A Bosphorus sunset on your own yacht
Sunset is the most beautiful hour on the Bosphorus, and a sunset cruise is one of the best ways to see Istanbul. The water turns gold, the domes and minarets of the old city stand out against the sky, and as the light fades the palaces and bridges are lit one after another. On a private sunset yacht cruise in Istanbul you watch it all from your own deck, with no other passengers and a crew that works only for your group.
We time the cruise around the sunset on your date. You board about an hour before, sail along the European shore in the warm evening light, and the captain positions the yacht so you face the sun as it goes down over the city skyline. Then the city changes: the Bosphorus Bridge lights up, Ortaköy and Dolmabahçe glow on the water's edge, and the evening is yours to continue with drinks or dinner on board.
It is the cruise couples choose for a proposal or an anniversary, friends book for a birthday, and companies use for a relaxed sundowner with guests. As a TURSAB-licensed Istanbul agency, we arrange every private sunset cruise directly with our own crews, from a two-hour golden hour cruise to a full evening on the water. Comparing options? Read our guide to Bosphorus sunset cruises.
Sunset cruise highlights
- Timed to the sunsetBoarding about an hour before, so you never miss golden hour.
- Only your group on boardA private yacht with captain and crew, no other passengers.
- Sunset over the skylineDomes, minarets and palaces in silhouette as the sun goes down.
- The city lights upStay on the water as the bridges, palaces and mosques are illuminated.
- Welcome drink includedEvery cruise starts with a drink and light snacks; add a menu if you like.
- Made for special momentsProposals, anniversaries and birthdays, arranged in advance by our team.
When is sunset in Istanbul?
Sunset times change a lot through the year, so we plan your boarding time around your date. Turkey stays on the same time zone all year (GMT+3), so there is no clock change to think about. These are typical times for the middle of each month:
| Month | Sunset (about) | Suggested boarding |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18:00 | 17:00 |
| February | 18:40 | 17:30 |
| March | 19:10 | 18:00 |
| April | 19:45 | 18:30 |
| May | 20:15 | 19:00 |
| June | 20:40 | 19:30 |
| July | 20:35 | 19:30 |
| August | 20:05 | 19:00 |
| September | 19:15 | 18:00 |
| October | 18:25 | 17:30 |
| November | 17:45 | 16:30 |
| December | 17:35 | 16:30 |
Times are approximate and move a few minutes through each month. We confirm the exact boarding time with your quote.
Where the sun sets over Istanbul
The sun does not set in the same place all year. In winter it goes down in the south-west, over the old city and the Sea of Marmara, so the domes of the historic peninsula stand in silhouette. In summer it sets further north-west, behind the hills of the European shore and the Golden Horn. Your captain knows where the light will be on your date and plans the route so you face it at the right moment.
How the evening goes
- Boarding, about 1 hour before sunset
Meet the crew at your pier, settle on deck and enjoy a welcome drink. - Golden hour on the European shore
Sail past Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace and Ortaköy Mosque in the warm evening light, the best time for photos. - Sunset
The captain slows the yacht and turns it towards the sun, so everyone on deck has the view as it goes down. - Blue hour and city lights
The Bosphorus Bridge and the waterfront palaces light up; stay on deck, or move inside for dinner.
Who a private sunset cruise is perfect for
- Private Bosphorus Yacht CruiseYour own route at any time of day
- Private Dinner Cruise on the BosphorusDinner on deck with the city lights
- Marriage Proposal on a YachtFlowers, music and the right moment
- Anniversary Yacht CruiseAn evening for two on the water
- Birthday Yacht PartyCake, music and friends at sunset
The sunset route
A sunset cruise usually sails north along the European shore towards Rumeli Fortress and returns along the Asian shore, so you face the old city as the sun goes down. 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.
On a two-hour cruise the yacht usually turns at Rumeli Fortress or the Bosphorus Bridge, depending on the sunset time. With three hours you can continue to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and return under the lights. The route is a suggestion: tell the captain if you want to stop somewhere for photos.
Yachts for your sunset cruise
Every one of our nine yachts has open decks for watching the sunset and a closed saloon for cooler evenings. For a couple or a small group we suggest a smaller motor yacht like Sea Fairy, our sunset favourite; for a celebration or a seated dinner after sunset, 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
Planning a proposal or a romantic evening? Tell us, and we suggest the yacht with the best bow and deck for the moment. See all our yachts
Food and drinks at sunset
Every sunset cruise starts with a welcome drink and light snacks, included in the price. For golden hour, most guests choose our snack, cocktail or finger food menus; if you want to stay for the evening lights, add a dinner menu served on board after sunset. Wine, champagne and other drinks can be added to any menu.
