By Boat to Dinner: A Guide to Mooring on the Bosphorus

Yalıçapa's 28-metre wooden pier has been part of the business since the beginning. The pier where Captain Hüsnü once tied up his boat is now a stopping point for dozens of boats a day in summer. Coming to dinner by boat on the Bosphorus is a pleasure, but there are rules and practical points to bear in mind. Here is a guide based on the experience of our pier attendant, Kemal.

Navigating the Bosphorus

The Istanbul Strait is one of the busiest waterways in the world. Pleasure craft and private boats must keep close to the shore, outside the traffic separation scheme used by large ships. Slow down when passing ferry piers and give way to passenger boats. The current in the Bosphorus runs south, from the Black Sea to the Marmara, and is quite strong off some headlands; Kireçburnu is one of them.

Coming alongside

• Give your boat's name and length when you book, and we will reserve a suitable berth.
• Approach the pier against the current, facing from north to south.
• Hang your fenders on the pier side in advance.
• Have your bow and stern lines ready; our attendant will take them and tie them to the bollards.
• Do not step off until the engine is fully stopped.

Weather and wind

The northerly poyraz wind can raise waves on the Bosphorus, especially in autumn and winter. For safety we do not accept boats at the pier when it blows force 6 or more. The southerly lodos can reverse the current and cause unexpected water movement. Check the forecast before setting out and call us if in doubt.

After dinner

The pier closes at 23:00, and boats may not stay after that. Make sure your navigation lights are on for a night passage. If you have been drinking, please do not take the helm; operating a boat under the influence is subject to serious penalties during coastal safety and Coast Guard checks. If needed, we can help arrange for your boat to be taken to a safe marina until the morning.

Small perks for boat guests

Mooring is free. We give guests arriving by boat priority for pier-side tables and provide ice and drinking water for the trip home. In summer the six tables on the pier are reserved for guests who arrive by boat.

If you plan to come by boat, simply fill in the Special Occasion, Group and Boat Booking form. We will call you back the same day to plan your arrival time together.

Boat size and pier capacity

About eight boats up to 12 metres can moor at our pier at the same time. There is a single berth for larger boats at the outer end, which must be confirmed in advance. On summer weekends the pier is often full by the afternoon, so book at least two days ahead. Anchoring is prohibited along most of the Bosphorus because of shipping; if the pier is full, don't try to wait at anchor offshore — call us and we will find the nearest suitable berth together.