Prince Islands Yacht Tour

Escape the City, Set Sail for Paradise

Istanbul is magnificent, but the traffic, the crowds and the concrete can be overwhelming. Here is the good news: just ninety minutes by sea, there is an island paradise with no cars, no traffic, no rush. Pine forests, Victorian mansions, crystal-clear water and streets where the loudest sound is birdsong. The Princes' Islands are Istanbul's best-kept secret.

Most tourists take the crowded public ferry. You do not have to. With a private yacht, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. No queues, no crowds, no fixed schedule. You decide when to leave, where to stop and how long to stay.

Our Prince Islands yacht tour is an 8-hour adventure that gives you two sides of Istanbul in a single day: the dramatic Bosphorus skyline on the way out, and the peaceful car-free islands as your destination. Luxury meets nature. History meets relaxation.

What Does Your Day Look Like?

You board your private yacht at your chosen pier in the morning. The captain and crew welcome you, and together you confirm the route. The journey to the islands takes approximately ninety minutes, and every minute is scenic:

• Bosphorus crossing: Glide past Dolmabahce Palace, the Ortakoy Mosque, the Bosphorus bridges and the historic waterfront mansions as you head toward the Sea of Marmara
• Approaching the islands: Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Buyukada reveal themselves one by one, each with its own distinct character
• Swimming stop: Dive into the clear island waters for a refreshing swim. Sunbathe on deck, jump from the swim platform, float in the turquoise sea
• Island exploration: Step ashore on Buyukada to wander its historic streets. Ride a horse carriage, visit centuries-old churches and monasteries, taste the island's famous ice cream
• Lunch on board: A relaxed lunch at sea with panoramic views. Add our meal service or bring your own food and drinks for a picnic atmosphere
• Return voyage: Head back to Istanbul in the late afternoon. If you time it right, you catch the sunset over the city skyline on the way back

Why a Private Yacht Instead of the Ferry?

The public ferry gets you to the islands. A private yacht gives you an experience. Here is the difference:

• Ferry: Crowded, fixed schedule, limited route, stress of finding a seat, no swimming stops
• Private yacht: Your group only, depart when you want, stay at any island as long as you like, swimming stops wherever you choose, meals on board

A ferry is transport. A private yacht is the destination itself. Feeling the wind on your face, chatting with friends and family over coffee, watching Istanbul's skyline recede as the islands grow closer. There is nothing quite like it.

Which Islands Will You Visit?

The route is entirely yours to decide. The most popular choices:

• Buyukada: The largest and most popular island. Historic Greek houses, monasteries, forest walking trails through pine trees. Take a horse carriage ride, climb to Aya Yorgi Church for panoramic views
• Heybeliada: Quieter and greener. The impressive Naval Academy building, sheltered beaches and forest paths make it a favorite for those seeking tranquility
• Burgazada: Small, intimate and peaceful. The home of famous Turkish writer Sait Faik, waterfront fish restaurants and a welcoming atmosphere
• Kinaliada: The closest island to Istanbul. Stunning sunset views and popular summer beaches

You can spend your time on a single island or hop between several throughout the day. The captain adjusts the route based on your group's preferences.

Summer vs Winter

This tour offers a different beauty in every season:

• Summer (June-September): Swimming stops, sunbathing, lunch on the open deck. Turquoise water, warm air, long days. The most popular season
• Spring and autumn: The islands at their most beautiful. No crowds, mild weather, nature in full color. Ideal for photography enthusiasts
• Winter: Enjoy hot drinks in the yacht's heated salon while watching the Marmara Sea. The islands have an entirely different, magical atmosphere in winter

Start with Breakfast, Continue with Lunch

Food matters on an 8-hour tour. Your options:

• Breakfast on board: Departing early? Start your day at sea with our yacht breakfast service
• Lunch service: Add our meal menu for a proper sit-down lunch at sea. A rich spread of cold and warm dishes, enjoyed in the open air with island views
• Bring your own: Use our BYO option to bring your own food and drinks for a relaxed picnic-style day

Who Is This Tour For?

Anyone who wants a full-day escape from the city:

• Families: A safe, fun day in nature and at sea with children
• Groups of friends: An active day of swimming, sunbathing and island exploring
• Couples: A romantic island getaway. Our romantic dinner experience may also interest you
• Corporate groups: A refreshing alternative to the usual team-building events
• Visitors and tourists: See Istanbul from the sea and the islands in a single day. Two worlds in one trip

All Four Yachts Available

Any yacht in our fleet is suitable for the islands tour. From small intimate groups to large parties of up to 36 guests, we have the right capacity for your group.

A Bosphorus Cruise Built Into the Journey

The ninety-minute outbound and return journeys are themselves a full Bosphorus cruise. Guests who choose the islands tour experience both the Bosphorus and the islands in one package. If you plan your return for sunset, you also capture the magic of a sunset cruise on the way home.

Looking for something shorter? Check out our dinner cruise or swimming tour options.