Bosphorus Cruise is one of the most popular, unique and fantastic forms of entertainment on your Istanbul visit. It is also one of the best ways to discover and enjoy the most beautiful sights and sounds of the city over the sea. We put together what kind of cruises & boat tours available, what you should expect with the best boat tours details.
No Regrets Bosphorus Cruise Booking
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What to Expect?
By taking a public ferry, private boat or yacht, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of historical sites, including Ottoman palaces, fortresses, museums, and the stunning bridges, and soak up the atmosphere along the city’s European and Asian shores.
Typical Bosphorus Cruises are made by Public Ferries (Sehir Hatlari) or by Private Boats & Yachts. They go for about two hours. There are variety of companies. Travelers who want to travel on a shoestring can board one of the passenger boats that regularly zigzag along the shores. You may also celebrate your special days like birthdays, meetings or any kind of organizations at the Bosphorus Cruises.
If you want a proper cruise, than you can find range of boat tours departing from the main docks mostly located in Eminonu, Kabatas and Besiktas piers, or you can take private boat/yacht tours. Typical Bosphorus cruises go for about two hours.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with entertainment is also one of the most popular one with the tourists. Mostly preferred with the tourists who want to experience a unique attraction specific to Istanbul. While you cruise along Bosphorus and enjoy your meal, you’ll be entertained by traditional belly dancing, a henna ceremony, a Romany dance, folk dancing, a live DJ, etc.
Top 15 Bosphorus Cruises & Boat Tours
Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner and Entertainment, Private Bosphorus Yacht Tour, or Morning/Afternoon/Half day / Sunset Bosphorus Cruises are the most common and popular themed Bosphorus cruises with the majority of the first-time visitors in the city.
Below you’ll see our pick (as insiders) of probably the best ones in the city and book them below the best one that suits your needs.
1. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht
2,5 hours Bosphorus cruise on a 25 meters luxury yacht
This is one of the best and the most attended Bosphorus cruises. 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: This insightful tour is guided and commentated by an experienced host, Complimentary drinks (homemade lemonade in summer and fresh fruit juice in winter), tea and coffee State-of-the-art and customized vessels for passengers, luxury yacht, delicious canapés and snacks served aboard, coffee and/or tea, snacks
Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map)
Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by Viator
Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by GetYourGuide
2. 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.
Highlights: Cruise up and down the Bosphorus, 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)
Book Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Tour with 5% discount
3. Bosphorus Cruise on Yacht with Stopover on Asian Side
2,5 hours Bosphorus Cruise on a Luxury Yacht: Morning or Afternoon
This is one of the best way to explore the Bosphorus with stopover on the Asian side and explore Kanlica. It is made on a luxury yacht and has a badge of excellence with over 115 5/5 stars reviews on Viator.
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)
Book Bosphorus Yacht Cruise on Yacht with Stopover on Asian Side
4. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment
This is one of the most fantastic Bosphorus dinner cruises with entertainment. You’ll both have a great 3 hours orient Bosphorus Dinner Cruise on one of the biggest and most luxurious ships, appreciate delicious starters, dinner and dessert, and have a great night out while watching the variety of fantastic shows.
You’ll also witness Istanbul’s magic at night by catching the breathtaking views of some of the top Istanbul attractions like the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden’s Tower and Bosphorus Bridge.
Highlights: Big and Luxurious Cruise Boat, unlimited local soft drinks, dinner, unlimited alcoholic drinks (local beer and wine), See 6 Different Shows, Belly Dance
Meeting point: Kabatas Dentur Avrasya Pier (see location map)
Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment with 5% discount
5. Bosphorus Dinner / Lunch Cruise – Private & Customizable
2,5 hours Bosphorus cruise on a 25 meters luxury yacht
This is one of the best private Bosphorus cruises on a 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. You can also have a chance for sightseeing and/or swimming and relaxing while peacefully enjoying your day at the luxury yacht. You can also customize this tour according to your needs. All our tours start and end in Bebek, Besiktas, Istanbul.
