Bosphorus Cruise is one of the most popular sightseeing attractions in Istanbul. Everybody knows this when they make a search. But while there are dozens of boats and companies to choose from, how to do this? We’ve created this simple guide to show you the best Bosphorus cruise companies in a nutshell, and help make your boat and tour selection process easier!
In the guide, you’ll find a list of the TOP 10 Bosphorus Cruise Companies with our expert insights, tips, and recommendations.
Where to Find the Best Bosphorus Cruise Experiences
If you want to see Istanbul in all its glory on a Bosphorus cruise, choose a reliable company. Famous global tour booking websites such as GetYourGuide, Viator, and Headout are good places to start. In order to make your Bosphorus cruise easy and memorable, we have already done the legwork for you and compiled a list of the best possibilities.
You may find a wide selection of Bosphorus cruises on these sites, and you can read reviews, compare prices, and pick the one that best suits your needs.
How to Choose the Best Bosphorus Cruise Company in Istanbul
Whether you’re looking for a more conventional experience with public ferries or a more extravagant one with boats and private yachts, the first step is to ask yourself is what you’d want.
Public ferries (Sehir Hatları) take center stage for the budget traveler. These are like the city’s veins and arteries, provide a genuine taste of the local culture at a far more affordable price than the private tours.
You can choose the length of your voyage from the “Short Circle” and “Long Circle” options; shorter journeys are perfect for those with limited time or money. Public ferries would be a good option to get a feel for the local culture at a reasonable price while yet being surrounded by friendly locals. You can see their timetables and routes from sehirhatlari.istanbul
On the other end of the spectrum lie the luxurious private yachts, a realm where opulence knows no bounds. These cruises redefine indulgence, offering an exclusive and intimate experience for those willing to splurge. The private yacht option not only guarantees privacy but also allows you to craft a bespoke journey, tailoring every nuance of the cruise to your desires, whether it’s a surprise event or a romantic escapade.
No Regrets Booking Advice
As for middle ground, themed cruises present themselves as curated experiences that offer more than just a scenic ride along the Bosphorus. The Sunset Cruise, Lunch Cruise, and Dinner Cruise with Entertainment are prime examples. The additional value justifies the higher price tag compared to public ferries. Cruises like these are a great way to experience a little luxury without having to pay for an exclusive yacht, thanks to the gourmet cuisine, entertaining shows, and beautiful scenery—whether it’s the setting sun or the city lights—that accompany them.
When it comes to the middle ground, themed cruises provide more than simply a beautiful journey around the Bosphorus. They sell themselves as carefully designed experiences. Dinner cruises with entertainment, lunch cruises, and sunset cruises are some examples.
When compared to public boats, the extra price is justified by the added value. These cruises are an excellent way to enjoy a little luxury without having to shell out for an exclusive yacht because they come with gourmet food, exciting shows, and stunning scenery that includes the setting sun and city lights.
You can search for Bosphorus boat tour companies that prioritize customer convenience, safety, security, and instructional narratives.
Best Bosphorus Cruise Companies in Istanbul
There is a Bosphorus cruise company in Istanbul for every type of traveler, whether they like tradition, comfort, elegance, or a tailor-made adventure. Below you can find our picks.
1. Mega Lüfer Yacht – HGR Cruise Travel Agency
An iconic landmark along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Lüfer Boats has been setting sail since 1979 and provides tours, rentals, and once-in-a-lifetime event opportunities.
The company’s fleet of owned and chartered boats can accommodate groups ranging from small gatherings to larger celebrations, and with over 40 years of experience, it curates moments against the breathtaking backdrop of Istanbul’s seas. Lüfer Boats is more than a provider of services; it is a heritage of amazing nautical experiences, having pioneered marine tourism.
You can book below their best Bosphorus cruise
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table
This is one of the best Bosphorus night cruises with dinner and entertainment. Also one of the most attended ones. Take in sights of the Bosphorus on board a Mega Lufer Yacht. Enjoy the city view with a 3-course meal while you listen to live music and watch stage performances at private tables. It has excellent number of over 11000 and 5/5 reviews on GetYourGuide.
