Is It Safe to Pay a Deposit When Renting a Yacht?

For many planning a yacht rental in Istanbul, this is the most common concern:
"The company is asking for a deposit. What if I pay and never hear back?"
It's a very natural and valid worry.
In today's digital world, it's easy to stumble upon bad actors who take advantage of people's trust.
But with a professional, transparent, and experienced service, the deposit isn't a risk — it's the very foundation of a smooth, reliable system.

💳 Why Is a Deposit Required?

Private yacht tours require careful preparation:
The crew is scheduled, the pier is reserved, meals are planned, and optional extras like decorations or music are arranged.
To ensure the reservation is genuine and everything goes smoothly, a portion of the total fee is requested in advance.

Our standard procedure:

• 50% of the total fee is taken as a deposit.
• The remaining balance is paid in cash on the day of the tour.
• Credit cards are not accepted onboard.

💡 Note: Deposits are requested from all guests equally. The system is fair and consistent for everyone.

✅ How Is the Deposit Secured?

Trust is not just built with words — it's backed by clear communication and written records. Here's how we manage the process:

• We send a written confirmation via WhatsApp after receiving your details.
• Our IBAN, company name, and payment note are shared clearly.
• Once the deposit is paid, we ask for a bank receipt and link it to your booking.
• All messages and confirmations are kept as a written record.

With these steps, both sides — you and us — are fully protected.
There's no uncertainty like "I paid, but they disappeared." Everything is documented.

🌦️ When Are Deposits Refunded?

• In case of severe weather (storms, heavy rain, etc.)
• In case of technical issues or unexpected situations caused by us

In these situations, you can either reschedule or request a full refund.
However, if the cancellation is on the guest's side, the deposit is non-refundable — because preparation has already started.

📌 Note: If you cancel early enough, we'll gladly offer an alternative date. We aim to be flexible and fair whenever possible.

🔒 What Happens Without a Deposit?

When no deposit is taken, here's what often happens:

• The guest doesn't show up, and the boat sits empty
• The pier slot goes unused
• Food, drinks, or decorations go to waste
• Other serious customers couldn't book because the spot was "reserved"

So the deposit doesn't just protect the business — it protects you too.
It guarantees that your time is booked, and everything is prepared especially for you.

✨ The Deposit Isn't a Risk — It's a Guarantee

Paying a deposit when renting a yacht isn't a gamble — it's part of a well-organized system.
In the right hands, it ensures that everything runs smoothly, fairly, and securely.

Remember:
A truly unforgettable yacht tour begins with a strong reservation.
And on the Bosphorus, the first step to those special hours is a small deposit — a big promise.