A summer day on your own yacht
When Istanbul gets hot, the best place to be is on the water. A private yacht swimming tour gives you a whole day on the Bosphorus with your family or friends: cruise past the palaces and fortresses, head north towards the Black Sea where the water is cooler and clearer, and stop to swim straight from the yacht. Then dry off in the sun, have lunch on deck and cruise back in the afternoon.
The tour lasts at least 6 hours, so there is time for everything without rushing. We can bring a private chef on board to cook the menu you choose, or you can bring your own food and drinks, with a service fee of €10 per person. Just remember your swimsuit and towel.
The captain chooses the swimming spot on the day, depending on the sea and the weather. As a TURSAB-licensed Istanbul agency, we arrange every private yacht day directly with our own crews. Want to know more about the north of the strait? Read our Black Sea travel guide.
Swimming tour highlights
- Swim from your own yachtStop in a calm spot chosen by the captain and jump in.
- A full day on the waterAt least 6 hours: cruising, swimming, lunch and sun.
- Lunch on boardA private chef cooks your menu, or bring your own food and drinks.
- Sun decks and shadeSunbathe on deck or relax in the shaded lounge.
- The whole BosphorusFrom the palaces of the city to the green north of the strait.
- Only your group on boardA private yacht with captain and crew, for 10 to 250 guests.
How the day goes
- Morning boarding
Meet the crew at your pier and set off along the European shore. - Cruise north
Pass the palaces, the Bosphorus Bridge and Rumeli Fortress on the way to the upper Bosphorus. - Swim and sunbathe
The yacht stops in a calm spot so you can swim from the deck and relax in the sun. - Lunch and the cruise back
Lunch is served on board, then you cruise back along the Asian shore in the afternoon.
The swimming tour lasts a minimum of 6 hours. Bring your own swimsuit and towel; swimming depends on the weather and sea conditions on the day.
Who a yacht swimming day is perfect for
- Birthday Yacht PartyA summer birthday on the water
- Bachelorette Yacht PartySun, swim and celebration
- Team Building Yacht CruiseA summer day out for your team
- Anadolu Kavağı Yacht TripAdd a fish lunch near the Black Sea
- Private Lunch CruiseA shorter day with lunch on board
The route of a swimming day
The yacht sails the whole length of the city Bosphorus, past Rumeli Fortress and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, towards the northern part of the strait for swimming. Tap the map to explore the landmarks on the way.
On the way you pass Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace and the Maiden's Tower. See the full route map and all the landmarks.
The swimming spot is chosen by the captain on the day, for calm and clean water. On the way back you cruise along the Asian shore, and you can stop anywhere for photos.
Yachts for your swimming tour
For a swimming day you want space in the sun and in the shade. All five of our yachts have open sun decks and a closed saloon; for a big group or a party, choose a larger yacht such as Majesty or Crescent Star. Tap a yacht to see more photos.
Our flagship
White Istanbul
24 m · up to 77 guests
Made for celebrations
Crescent Star
24 m · up to 130 guests
Our largest yacht
Majesty
44 m · up to 200 guests
Heated on both decks
Blue Wave
23 m · up to 60 guests
Brand new for 2026
Sea Fairy
22 m · up to 55 guests
Classic and elegant
Ocean Breeze
21 m · up to 40 guests
Sleek and sporty
Riviera
22 m · up to 20 guests
Two decks, heated saloon
Blue Horizon
18 m · up to 12 guests
Intimate and cosy
Azure
16.5 m · up to 12 guests
Tell us your group size and plans for the day and we suggest the right yacht with your quote. See all our yachts
Lunch and drinks on a swimming day
Every tour starts with a welcome drink and light snacks. For lunch, we can bring a private chef on board to prepare the menu you choose from the options below, or a menu made for your group. You can also bring your own food and drinks, with a service fee of €10 per person.
On board
Our yacht menus
Swipe to see all menus →
Turkish breakfast on the morning water
Breakfast Menu
A long, Turkish-style brunch at sea
Brunch Menu
Freshly baked bites for an afternoon cruise
Snack Menu
Party food for a standing reception
Cocktail Menu
Turkish favourites, bite-sized
Finger Food Menu
A relaxed dinner under the lights
Chicken Dinner Menu
Steak dinner on the Bosphorus
Meat Dinner Menu
Seasonal fish from the Turkish seas
Fish Dinner Menu
Prefer something else? Our private chef can prepare any menu you like: halal, vegetarian, vegan, children's meals or a dinner designed around your occasion. Menus can be combined for larger groups, and alcoholic drinks are available as an extra.
