On the water · ISTANBUL BOAT TOURS

15 Istanbul Boat Tours to Build a Day Around

32 tours  ·  from $6 a head

Deck space is finite and the good departures go early. These 15 istanbul boat tours are priced and timed so you can decide in a couple of minutes and get on with the rest of the trip.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table - Boarding and the Evening Schedule
Boat Tours, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Dinner Cruises in Turkey, Istanbul Boat Tours, Show, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

1.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 62,058 reviews · 3 hours · from $28Our pick

Spend three hours aboard a Mega Lüfer yacht, sailing between Europe and Asia while enjoying Turkish mezes, a choice of grilled meat, sea bass, or vegetarian food, and stage shows including folk dance, flamenco, belly dance, and dervishes. Choose hotel transfers, window seating, close-stage seating, or a VIP upper-deck table.

“Funny experience and Yunus, our waiter, was very kind and careful of us.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide - From Karaköy to the open Bosphorus
Audio Tours, Boat Tours, Guided, Istanbul Boat Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in Istanbul, Sunset Cruises in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide

2.Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 14,430 reviews · 2 hours · from $8

See Istanbul from the Bosphorus aboard a Mega Lüfer yacht during a two-hour daytime or sunset cruise. Your mobile audio guide covers nine languages, while selected options add snacks, dinner, unlimited drinks, or alcohol. Expect views of Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress, the bridges, and Maiden’s Tower. Bring headphones and a charged phone.

“Everybody was so kind, it was fun and we learned a lot.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show - From hotel lobby to the waterfront
Boat Tours, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Dinner Cruises in Turkey, Istanbul Boat Tours, Show, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

3.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 12,954 reviews · 3 hours · from $28

Spend three hours sailing between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores aboard Turyol Bosfor. Expect a Turkish dinner, local drinks if selected, a 1.5-hour dance show, live music, and views of illuminated palaces, bridges, and Maiden’s Tower. Servers such as Blake, Elvis, and Sadi have earned praise for attentive service.

“We celebrated my father’s birthday there, everything was arranged perfectly from the transportation to the end of the show. The service in the restaurant was excellent and the whole experience was truly wonderful. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide - Galata Bridge to Dolmabahçe, Istanbul’s grand European shore
Audio Tours, Boat Tours, Guided, Istanbul Boat Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide

4.Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,704 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $7

From the Eminönü pier, Sea Land Travel Agency takes you on a relaxed Bosphorus cruise past Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Maiden’s Tower. Use your charged phone and headphones for commentary in 11 languages, and enjoy unlimited Turkish tea and Nescafé on board. Sunset departures add warm city views.

“Really good value for a 2 hour boat tour along the bosphorous river. alot of sights I wouldn't have seen otherwise”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht - Dolmabahçe Palace and Çırağan Palace from the water
Boat Tours, Istanbul Boat Tours, Luxury Yacht Charters, Luxury Yacht Charters in Istanbul, Luxury Yacht Charters in Turkey, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in Istanbul, Sunset Cruises in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht

5.Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,465 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $30Top rated

Cruise from Kabataş along both shores of the Bosphorus on a small yacht with indoor and outdoor seating. You’ll see Ottoman palaces, bridges, waterfront districts, fortresses, and the Maiden’s Tower while enjoying tea, coffee, lemonade, fruit, baklava, and cookies. Commentary is in English.

“Small boat so the good news is that it doesn't feel crowded at all. Nice selection of appetizers. The host was very clear in his description of everything we saw. Totally recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Sunset or Day Small-Group Yacht Cruise with Snacks - Starting near the old city and Karakoy
Boat Tours, Istanbul Boat Tours, Luxury Yacht Charters, Luxury Yacht Charters in Istanbul, Luxury Yacht Charters in Turkey, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in Istanbul, Sunset Cruises in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Sunset or Day Small-Group Yacht Cruise with Snacks

6.Sunset or Day Small-Group Yacht Cruise with Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,774 reviews · 2 hours · from $31

Cruise the Bosphorus aboard a 20-meter yacht limited to 16 people, passing Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Maiden’s Tower. Choose daytime or sunset, enjoy fruit, nuts, mini pizza, tea, coffee, and water, then use the audio guide in your own language. Guides such as Tugba Bozmese are also on hand to help with photos and comfort.

