Everything you need to know about Bosphorus cruise timings

A Bosphorus cruise offers a unique and captivating way to explore Istanbul. Many of the city’s notable landmarks and attractions are on or near the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, the historic waterway that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Read on to learn more about Bosphorus cruise timings, the best time to go on a cruise, the duration of the cruises, and more.

What are the Bosphorus Cruise timings?

Bosphorus Cruise Timings
  • Daytime or Sunset Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise in Istanbul: 10.30am to 4pm
  • 2-Hour Boat Tour in Bosphorus: 12pm to 3.30pm
  • Combo: Dolmabahce Palace Guided Tour + Bosphorus Cruise Tickets: 10am to 2pm
  • Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Day Cruise with Snacks & Turkish Coffee: 10.30am to 2pm
  • Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from Old City: 12pm to 3.30pm
  • Fast Track Princes Island Round Trip Ferry Tickets with Audio Guide: 9.45am to 11.45am
  • Full-Day Tour of Princes’ Islands: 9am and 9.30am
  • Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass: Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: Between 9am and 5pm
Book a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
Bosphorus Cruise Timings
  • Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Daytime or Sunset Cruise: 10.30am to 5.30pm 
  • Bosphorus & Black Sea 2-Course Lunch Cruise with Swimming Opportunity: 12.30pm
  • 2-Hour Bosphorus Luxury Private Yacht Rental in Istanbul: 3pm to 5pm
  • Istanbul Top Museums 3-Day Pass: Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: Between 9am and 5pm
Book a Bosphorus lunch cruise
Bosphorus Cruise Timings
  • Daytime or Sunset Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise in Istanbul: 10.30am to 4pm
  • Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Daytime or Sunset Cruise: 10.30am to 5.30pm
  • 2-Hour Bosphorus Luxury Private Yacht Rental in Istanbul: 3pm to 5pm
  • Bosphorus & Golden Horn Sunset Yacht Cruise with English-Speaking Guide: 4.30pm
Book a Bosphorus sunset cruise
Bosphorus Cruise Timings
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show: 8.30pm
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Entertainment / Private Table: 8.45pm
  • 3-Hour Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks & Shows: 8.30pm
  • Bosphorus 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment & DJ: 8.30pm
  • Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Daytime or Sunset Cruise: 10.30am to 5.30pm
Book a Bosphorus dinner cruise
Bosphorus Cruise Timings
  • Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Day Cruise with Snacks & Turkish Coffee: 10:30am to 2pm
  • 2-Hour Bosphorus Luxury Private Yacht Rental in Istanbul: 3pm to 5pm
  • Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Daytime or Sunset Cruise: 10.30am to 5.30pm
  • Bosphorus & Golden Horn Sunset Yacht Cruise with English-Speaking Guide: 4.30pm
Book a Bosphorus yacht tour

What is the best time to go on a Bosphorus cruise?

Peak season vs off-peak season

  • Peak season: June to August
  • Off-peak season: April to May and September to November
  • Low season: December to March

Istanbul's peak season is during the summer months from June to August. The clear skies and sunny weather during this time are perfect for a Bosphorus cruise. However, it is also the busiest time, with higher numbers of tourists.

The off-peak season months from April to May and September to November experience more pleasant weather and lower tourist numbers, making them the optimal time to go on a Bosphorus cruise.

The low season months from December to March see the least number of tourists, allowing you to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and a more serene Bosphorus cruise.

Weekdays vs weekends

Bosphorus cruises are available on all days of the week and are an immensely popular experience. Opt for a cruise on the weekdays for a more relaxed boat journey. These days are typically less crowded compared to weekends, when both locals as well as tourists flock to Istanbul.

Best time of the day:

A Bosphorus cruise is an unforgettable experience no matter what time of the day you choose to go. Since daytime temperatures tend to be higher and the weather generally warmer, evening and dinner cruises offer a more pleasant experience. The atmosphere is cooler and the sunset and night views of the city are spectacular.

Plan your Bosphorus cruise experience

How long does a Bosphorus cruise last?

The duration of a Bosphorus cruise depends on the specific experience you choose. Typically, sightseeing cruises are between 1 and 2 hours long, providing ample time for a picturesque boat journey along the Bosphorus Strait. Yacht tours are more exclusive and go on for approximately 2 hours. Lunch cruises can last for 2 hours or longer, depending on the experience, while dinner cruises typically last for 3 hours. Longer cruise options, which last from 4 hours to a full day, are also available.

Regardless of the type of cruise you choose, you can be sure that you will enjoy an enchanting sailing experience on the Bosphorus Strait.

Frequently asked questions about Bosphorus cruise timings

Yes, Bosphorus cruises generally operate every day of the week.

More reads

Discover the Bosphorus Strait

Book Now

Plan your Bosphorus cruise

Book Now

Top sights to see on a Bosphorus cruise

Book Now