What is included in your swimming tour
Included
- Private yacht for your group only
- Licensed captain and professional crew
- Welcome drink and light snacks
- Fuel and marina fees
- Swimming stop in a spot chosen by the captain
- Sound system for your own music
Not included
- Private chef and lunch menu (optional)
- Drinks other than the welcome drink (optional)
- Towels and swimwear (please bring your own)
- Hotel transfer (optional)
- Tips for the crew
Make your yacht day special
Add any of these to your day. We arrange everything in advance, so it is ready when you come on board.
- Private chef and lunch on board
- Fruit platters and cold drinks
- DJ or your own playlist
- Birthday cake and decoration
- Photographer or drone filming
- Private transfer from your hotel
Swimming tour prices: what affects your quote
A private yacht swimming tour has no fixed price, because the yacht, the length of the day and your food plans change the cost. Your quote is based on five things:
- The yacht: size and capacity
- Duration: a minimum of 6 hours
- Date and time: weekends, summer evenings and holidays are busiest
- Group size: number of adults and children
- Food, drinks and extras: what you add to the cruise
You receive a written price with everything clearly listed, and fuel and marina fees always included. Summer weekends book up first, so ask early.
Meeting points for your swimming tour
Choose the pier closest to your hotel for a morning start. We board from eight piers along the Bosphorus:
- European shoreKaraköy · Kabataş · Beşiktaş · Kuruçeşme · Arnavutköy · Bebek
- Asian shoreKuleli · Beylerbeyi
We send the exact pier with a map pin when you book.
What our guests say about our cruises
468 reviews on Tripadvisor
Read all reviews“Very nice and friendly staff. Thank you!”
M A · September 2026
Sunset Cruise with Wine on a Luxury Yacht
“Fantastic tour. Guides were incredible. Service was great. Highly recommend.”
Patrick M · September 2026
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
“it was a great tour. We were very satisfied. reliable tourism business.”
558beyza_ · April 2023
Acetes Travel
Reviews from Tripadvisor, shown as written by guests.
Booking and cancellation terms
- At booking30% advance payment confirms your yacht
- 48 hours beforeThe remaining 70% is due
- 7+ days beforeCancel for a full refund of the advance
- Under 7 daysThe advance payment is not refundable
- Under 3 days100% of the tour price is due
Payment, cancellation and weather terms for all private tours are on one page: Read the full cancellation terms
Swimming tour FAQ
How long is the yacht swimming tour?
The tour lasts a minimum of 6 hours, so there is time to cruise north, swim, sunbathe and have lunch on board.
Where do we swim?
The captain chooses a calm spot on the day, usually in the northern part of the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, depending on the weather and sea conditions.
What should we bring?
Please bring your own swimsuit and towel, plus sunscreen and a hat. Everything else is on board.
Is food included?
Every tour starts with a welcome drink and light snacks. For lunch we can bring a private chef to cook the menu you choose, or you can bring your own food and drinks with a service fee of €10 per person.
When is the best time for a swimming tour?
The best months are June to September, when the sea is warm. Swimming always depends on the weather and sea conditions on the day.
Is it safe for children?
Yes. Families with children sail with us, and life jackets in children's sizes are on board. Children should always swim with an adult.
Where does the yacht pick us up?
From a central pier on the European or Asian shore: Karaköy, Kabataş, Beşiktaş, Kuruçeşme, Arnavutköy, Bebek, Kuleli or Beylerbeyi. Boarding at Kuruçeşme is included; boarding at any other pier adds one hour of yacht time to your quote. We send the exact pier with a map pin when you book.
Why is there no price on this page?
The price depends on the yacht, the date, the length of the cruise, your group size and what you would like to eat and drink. Send us your plan and we reply with a written quote, usually within the hour.
Can we cancel or change the date?
Cancel at least 7 days before your cruise and your advance payment is refunded in full. Within 7 days the advance payment is not refundable, and within 3 days the full tour price is due. See our private tour cancellation terms.
