CruiseBosphorus.com is a brand-new platform connecting you to the magic of Istanbul’s waterways.
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Introduction to CruiseBosphorus.com
Launched as a joint venture by The Other Tour (led by Fethi Karataş) and Before Travel Agency (headed by Metin Çobanoğlu), this site brings together two of Istanbul’s top travel experts to offer unforgettable Bosphorus experiences.
Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic evening on the Bosphorus or a large group planning a celebration at sea, CruiseBosphorus.com has you covered with private yacht rentals, curated tours, and full-service hospitality.
Best Way to Experience the Bosphorus
Private yacht is the top way to see Istanbul by water—maximum flexibility, comfort, and depth with a real guide. Mix routes across the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and Princes’ Islands, docking to wander lively neighborhoods like Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Bebek, Emirgan, İstinye, Büyükdere, Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar, and Kadıköy.
Route options & timing:
Classic Bosphorus (2–3h) → densest yalı belt & palaces.
Full Bosphorus (4–6h) → up toward the Black Sea (Büyükdere, Anadolu Kavağı).
Golden Horn add-on (1.5–2h) → Balat/Fener, shipyards, Pierre Loti.
Princes’ Islands day (6–8h) → Heybeliada/Büyükada, swims & seafood.
Sunset (90–120m) → golden light + bridge illuminations.
What you see: historic yalı mansions; Ottoman palaces—Dolmabahçe, Çırağan, Beylerbeyi, Küçüksu, plus the Khedive Pavilion.
Yacht & logistics: tasteful 40–100 ft boats, indoor salons, decks, tea/coffee; upgrades (mezze, wines, photographer). Easy embark points on both shores, year-round comfort, optional swimming on island/Black Sea routes, transfers available.
Private Yachts and Boats for Every Group Size
One of the highlights of CruiseBosphorus.com is its extensive fleet of private boats and yachts. We represent a wide selection of vessels of all sizes — whether you’re cruising the Bosphorus, exploring the Golden Horn, or sailing to the Princes’ Islands.
- Intimate Boats (1–6 people): Perfect for couples, families, or small friend groups.
- Luxury Yachts (6–12 people): Perfect for multiple couples, families with children, or small friend groups.
- Mid-sized Yachts (6–20 people): Ideal for family outings, private parties, or small corporate events.
- Large Vessels (20–50+ people): Great for weddings, birthdays, or any special occasion where you want to gather in style.
From sleek modern motor yachts to charming traditional boats, CruiseBosphorus offers options for every occasion.
Our Yachts & Boats
CruiseBosphorus.com doesn’t just promise “a fleet” – it delivers real, characterful boats you can actually choose from, perfectly matched to your group size, style, and occasion.
Positive – Boutique Yacht for Intimate Celebrations (up to 12 guests)
Positive is an 18-meter boutique yacht based in Bebek, tailored for up to 12 guests. It’s designed for those who want an elevated, intimate setting: sunset aperitifs, anniversary dinners, DJ-backed mini parties, or VIP-style sightseeing along Istanbul’s most iconic shoreline. With its refined layout and carefully curated details, it feels more like a floating private lounge than a standard tour boat.
Elisa – Cozy & Stylish for Small Groups (up to 14 guests)
Elisa is a 19-meter yacht that combines comfort, style, and great value. Departing mainly from Beşiktaş, it hosts up to 14 people and is perfect for couples, families, and small groups who want a more personal Bosphorus experience. It’s a great fit for romantic evenings, proposals, family photo moments, or a relaxed cruise with your closest friends.
Black Carpathia is a 22-metre masterpiece of maritime design, offering a sophisticated and expansive venue for those who value privacy and style. Permanently docked in the chic neighborhood of Bebek, this yacht serves as a premier gateway to the Bosphorus.