Includes: Dinner, All Fees and Taxes, Restroom on board, Snacks, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Alcoholic Beverages
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Book Bosphorus Dinner / Lunch Cruise – Private & Customizable
6. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
2,5 hours Bosphorus Sunset Cruise by Luxury Yacht
This Bosphorus sunset cruise (offered by Acetes Travel) is a unique Istanbul Bosphorus yacht cruise that starts before sunset and lasts for 2.5 hours. It is the best view you can see for a photoshoot. You breathe in the middle of Bosphorus and you can see palaces villas and historical areas. While you are watching the sunset with a Bosphorus view you can drink traditional Turkish drinks.
Free Services in this Activity: Food & Drinks (Snacks served aboard, Complimentary drink), Live Tour Guide, Pickup included (Hotel Pick-Up / Hotel Drop-off (from centrally located hotels)), Sightseeing (Top landmarks of Istanbul Bosphorus)
Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise by a Luxury Yacht
7. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise by Travelpedia
This is a popular one organized by highly skilled tourism professionals that are specialized in Bosphorus dinner cruises under the brand of Travelpedia Tourism Group. You’ll experience an unforgettable evening on a luxurious boat while enjoying an amazing selection of food from Turkish and World cuisine, watching Turkish folk dances, and international dance acts.
Highlights: You’ll see some of Istanbul’s top architectural wonders, illuminated palaces, mosques, and Bosphorus bridges and enjoy a perfect night with belly dancers, whirling dervishes, etc. You’ll also get quality transportation between your hotel and the port with their air-conditioned and comfortable vehicles. Best Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Menus With Private Table
Meeting point: Kabatas Dentur Avrasya Pier (see location map)
Book your Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
8. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment 3-hour
This is one of the best and the most attended 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 over 800 and 5/5 reviews on GetYourGuide.
Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop off by air-conditioned, non-smoking coach from hotels on the European side (Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Aksaray, Topkapı, Zeytinburnu, Karaköy, Eminönü, Taksim, Şişli, Kabataş, and Beyoğlu areas), 3-course dinner, Unlimited local drinks (wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks), Service charge and local taxes
Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment 3-hour
9. All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Turkish Night Show
This is also one of the best and the most attended Bosphorus dinner cruises with Turkish Night Show. You’ll get 4-hour dinner cruise, admire spectacular views of the city’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques and Bosphorus bridges, and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner with select drinks. You’ll also enjoy the entertainment from belly dancers, whirling dervishes and other artistes, along with hotel pickup and drop-off. It has badge of excellence on Viator.
Includes: Pick up and drop-off at your hotel, Boat cruise on the Bosphorus, Dinner, Unlimited local soft drinks, Unlimited local wines and beers (alcohol drinks option), Turkish Night Show (belly dancer, Henna Ceremony, Romany dance, Folk dance, Live DJ performance, Asuk Masuk Show)
Book All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Turkish Night Show
10. Private Yacht for Surprise Events / Birthday, Proposal, Anniversary, Party
This is a great opportunity for the one who are looking for a private yacht cruise along the Bosphorus for their special events such as birthday, proposal, wedding, anniversary and parties. All arrangements are made with the provider which is a certified operator along Viator.
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
11. Istanbul Bosphorus Luxury Private Yacht Rental
You can enjoy a great Bosphorus yacht cruise on a luxury private yacht with guide, and enjoy the soft drinks and snacks in the company of stunning views with this top selling private Bosphorus yacht tour.
Highlights: Enjoy luxury transportation to and from your hotel in a non-smoking private van, Eat and drink complimentary soft drinks and snacks, Learn Bosphorus history with a live guide.
Includes: Transportation to and from your hotel, Complimentary soft drinks and snacks, Live guide in any language.
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
12. Hop On Hop Off Bosphorus Ticket & Audio Guide
This is a good option for the ones who want to explore the city’s popular districts while having a Bosphorus cruise and to have the opportunity to come back to the starting point of your trip.
You’ll be able to explore the city at your own pace on board of this Hop-On Hop-Off Boshphorus sightseeing boat, and enjoy all the famous landmarks on the Boshphorus such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden’s Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge.
Includes: 1 day Hop On Hop Off Ticket, Bosphorus Tour Map, Audio Guide App for your Smartphone in 10 Languages: English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish
Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map)
Hop-on Hop-off Stops: Kabatas (starting point), Emirgan, Kucuksu, Beylerbeyi, Besiktas, and back to Kabatas
Tour Duration: You can hop on and off as many times as you like. Your ticket will be valid for the whole day. If you never leave the boat, the round trip will take about 100 mins.
