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Plan your Bosphorus Cruise | Your Guide to Exploring the Bosphorus Strait by Boat
Bosphorus CruisesPlan Your Visit
- 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
A cruise on the Bosphorus Strait offers stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline, spanning both Europe and Asia. Enjoy the breeze and admire the architectural wonders lining the shores including majestic Ottoman palaces, ancient fortresses, and bustling waterfront neighbourhoods. Read on for information on cruise timings, boarding points, facilities, and tips to help you plan a seamless Bosphorus cruise experience.
Bosphorus cruises | Visitor information at a glance
- Where is the Bosphorus Strait located?
The Bosphorus Strait is located in Istanbul, Turkey, connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. It separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul and is a vital waterway for international maritime trade. - What are the different Bosphorus cruise options?
There are many types of Bosphorus cruises, including sightseeing cruises, where you can sail past Istanbul's waterfront landmarks; lunch and dinner cruises, which include a delicious meal and onboard entertainment; evening cruises, which provide fantastic sunset views; and yacht tours, which offer a luxurious cruising experience. - What are the Bosphorus cruise timings?
Sightseeing cruises begin from 9am onwards. Lunch cruises usually start between 9.30am and 12pm while evening cruises depart between 2pm and 5pm. Dinner cruises generally start between 8.30pm and 9pm. - How can I get to the Bosphorus cruise boarding points?
Bosporus cruise boarding points are conveniently located in Istanbul’s key neighbourhoods and districts. They are easily accessible by public transport, including bus, tram, and metro.
Bosphorus cruise timings
- Sightseeing cruises: Morning sightseeing cruises usually start by 10am, while afternoon cruises start by 12pm and evening cruises begin between 3pm and 5pm. Full-day cruises start by 9am.
- Lunch cruises: Depending on the experience, Bosphorus lunch cruises start between 9.30am and 12.30pm, and end between 3.30pm and 5pm.
- Sunset & evening cruises: Sunset and evening cruises generally start between 2pm and 5pm.
- Dinner cruises: The departure time for dinner cruises is generally between 8.30pm and 9pm.
- Yacht tours: Daytime yacht tours start by 10.30am, while afternoon tours begin around 2pm. Private yacht rentals are available from 3pm onwards, while sunset yacht tours start by 3.30pm.
Note: Cruise timings depend on the cruise type and the specific experience chosen. Please refer to your ticket for details.
Bosphorus cruise timingsWhere are the Bosphorus cruise boarding points located?
With Istanbul straddling both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, the city has many boat terminals, and its European and Asian sides are well connected by boat and ferry. The boarding points for Bosphorus cruises are located at these piers and terminals.
Kabataş Pier (Dentur Avrasya Kabataş İskelesi)
Address: Ömer Avni, Mahallesi, Meclis-i Mebusan Cd. No:34, 34427 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Closest landmark: Dolmabahçe Palace
Getting there:
- By tram: T1
Closest stop: Kabataş Tramvay istasyonu tram station. - By bus: 22, 22B, 26, 26A, 26B, 27E, 27SE, 28, 28T, 29C, 29D, 30D, 40T, or others
Closest stop: Kabataş - By metro (underground funicular): Line F1
Closest stop: Kabataş inclined railway station.
BUDO Eminonu Pier
Address: Hobyar Mh, Ankara Cd., 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Closest landmark: Galata Bridge
Getting there:
- By bus: 26, 33E, 33TE, 79E, or 92
Closest stop: Eminönü İskele bus stop. - By tram: T1
Closest stop: Sirkeci İstasyonu tram station.
Bosphorus Pier, outside Dolmabahçe Palace
Address: Dolmabahçe Palace, Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd. No:2, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
Closest landmark: Dolmabahçe Palace
Getting there:
- By tram: T1
Closest stop: Kabataş Tramvay istasyonu tram station - By bus: 22, 22B, 26, 26B, 27E, 28, 28T, 30D, DT1, D31, BSK1, or BSK2
Closest stop: Mimar Sinan Üniversitesi, Dolmabahçe Palace - By metro (underground funicular): Line F1
Closest stop: Kabataş inclined railway station
Bosphorus Yachts, Beşiktaş
Address: Bebek, Cevdet Paşa Cd., 34342 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
Closest landmark: Aşiyan Museum
Getting there:
- By bus: 22, 22RE, 29D, 40, or 40T
Closest stop: Boğaziçi Üniversitesi bus stop. - By metro (underground funicular): Line F4
Closest stop: Aşıyan inclined railway station.
Where are the Bosphorus cruise meeting points located?
Tourists flock to Istanbul to visit its many iconic historical landmarks, and one of the best ways to explore them is with guided tours. Many combo guided tours include a Bosphorus cruise in the experience. You can start your guided tour at one of these meeting points and visit the attraction, after which your tour guide will take you to the boarding point for your cruise.
Topkapı Cafe
Gazete Market
Topkapı Cafe, outside Topkapı Palace
Address: Cankurtaran, Soğuk Çeşme Sk. No:4, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Closest landmarks: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia
Getting there:
- By tram: Take tram T1 to Gülhane istasyonu or Sultanahmet tram stations.
- By bus: Take bus lines 28T, 30D, 46Ç, 47E, 99A, BN1, or EM1 to Akbıyık bus stop.
