Sunset over the Bosphorus from the bow of Hermes

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Bebek Marina · Private yacht

A Bosphorus sunset cruise on a yacht that's yours alone.

The deck is yours as the sun sets over the Bosphorus. Hermes is reserved just for you and up to 10 guests. €100 per hour, 2-hour minimum.

Pick your sunset time
€100Per hour, whole yacht
2–10Hours
10Guests max
30%Deposit

Why sunset?

The Bosphorus at its finest hour

Sunset is the most requested time on the Bosphorus. The sun drops behind the hills of the European side, the water turns gold, and then the bridges and waterfront mansions light up. Watching it from a yacht reserved for you, rather than a crowded tour boat, is a different experience altogether.

Hermes is an 18-metre motor yacht. The upper deck, the aft-deck dining table and the interior saloon belong to you and your guests for the whole cruise, and the captain and crew are there for you only.

It suits couples, families and small groups of friends. Sunset is also the most popular time for a marriage proposal on the yacht.

Upper deck seating area on Hermes

When to go

Sunset times in Istanbul

Sunset moves by almost three hours across the year. These times are approximate (Istanbul time):

PeriodApprox. sunset
June – July20:20 – 20:40
Late March and early September19:25 – 19:30
October18:00 – 18:50
December17:35 – 17:45

You don't need to work it out yourself: when you choose a day in the booking calendar, it shows that day's sunset time and highlights the two-hour slot around it.

Our suggestion: set off about one hour before sunset and book 2–3 hours. That way you see the Bosphorus in daylight, then the sunset, and finally the city lights, all in one cruise.

Sample route

A 2–3 hour sunset route

  1. Depart from Bebek Marina. No extra charge for boarding here.
  2. North towards Rumelihisarı and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. The fortress and waterfront mansions in daylight.
  3. Turn south past Ortaköy and the 15 July Martyrs Bridge. This is where you'll watch the sun go down.
  4. Back to Bebek under the bridge lights, or get off at the pier of your choice.

This is a sample route and may change with the weather, currents and sea traffic. You can send us your route wishes on WhatsApp.

Prices

Price, what's included and extras

The rate is for the whole yacht, not per person. You pay 30% of the total as a deposit; the remaining 70% is paid on board on the day.

DurationTotal / deposit
2 hours€200 / €60
3 hours€300 / €90
4 hours€400 / €120

Included

Private cruise, service, tea, coffee and water.

Optional extras

  • Snacks and cocktail menu: €20 per person
  • Dinner (mixed grill, meat or fish, meze): €40 per person
  • Photographer (photo + video): €75
  • Romantic decoration (rose petals, candlelight, red heart balloons): €40
  • Laser show: €40 · Balloon decoration: €20

Piers

Boarding at Bebek Marina and Kandilli is free. Pick-up or drop-off at other Bosphorus piers costs €40 per pier; the transfer fee from Bebek is confirmed on WhatsApp.

Prices are in euros and include VAT.

Booking

How to book

  1. Choose a date and timeSee the free hours and that day's sunset time on the calendar, and choose how long.
  2. Pay the 30% depositThe deposit secures your booking. Online payment is coming very soon; for now, message us on WhatsApp and we'll send you a payment link.
  3. Meet us at Bebek MarinaThe remaining 70% is paid on the day. Choose menus and decoration on WhatsApp.

Cancellations and date changes

If your cruise is 15 or more days away, you can change the date free of charge. With less than 15 days to go, date changes depend on availability. The deposit is non-refundable if you cancel; it is refunded if the cruise cannot go ahead due to bad weather. Full cancellation policy (Turkish)

FAQ

About the sunset cruise

How long should a sunset cruise be?

The minimum is 2 hours. Setting off about an hour before sunset and staying out for 2–3 hours lets you see the Bosphorus in daylight, the sunset itself and the city lights after dark.

Is the price per person?

No. The €100 hourly rate is for the whole yacht, which is reserved for you alone. Food menus are charged per person. Prices are in euros and include VAT.

How many guests can come aboard?

Hermes is licensed for 10 guests. All passengers are insured.

What if the weather is bad?

If the cruise cannot go ahead due to bad weather, your deposit is refunded.

Can we board somewhere other than Bebek?

Yes. Bebek Marina and Kandilli are free. For pick-up or drop-off at other Bosphorus piers there is a €40 pier fee per pier; the transfer fee from Bebek is confirmed on WhatsApp.

Live availability

Watch tonight's sunset from your own deck.

Pick your date on the calendar, or message us on WhatsApp if you have a question first.

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