- Yacht cruise with onboard Wi-Fi
- Dinner (9 types of mixed Turkish appetizers, hot starter, main course, dessert, and fruit)
- Unlimited soft drinks
- Live entertainment program
- Alcoholic drinks (if option selected), Turkish coffee and tea
- Private table
- Hotel pickup and drop-off is from Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Sütlüce, Kağıthane, Kabataş, Eminönü, Şişli, Aksaray, Karaköy, Levent and Beyoğlu areas.
You can easily see that this Mega Lufer Yacht sells the most and has over 10,000 five star reviews.
You can use public transport to come to the boat. The pier is located in Kabatas, about 5 minutes walking distance from Galataport and Dolmabahce Palace. If you take the F1 Funicular from Taksim, you can reach Kabatas in 5-10 minutes. You can come to Kabatas by T1 tram from Sultanahmet, Eminonu or Karakoy. Pier location Google Maps
If you choose hotel pickup, you can be picked up and dropped off from various locations, such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Sütlüce, Kağıthane, Kabataş, Eminönü, Şişli, Aksaray, Karaköy, Levent and Beyoğlu. You should wait in the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. The pickup service starts between 30 to 90 minutes before the boat departure.
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table by Getyourguide
Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table by Viator
2. Dentur Avrasya Boats
The Dentur Avrasya, which is known for being elegant, raises the bar for Bosphorus cruises. When you get on one of their fancy boats, you can see the whole city from the windows that surround it. With great service and attention to detail, Dentur Avrasya makes sure that every person has a magical trip.
You can book below their best Bosphorus cruises
2 hour Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset
This is by Travelgroup Turizm ve Tic. A.S.. You can both witness and enjoy Bosphorus and Golden Horn together with audio guide. The two-hour bout trip takes you from Europe to the 2nd Bosphorus bridge and back along the Asian coast.
- Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, and Beylerbeyi Palace are tour highlights.
- See Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Maiden Tower, and Galata Tower while cruising. Your English-speaking tour guide and the multilingual audio guide app on your smartphone will enhance your experience.
- Experience Istanbul’s beauty on this Bosphorus and Golden Horn cruise.
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Book Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App
90 minute Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App
This is by Travelgroup Turizm ve Tic. A.S.. Again one of the most attended and best ones. You’ll also get audio guide and Bosphorus Map. With views of both continents available at the same time, this fascinating voyage takes place against the backdrop of the Orient and Occident.
- Take in the expansive views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Galata Tower. Take pleasure in the sight of genuine municipal architecture that highlights the city’s rich cultural heritage and history and graces the shores of Europe and Asia.
- An audio guide for your smartphone is included with this 90-minute Bosphorus cruise, and it is accessible in English, French, Chinese, Spanish, German, Arabic, Polish, Turkish, Russian, and Italian.
- A Bosphorus map will improve your experience and make sure you don’t miss anything important on this fascinating tour through the center of Istanbul.
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Book Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App
Princes’ Islands Cruise by Dentur Avrasya Boats
You’ll have about 75 minutes ferry ride to the Princes’ Island, the Buyukada. While you have a fantastic Bosphorus ride, you can admire the beautiful skyline of Istanbul at the open air deck, enjoy refreshments from the kiosk or listen to the stories about the Bosphorus from the audio guide app on your smartphone.
- Round Trip Tickets mostly Include: Round-Trip ticket to the Princes’ Island, Fast track entry on boat from the online ticket window, audio guide app for IOS and Android in 10 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, Chinese
You can pick one of the best ones below
- Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide
- Princes’ Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer
- Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch from Istanbul
3. Turyol Boats
Turyol is another leading Bopshorus cruise and boat tours company, providing great services for their passengers.
They have fleet of 60 passenger boats, 2 vehicle ships, 8 tourist boats, and 4 service boats, and offer a wide range of comprehensive nautical experiences.They provide excellent services and guarantees their travelers to enjoy the highest levels of comfort, safety, and enjoyment on every trip.
You can book below their best Bosphorus cruises
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Luxury, Turkish Night Show
This is one of the best selling dinner cruises made by the official Turyol Bosfor boat. This three-hour excursion is ideal for couples, families, and friends looking for a special night in Istanbul. The package includes a Bosphorus Strait dinner cruise, a lively cultural display, and a water cruise.The boat awaits dinner cruisers at the pier. A modern, pleasant ship with indoor and outdoor seating and a bar serving drinks and food awaits you.