With a capacity for 20 guests, the layout transitions seamlessly from the sun-drenched bow to the sheltered aft deck, ensuring comfort for high-energy celebrations or intimate gatherings. Inside, the sleek lounge provides a climate-controlled sanctuary with panoramic windows, keeping the historic Istanbul shoreline in constant view.
River M – Elegant Comfort for Social Gatherings (up to 25 guests)
River M is a sleek 20-meter yacht based around the Kuruçeşme–Arnavutköy stretch of the Bosphorus. With spacious indoor and outdoor areas, it’s ideal for intimate celebrations, sunset cruises, and small private events – think birthday gatherings, engagement parties, or a group of friends enjoying cocktails as palaces, mosques, and bridges glide by.
Yeditepe – Spacious Yacht for Events (up to 40 guests)
For bigger occasions, Yeditepe is the go-to yacht. This 24-meter vessel, anchored in the Golden Horn, can host up to 40 guests and has been recently renovated for modern comfort. It’s ideal for birthdays, graduations, corporate events, pre-wedding parties, and even longer cruises toward the Princes’ Islands. With plenty of space to mingle, dance, dine, and enjoy the view, it turns any gathering into a proper Bosphorus event.
Curated Itineraries and Themed Cruises
Beyond just boat rentals, CruiseBosphorus.com shines in offering curated itineraries and themed cruise experiences. Perhaps you dream of a sunset cruise where you get to watch the Bosphorus birds adorn the blue sky with music and drinks, or maybe a romantic dinner cruise gliding under the city lights – we make it happen. Our most popular offerings include:
Morning Cruises
Swimming Tours
Private Event Cruises
Each can be tailored with optional add-ons – from live entertainment to custom decorations.
Expert Local Guides
What truly sets CruiseBosphorus apart is our team of professional tour guides who enrich each journey with stories, insights, and cultural depth.
Ömer Çelik: A dynamic young guide with infectious energy, known for his ability to connect with guests and bring history alive in fresh, engaging ways.
Damla Arslan: A historian and archaeologist with over 15 years of experience, blending academic expertise with captivating storytelling.
Burak Plakay: A born-and-raised Istanbulite, beloved for his humor, local knowledge, and personal anecdotes that turn cruises into unforgettable experiences.
- Led by Fethi Karatas: Our founder and lead coordinator is often onboard and helping out with keeping all our clients happy.
With guides like Ömer, Damla, and Burak, your cruise becomes far more than a boat ride – it’s a journey through Istanbul’s layered past and vibrant present.
Full-Service Experience – Catering and Logistics Included
Planning a private cruise should be exciting, not stressful. That’s why CruiseBosphorus.com handles all the catering and logistics. From hotel transfers to on-board menus, our team ensures a seamless, stress-free experience. Want champagne at sunset, a birthday cake, or a themed setup for your event? We’ll take care of it.
Set Sail on an Unforgettable Bosphorus Journey
The Bosphorus Strait is the beating heart of Istanbul, where continents meet and history flows with the current. With CruiseBosphorus.com, you can experience this magic in comfort and style. Whether you’re celebrating, sightseeing, or simply seeking serenity, we invite you to step aboard and let us handle the rest.
Visit CruiseBosphorus.com today and start planning your unforgettable journey on the waters of Istanbul.
And contact us with any of your questions.
CruiseBosphorus is exactly what Istanbul has been missing: a curated platform for truly private Bosphorus experiences. Instead of generic big-boat tours, you get handpicked yachts, flexible routes, and real guides who actually know and love the city. Whether it’s a romantic sunset, a family gathering or a full-on party on the water, these guys make the Bosphorus feel personal, stylish and effortless.
Thanks for your comment, Metin! I’m sure we will continue to build great new things together in the coming years. Here’s to our CruiseBosphorus project in 2026!!
I did the Bosphorus cruise with The Other Tour and had an amazing time — super chill vibes, great views, and lots of laughs. I even booked the transfer with them, which made everything soooo easy. Totally worth it!
Thanks Lilly! You’re awesome 🙂