Ayvansaray Yacht Charter Guide
Golden Horn of Istanbul: Ayvansaray & Balat
Located where the historical city walls of Istanbul meet the waters of the Golden Horn (Haliç), Ayvansaray is a perfect starting point, especially for those seeking calm seas and cultural tours. Departing from our pier right next to Balat and Fener, you can witness the mesmerizing sunset of the "Golden Horn".
Unlike the currents of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn is as calm as a lake. Therefore, Ayvansaray boat rental service is the ideal option for our guests who are worried about seasickness and couples looking for a quiet dinner.
Routes and Sights from Ayvansaray
When we depart from Ayvansaray, we can take a historical journey into the Golden Horn or pass under the Galata Bridge and sail into the Bosphorus.
History Iron Church (Sveti Stefan)
Museum Rahmi Koç Museum (From Sea)
View Pierre Loti Hill
Culture Ecumenical Patriarchate
Bay Golden Horn Islands
Structure Under Galata Bridge
District Hasköy & Sütlüce
Boutique Boat Experience in Golden Horn
Our Ayvansaray yacht charter fleet features specially designed boats suitable for the Golden Horn structure, capable of passing under low bridges, and classic wooden boats. This place offers a more mystical and quiet atmosphere, away from the crowds of the Bosphorus.
Photo Stop in Front of the Iron Church
Sveti Stefan (Bulgarian Church), one of the few iron churches in the world, is the most iconic structure of the Ayvansaray route. You can approach right in front of the church with your boat and capture that frame where its golden dome meets the waters of the Golden Horn.
- Music & Fasıl: The calmness of the Golden Horn provides great acoustics for acoustic music concerts and "Fasıl" on the boat.
- Romantic Dinner: A shake-free and enjoyable dinner on the waveless sea.
- Culture Tour: Istanbul history narration from the sea with a guide (Optional).
Popular Boats in Ayvansaray
★ 5.00 Golden Horn Excursion Boat
★ 4.90 Classic Wooden Boat
★ 4.85 Economic Motor Yacht
★ 5.00 Event Boat (Mid-size)
Popular Organizations in Ayvansaray
Piers Near Ayvansaray
Booking Process
- Choose your tour route (Golden Horn Tour only or Bosphorus Exit).
- Determine the number of people (Our boutique boats are 1-15 people, excursion boats are 100+).
- Clarify the date and time.
- Board your boat from Ayvansaray Pier or Balat.
| Boat Types | Excursion Boat, Wooden Boat, Motor Yacht |
| Rental Duration | Hourly (Min 2 Hours) |
| Number of Boats | 30+ boats available |
| Season | 12 Months (Most sheltered area in winter) |
| Minimum Price | 3,000 ₺ (1 Hour Start) |
| Popular Route | Iron Church, Pierre Loti, Miniatürk |
2-Hour Golden Horn & Bosphorus Tour Prices
| Type | Min. Price | Avg. Price | Max. Price |
| Economic Boat | 6,000 ₺ | 8,000 ₺ | 10,000 ₺ |
| Standard Motor Yacht | 9,000 ₺ | 13,500 ₺ | 18,000 ₺ |
| VIP Luxury Yacht | 15,000 ₺ | 25,000 ₺ | 40,000 ₺ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Bosphorus tour possible from Ayvansaray?
Yes, but it takes about 30 minutes to get out of the Golden Horn to the Bosphorus. Therefore, we recommend planning the rental period as a minimum of 3 or 4 hours for Bosphorus tours departing from Ayvansaray.
Will we experience seasickness?
Since the Golden Horn is a closed bay, there are almost no waves. The Ayvansaray/Golden Horn route is the safest and most comfortable route in Istanbul for guests experiencing seasickness.
How is the parking situation?
There are Ispark points and private parking lots on the Ayvansaray and Balat coastline. Finding a parking space is much easier compared to Bebek or Arnavutköy.
Ayvansaray Pier and Golden Horn Map