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An iconic medieval tower offering panoramic views of Istanbul, the cylindrical structure of the Galata Tower dominates the skyline. It has served various purposes throughout history, from a watchtower to a prison.
- About Bosphorus Cruise
- Princes Island Cruise
- Sightseeing Cruises
- Dinner Cruises
- Lunch Cruises
- Yacht Tours
- Top Sights To See
- Basilica Cistern Tickets
- Topkapi Palace Tickets
- Dolmabahçe Palace Tickets
- Galata Tower Tickets
- Hagia Sophia Tickets
- Blue Mosque Tickets
- Madame Tussauds Tickets
- Turkish Bath & Hammam Experience Tickets
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tickets
- Grand Bazaar
- Istanbul Aquarium
- Maiden's Tower
- Istanbul Airport transfers
- Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport transfers
- Pierre Loti Hill Tickets
Contents
Bosphorus cruises | Discover Istanbul through the Bosphorus Strait
Bosphorus CruisesAbout Bosphorus Cruise
Quick information
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Quick guide to the Bosphorus Strait
- Also known as: “İstanbul Boğazı” or “Karadenız Boğazı” in Turkish.
- Point of origin: The Bosphorus Strait is a natural water channel in northwestern Turkey, separating Thrace (in Europe) from Anatolia (in Asia). The strait flows continuously between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, the two water bodies it connects, without a specific point of origin or end.
- Point of entry: Kabatas Pier is a popular starting point for Bosphorus cruises. It is located near Taksim Square and is easily accessible by tram in case your ticket does not include hotel transfers.
- Types of cruises: Sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, sunset and evening cruises, dinner cruises, Princes' Islands cruises, and combo cruises.
- Popular sights on the Bosphorus Strait: Galata Tower | Dolmabahce Palace | Topkapi Palace | Hagia Sophia | Blue Mosque | Ciragan Palace | Ortaköy Mosque | Bosphorus Bridge | Beylerbeyi Palace | Üsküdar | Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi) | Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge | Küçüksu Palace | Rumeli Fortress | Anatolian Fortress
Types of Bosphorus cruises
Sightseeing cruises
Take a scenic tour of Istanbul and its historical landmarks from the Bosphorus Strait, the ancient waterway separating Europe and Asia.
Recommended tours:
- Daytime or Sunset Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise in Istanbul
- Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise from the Old City of Istanbul
Lunch cruises
Savour an exquisite lunch on a leisurely cruise on the Bosphorus Strait while enjoying breathtaking views of Istanbul’s majestic mosques, palaces, and historic buildings.
Recommended tours:
- Bosphorus & Black Sea 2-Course Lunch Cruise with Swimming Opportunity
- 2-Hour Bosphorus Luxury Private Yacht Rental in Istanbul
Sunset & evening cruises
Experience the magic of Istanbul as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow on its iconic monuments and picturesque shores.
Recommended tours:
- Daytime or Sunset Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise in Istanbul
- Bosphorus & Golden Horn Sunset Yacht Cruise with English-Speaking Guide
Dinner cruises
Experience the enchantment of the Bosphorus Strait at night, savouring a delectable Turkish dinner while sailing past Istanbul's illuminated skyline.
Recommended tours:
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table & Live Show
- Bosphorus 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment & DJ
- Bosphorus 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Oriental Show & Transfers
Yacht tours
Explore the Bosphorus Strait aboard a luxurious yacht, cruising past Istanbul's historical sites and enjoying Turkish snacks and beverages while soaking in the panoramic views.
Recommended tours:
- Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Day Cruise with Snacks & Turkish Coffee
- 2-Hour Bosphorus Luxury Private Yacht Rental in Istanbul
Princes’ Islands tours
Enjoy a relaxing tour of the Princes’ Islands, with their historical architecture, picturesque car-free streets, hilltop vistas, tranquil beaches, and charming waterfront eateries.
Recommended tours:
- Fast Track Princes Island Round Trip Ferry Tickets with Audio Guide
- Full-Day Tour of Princes' Islands
- Princes’ Islands Cruise with Buffet Lunch & Transfers
Top Istanbul landmarks to see on Bosphorus cruises
Galata Tower
Bosphorus Strait | Facts & myths
Facts
Myths
- The Bosphorus Strait is a busy and challenging waterway, with an estimated 48,000 ships passing through it annually. It is also the world’s narrowest strait used for international navigation.
- The Bosphorus Strait is a chokepoint for the maritime transit of oil and, is a popular shipping route for oil transportation from the Caspian Sea region and Russia to areas including Asia, Western and Southern Europe.
- The Bosphorus Strait has been the site of several naval battles throughout history, including the Battle of the Bosphorus in 1915 during World War I.
- The Bosphorus Strait was also known as the “Strait of Constantinople” to differentiate it from the Cimmerian Bosphorus in Crimea.
- The Bosphorus Strait has inspired many poets, writers, and artists throughout history, including Lord Byron, who described it as "the great ocean stream of Constantinople."
- According to a Greek myth, the Bosphorus Strait was created by the Greek goddess Hera, who was jealous of the love between Zeus and Io. She transformed Io into a heifer and sent her on a wild chase across the lands until she reached the Bosphorus, where she leaped across the waters to safety.
- The Maiden's Tower (Kız Kulesi) was a military fortification, built to protect Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait from an invading Persian army. However, legend has it that a princess was locked up in the tower to protect her from a prophesied snake bite, giving the tower its name.
- Some locals believe that the Bosphorus is home to a giant sea serpent, while others claim that its waters have healing properties.
Frequently asked questions about the Bosphorus Strait
What is the Bosphorus Strait?
The Bosphorus Strait is a natural waterway that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, and separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, Turkey.
What bodies of water does the Bosphorus Strait connect?
The Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.
What is the significance of the Bosphorus Strait?
The Bosphorus Strait has been a strategically significant waterway for more than 2,500 years, serving as a vital maritime route for trade, culture, and history between Europe and Asia.
What is the current speed of the Bosphorus Strait?
The Bosphorus Strait has a strong current that flows from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, with an average speed of 1-2 knots.
What are some notable landmarks along the Bosphorus Strait?
Some of the notable landmarks located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait include the Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Tower, Bosphorus Bridge, Ciragan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden's Tower, among many others.
How many ships pass through the Bosphorus Strait every year?
An estimated 48,000 vessels pass through the Bosphorus Strait every year, making it one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
What is the marine life like in the Bosphorus Strait?
The Bosphorus Strait is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, seals, and several species of fish.
What are some traditional Turkish delicacies served along the Bosphorus Strait?
Traditional Turkish dishes served along the Bosphorus include grilled meats, kebabs, meze dishes, and seafood.
What is the best time to visit the Bosphorus Strait and go on a Bosphorus cruise?
The ideal time to visit the Bosphorus Strait and go on a Bosphorus cruise is from March to May or September to November when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded.
What is the weather like along the Bosphorus Strait?
The weather along the Bosphorus Strait varies depending on the season. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters can be cold and rainy. The spring and autumn months offer pleasant weather with optimal temperatures and low chances of rain.
