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Everything you need to know about Bosphorus cruise timings
Bosphorus CruisesTimings
- 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 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?
Sightseeing cruises
Lunch cruises
Sunset & evening cruises
Dinner cruises
Yacht tours
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
Book Bosphorus cruise tickets
Frequently asked questions about Bosphorus cruise timings
Are Bosphorus cruises available every day?
Yes, Bosphorus cruises generally operate every day of the week.
Are Bosphorus cruises available throughout the day?
Yes, you can go on a Bosphorus cruise at any time during the day. Your cruise type and experience will differ depending on when you choose to go.
What are the Bosphorus cruise timings?
Bosphorus cruise timings vary depending on the type of cruise and the specific experience you choose. Sightseeing cruises typically begin from 9am onwards and are available until the evening. Lunch cruises begin between 9.30am and 12pm while evening cruises depart between 2pm and 5pm. Dinner cruises generally start between 8.30pm and 9pm.
Are there any specific timings for the last admission on a Bosphorus cruise?
There is no specific time for the last admission on a Bosphorus cruise. However, most cruises typically finish boarding procedures about 5 minutes before the departure time. To secure your preferred seats, have a smooth boarding process, and avoid unnecessary delays, it is recommended that you arrive and check in at least 15 minutes prior to your cruise time.
What time does check-in for Bosphorus cruises start?
For most Bosphorus cruises, check-in usually starts about half an hour before the cruise departure time.
What is the best time to go on a Bosphorus cruise?
The best months to go on a Bosphorus cruise are the off-peak season months of April, May, September, and October (spring and autumn seasons). The best time of the day is during the evenings as Istanbul is especially beautiful during sunset.
