Two weeks ago I took a private Bosphorus cruise on the Zoe yacht. I’ve been living in Istanbul for over 10 years now, so I’m no stranger to sailing the Istanbul strait. But this Bosphorus cruise was the best I have taken so far. Here are the details of this beautiful day, and why you should consider it, too.
Getting to the Pier
A week earlier I booked the Daily Bosphorus Tour on the Zoe Yacht Istanbul website. According to the itinerary this cruise lasts about two hours. The yacht would sail to the second bridge and back, passing the palaces, fortresses, bridges and mansions on Istanbul’s shores.
To get to the pier, I arranged for a pickup from a hotel in Topkapı. The minibus was right on time and took my 7-year-old son and me to the Kabataş pier. I had of course seen pictures of the Zoe yacht online, but when we actually saw the yacht idling in the water – impressive!
Exploring the Yacht
The very spacious motor-yacht is 17 meters or 55 feet long and can accommodate 12 passengers. It consists of a private lounge, sundeck, and fly bridge. The Zoe yacht is owned and managed by Istanbulites Orla and Gürkan, who is a certified tourist guide himself.
We were welcomed on board by Atilla, the first mate, who immediately provided a life jacket for my son. After greeting captain Teyfik and inspecting the vessel, we sat down in the outdoor lounge. I hadn’t anticipated this possibility in winter because the weather was chilly, windy and partly cloudy.
However, the yacht has outdoor heating and the crew had put a see-through windshield on one side of the boat to protect us from the wind. Together with the nice, big, wooden table, comfortable chairs and complimentary tea (or coffee) it provided a very cozy place to start our Bosphorus sightseeing trip. I have to admit, for an hour or two, I felt like a movie star or VIP on my own private yacht, with crew and everything.
Advantages of a Private Bosphorus Cruise
What sets a private Bosphorus cruise apart from the many other (public) tour options is not only the privacy, silence and relaxing atmosphere you enjoy. The captain sails the boat so close to the different monuments, much closer than any other vessel I’ve ever been on. There is no rush either, which is another big plus. The captain doesn’t race the ship back and forth. You can even ask the captain to briefly stop to take that perfect picture. You can even ask to briefly set foot on the Asian side or take a quick dip in the Bosphorus. As long as you stay within the two-hour timeframe.
Is a Private Bosphorus Cruise for You?
Cruising on a private yacht is of course more expensive than joining hundreds of others on a public vessel. Also, keep in mind that you rent the boat. So, the more people in your party, the lower the price per person. Having said this, you’ll always pay more than the public alternatives. But you’ll also get much more value for your money.
I would certainly recommend a private Bosphorus cruise if:
- you want to have lunch or dinner on the Istanbul strait
- you’re into photography and want to take great pictures
- you want to enjoy the magnificence of a sunset cruise the way it is supposed to be (and afterwards get dropped off at the pier of one of Istanbul’s nightclubs)
- you are a romantic soul or are looking for an original way to propose
- you just want a unique and unforgettable experience with your friends or loved ones
Extra Information
Zoe Yacht Istanbul has many different tours available. Making reservations is recommended. When you order lunch or dinner, the yacht briefly stops across Arşipel restaurant where they take the freshly cooked meals on board.
Kulasa says
Hi. We are panning to book a private cruise with Zoe. How much tip should we give the crew? Thanks.
Erlend says
That’s entirely up to you, depending how happy you were about their service.
Manjusri says
Hi! Planning to take this cruise when we visit in September. However, nowhere on their website do they mention if there is a toilet on board. Please do you have an answer? As seniors, we need this reassurance!
Thank you!
Erlend says
Hi Manjusri,
Rest assured, there is a toilet on board.
Have a nice time.
Ann says
Hi, I am visiting Istanbul next month. I need a private tour guide.Can you help?
Erlend says
Hi Ann,
Have a look at Tours By Locals, do take your time to go over all of them and read the testimonials for each of them, as they appear in random order in the list, with often the most experienced at the bottom of the list.
Firdaus says
Hi, i have the same question with the above traveller as well,
I’m planning to have a private sunset cruise in end of april.
Is it a must to have the private tour guide when we have the private cruise? is this really required or can the crew/captain guide/inform you of the places on the asian and europe sides?
Because i think we need our own time as well.
Thank you
Erlend says
Hi Firdaus,
Here’s the answer I got from the lovely people of Bosphorus Tours:
Hope this helps.
Delair says
Having read your review, we are planning on taking the private tour however, wondered if the optional English speaking tour guide is required?
I can see when booking the tour they offer the English speaking tour guide, is this really required or can the crew guide/inform you of the places??
Thanks
Erlend says
Hi Delair,
I forwarded your request to the people of Bosphorus Yachts today. I expect an answer within a few days.
Cheers
Christa says
On their website, it says an English speaking guide can be booked for 90Euro. Thank you for your review, I’ve been on the fence about booking for my family but I’m going to book today!