencing the city and being an important hub connecting Europe and Asia. Istanbul has been a settlement prior to the arrival of Greeks and their king Byzas, who later named the city after himself and thus it became Byzantium. There are Byzantine sites spread throughout the city that you can visit.

The Romans took control of the city in 330, but only technically ruled there until 395 - when the Western and Eastern Roman empires split. Emperor Constantine basically rebuilt the city and named it after himself: Constantinople. This was the name that was commonly used until the Turkish republic was established - however, the Turks already started calling Constantinople Istanbul in the 15th century. The basilica cistern is one of the ancient ruins you should discover on a trip to Istanbul. Its magnificent architecture is certainly breathtaking, but so is the atmosphere you experience when you walk down there. It was meant to hold 100,000 tons of water as the city was not naturally blessed with fresh drinking water.

Rumelihisarı, an impressive fortress on the European side of Istanbul, was built in the 15th century when the Turks were conquering what was then known as Constantinople. This place tells you a lot about the turbulent history of the city. Nowadays it’s an interesting museum and a place where you can frequently visit concerts. A truly magical experience!

Explore mystical Istanbul

An interesting myth about Istanbul includes both the Galata tower and the Maiden’s tower, which were far away from each other - one in the city centre and the other out at sea. Legend says that a brave man named Hazerfan wanted to jump from the Galata tower to fly, but was interrupted by a mysterious voice. In fact, this mysterious voice turned out to be the voice of the Galata tower speaking to him, begging him to take the love letters he wrote for the Maiden’s tower and deliver them to the love he was longing for. He jumped, spread his wings and delivered the letters as promised. The Maiden’s tower received the letters and knew now that her love was reciprocated. Legend has it that their love is what made the two towers stand strong for centuries.

Sailing conditions in Istanbul

Istanbul is generally blessed with warm weather throughout the year, but July and August are the hottest months. Sailing season generally lasts between May and October. Don’t expect any rain during this time of year! Turkey is generally known for having fantastic wind conditions and so is Istanbul, making it the perfect place for a sailing vacation.

Anchoring or mooring around Istanbul is generally not a problem and you can always find a spot. However, if you want to head out of the city and sail north of the Bosphorus, you need to keep in mind that the zone north of Bosphorus is taboo for anchoring.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Istanbul?

It doesn’t have to be expensive to rent a boat in Istanbul. However, it also depends on the season, the type and size of the boat you want to rent and how many people will be joining you on your trip.

You can always find great deals with Borrow A Boat throughout the year. Just keep an eye out and book your boat in Istanbul for the best price!

What type of boat is best for sailing in Istanbul?

Depending on the type of boat holiday you’re seeking, you should choose your boat in Istanbul wisely. If you just want to relax on deck and soak up the sun you would choose a different boat than the one you would go for if you’re ready for a full on adventure.

Rent a catamaran in Istanbul

Pros of renting a catamaran in Istanbul

One of the advantages of renting a catamaran in Istanbul is the fact that they are equipped with a sail and an engine. This is perfect, because you get to choose if you want to sail with the wind or if you want to use your engine. Furthermore, you always have a plan B if you’re sailing with the wind and it suddenly stops blowing.

Another advantage of chartering a catamaran in Istanbul is that catamarans have a shallow draft. This is great, because you get to sail very close to the shore and can head out to discover all the fantastic secluded beaches, bays and coves around Istanbul - especially if you want to escape the bustling city for a while.

Catamarans are generally more spacious than other types of boats. This makes them the perfect choice for anyone seeking more comfort on a boat vacation in Istanbul. Also, the fact that catamarans are standing on two hulls makes them a lot more stable than other types of boats. Should the wind suddenly pick up and the waves becoming more aggressive, you won’t have to worry about the boat shaking as much as it would if it were a different kind of boat.

Cons of renting a catamaran in Istanbul

One of the downsides of renting a catamaran in Istanbul is the fact that they are relatively spacious, meaning that they take up more space at the marinas. This can make it difficult to navigate them to their designated mooring spot AND it might be hard to find a spot for mooring in the first place - especially during the busier summer months.

Rent a motorboat in Istanbul

Pros of renting a motorboat in Istanbul

One of the advantages of renting a motorboat in Istanbul is their speed. Motorboats can take you from one place to another in a short amount of time - perfect for anyone with a limited amount of time in Istanbul, but with a thirst to discover as much as possible.

Another advantage of motorboats is the fact that they have a shallow draft. Take them out to explore the most stunning beaches, bays and coves that the surrounding area of Istanbul has to offer.

One of the most popular motorboats to rent in Istanbul is Su Royal, a custom built motorboat that can host up to 40 people and comes with a captain who is going to navigate and operate your boat safely through the Turkish waters. Another great thing about travelling with a local captain is the fact that they know the area very well and can take you to beautiful spots off the tourist tracks.

Cons of renting a motorboat in Istanbul

One of the downsides of chartering a motorboat in Istanbul is that they run on fuel. This makes them one of the most expensive types of boats to rent. With the ever-increasing fuel prices this won’t change in the near future.

Motorboat rental in Istanbul

Charter a luxury yacht in Istanbul

If you want to go all out and have the necessary funds available, charter a luxury yacht in Istanbul. Discover the Bosphorus while enjoying the best, most luxurious and comfortable amenities on board. Simply go ahead and have your dream vacation in Istanbul, Turkey.

A beautiful private luxury yacht to rent in Istanbul is a motoryacht with the beautiful name Pure Water Prestige. This boat can host up to 25 people and comes with a bathroom. It’s perfect for a day trip to discover Istanbul on water.

Charter a motorboat for a day trip around the Bosphorus and Istanbul

Many boat charters in Istanbul offer big motorboats that can host over 100 guests. This is perfect for companies coming to Istanbul for a business trip or team outing and want to discover the other side of Istanbul.

A fantastic choice for these kinds of trips is a lovely motorboat named Seyr-ü Sefa which can host up to 250 guests and is equipped with three bathrooms. An experienced captain and crew is going to accompany you on your trip, making sure that everyone on board is having a fantastic time.

What kind of boat license do you need when renting a boat in Istanbul?

As most boats you can rent in Istanbul are day charters or only meant to sail on for a few days or are boats for special occasions with lots of people, they generally come with an experienced captain as well as a crew who is going to take care of you while on board the boat.

Unlike other countries, Turkey doesn’t necessarily specify which licences you would need when sailing in Turkish waters. However, they expect you to have sailing experience. If you want to get your boat licence in Turkey, you should go through the RYA, ISA, IYT or ASA. Prices of different operators and national authorities can range between 150 EUR and 995 EUR.

If you want to be on the safe side, you can always carry the International Certificate of Competency or short ICC.

Sailing routes in Istanbul

One of the most stunning experiences on your sailing adventure in Istanbul is watching the sun set over Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque from a boat. Enjoy the magnificent views when the last rays of sunshine cover the city with a golden blanket. Everything around you is going to feel magical.

Another fantastic route is taking you on a day trip to the island of Kınalı, or the Prince’s island. The Sikaryan Twin Houses are amongst the most beautiful buildings on the island. The Kınalıada Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims on the island and its unusual triangular architecture is drawing in the tourists who admire this building.

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