You’ll see the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahce Palace, and Maiden’s Tower lit up as the boat leaves. The Bosphorus divides the city’s European and Asian sides. A superb dinner on board with traditional Turkish dishes is the highlight of this expedition. A sensory feast, the evening includes local wines and soft drinks.
After dinner, the “Turkish Night Show” will feature traditional music, dancing, and costumes. The show includes folk, belly, cultural, and live music. All show Turkey’s colorful culture. Dance to the music to make the interaction more enjoyable.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- 3-hour Bosphorus cruise Dinner with vegetarian options
- Unlimited soft drinks
- Unlimited alcoholic drinks
- Turkish night show program (1.5 hours)
- Live DJ Turkish coffee and tea
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Luxury, Turkish Night Show
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show
This is also one of the best and the most attended Bosphorus dinner cruises with entertainment. It’s made along the Bosphorus as you eat Turkish food, see Byzantine and Ottoman sites, and enjoy folk and belly dancing. It has great GetYourGuide reviews.
You’ll cruise between Europe and Asia under the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmed bridges while dining and seeing Istanbul’s sights, including Dolmabahçe Palace. Ottoman summer palaces, Rumeli Castle, Anatolian Castle, and coastal houses are stunning.
- This cruise combines cultural events, delicious food, and magnificent vistas to provide an amazing evening on Istanbul’s seas.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned coach
- Cruise, Dinner
- Unlimited local soft drinks, Unlimited alcoholic drinks
- Live entertainment and dance performances
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show
4. Boats by Bosphorus Tours Istanbul
Established in 2005, Bosphorus Tours Istanbul is a very good company. They server both domestic and international guests with their quality boats and service.
They provide Daily Bosphorus Cruises, Dining Cruises, Special Events, Private Yacht Tours, and City Tours. Especially their sunset cruises is very popular.
You can book below their best Bosphorus cruise
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
This is one of the best and the most attended Bosphorus cruises. 2,5 hours cruise on a 25 meters luxury yacht. It is made on a luxury yacht and has a badge of excellence with over 400 5/5 stars reviews on Viator, and 335 excellent reviews and stars on GetYourGuide.
- Highlights: Complimentary drinks and canapés are provided while you sail, find out about the history of Istanbul’s landmarks from your on-board guide, a cruise for all seasons: set sail at any time of the year, weather permitting, set out from an easy-to-find waterfront meeting point near public transport
- Includes:Professional tour guide, Light snacks, Cookies, Baklava, Fresh seasonal fruits platter, Homemade lemonade in the summer months, Fresh fruit juice in the winter months, Bottled water, Tea, Coffee, Small group cruise
- Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map)
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by Viator
Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by GetYourGuide
5. Boats by Velena Travel
For over 20 years, Velena Travel provides high quality Bosphorus sightseeing cruises to their guests. They offer top-quality experiences at affordable prices, and specialize in small group and private yacht cruises. They have a group A grade travel agency license from TURSAB.
You can book below their best Bosphorus cruise
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht
This is a great sunset cruise along the Bosphorus Strait to see both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. 2,5 hours Sunset Cruise by Luxury Yacht. At Kabatas Pier, you can get on their luxury yacht and start your trip while enjoying traditional Turkish drinks and delicious canapés. As your guide talks about the city’s long history, you’ll be able to picture famous sites like palaces, minarets, and landmarks.
In addition to the stunning scenery, this guided tour includes free beverages like coffee, tea, handmade lemonade, and a delicious assortment of nibbles. Stop for photos at scenic locations to remember the beautiful sunset drive. Enjoy a great boat ride while taking in the breathtaking views of Istanbul’s skyline.
Book Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht by Viator
Book Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht by Getyourguide
6. Boats by Stambultour Travel Agency
Stambultour Travel Agency, operates under the TURSAB and licensed by the Ministry of Tourism since 2022. They offer professional service with maximum comfort for their guests. They have expert guides.
You can book below their best Bosphorus cruise
Sunset Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks
This is one of the best private cruises on a luxury yacht. 2 hours cruise on a 20 meters luxury yacht. You can enjoy the beauties of Istanbul on a private luxurious yacht while having your dinner or lunch served by a professional crew. The yacht accommodates up to 15 people. Good for small groups.