Gazete Market kiosk
Address: Cankurtaran, Ayasofya Meydanı, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Closest landmark: Hagia Sophia
Getting there:
- By tram: Take tram T1 to Sultanahmet tram station.
- By bus: Take bus lines 28T, 30D, 46Ç, 47E, 99A, BN1, or EM1 to Akbıyık bus stop.
Know before you go on a Bosphorus cruise
Facilities
Rules & regulations
Visitor tips
- Comfortable seating: Comfortable and spacious seating arrangements are available onboard from which passengers can relax and enjoy panoramic views during the cruise.
- Covered & open decks: The cruise boats offer ample covered and open-air seating.
- Hotel transfers: Some of the Bosphorus cruises offer pick-up and drop-off services, ensuring your transportation options are covered and giving you a hassle-free experience.
- Multilingual guide: Depending on the experience you choose, seven languages are spoken onboard some of the Bosphorus cruises – English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, and Russian.
- Professional crew: All cruise vessels have professional, knowledgeable, and friendly crew members, who ensure you have a seamless experience.
- Safety equipment: All cruise boats are equipped with onboard safety equipment and protocols to ensure a secure journey.
- Carry a photo ID: Make sure you carry valid photo identification for verification before entry. All non-Turkish citizens need to present their passport and visa information for the cruise.
- Arrive early: Arrive 10-15 minutes before your cruise departure time so that you have a smooth check-in process, secure your preferred seats, and avoid delays.
- Safety guidelines: Always follow all safety guidelines and instructions by the crew members, do not climb any structures of the boat, and wear life jackets when required.
- Respectful behavior: Be mindful of other passengers on the cruise. Maintain a respectful volume, do not engage in disruptive behavior, and do not litter on the cruise vessel or in the Bosphorus Strait.
- Accessibility: Unfortunately, not all Bosphorus cruises are accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. Please contact the cruise operator to check.
- Dress code: We recommend wearing smart casual attire for your cruise experience.
- Weather preparation: It can get chilly on evening and dinner cruises during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). It's advisable to dress in layers or carry a light jacket.
- Comfortable footwear: Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip as you may have to walk on slippery surfaces or climb up and down stairs on your cruise boat. We recommend that you avoid wearing high heels.
- Sun protection: Carry sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and water during the hot Istanbul summer months, especially during daytime cruises.
Top attractions to spot on a Bosphorus cruise
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Book your Bosphorus cruise tickets
Frequently asked questions about planning a Bosphorus cruise experience
Where is the Bosphorus Strait located?
The Bosphorus Strait is located in Istanbul, Turkey. It separates the European continent from Asia and connects the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. It has been a strategically significant waterway for centuries and has played a crucial role in Istanbul’s development as a centre of trade, culture, and history.
Why should I take a Bosphorus cruise?
A Bosphorus cruise offers a unique way of exploring Istanbul. Not only do you get to see its magnificent palaces and historical attractions from the vantage point of a cruise boat, you also get to experience Turkish culture and cuisine. The Bosphorus Strait is also the best place to get stunning views of the city.
How much do Bosphorus cruise tickets cost?
Bosphorus cruises cater to every type of budget and fares depend on the cruise duration and the amenities offered. Daytime and sunset sightseeing cruises start from €12. Dinner cruises, which include gourmet dining and live entertainment, folk shows, or a DJ, range between €22 and €45, while lunch cruises start from €80. Yacht tours offer a more exclusive experience and start from around €50.
What is the best time to go on a Bosphorus cruise?
You are treated to spectacular views of Istanbul no matter what time of the day you go on a Bosphorus cruise. However, sunset cruises are especially popular as the city is bathed in the beautiful orange hues of the setting sun, offering a mesmerizing tableau.
What are the Bosphorus cruise timings?
Bosphorus cruises operate all day, with sightseeing cruises starting from 9am onwards. Lunch cruises usually start at midday, while sunset and evening cruises operate from late afternoon onwards (departing from 2pm to 5pm). Dinner cruises generally start between 8.30pm and 9pm and end between 11.30pm and midnight.
Are food and drinks served on a Bosphorus cruise?
Bosphorus lunch and dinner cruises serve onboard meals and drinks, including optional alcohol. Depending on the experience you choose, yacht tours and some sightseeing cruises offer tea, coffee, or beverages and light Turkish snacks and refreshments.
How long does a Bosphorus cruise last?
The duration of a Bosphorus cruise depends on the specific experience you opt for, but it typically lasts between 1 hour and 3 hours. Longer boat tours of 4 hours or more are also available.
Can I take a Bosphorus cruise with a group?
Absolutely! Bosphorus cruises cater to individuals, families, and groups. Depending on your requirements, you can opt for a boat tour on a yacht, which accommodates a smaller number of people, making it ideal for small group tours.
Are Bosphorus cruises suitable for children?
Yes, most Bosphorus cruises, especially sightseeing cruises, are family-friendly and children are welcome. However, there may be age restrictions on certain types of cruises, so be sure to check the specific details of your preferred experience before booking your tickets.
Are Bosphorus cruises wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, not all Bosphorus cruises are accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues. We recommend checking with the specific cruise operator for details.
