Bosphorus Cruises

Sightseeing & Onboard Meal Options
Sightseeing & Onboard Meal Options
Private Yacht Cruises
Private Yacht Cruises
See Istanbul's Major Landmarks
See Istanbul's Major Landmarks
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Things to know before booking your Bosphorus cruise tickets

  • Peak time slots to book: Dinner and sunset options sell out quickly in peak season (April-October). Book online in advance to secure your preferred slot.
  • Cruise durations & routes: Choose from 90-minute quick sightseeing cruises, 2-hour yacht cruises with drinks and sunset views, 3-hour dinner cruises with entertainment, or full-day trips combining Bosphorus sailing with Princes’ Islands exploration.
  • Daytime vs. evening experiences: Day cruises are ideal for history buffs and photographers, offering crystal-clear views of Istanbul’s skyline. Evening and sunset cruises transform the Bosphorus into a romantic stage, with illuminated bridges and lively entertainment. 
  • Private vs shared: Private yachts cruisesprovide personal crew service, flexibility in departure times, and a completely private experience, best for couples, families, or special events; shared cruises are budget-friendly and more social.
  • Boarding points are central and well-connected: Most cruises depart from Eminönü, Kabataş, or Karaköy, easily accessible by tram, metro, or ferry. Boarding locations are scenic, so plan to arrive early to explore the waterfront neighborhoods before setting sail.
  • Meal & drink options: Sightseeing cruises rarely include meals but may offer snacks, while brunch and dinner cruises feature full spreads or multi-course Turkish feasts; most include soft drinks, with optional alcoholic packages.
  • Onboard entertainment: Dinner cruises often feature Whirling Dervish ceremonies, belly dancing, Turkish folk music, and even DJs or live bands. If entertainment matters to you, prioritize these tickets. If you prefer a quieter ambiance, sightseeing or brunch options are better suited.

Which Bosphorus cruise is best for you?

Find your best Bosphorus cruise match here

CruiseCruise TypeBoarding PointTimingsDurationInclusionsBoat TypeTickets

Bosphorus Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise

Sightseeing

Kabataş Pier (Dentur Avrasya Kabataş)

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10:30am to 4pm

1 hr 30 mins

Audio guide

2 Storey

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2-Hour Bosphorus Luxury Private Yacht Rental in Istanbul

Yacht

Bosphorus Yachts, Beşiktaş

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3pm & 5pm

2 hrs

Complimentary drinks & snacks; Optional meal, alcoholic beverages, or round trip hotel transfers

Luxury yacht

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Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Daytime or Sunset Cruise

Yacht

Kabataş Pier

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10.30am & 2pm

2 hrs 30 mins

Turkish snacks & beverages, live commentary

Luxury yacht

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Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show

Dining

Kabataş Pier

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8.30pm

3 hrs

3-course Turkish dinner, live shows & entertainment, DJ; Optional round trip hotel transfers or alcoholic beverages

3 Storey

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Bosphorus & Black Sea 2-Course Lunch Cruise with Swimming Opportunity

Dining

Bosphorus pier outside Dolmabahce Palace

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12.30pm

4 hrs 30 mins

2-course Turkish lunch, beverages, professional tour guide, hotel transfers

2 Storey

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Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass: Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

Sightseeing

Kabataş Pier (Dentur Avrasya Kabataş)

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9am to 5pm

1 hr 30 mins

Beverages - tea or coffee

2 Storey

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What is the Bosphorus Strait?

The Bosphorus Strait is a natural waterway in Turkey that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. It also serves as a boundary between the continents of Europe and Asia.

The strait stretches approximately 31 km (19 miles) in length and varies in width from 700 to 3,700 metres. Its strategic importance has made it a crucial route for maritime trade and transportation throughout history, shaping the region's economy, politics, and culture.

Straddling the Bosphorus Strait, the city of Istanbul has flourished since the 7th century BCE as the region's foremost economic, cultural, and trade hub.

About the Bosphorus Strait

Bosphorus Strait cruise map

Bosphorus Cruise route map highlighting key Istanbul landmarks and stops.

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All your Bosphorus cruises boarding points

Bosphorus cruise routes explained

Your Bosphorus cruise check-in & boarding guide

  • Arrival time: Try to arrive at least 20 minutes early. If you’ve booked a dinner cruise or a private yacht, plan to get there 30 minutes in advance so there’s plenty of time to settle in and enjoy the service setup.
  • Tickets & ID: You can show either a mobile voucher or a printed ticket when boarding, and do carry a photo ID if you plan to purchase drinks from the bar.
  • Dress code: Dress comfortably for sightseeing cruises, but if you’re joining a dinner or luxury experience, smart casual attire is a great choice to match the onboard setting.
  • Security: Security checks are light, but bags may be scanned. Alcohol or large luggage isn’t generally allowed.
  • Boarding Process: Dining cruises have reserved tables, while sightseeing cruises are mostly first-come-first-served, so arriving early is a good idea if you want your pick of seats.
  • Luggage Rules: Keep your packing light, as small bags are fine, but large suitcases might not be accepted onboard.

Plan your Bosphorus cruise experience

Frequently asked questions about Bosphorus cruises

The duration of a Bosphorus cruise depends on the type of experience you choose. Sightseeing cruises are typically between 1 hour and 2 hours long, while yacht tours last for approximately 2 hours. Cruises that include a meal are typically around 3 hours long. There are also longer cruises lasting about 4 to 6 hours or even the full day.

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