Plan Your Bosphorus Swim

Swim in one of the most iconic waterways in the world. Okto Swim offers guided Bosphorus swimming experiences for visiting swimmers who want to explore Istanbul from the water with safety, local knowledge, and professional coaching.

Senol Ustunel

3/7/20262 min oku

Swimming in the Bosphorus is one of the most unique open water experiences in the world. Connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus offers a remarkable setting where swimmers can literally move between two continents.

However, the strait is also a dynamic waterway with strong currents and active maritime traffic. For swimmers visiting Istanbul, experiencing the Bosphorus in a safe and enjoyable way requires local knowledge, proper planning, and guidance.

At Okto Swim, we offer international swimmers the opportunity to explore the Bosphorus with professional support and local expertise.

Our Bosphorus Swimming Experience is designed for confident swimmers who would like to train in the Bosphorus or complete a guided crossing during their visit to Istanbul.

Each experience is planned carefully according to weather conditions, current patterns, and the swimmer’s level, ensuring both safety and an unforgettable open water adventure.

What We Offer

Guided Bosphorus Open Water Training

Swim in the Bosphorus under the guidance of an experienced local coach. These sessions are ideal for swimmers who want to feel the currents, understand the water conditions, and experience the strait in a controlled environment.

Bosphorus Crossing Experience

For strong open water swimmers, we organize guided crossings inspired by the route used in the famous Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race. This unforgettable swim traditionally follows a course from Kanlıca on the Asian side to Kuruçeşme on the European side.

Guest Training with Okto Swim

Visiting swimmers are also welcome to join our regular training sessions. This is a great opportunity to swim with our community, experience local training culture, and prepare for open water swimming in Istanbul.

About the Coach

The experience is led by Şenol Üstünel, founder and head coach of Okto Swim.

Şenol is an open water swimmer and coach who works primarily with adult swimmers, focusing on technique development, endurance training, and open water preparation. Through Okto Swim, he has guided many swimmers in improving their performance in both pool and open water environments.

His approach combines technical coaching, practical open water experience, and local knowledge of the Bosphorus currents.

Who Can Join?

This experience is suitable for swimmers who:

Are comfortable swimming in open water
Have good endurance and water confidence
Are interested in exploring one of the world’s most iconic open water routes

Each session is organized individually or in small groups to ensure safety and a high-quality experience.