“I really enjoyed seeing Istanbul from the Bosphorus and the boat and food were very good. The audio guide buffered and was quite frustrating so I decided just to enjoy the view and check my Google maps if I needed to know what I was looking at. It was a bit chilly so we were given blankets which was nice. k”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide - Boarding at Kabataş Square
Boat Tours, Guided, Istanbul Boat Tours, Luxury Yacht Charters, Luxury Yacht Charters in Istanbul, Luxury Yacht Charters in Turkey, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in Istanbul, Sunset Cruises in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide

7.Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,845 reviews · 2h 15m · from $19

Set out from Kabataş on a 135-minute sunset yacht cruise with an English-speaking guide. Pass Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower while enjoying canapés, fruit, tea, coffee, and fresh mint lemonade. Guides such as Aleyna and Betül are noted for warm, attentive service. The cruise is shared, not private.

“it was long enough in the water, and we were well looked after. the snacks and drinks were fine too”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack - Starting at Kabataş near Dolmabahçe Palace
Boat Tours, Istanbul Boat Tours, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in Istanbul, Sunset Cruises in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack

8.Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,716 reviews · 2 hours · from $8

Cruise from Kabataş for two hours past Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the Asian shore. You get an audio guide in six languages, outdoor and indoor seating, and optional snacks with soft drinks. Staff such as Chef Ahmed and Chef River are often praised for warm service, while blankets help on cool, windy evenings.

“The boat is big and very spacious. The staff is very friendly. This is a perfect cruise for day time of dinner or for sunset or even a lazy afternoon for the whole family. It’s very conveniently located. Please book directly from the site to avoid missing out the seats.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side - Dolmabahçe and the European waterfront
Boat Tours, Istanbul Boat Tours, Luxury Yacht Charters, Luxury Yacht Charters in Istanbul, Luxury Yacht Charters in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side

9.Bosphorus Yacht Cruise Experience: Visit the Asian Side

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,251 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Spend about 2.5 hours cruising between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores with an English-speaking guide, Turkish tea, coffee, snacks, and a short stop in Kanlıca. Pickup is offered from selected central districts, and guides such as Asha, Serdar, and Murat have been praised for lively historical commentary.

“This was a lovely boat and friendly crew. The tour guide was funny and easy to listen to. The sites were interesting. There were lots of things to eat and drink including nuts, cheese sandwiches with fresh fruit, water, Turkish tea and Turkish coffee. Our only complaint was that the yogurt they recommended we try on the Asia side was incredibly overpriced and they didn’t tell you until it was too late. There are other yogurt shops near the boat and in the city you could go to. Each yogurt was approximately $5 USD.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner Show - What the cruise route shows you after dark
Boat Tours, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Dinner Cruises in Turkey, Istanbul Boat Tours, Show, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner Show

10.Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,181 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Spend three hours on an evening boat between Europe and Asia, passing Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy, the Bosphorus Bridge, and Maiden’s Tower. Dinner includes fish or grilled meat, with vegetarian choices reported, followed by whirling dervishes, belly dancing, folk dances, and a DJ. Pickup is optional.

“Fatih was a great host. Very responsive and nice. Helped with my partners meal.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table - Boarding at Kabataş or using hotel pickup
Boat Tours, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Dinner Cruises in Turkey, Istanbul Boat Tours, Show, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table

11.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,021 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $30

Spend about three hours aboard the Mega Lüfer, sailing between Europe and Asia from Kabataş. You’ll enjoy Turkish appetizers, a choice of grilled meat, fish, or vegetarian main course, dessert, and a full stage program with folk dance, whirling dervishes, belly dance, flamenco, rhythm shows, and a DJ. Hotel pickup is available from many central Istanbul districts.

“A very nice way to experience a good Turkish meal with respectful and attentive staff while crossing the bosphorus strait. The entertainment is an added plus. Having the option for hotel pickup, with a great driver, made it that much more enjoyable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option - Upper deck or lower deck?
Boat Tours, Istanbul Boat Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Sunset Cruises in Istanbul, Sunset Cruises in Turkey, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

12.Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,973 reviews · 2 hours · from $6Best value

Sail the Bosphorus for 90 minutes, passing Istanbul landmarks and seeing Europe and Asia from the water. Choose the 4 PM or 5 PM departure for sunset colors. An English host helps at the meeting point, while a smartphone audio guide is available in 11 languages. Bring headphones, a light jacket, and mobile data.