Book Hop-on Hop-off Bosphorus Tour with 5% discount
13. 90 Minute Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Audio Guide
This is another top selling cruise that you’ll be able to explore the Bosphorus, enjoy the city’s landmarks, historical palaces, fortresses, capture amazing photos with this very economic boat tour. Available for every hour.
Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map)
Includes: Ticket for 90 minute Bosphorus Cruise, Meet & Greet by Marine Officer, Bosphorus Map, One Water or Juice, Free WiFi on Pier, Audio Guide in 10 Languages for your own Smartphone: English, German, French, Russian, Italian, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish
Book 90-Minute Bosphorus Boat Tour with 5% discount
14. 2 Hour Golden Horn & Bosphorus Boat Tour
Meet your guide with the Grand Boat Line sign in his hand in front of the kiosk opposite the Hagia Sophia. Show your confirmation email. Walk about 15 mins. together with the guide down to the Eminonu pier and start your boat tour.
Departure: Eminonu pier
Includes: 120 minute boat tour, English speaking tour guide that will lead you from Sultanahmet to the boat.
Book 120-Minute Golden Horn & Bosphorus Boat Tour with 5% discount
15. 3 hours Bosphorus & Golden Horn Boat Cruise
This is also a superb boat cruise to sail along both Bosphorus and Golden horn. The cruise has a badge of excellence with over 90 5/5 stars reviews on Viator. The cruise begins with exploring Golden Horn and concludes with a 1-hour cruise along the Asian and European sides of the Bosphorus.
Includes: Coffee and/or Tea, Air-conditioned vehicle for hotel transfer, Free Photography Service, Free WIFI
Book 3 hours Golden Horn & Bosphorus Boat Tour
16. Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide
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.
Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map)
Includes: Round-Trip ticket to the Princes’ Island, Fast track entry on boat from the online ticket window, Bosphorus audio guide app for IOS and Android in 10 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, Chinese
Book Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide with 5% discount
Alternative Bosphorus Cruises Buying Channels
You can feel free to book one of the greatest Bosphorus cruises offerd by trusted local agents that are certified by GetYourGuide and has excellent reviews from real travelers. They all offer free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Bosphorus Cruises FAQs
What are the Bosphorus cruise options?
- Public Ferries (Sehir Hatlari in Turkish): This is the easiest and cheapest way to travel up, down and across the Bosphorus. Just make sure don't be caught in rush ours as hundreds of locals will be using public ferries.
- Private Boats: These are both good value for money and easy option for a good cruise along Bosphorus. You can find them at the piers in Eminonu, Kabatas and Besiktas.
- Dinner or Sunset Cruise with Boats/Yachts: This is another popular option with the tourists. During the cruise , you’ll enjoy a full program of entertainment, such as Turkish classical music, belly dancing, a whirling dervish show, folkloric shows, an international singer, and an on-board DJ.
- Private Yachts: These are luxury ones and good for the ones who would like a private cruise along Bosphorus and admire all the city's beautiful sights.
What are the Boshorus tours made by Public Ferries?
Istanbul’s Public Ferries has two main lines that include; Domestic Trips and Bosphorus Tours. Bosphorus Tours by Public Ferries are divided into two lines that include;
- Short Circle Bosphorus Tour (2 hours). This is a round-trip that operates every day from the Eminonu Pier at 14.35 pm. and goes for Uskudar and Ortakoy Piers in order. And comes back from Ortakoy and Uskudar Piers to Eminonu Pier at 16.35.
- Long Circle Bosphorus Tour (6 hours): This a round-trip that operates every day from the Eminonu Pier at 10.35 am. and goes for Besiktas, Uskudar, Kanlica, Sariyer, Rumelikavagi and Anadolu Kavagi Piers in order. And than comes back to Eminonu Pier at 16:40 pm.
What is Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment?
This is the most popular Bosphorus cruises. You’ll also witness Istanbul’s magic at night by catching the breathtaking views of some of the top Istanbul attractions like the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden’s Tower and Bosphorus Bridge.
