Hiring a boat is an excellent way to explore the hidden beauty of Istanbul. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and its proximity to the Marmara coast and Europe makes it a beautiful destination to enjoy a private boat cruise. Istanbul has several picturesque marinas where you can easily find the ideal catamaran, sailboat, motor yacht, speed boat or gullet of your choice. You can directly contact the owners of the vessels for the ideal boat or simply allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions.
You have plenty of options:
You can book and hire a sailboat or speedboat with a skipper, or without if you own a license, and enjoy a one-day cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. You can also rent a motorboat and sail through the Dardanelles strait reaching further destinations such as Marmaris. With the option to book a catamaran, you can throw a party, enjoy a sunset cruise or celebrate a wedding anniversary. Finally, you can hire a traditional yacht or gullet for a week or two, and explore the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea for the ultimate Mediterranean experience.
The magical metropolis stretching over two continents and one of the most fascinating cities in the world, Istanbul offers an overwhelming experience to all its visitors. A destination that awes each time, Istanbul bears the traces of many civilizations and religions, with a cultural heritage that can only be compared with the most famous places in the world. Besides all these, the city is also blessed with a superb natural location, on each side of the strait that separates Europe from Asia. Anyone who visits this fabulous destination irremediably falls in love with its atmosphere and charm. Nevertheless, beyond the countless monuments and experiences, the city is also one of the most amazing opportunities to set out sailing the marvelous seas nearby. Before raising anchor by renting a boat from Istanbul, no adventurer should leave without exploring the city before.
While there are countless treasures to discover, a few days in Istanbul can be spent visiting places like the majestic Hagia Sophia Basilica, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, or the impressive Sultanahmet Mosque, with its blue mosaics and tall minarets. On the tip of the peninsula, the old Topkapi Palace, the symbol of the Ottoman Empire, today transformed into an insightful museum. Around the Golden Horn and the Bosporus Strait, there are other marvels to admire, including the new Dolmabahce Palace, the bustling Grand Bazaar, the beautiful mosques or the elegant mansions by the sea. Even after all these, the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Istanbul can be felt through places like the Istiklal Avenue, the Galata Bridge or the fascinating Asian side, while the food and hospitality are equally enticing.
Nevertheless, other destinations await beyond the city for people who rent a boat in Istanbul and begin exploring the seas. BednBlue has owners with vessels operating cruises along the Bosphorus, there is nothing quite like sailing in complete freedom along the shores between continents. Travelers can admire the magnificent fortresses and enchanting old mansions along the way until finally reaching the last bridge and sailing further into the Black Sea. Boat tours around Istanbul are surely among the most exciting in the world, with an endless diversity of places to visit and landscapes to admire. Anyone can rent a yacht in Istanbul and conquer the seas.
Leaving the city towards the south, the lovely Sea of Marmara offers a lot of opportunities, starting with the Princes Islands, where there are no cars and travelers can see amazing historical mansions and splendid lush scenery. Around the Marmara, there are many other small fishing villages or enchanting coastal landscapes to discover. Further along, there is also the option to sail through the Dardanelles Strait into the Aegean Sea, with a lot of incredible destinations, including places like Izmir, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Ephesus, Pamukkale or the Greek Islands like Lesvos, Samos, Kos or Rhodes. Overall, Istanbul is one of the best places on Earth to rent a boat, given its prime location and millennia of seafaring traditions. From small boats to splendid catamarans or sailboats, with or without captains, there are plenty of choices available to explore the seas around Istanbul!
Below you will find some useful information once you have decided to hire a boat in Istanbul.
Marinturk Istanbul City Port: Located in the coastal area of Pendik. It offers a berthing capacity for 752 vessels and is excellent for accessing the beauties of the Bosphorus. Friendly and professional staff with 24-hour assistance.
Atakoy Marina: A prestigious marina right in the heart of Istanbul with excellent staff with 24-hour assistance. The first marina of Istanbul to be awarded with 5 Golden Anchors. There are cleaning services, a health and sports center, restaurants, outdoor parking and a swimming pool by the marina.
Atakoy Marina is only 7 km away from Ataturk Airport.
Guzelce Marina: A unique marina for mega-yacht owners in Istanbul. The marina has a capacity of 250 yachts and there are also maintenance and travel lift services.
Guzelce Marina is 25 km away from Ataturk International Airport.
Setur Fenerbahçe Marina: Has a berthing capacity for over 1200 boats with all sort of provisions and transport facilities. There are bars and restaurants around the marina zone.
Setur Fenerbahçe Marina is 34 km away from the marina and Sabiha Gokcen Airport is 21 km away from the marina.
Viaport Marina: A world-class marina situated in Tuzla that can berth up to 750 vessels. A recently developed marina and the winner of Golden Anchor in 2017. Nearby there are many food courts, shops selling world-famous brands, you can also visit the Lion Park and an amusement park with the fastest roller coaster in Turkey.
Viaport Marina is 19 km away from Sabiha Gokcen Marina.
West Istanbul Marina: Has a mooring capacity of 600 boats with a depth of 3.5-7 m. There is a fuel station, water and internet connection, a helipad and many bars and restaurants within the zone.
West Istanbul Marina is 17 km away from Ataturk International Airport.
Booking Advisor Form
Fill in the form below and you will soon receive suggestions with the ideal yachts for your trip.
Your form has been submitted successfully!
A travel expert will contact you shortly to suggest the ideal yachts for your trip.
View suitable yachts now
