Insider Guide on Bosphorus Cruise with Kids in Istanbul + Tips

Advice: Kickstart your Istanbul adventure with Istanbul E-Pass, save time and money.

Bosphorus Cruise with kids in Istanbul is a fun way to learn about history and see beautiful scenery while having a good time with your family. Here we will explore the options to experience Bosphorus for families. You can also learn and discover the Istanbul’s iconic waterside sights while ensuring your kids are engaged in every step of the way.

Safety Precautions – Child Safety Measures: You should look for cruises that prioritize safety measures for children. This includes secure railing systems, life jackets, and other safety precautions to ensure a worry-free experience for families.

What to Expect on a Bosphorus Cruise with Kids

The Bosphorus Cruise with your kids is a family-friendly tour of Istanbul’s charm. You can look out over famous sites like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge and listen to stories that are meant to interest kids.

On these family-friendly Bosphorus boat tours, you can expect lively narration, interesting anecdotes, and seats arranged for the best possible views. In some boats you can find play areas and kid-friendly meals that will make your trip much more comfortable. As your kids take in the beautiful scenery and learn about Istanbul’s history from the landmarks and guides, the tour can turn into an educational excursion for them.

What Makes a Bosphorus Cruise Suitable for Children

A Bosphorus Cruise cab be a good choice for youngsters, providing an ideal combination of entertainment, education, and stunning views of Istanbul’s landmarks, especially the Bosphorus bridges. Some cruises are good for families because they can make sure the kids have a great time by giving them interesting commentary that brings history to life.


Stories and specially prepared meals are kid-friendly characteristics of some. Combined with the breathtaking beauty of Istanbul’s landmarks, the Bosphorus Cruise may become an unforgettable experience for youngsters thanks to its captivating setting.

What Amenities Are Offered for Children on Bosphorus Cruises

Bosphorus Cruises designed for families go the extra mile to provide amenities that cater specifically to children’s needs. Child-friendly meals and snacks ensure that young passengers are well-fed and happy throughout the journey. The amenities on family-friendly Bosphorus Cruises are curated to create a comfortable, engaging, and enjoyable experience for children, ensuring that every family member has a delightful time on board.

Why Choose a Family-Friendly Bosphorus Cruise

If you choose a Bosphorus cruise that is good for families, you can be sure that the experience will be tailored to your kids’ specific wants and interests. The goal of these trips is to keep the whole family interested and entertained.

bosphorus cruise with kids

Everything about the trip is designed to make it smooth and enjoyable, from the interactive discussion that brings history to life to the amenities made just for kids. If you want an adventure that is both educational and fun for the kids, choose a family-friendly tour. Everyone on board will be happy and remember the trip for a long time.

Where to Find Family Activities on Bosphorus Cruises

You should choose cruises that put the comfort and fun of all their guests, especially kids, first. Look for ships that have extras for kids, like play areas, themed activities, and commentaries that you can interact with.

How to Entertain Kids on a Bosphorus Cruise

On a Bosphorus cruise, keeping kids entertained means a mix of fun games and interesting stories. Family-friendly ships often have times when stories are told. A memorable family trip can be set against the beautiful views of Istanbul’s landmarks and the calm seas of the Bosphorus.


Who Narrates the History on Family Bosphorus Cruises

Family Bosphorus Cruises often have interesting and knowledgeable guides who read aloud. It is easy for kids to understand and enjoy historical and cultural information because these guides know how to tailor their comments to fit the needs of all age groups.On some ships, there may even be special narrations for kids that include stories and activities.

What Landmarks Can Children See on a Bosphorus Cruise

On a Bosphorus Cruise, kids can see several famous sites that highlight the cultural and historical heritage of Istanbul. As you sail past Istanbul, you’ll be able to see famous sites like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque, and the Rumeli Fortress.

Another interesting feature is the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects Europe and Asia. Children can enjoy a visual feast at these sites, which makes seeing the city’s treasures from the comfort of the cruise fun and educational.

Best Kid-Friendly Bosphorus Cruises

Finding the best places for kids to play Bosphorus trips is on the lookout for trips that take in fun, interesting, and comfortable things. Look for choices that have a lot of family-friendly features, like play areas, themed cruises, and meals that kids will enjoy.

Top-rated cruises often have activities and stories that you can connect with that are good for all age groups. We choose the best Bosphorus Cruises that are great for kids so that your whole family can have a great time. Booking Bosphorus Cruises that are good for kids online is easy and quick.

We work with reliable sites like GetYourGuide, Viator, and Headout to bring you a hand-picked list of family-friendly choices. These sites give you a lot of information about each cruise, so you can pick one based on what your family wants. It’s easy to book online, and you can secure your spot ahead of time and get access to special family perks.

Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Tour

This is a fantastic new yacht cruise made on a luxury yacht for small groups (max. 15 people) with very affordable prices. You can take it at noon or at sunset for 2 hours. We highly recommend this cruise as you’ll feel yourself very special in this private chartered luxury yacht.

bosphorus luxury yacht tour


  • Highlights: Passing the iconic palaces and historical sites, get a closer look at famous landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge and the Maiden Tower, a licensed and knowledgeable guide will share with you the stories and facts which accompany the many sites you pass
  • Includes: Glass of Wine, Fruits and Snacks, Unlimited Coffee, Tea and Soft Drinks, English Speaking Local Expert Guide, Free WiFi on Yacht
  • Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map)

Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

You can pick one of the best yacht cruises below!