During your Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, you’ll enjoy a full program of entertainment, such as Turkish classical music, belly dancing, a whirling dervish show, folkloric shows, an international singer, and an on-board DJ.
How much does a Bosphorus dinner cruise cost?
Typical Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with entertainment, plus quality service cost about €50. This is a good price and value for money.
The price includes about 3 hours Bosphorus cruise, hotel pick-up and drop off service, unlimited local soft drinks, dinner, unlimited alcoholic drinks (local beer and wine), entertainment with many shows such as Turkish classical music, belly dancing, a whirling dervish show, folkloric shows, an international singer, and an on-board DJ.
Where do Bosphorus dinner cruise boats depart?
Majority of the Bosphorus dinner cruise boats depart from the Kabatas pier, within easy access by public transportation. You can take tram from Sultanahmet (20 mins), Karakoy and Galata (10 mins), take funicular from Taksim (5 mins), walk 15 mins or take any bus to Kabatas from Besiktas.
How long is the Bosphorus dinner cruise?
Typical Bosphorus dinner cruise starts about 20:00 pm. and goes for about 3 or 3,5 hours till 23:00/23:30 pm.
How much does a private Bosphorus yacht cruise cost?
Average cost of a crewed private Bosphorus cruise on a luxury yacht costs about €350 per group up to around 8 people. The price mostly includes about 2-hour private yacht tour, complimentary soft drinks and snacks, all taxes, private licensed tour guide, and hotel pick-up and drop-off service with a private van
How to book a private yacht in Istanbul?
You can book a private yacht via your travel agent, by yourself from the Kabatas, Besiktas and Eminonu piers, or by booking online. You can search all the best private Bosphorus yacht cruises online via our website or many online tour booking websites, read what they offer and traveler comments, and decide the one that best suits your needs. Many of the online bookings come with free transportation service from your hotel.
It was a very enjoyable evening we really enjoyed it. The staff were really nice
Bosphorus tour we enjoyed it very much me and my kids loved it. I have also booked other excursions with Istanbul welcome card very trust worthy company I recommend to everyone.
This tour should be on your must do list in istanbul.! It’s beautiful I recommend this Bosphorus Tour 100% to everyone.! Note: don’t forgot to download your Bosphorus audio guide for acknowledge.
A nice opportunity to see Istanbul from the sea. The boat was large and quite comfortable. The weather conditions were wintry so we couldn’t sit outside but the windows were large so it was easy to enjoy the views. As soon as we sat down in the salon a waiter appeared and served us toast and hot milk. He didn’t inform us that we later would have to pay for it. For about half of the cruise we thought that the snacks and drinks we were served were complimentary. We were quite surprised when the same waiter showed up with a bill after about 40 minutes. Fortunately it wasn’t very expensive. :)
Amazing experience, you can admire most of historical buildings and monuments during your cruise in Bosphorus. They also offer application for Android to guide you about what you see around. It’s better to prefer the latest itinerary so to enjoy the sunset.
Overall this is a great concept, we loved the concept. Hop on Hop off a series of boat (ferry) rides. !! Great view, lovely feel of the Boshorus straight, going under the bridges, etc. You can experience Cold chilly wind, so be prepared for that. We did not hop-off at all locations, but we did the Garden and the Palace and both were worth doing it (even though the entry ticket to the palace is a little steep). We face problems in communicating with the staff on the ferry, they did no know English. On the ticket you will find timings for pick-ups at each stop; however it seemed like they had 1 or may be 2 extra rises doing the rounds on that day and we really tried hard to establish the time of the last ride but could not get clarity, as a result we had to cut short the last part of our journey just to be safe. On the whole, this was really good value for money.
As with every city or destination with an ocean front, the view from the water shows you a totally different physiognomy of Istanbul. Embark form Europe and being able to disembark in Asia is a very unique experience. If you have the time, is a must.
Отличная прогулка на корабле, с возможностью высадки, прогулки и загрузки на следующей рейс. Расписание на билетах. Мы решили просто покататься. Еда за ваш счёт. Делают фото. На корабле будет голосовой путеводитель на турецком и английском, не волнуйтесь, если не знаете языка, все равно ничего не поймёте, сплошная каша. Это единственный минус. Просто расслабьтесь и наслаждайтесь видами и проливом.