8-Hours Private Swimming Luxury Yacht Cruise to Princes’ Island

A Relaxed Escape: 8-Hours Private Swimming Luxury Yacht Cruise to Princes’ Island

If you’re looking for a way to escape Istanbul’s busy streets and enjoy some time on the water, this private yacht cruise to the Princes’ Islands offers a pretty tempting option. With a focus on comfort and personalization, this 8-hour experience takes you on a leisurely journey through some of the most charming islands in the Sea of Marmara, all aboard a luxury yacht reserved just for your group.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the private nature of the tour means you won’t be part of a large, noisy crowd. Second, the all-inclusive transfer and amenities—including a Turkish breakfast and drinks—allow you to relax without worrying about additional costs or logistics. That said, one thing to consider is that the price point is on the higher side, which is typical for a tailored luxury experience. This tour is best suited for travelers who value comfort, privacy, and a bit of indulgence while exploring Istanbul’s nearby islands.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with a private yacht for your group
• All-inclusive transfers and amenities make for a hassle-free day
• Flexible itinerary allows you to customize stops and activities
• Ideal for small groups up to nine people seeking comfort and privacy
• Includes swimming and island exploration, perfect for a relaxed day
• Price reflects exclusivity and quality but offers good value for a tailored experience

Why Consider a Private Yacht Cruise to Princes’ Islands?

If you’ve ever visited Istanbul during the summer months, you’ll know how crowded the public ferries can get when heading to the Princes’ Islands. This private yacht option offers a significant upgrade—think about the difference between fighting for space and gliding smoothly across the water in your own vessel. It’s a golden ticket for those wanting a more intimate, relaxed, and personalized experience.

Booking such a tour means you get to set your own pace. Whether you’re into swimming in clear waters, wandering around charming islands, or simply lounging with a drink and enjoying the sights—this experience adapts to your mood. Plus, the round-trip private transfer ensures you start and end your day comfortably, which is a big plus when traveling with friends, family, or even a small group of colleagues.

What’s Included and Why It Matters

The tour’s price of around $1,385 for up to 9 people includes a lot, which is worth considering when evaluating its value. The all-inclusive approach covers fuel, taxes, and crew, so you won’t have to worry about hidden costs. The private yacht rental for the entire day ensures your group has exclusive access, making the experience more intimate and relaxing.

On board, you’ll find complimentary tea, coffee, and bottled water, which adds to the comfort. The pick-up and drop-off in a VIP vehicle means you don’t have to fuss over transportation logistics—convenience that many travelers appreciate. This seamless arrangement allows you to simply enjoy your day without the usual travel stress.

The Itinerary: Exploring the Islands

The tour features visits to several notable islands, each with its own character. Here’s what you can expect:

Knalada Island

This is the closest inhabited island to Istanbul, making it an easy start. Known as part of the Prince Islands community, it offers a quiet, authentic vibe. You might enjoy a swim off the boat here or take a leisurely walk.

Burgaz Island (Burgazada)

The third-largest island, known for its red pine forests and Bayrak Tepe hill, is a favorite for nature lovers. The lush greenery and peaceful surroundings make it perfect for a relaxed stroll ashore or simply soaking up the scenery from the boat.

Kak Island (Heybeliada)

Privately owned and shaped like a spoon, Heybeliada is the second-largest of the islands. It has a bit of history as a former exile site, and today it’s a charming spot for exploration. You won’t find regular ferry service here, which adds to its boutique appeal.

Heybeliada Island

This island is also part of the Adalar district and known for its quiet streets and scenic views. It’s a lovely place to walk around or find a cozy restaurant for a casual lunch.

Büyükada (Prinkipos)

The largest of the islands, Büyükada, draws most visitors with its historic architecture and scenic vistas. It’s well worth a visit, whether for a quick walk or some time spent exploring on your own.

Swimming and Relaxation

One of the highlights, according to reviews, is the chance to swim off the boat in the clear waters around the islands. This freedom to jump in wherever suits you makes the experience stand out—especially if you’re traveling with friends or family who love water activities.

Real Traveler Insights

One guest appreciated the friendly host and flexible schedule, noting that the boat had enough space for 7 people comfortably. They enjoyed swimming around the islands and having a relaxed lunch ashore, highlighting that the experience felt personalized and stress-free.

Another reviewer, however, pointed out that the yacht was quite old and that crew members smoked on board. They described the yacht as “clean and good,” but the smoking did impact their overall experience. It’s a reminder that, with private charters, the vessel’s condition can vary, so managing expectations is wise.

A third traveler mentioned how the crew was helpful, especially in answering questions during the transfer, making the journey smoother. They appreciated the professionalism and willingness to assist, which added value beyond just the cruise itself.

The Experience: What You Should Expect

From start to finish, this tour is designed to be a relaxed, tailored day. The pickup service means you won’t have to worry about navigating Istanbul’s busy streets or finding the right ferry. Once on board, you can settle into a luxurious environment with plenty of space inside and outside the yacht for lounging, sightseeing, or swimming.

The Turkish breakfast served on the boat is a thoughtful touch—think fresh bread, cheeses, olives, and perhaps some local jams, setting a nice tone for the day. Throughout the cruise, drinks and snacks are available, adding to the comfort factor.

The flexibility to customize your itinerary means if you want more time at a specific island or to include swimming stops, you can ask the crew. It’s a good fit for travelers wanting a personalized, less rushed experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise really caters to those who value privacy and comfort. If you’re traveling with a small group and want to avoid the crowds, this is an ideal choice. It’s also perfect for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, where a more luxurious, tailored experience makes the day extra memorable.

However, keep in mind the price point, which reflects the exclusivity and quality. It’s less suitable for budget travelers or those who prefer more active, self-guided explorations. Instead, if you’re seeking a stress-free, high-end way to see the islands with the flexibility of a private boat, this tour ticks many boxes.

Final Thoughts

In all, this private yacht cruise combines comfort, privacy, and a sense of luxury with the opportunity to explore the Prince Islands at your own pace. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking an indulgent escape from Istanbul’s hustle, especially if you’re traveling with a small group or family.

The experience’s strength lies in the personalized service and flexibility—you can swim in the sea, explore islands at your leisure, and enjoy fresh Turkish breakfast on the water. But it’s also worth noting that some reviews hint at the yacht’s age or minor issues like smoking onboard, so managing expectations is wise.

If you’re after a luxurious, hassle-free day on the water and don’t mind splurging a bit, this cruise offers a memorable way to enjoy the Prince Islands with all the trappings of comfort and exclusivity.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers a VIP vehicle pickup and drop-off from your hotel, making transportation easy and comfortable.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise runs for approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore, swim, and relax.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible, allowing you to tailor stops and activities to your preferences.

Are drinks and food included?
A traditional Turkish breakfast is included, plus complimentary tea, coffee, and bottled water throughout the day.

Is alcohol available?
Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased separately on the yacht.

Can I swim off the yacht?
Absolutely, swimming is a featured part of the experience, with clear waters around the islands ideal for a dip.

What size groups does the yacht accommodate?
Up to 9 people, making it perfect for small groups, friends, or families.

What is the price for the experience?
The total cost is about $1,385 per group, which covers the yacht, crew, fuel, and transfers.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, consider children’s comfort with boat rides and swimming.

What are the main drawbacks?
Some reviews mention the yacht’s age and incidents like smoking onboard, so it’s worth confirming conditions before booking if these are concerns.

If you’re after a luxurious, personalized way to explore the Princes’ Islands, this private yacht cruise offers a memorable, relaxing day in Istanbul’s waters—perfect for those who want comfort without sacrificing the adventure of island hopping.