The Bosphorus Cruise is one of the most famous, distinctive, and amazing types of entertainment available during your trip to Istanbul. Discover and enjoy our pick of the best Bosphorus cruises in Istanbul. Public ferries, boat tours, sunset cruises, lunch or luxury romantic dinners on luxury yachts. The best way to experience Istanbul by sea.
It is also one of the greatest ways to experience and appreciate the city’s most gorgeous views and sensations from the water. Also one of the best things to do in Istanbul.
What Can You Expect?
Catching a public ferry, charter boat, or yacht lets you experience breathtaking views of historical monuments like Ottoman palaces, fortifications, museums, and the city’s gorgeous bridges and take in the ambiance along the city’s European and Asian coasts.
Among all, Bosphorus Dinner Cruise is and Bosphorus Sunet Cruise are the most popular ones where you can spend an unforgettable evening out on sea with food, beverages, and entertainment on the Bosphorus Strait.
Tourists that wish to enjoy a unique Istanbul experience are more likely to choose these options.
Top-Rated Bosphorus Cruises
You can feel free to book one of these Bosphorus cruises. They all have excellent traveler ratings. If you change your mind, you can also make free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance.
Best of Istanbul Bosphorus Cruises
1. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise by Travelpedia
This is one of the most popular Bosphorus cruises organized by expert tourism professionals under the brand of Travelpedia Tourism Group. Here you’ll have an unforgettable evening on a luxurious boat. You’ll enjoy an amazing selection of food from Turkish and World cuisine, watching Turkish folk dances, and international dance acts.
Highlights: You’ll experience some of Istanbul’s top architectural wonders, palaces, mosques, and Bosphorus bridges and enjoy a perfect night with belly dancers, whirling dervishes, and many more. You’ll also get quality transportation between your hotel and the port with their air-conditioned and comfortable vehicles.
Meeting point: Kabatas Dentur Avrasya Pier (see location map)
Book your Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
2. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on A Luxury Yacht
This is a terrific new yacht trip for small groups aboard a luxury yacht at very reasonable costs. You can take it for 2 hours at midday or dusk. This tour is strongly suggested since you will feel amazingly special aboard this privately rented luxury yacht.
Cruise up and down the Bosphorus, passing epic palaces and historical sites, and get a closer look at famous landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, and the Maiden Tower, a certified and competent guide will share with you the tales and findings that accompany the many sites you pass, enjoy an intimate trip because group sizes are limited to 15 people.
Glasses of Wine, Fruits, Snacks, Unlimited Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks, English Speaking Local Expert Guide, and Free Wi-Fi on the Yacht are among the benefits you enjoy.
Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by Viator
Book Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht by GetYourGuide
3. Bosphorus Dinner / Lunch Cruise – Private & Customizable
2,5 hours Bosphorus cruise on a 25 meters luxury yacht
This is one of the best private Bosphorus cruises made on a luxury yacht. You can experience and enjoy the beauties of Istanbul on a private luxurious yacht while having your dinner/lunch served by a professional crew. Also have a chance for sightseeing and/or swimming and relaxing while peacefully enjoying your day at the luxury yacht. You are also able to customize this tour according to your needs.
Includes: Dinner, All Fees and Taxes, Restroom on board, Snacks, Bottled water, Soda/Pop, Alcoholic Beverages
Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Book Bosphorus Dinner / Lunch Cruise – Private & Customizable
4. All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Turkish Night Show
This is a one-of-a-kind Istanbul Bosphorus cruise with dinner on your luxury motor yacht. Ideal for a romantic meal for two and a special event for families and small groups of friends. You’ll get 4-hour dinner cruise, admire spectacular views of the city’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques and Bosphorus bridges, and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner with select drinks.
You’ll also enjoy the entertainment from belly dancers, whirling dervishes and other artistes, along with hotel pickup and drop-off. It has badge of excellence on Viator.
You will enjoy amazing nighttime views of Istanbul and the landmarks along the river, a wonderful three-course dinner, complimentary local cocktails, and a diversified program of traditional entertainment on board.
Book All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Turkish Night Show
5. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with entertainment
One of the most favored among tourists is the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with entertainment. Tourists that wish to enjoy a unique Istanbul experience are more likely to choose this option. Traditional belly dancing, a henna ceremony, a Romany dance, folk dancing, a live DJ, and other entertainment will keep you engaged. At the same time, you will cruise around the Bosphorus and eat your food.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience that appeals to both the sight and the appetite. The feast of delights begins with a range of excellent appetizers, followed by the main meal with three alternatives. The grand finale will feature the world-renowned mixed Turkish desserts and seasonal fruits.
You can pick one of the best ones below
6. Bosphorus Cruise on Yacht with Stopover on Asian Side
Set sail on an extraordinary 2.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise aboard a luxurious yacht, available both in the morning and afternoon. This excursion is the epitome of Bosphorus exploration, complete with a captivating stopover on the Asian side of the city to discover the charming neighborhood of Kanlica.
With over 115 reviews boasting a stellar 5/5-star rating on Viator, you can trust that this is the best way to discover the Bosphorus.
Highlights:
- Glide along the mesmerizing Bosphorus, where Europe meets Asia, on the esteemed Sunset Bosphorus yacht.
- Pause for a delightful break in Kanlıca, savoring the flavors of Turkish coffee and indulging in traditional Turkish snacks, all while immersed in the charm of Asian Istanbul.
- Stay effortlessly connected with onboard Wi-Fi, ensuring you remain in touch without incurring roaming charges.
- A range of time slots allows you to plan your day precisely as you wish, maximizing your exploration of this captivating city.
Departure: Kabatas pier (see location map)
Book Bosphorus Yacht Cruise on Yacht with Stopover on Asian Side
7. Boat Cruise of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn
This boat tour is highly recommended for tourists with limited time in Istanbul. Get a true charm of the city while capturing the most incredible pictures along the way.
This is a peaceful and enjoyable way to explore the key Asian and European sights. The boat sails by Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, and Beylerbeyi Palace.
You may see the Historic Peninsula by boat, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque. The English-speaking tour guide will accompany you the entire time.
You can pick one of the best ones below
8. Princes’ Island Boat
This boat tour to Buyukada, one of the most popular Princes’ Islands, will take approximately 75 minutes. While on the Bosphorus, you may observe Istanbul’s breathtaking skyline from the open-air deck, drink beverages from the kiosk, or listen to tales about the Bosphorus using the audio guide app installed on your phone.
Covers a round-trip ticket to Princes’ Islands, Fast track boat admission from the online ticket window, and Bosphorus audio tour app for IOS and Android in ten languages: English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and Chinese
Tour Booking Advice
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