Private Istanbul Yacht Swimming Tour

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Durations

2 Hours

Max People

Variable

Avalibility

All Year

Pickup & Dropoff

Extra

A swimming day on the yacht — Princes Islands route

This is a full day on the water rather than a Bosphorus cruise. The yacht heads south out of central Istanbul toward the Princes Islands — the car-free archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, roughly an hour’s sail from town. Once there, the captain anchors in whichever sheltered bay has the calmest water that day (usually around Heybeliada or Burgazada) and you swim straight off the boat for as long as the day allows.

Run-time is 6 to 8 hours, typically 10 AM to 5 or 6 PM. The boat is bigger than the standard Bosphorus fleet — wider swim platform at the stern, shaded seating up top for when you’re out of the water, a small galley for lunch service. Capacity up to 12 guests.

Included: yacht, captain and crew, snorkels and towels, soft drinks, tea and coffee, plus a catered onboard lunch (grilled fish, fresh salads, seasonal fruit). Swimming happens directly off the stern platform via a fold-down ladder. Sea temperature ranges from ~20 °C in June and October to about 24 °C in July–August; the practical season runs May through mid-October.

Optional add-ons: a short walk on Heybeliada (former naval academy, pine forests), or swap the onboard catering for a fish lunch at a Burgazada harbour restaurant. Either adds roughly an hour.

Best for: families with kids who actually swim, friend groups looking for a beach day without going to a beach resort, photographers chasing open-sea light. If you’d rather visit the Princes Islands without swimming, ask about the shared island day tour. For a shorter Bosphorus-only option, see private sunset cruise.

Practical: bring swimsuits, strong sunscreen, and dry change of clothes for the return. Water shoes help on rocky coves. Season: May to October.

Why a Private Yacht Beats Public Boats for Swimming

On a public Princes Islands ferry you arrive on the island and look for a beach. On a private yacht you skip the island entirely and swim from open water — quieter coves, no entry fees, no waiting for ferries. The boat is your base all day.

Direct swimming off the yacht — no public beach detour
Captain picks the calmest bay each day based on conditions
Snorkel gear, towels, drinks, lunch onboard
Up to 12 people — flexible itinerary

Princes Islands — Where the Yacht Anchors

The Princes Islands are the main swim destination. Heybeliada and Burgazada offer the best balance of clean water and shelter; Sedef Adası has a small public beach if you want to step ashore briefly. The captain reads the wind on the day and rotates between bays — sometimes one stop, sometimes two or three.

Alternative Spots Closer to the City

If sea conditions push us inshore, there are quiet coves on the Asian Bosphorus and inside the entry of the Black Sea where the water is cleaner than the central Bosphorus. The captain has the call — guest priorities are calm water and time in.

Day Highlights

Full-day private yacht with swim platform and snorkel kit
Princes Islands sheltered-bay swimming
Onboard lunch + drinks included
Flexible 6–8 hour itinerary, extension on request

Good to Know

Private — not a shared trip
Stops chosen for safe, calm-water swimming
Princes Islands the primary swim zone
Duration extendable on request

Included/Excluded

2-hour Istanbul Bosphorus Yacht cruise
Snacks and soft drinks (chips, snack, fruit, and soft drinks)

Personal expenses
Beverages
Tips

Tour Plan

. Marriage Proposal in Istanbul

The marriage proposal marks a pivotal, joyous, and critical moment in your life. You have the ring and are ready to propose to your beloved. Istanbul offers myriad options for staging that perfect proposal, but you'll undoubtedly seek something truly exceptional. Imagine proposing in a high-end restaurant, complete with violin accompaniment, against a breathtaking backdrop, or aboard a yacht by the Maiden's Tower at sunset. Let us suggest some unique options for you.

Romantic Locations for the Ideal Marriage Proposal in Istanbul

Let's explore some of the most romantic spots in Istanbul for your marriage proposal.

Rumeli Fortress: This stunning location offers panoramic views across the Bosphorus, spanning both the European and Asian continents, making it an extraordinary setting for a proposal.

Galata Tower: Proposing at the top of Galata Tower, with a 360-degree view of Istanbul, could be the memorable moment you’re looking for.

Seven Hills Restaurant: Positioned between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, this terrace restaurant provides a picturesque setting ideal for a romantic proposal.

Maiden's Tower: Our top recommendation. Propose on a luxurious yacht, directly opposite the Maiden's Tower as the sun sets, accompanied by the strains of a romantic violin. This setting promises to create an unforgettable experience.

. Equipment and Staffing Facilities

Private Bosphorus Cruise offers you so many facilities during the tour in order to maximize your satisfaction such as:

Competent captain
Professional crew
Gentle bartenders and servers
Elegant glassware and flatware
Opportunity to select the linens according to your delight
Cutting edge technology sound systems for your entertainment

. Available Upon Request

As we mentioned above there are several types of services that our Private Yacht Cruise provides to you such as:

You can change decoration according to delight in terms of floral arrangements and linens choices.
We can organize a Turkish folk dance team or traditional belly dancers for you.
Whirling dervish show or light show are possible within Bosphorus Yacht cruise.
It is possible to get DJ services or live music.
If you want to immortalize the moment in the Bosphorus Yacht cruise we can offer you a photographer or videographer.