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 sunset cruise
Included
- Private yacht for your group only
- Licensed captain and professional crew
- Welcome drink and light snacks
- Sound system for your own playlist at golden hour
- Boarding time planned around the sunset on your date
- Fuel and marina fees
Not included
- Food menus (optional, with unlimited soft drinks)
- Alcoholic drinks (optional)
- Hotel transfer (optional)
- Decoration, photographer and music (optional)
- Tips for the crew
Make your sunset special
A sunset needs very little, but a few touches make it unforgettable. Tell us what you have in mind and it will be waiting on deck when you arrive.
- Photographer or videographer for golden hour portraits
- Champagne, wine and a cheese platter at sunset
- Flowers, candles and deck decoration
- Violin, saxophone or a DJ
- Birthday or anniversary cake
- A marriage proposal set-up with a "Marry me" sign
- Private transfer from your hotel
Sunset cruise prices: what affects your quote
A private sunset cruise in Istanbul has no fixed price, because the yacht, the season and your plans all change the cost. Your quote is based on five things:
- The yacht: size and capacity
- Duration: how many hours you sail
- Date: summer evenings, weekends and holidays are the busiest sunset slots, so book early
- Group size: number of adults and children
- Food, drinks and extras: what you add to the cruise
Sunset is the most requested time of day, especially from May to September, so we recommend asking for a quote as early as you can. Every price is written and complete, with fuel and marina fees included.
Meeting points for your sunset cruise
For a sunset cruise, boarding close to the city centre saves time in evening traffic. Choose the pier nearest your hotel; we board from eight piers along the Bosphorus:
- European shoreKaraköy · Kabataş · Beşiktaş · Kuruçeşme · Arnavutköy · Bebek
- Asian shoreKuleli · Beylerbeyi
Boarding at Kuruçeşme is included; boarding at any other pier adds one hour of yacht time to your quote. Karaköy, Kabataş and Beşiktaş are the easiest for hotels in Sultanahmet, Taksim and Galata. 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
Sunset cruise FAQ
Is a private sunset cruise better than a shared one?
On a shared sunset cruise you sail on a fixed timetable with many other passengers. On a private cruise the whole yacht is yours: you choose the pier and the time, the captain stops where you want for photos, and the menu, music and decoration are planned for your group. For proposals, anniversaries and celebrations, a private yacht is the better choice.
What time does a private sunset cruise start?
We plan boarding about one hour before sunset, so you sail at golden hour, see the sun go down and stay on the water as the city lights come on. In Istanbul that means around 19:00 to 19:30 in summer and around 16:30 to 17:30 in winter. We confirm the exact time for your date with your quote.
How long is the sunset cruise?
Most guests choose 2 or 3 hours. Two hours covers golden hour, the sunset and the first lights of the evening. With three hours you can add dinner on board or sail further north under the illuminated bridges.
What is the best time of year for a sunset cruise in Istanbul?
Sunset cruises run all year. From May to September the evenings are warm and you can stay on the open deck. Spring and autumn bring softer light, fewer boats and some of the most colourful skies. In winter the sun sets early, and our yachts have a closed, heated saloon.
What happens if it is cloudy?
The cruise goes ahead as planned, and the Bosphorus views and city lights are there whatever the sky. Clouds often make the colours stronger. If bad weather or an official warning stops the cruise, you choose a new date or a full refund of your advance payment.
Can I propose on a sunset yacht cruise?
Yes, sunset is the most popular time for marriage proposals on the Bosphorus. We can arrange flowers, a decorated deck, a violinist and a photographer, and the captain slows the yacht at the right moment. See our marriage proposal yacht page for ideas.
Can we have dinner after the sunset?
Yes. Choose one of our dinner menus and it is served on board after the sun goes down, with the palaces and bridges lit up around you. For a lighter evening, our snack, cocktail and finger food menus suit golden hour well.
How many guests can join?
Our yachts host groups from 10 up to 250 guests, and the yacht is always private, only for your group. Couples can book the whole yacht for a romantic evening; larger groups choose one of our bigger yachts.
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.
