Boat Rental Istanbul | Private & Group Bosphorus Boat Hire 2026
★ 4.9/5 Rating · 2,847 Reviews · TURSAB Licensed · Captain & Crew Included
Rent a private boat on the Bosphorus and experience Istanbul on your own terms. MerrySails offers fully crewed boat hire for couples, private groups, and corporate clients — from intimate two-hour sunset sails to all-day corporate charters with catering and entertainment. No licence required: our professional captains handle everything.
With a TURSAB A Group licence and 25 years of Bosphorus operations, MerrySails is Istanbul's most trusted boat hire operator — serving 50,000+ guests since 2001.
Get an Instant Boat Rental Quote
Message us on WhatsApp with your date, group size and occasion — we reply within minutes.
WhatsApp Us NowBook OnlineBoat Rental Istanbul — Fleet & Pricing 2026
All rentals include a licensed captain, crew, life jackets, and fuel. Catering, decoration, photographer, and DJ available as add-ons.
| Vessel Type | Capacity | Hourly Rate | Half Day (4 hrs) | Full Day (8 hrs) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Yacht | 2–8 guests | €80–150/hr | €320–550 (4 hrs) | €600–1,000 (8 hrs) | Couples, small groups, proposals, birthdays |
| Gulet (Traditional) | 8–20 guests | €200–400/hr | €750–1,400 (4 hrs) | €1,400–2,800 (8 hrs) | Family groups, mid-size parties, team events |
| Corporate Vessel | 30–120 guests | €800+/hr | €3,000+ (4 hrs) | €5,500+ (8 hrs) | Corporate events, conferences, product launches, gala dinners |
* Prices are indicative ranges for 2026. Final pricing depends on vessel, date, duration, and add-on services. Contact us for a confirmed quote.
Hourly Boat Hire vs Day Charter — Which Should You Choose?
Hourly Boat Rental
- ✓Minimum 2 hours — flexible add-on hours available
- ✓Perfect for proposals, birthday toasts, sunset sails
- ✓Lower upfront cost — pay only for time used
- ✓Small yacht from €80/hr, gulet from €200/hr
Day Charter (Full Day)
- ✓8+ hours on the water — explore the full Bosphorus
- ✓Ideal for corporate retreats, large family outings, filming
- ✓Best per-hour rate — significant savings vs hourly
- ✓Full catering, swimming stops, island visits possible
Private Boat Hire vs Corporate Charter in Istanbul
Whether you are planning an intimate private occasion or a large corporate event, MerrySails has a dedicated offering for each.
Private Boat Hire
Ideal for couples, families, and friend groups up to 20 guests. Choose from romantic sunset sails, birthday celebrations, marriage proposals (rose petals + violin available), bachelorette parties, and anniversary dinners on the water.
- Proposals from €280 (2 hrs, up to 8 guests)
- Birthday charters from €400 (3 hrs, up to 12 guests)
- Bachelorette parties from €500 (3 hrs, gulet)
- Custom decoration, catering and photographer add-ons
Corporate Boat Charter
Tailored for companies hosting team-building events, product launches, client entertainment, and conference gala dinners. Vessels accommodate 30–120 guests with catering, AV equipment, and branding options.
- Corporate vessels from €800/hr (30–120 guests)
- Full catering — meze, grilled seafood, open bar
- AV system, microphone, presentation screen available
- Custom branding and signage on vessel
How to Book a Boat Rental in Istanbul — Step by Step
- 1
Choose Your Vessel
Select your boat type based on group size and occasion: small yacht (up to 8 guests), gulet (up to 20 guests), or corporate vessel (30–120 guests).
- 2
Contact MerrySails
WhatsApp us at +90 537 040 68 22 or fill in the online enquiry form with your preferred date, group size, duration, and any special requirements.
- 3
Receive Your Quote
We will confirm availability and send a detailed quote including vessel specs, route options, catering packages, and add-on services within a few hours.
- 4
Confirm and Pay
Confirm your booking with a deposit (50%). We accept EUR/USD/TRY via bank transfer or credit card. Final payment is due 48 hours before departure.
- 5
Board and Cruise
Arrive at Kuruçeşme Marina at your scheduled time. The crew meets you at the gate, boards you, and you set sail on the Bosphorus.
What Is Included in Istanbul Boat Rental?
What Will You See on a Private Bosphorus Boat Rental?
Your private boat navigates the full European and Asian Bosphorus shoreline, passing Istanbul's most iconic waterfront monuments:
Dolmabahçe Palace
600-metre marble Ottoman imperial palace on the waterfront
Ortaköy Mosque
Iconic neo-baroque mosque beneath the Bosphorus Bridge
Rumeli Hisarı Fortress
15th-century fortress built in 4 months for the siege of Constantinople
Çırağan Palace
Historic palace now a luxury Kempinski hotel with private pier
Maiden's Tower
Byzantine-era island tower in the middle of the strait
Bosphorus Bridges
Two suspension bridges connecting Europe and Asia over the strait
Boat Rental Istanbul — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Istanbul?▼
Boat rental in Istanbul starts from €80–150 per hour for a small private yacht accommodating up to 8 guests. Traditional gulets cost €200–400 per hour for up to 20 guests. Corporate charters for 30–120 guests start from €800. All prices include a licensed captain and crew. Contact MerrySails via WhatsApp for a personalised quote.
What is the minimum rental period for a boat in Istanbul?▼
The minimum rental period is 2 hours for private yachts and gulets. Half-day charters (4–5 hours) and full-day charters (8 hours) are available at reduced hourly rates. Corporate and event charters are typically booked for a minimum of 3 hours.
Do I need a boat licence to rent a boat in Istanbul?▼
No licence is required. All MerrySails boat rentals include a licensed Turkish captain and crew. You simply arrive, board, and enjoy the Bosphorus — our team handles navigation, safety, and all maritime requirements.
Where do rental boats depart from in Istanbul?▼
Private and corporate boat rentals depart from Kuruçeşme Marina on the European Bosphorus shore. The marina has parking, clean facilities, and is accessible by taxi from Taksim (15–20 minutes) or Sultanahmet (25–30 minutes). Exact GPS coordinates and meeting instructions are sent with your booking confirmation.
Can I hire a boat for a birthday, wedding, or corporate event in Istanbul?▼
Yes. MerrySails specialises in private event boat hire including birthdays, weddings, corporate team events, product launches, and private parties. We provide catering, decoration, DJ, and photographer add-ons. Corporate charters include branding options. Contact us for a custom event quote.
How far in advance should I book a boat rental in Istanbul?▼
We recommend booking at least 3–7 days in advance for private yacht rentals, and 2–4 weeks in advance for corporate events and large group charters, especially during peak season (May–September). Last-minute bookings may be available — contact us via WhatsApp for immediate availability.
Is the boat rental price per person or for the whole boat?▼
Boat rental in Istanbul is priced per boat (not per person), so the cost is shared among your group. A small yacht at €80–150/hr for up to 8 guests works out to €10–19 per person per hour. A gulet at €200–400/hr for up to 20 guests costs €10–20 per person per hour.
Ready to Book Your Istanbul Boat Rental?
Available 7 days a week. WhatsApp us for instant availability and pricing — or book online and receive immediate confirmation.
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