  1. Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Tour (5% discount from us)
  2. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
  3. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Live Guide and Drinks
  4. Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks
  5. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht

Bosphorus Cruise on Yacht with Stopover on Asian Side 

This is one of the best way to explore the Bosphorus with stopover on the Asian side and explore Kanlica. 2,5 hours cruise on a Luxury Yacht: Morning or Afternoon. It is made on a luxury yacht and has a badge of excellence with over 115 5/5 stars reviews on Viator.

bosphorus cruise asian side stopover

  • Highlights: Cruise the Bosphorus on the Sunset Bosphorus yacht with a stop in Kanlıca,  sip Turkish coffee and nibble on Turkish snacks in Asian Istanbul, onboard Wi-Fi saves on roaming charges and keeps you connected, range of time slots let you plan your day and fit more in
  • Includes: Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water, Turkish delight served with along Turkish coffee, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board
  • Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map)

Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

Book Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Stopover on Asian Side by Viator

Book Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Stopover on Asian Side by Getyourguide

Bosphorus Cruises through Golden Horn

These are the top selling cruises that you’ll be able to explore the beauties of Golden Horn part of the Bosphorus. You can enjoy the city’s landmarks, historical palaces, and capture amazing photos with these very economic boat tours.

golden horn cruise

You can pick one of the best ones below

  1. Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or Sunset
  2. Bosphorus Boat Tour 3 Hours Tour And Golden Horn
  3. Bosphorus & Golden Horn: Sunset Yacht Cruise with Expert Guide
  4. Bosphorus Cruise, Bus Tour, Golden Horn, Cable Car
  5. Golden Horn Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option
  6. Bosphorus and Golden Horn Tour with Live Guide
  7. Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise with Audio Guide

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.

bosphorus sunset cruise

  • 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

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.

bosphorus sunset yacht tour

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

Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht 

This is one of the best ones 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

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

Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option 

This is a great Bosphorus sightseeing cruise along the Golden Horn and Bosphorus. You’ll be met near Hagia Sophia and their guide will lead you to the pier. Upon the start of the cruise you’ll explore the Golden Horn, and sail along the wonderful Bosphorus strait. Audio guide is also available.

  • Includes: Boat cruise
  • Multilingual audioguide for smartphones
  • Live commentary by guide

Book Bosphorus Cruise w/Audio Guide and Sunset Option

6. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Live Guide and Drinks 

This is also one of the best Bosphorus sunset cruise with a beautiful yacht from the Kabatas Pier. You’ll sail to the second Bosphorus bridge on the European side, enjoy drinks and refreshments while seeing Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress. You’ll capture memorable photos against these local sights.

As you sail, their guide will explain fascinating historical facts, making you want to picture every Bosphorus sight. You’ll able to take a photo of the old city at Kabatas Pier, where the Sunset Cruise began, to remember this memorable experience.

  • Includes: 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

Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Live Guide and Drinks

Luxurious Yacht Cruise with Live Guide on the Bosphorus 

This is a lovely yacht cruise in Istanbul at sunset. A knowledgeable live guide will tell you stories as you sail past beautiful castles, mosques, and well-known minarets. First, you’ll go on a cruise up north to the charming city of Kanlıca. Then, you’ll go down south to see the Bosphorus Bridge glow with beautiful LED lights at night.

As you traverse the Bosphorus, you can get drinks, snacks, salads, coffee, tea, and baklava, which is Turkey’s most famous dessert. This boat is nice and has space for 35 people. From it, you can see the sun go down over Istanbul and the Bosphorus Bridge light up at night.

  • Includes: Coffee and/or Tea
  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Fresh Seasonal Fruit Platters
  • Cookies with delicious baklava

Book Luxurious Yacht Cruise with Live Guide on the Bosphorus

Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht – Guided Group Cruise 

This is also one of the Bosphorus sunset cruises that will let you have a spectacular sunset experience on a luxury yacht, offering excellent views of the world’s top heritage sites in Istanbul. You’ll cruise along both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus, capture highlights such as the 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace, the Rumeli Fortress, and the iconic Maidens’ Tower and Galata Tower.

This guided tour also include complimentary refreshments with snacks, fruits, nuts, baklava, and homemade lemonade with fresh mint. You’ll definitely love this boat and cruise.

Book Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht – Guided Group Cruise

How Long Is a Typical Bosphorus Cruise for Kids

A normal Bosphorus Cruise for kids lasts for different amounts of time, so it can be tailored to different schedules and tastes. Most family-friendly trips last between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, which makes sure that kids will still find the experience fun and interesting. The length of time lets families enjoy the beauty of the Bosphorus without overtaxing the kids. It’s the right mix of comfort and exploration.

Best Family Spots on a Bosphorus Cruise

Finding the best places for families to go on a Bosphorus cruise means planning where to sit so that everyone can see the best views. Seek out cruises with large windows that let in a lot of light or outdoor viewing places where families can get together.

Many families choose the top deck because it is roomy and comfortable, and everyone can enjoy looking at the famous sites and the beautiful Bosphorus together.

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.

Book Your Bosphorus Cruise by Viator

Book Your Bosphorus Cruise by GetYourGuide


No Regrets Booking Advice




This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive commission at no extra cost to you. Read disclaimer for more information.

Related Reading

Best Tourist Pass

Istanbul E-Pass: Worth It? How To’s, Fares, Insider Tips

If you're planning a visit to Istanbul, navigating the...

Medical Tourism

10 Best Hair Transplant Clinics in Istanbul, Turkey: Our 2025 Review

Istanbul has become a leading destination for hair transplants,...

10 Best Rhinoplasty Surgeons in Istanbul, Turkey: Our 2025 Review

Considering a rhinoplasty to enhance your confidence? Turkey, Istanbul...

10 Best Dental Clinics in Istanbul, Turkey: Our 2025 Review

Istanbul is a leading destination for dental treatments in...

Top Tours & Tickets