. Marriage Proposal Suggestions

The marriage proposal we recommend is among the most romantic and sought-after in Istanbul. Imagine a serene evening with a romantic dinner on a luxury yacht as the sun sets, culminating in a magical proposal by the majestic Maiden's Tower, accompanied by the sweet serenade of a violin. This scenario, highly favored by tourists, is truly a dream worth realizing. Additionally, this proposal setting allows for every desire to be meticulously catered to, ensuring a completely personalized experience. Here are some customizable options to enhance your proposal:

**Floral Arrangements:** Choose flowers that resonate with your shared memories or her favorite blooms.

**Food and Drink:** Curate a menu that reflects your culinary journey together.

**Violin Performance:** Add a touch of elegance with live classical music.

**Dance Team/Belly Dancer:** Incorporate a vibrant performance to celebrate the occasion.

**Specialty Linens and Decor:** Create the perfect aesthetic with custom decorations.

**DJ Services/Live Entertainment:** Keep the mood energetic with professional music services.

**Photographer/Videographer:** Capture every moment with professional photos and video.

**Whirling Dervish Show:** Add a cultural touch with a traditional Turkish dance.

**Laser Show:** Make a grand gesture by projecting your proposal on the Istanbul Bridge with lasers.

Marriage Proposal in Turkey

Planning to propose in a foreign country adds an element of adventure and significance to your engagement. Choosing the right time and method is crucial. Turkey offers countless enchanting locations for a marriage proposal. Here are some of the best places:

**Cappadocia:** Propose amidst the fairy chimneys on a hot air balloon tour, offering breathtaking views and a touch of adventure.

**Ephesus:** The ancient city of Ephesus provides a historic backdrop, perfect for a proposal in front of the grand Celsus Library.

**Istanbul:** A city that has been the heart of empires; propose on a luxury yacht at sunset opposite the Maiden's Tower, a site steeped in romantic legends.

Each location offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and romance, ensuring your proposal is not just a question, but a memorable event that will captivate your beloved's heart forever. Choose Istanbul for its blend of history, romance, and breathtaking settings, and it will surely be a moment neither of you will ever forget.

. Sample Menu

See some sample menus below. We can also cater to any type of lunch, dinner or cocktail menus you prefer

Set Menu:

Appetizer platter
Mini stuffed eggplant
Stuffed paprika with olive oil
Stuffed wine leaves & Cracked wheat (Kısır)
Hot appetizer/Tongs service
“Börek” with basil and cheese & Meatball wrapped with eggplant
Salad
Seasonal salad
Fresh greens, cherry tomatoes served with sour pomegranate sauce
Main Course
Owen baked meatballs with vegetable
Served with Mashed potatoes with basil & Bouquet of vegetable
Dessert
Brownie with chocolate sauce and fresh fruit

Cocktail Menu:

Tabletop snacks
Crispy dough with olive paste and sesame seeds
Mixed olives with fresh herbs
Cherry tomatoes and cucumber
Pickled plum & Types of unshelled nuts
Cold Appetizer
Cheese balls with Crispy sesame, parsley, and coconut
Cream cheese wrapped in spinach crepes, veal ham, and pickles
Eggplants salad in tartlets
Bruschetta
Sliced tomatoes on crispy bread, fresh basil and olive oil
Hot appetizer
Tart with cheese and basil
Mini meatballs with BBQ salsa
The chicken leg on skewers served with sweet chili salsa
Tart with cheese and spinach

Open Buffet:

Cold Refreshments
Fresh green beans with olive oil
Fried eggplant, pepper, and zucchini with tomato sauce
Stuffed zucchini
Beans Salad (Pilaki)
Dried red pepper stuffed with Olive Oil
Stuffed vine leaves with olive oil and cherry
Circassian chicken with walnuts
Salad with eggplant and vegetable
Salads
Mix salad with pomegranate sauce
Wheat salad
Mediterranean salad with seasonal greens, olive oil, and lemon sauce
Main Courses
Lamb in the oven & Chicken Topkapı
Garnishes
Eggplant puree & Rice with almond and butter
Desserts
Turkish desserts with syrup and milk :
Baklava
Kazandibi
Fıstıklı burma
Milk pudding with mastic served with cherries
Fruits
Seasonal fruit will be served

. Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 72 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Full-day private yacht with swimming stops near the Princes Islands. 6–8 hours on the water, up to 12 guests. Onboard lunch (grilled fish, salads, fruit), snorkels, towels and soft drinks included. Anchors in calm bays — usually Heybeliada or Burgazada. Season May–October. From €1040 per boat.