Their dedicated team will provide you with light snacks and seasonal fruits while you take in the sights, so transforming your cruise into a delightful gourmet experience. Includes:
- Bosphorus Strait cruise on a 20-meter luxury yacht
- Tea, water, and coffee
- Homemade mini pizza snack
- Fresh seasonal fruits, Mixed nuts
- Audio guide app in 6 languages
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Book Sunset Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks
7. Pereme Boats by Dentur Avrasya
Pereme Boats is one of the most popular ones operated by famous Denturavrasya company. They provide high quality Bosphorus tours with a unique perspective, offering an unforgettable blend of enjoyment, comfort, and safety for their guests. They also specialized in significant occasions like weddings, henna parties, graduations, corporate meetings, and Turkish nights. They have a modern fleet and a dedicated team.
8. Catamaran Mobydick
The Catamaran Mobydick is the largest catamaran in Turkey, boasting an impressive capacity of 800 persons. With a length of 40 meters and a width of 18 meters, they provide the best quality of service for its guests with the Bosphorus cruises. With its three decks, each spanning 650 square meters, Catamaran Mobydick is designed to minimize the impact of waves, providing a stable and comfortable experience.
You can book below their best Bosphorus cruise
Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show
This is one of the best Bosphorus dinner cruises with entertainment. It is made along Bosphorus as you dine on Turkish meze, marvel at monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and enjoy a full program of entertainment, such as folk and belly dancing. It has excellent number of very good reviews.
This excursion will take you on a gourmet and cultural journey, set against the magnificent backdrop of Istanbul’s cityscape. You’ll admire the renowned monuments like Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the Anatolian Fortress while indulging in the rich tapestry of Turkish cuisine and entertainment.
- Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private table, 3-course dinner, Unlimited alcoholic drinks or soft drinks, Turkish dance show, Live DJ
- Boat name: Majesty Mobydick Catamaran
- Their team mates will be waiting for you at the meeting point.
- Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map)
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Book Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show
9. Boats by Tour Book Turkey
Tour Book Turkey is a good company and online platform for day trips, guided tours, airport transfers, and activities. Their Bosphorus cruises also popular and provides guaranteed lowest prices.
You can book below their best Bosphorus cruise
Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht
This is one of the best Bosphorus sunset cruises made with a luxury yacht. You are able to enjoy Bosphorus during sunset, marvel at great landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the iconic Maiden and Galata Towers.
This guided tour will provide you a great experience with the breathtaking views of Istanbul in the company of complimentary refreshments, featuring coffee, tea, homemade lemonade, and a delightful array of tasty snacks. You’ll also enjoy photo stops to capture the enchanting moments of your sunset journey.
- Tick off top sights on both European and Asian sides of the city
- Enjoy coffee, tea, homemade lemonade, and an array of tasty snacks
- Tours include photo stops to capture souvenirs of the sunset journey
- A pleasant tour accompanied by an experienced guide
- Complimentary drinks, homemade lemonade with fresh mint, tea and coffee
- Luxury yacht decorated with passengers’ comfort in mind
- Delicious canapés and snacks served aboard
- Daily prepared fresh season fruits plate
- Coffee and/or Tea Turkish Baklava Indoors & covers (safe from rain)
Book Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht
10. Sehir Hatlari (Public Ferries) – Cruise like locals
The Istanbul Public Ferries is the most easiest, cheapest and the most pleasant way to travel up, down and across the Bosphorus. They are called Sehir Hatları in Turkish. With a fleet adorned in Ottoman elegance, the ferries weave tradition and modernity.
You’ll find ten main ferry docks to choose from and enjoy a Bosphorus tour. Ferry docks are situated in Karakoy, Kabatas, Besiktas and in Eminonu on the European side; Uskudar and Kadikoy on the Asian side.
There are total 48 piers and 22 public ferry lines along the Bosphorus. The lines are priced according to the distance travelled.
Istanbul’s Public Ferries has two main lines that include; Domestic Trips and Bosphorus Tours. They operate every 15-20 minutes until 23:00 pm.
Wanna learn more about Istanbul Public Ferries?
How to Book a Bosphorus Cruise?
Booking a Bosphorus Cruise is quite simple. You can reserve your spot online through various tour websites, or directly purchase tickets at the Eminönü or Kabatas Piers. We recommend you buy tickets online from the trusted providers for a hassle-free experience, especially during peak tourist seasons.
If you buy online you also will have skip-the-lines, and have chance to cancel and have a refund very easily. Below you can see the best Bosphorus cruises online tickets.