“it was all very easy online. not hard to find, easy to do last minute and everyone was super friendly and nice. Atila (sorry if i spelled that wrong) was great to talk to and learn from!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show - Starting at Kabataş beside Dolmabahçe Palace
Boat Tours, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Dinner Cruises in Turkey, Istanbul Boat Tours, Show, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

13.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,950 reviews · 3 hours · from $28

Spend three hours aboard the air-conditioned Pereme, sailing between Europe and Asia with Turkish appetizers, salad, dessert, tea, and a choice of four main dishes. See Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus bridges, and Maiden’s Tower while enjoying folk dance, belly dancing, a whirling dervish, rhythm shows, and a DJ set. Pickup is available from many central Istanbul hotels.

“the activities were fun and selo was superb too...”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Basilica, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque Tour & Cruise - Starting at the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque
Boat Tours, Istanbul Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Basilica, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque Tour & Cruise

14.Basilica, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque Tour & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,929 reviews · 3 hours · from $68

Walk through Sultanahmet with an English-speaking guide, visiting the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Hagia Sophia. Guides such as Ali, Buse, Mehmet, and Arda are praised for lively historical storytelling. Your cruise ticket is included, but the Bosphorus sailing is self-guided and can be used the same day or next day.

“Buse was absolutely amazing! Seriously. She is full of knowledge and energy, speaks very clearly, and made sure the whole group was taken care of the entire way. She pointed out many beautiful pieces and could speak on all of it. Her professionalism was amazing and I’m very impressed with how she handled other unruly tourists and groups of people. She translated the prayer announcements and gave great recommendations. I was nervous at first with the confusion the gentleman in the meeting spot gave, but Buse made me feel much better about the entire process once we stepped off. I give her 5/5 stars and an overall 10/10.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment - The opening cruise past Dolmabahçe and Çırağan
Boat Tours, Dinner Cruises, Dinner Cruises in Istanbul, Dinner Cruises in Turkey, Istanbul Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Turkey Boat Tours

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment

15.Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,852 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

Spend three hours aboard the AMOR yacht, crossing the Bosphorus between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores. Expect Turkish dinner, local soft drinks, illuminated palaces and bridges, folk dances, belly dancing, and DJ music. Hotel pickup is optional, and guides are available in eight languages.

“Highly recommend. I had a short trip in Istanbul and I am so glad I booked this. We got beautiful views of the city, great entertainment and traditional Turkish food. Great experience”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Istanbul Boat Tours

★ 4.6Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private TableFrom $34882 reviews
★ 4.9Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Live GuideFrom $35678 reviews
★ 4.7Explore Bosphorous on a Sunset Boat CruiseFrom $12445 reviews
★ 4.9Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian SideFrom $47925 reviews
★ 3.9Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise Daytime or SunsetFrom $12926 reviews
★ 4.2Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Incl. Drinks with TransferFrom $41660 reviews
★ 4.5Bosphorus Cruise from Europe or Asia & Audio GuideFrom $7297 reviews
★ 3.6Princes’ Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & TransferFrom $34711 reviews
★ 4.4Bosphorus Night Dinner Cruise with Private TableFrom $47609 reviews
★ 3.9Bosphorus Cruise, Golden Horn, & Pierre Loti HillFrom $31268 reviews
★ 3.9Dinner Cruise on the BosphorusFrom $354353 reviews

Keep browsing

River CruisesSunset CruisesCatamaran CruisesSea Cave Boat ToursSightseeing CruisesSnorkeling Boat Trips
Scroll to Top

Get on the water

Pick a hull, a coast or an hour of the day.

Rivers and canals

River CruisesCanal CruisesSightseeing CruisesThe SeineAmsterdam Canals

Open water

Catamaran CruisesSailing TripsIsland HoppingSpeedboat ToursSea Cave Tours

Wildlife and swimming

Whale WatchingDolphin TripsSnorkelling TripsSwim StopsGlass-Bottom Boats

Aboard after dark

Sunset CruisesDinner CruisesOpen Bar CruisesParty BoatsOvernight Boats