Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise with Snacks and Live Guide

Recommended by 92% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Istanbul, Turkey

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Afternoon Bosphorus Boat and Bus Tour with cable car from Pierre Loti Coffee

Istanbul, Turkey

3.2

(25)

Afternoon Bosphorus Boat and Bus Tour with cable car from Pierre Loti Coffee

from $36

Bosphorus Sunset or Daytime Yacht Cruise with Snacks & Live Guide

Istanbul, Turkey

4.7

(372)

Bosphorus Sunset or Daytime Yacht Cruise with Snacks & Live Guide

from $36

2-Hour Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul with Guide

Istanbul, Turkey

4.8

(198)

2-Hour Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul with Guide

from $35

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

It can be tricky to find a place in Istanbul to watch the sunset without encountering crowds, but this sunset cruise is your perfect solution. Set out on the Bosphorus on a luxury yacht, and access incredible views of Istanbul's top sights that you wouldn't see from the mainland. Sail past Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden's Tower, and Ortakoy Mosque, and enjoy a traditional Turkish drink and snacks as you watch the sunset.

Access spectacular sunset views of Istanbul from the Bosphorus
Travel in style on a luxury yacht
Enjoy delicious onboard treats, such as snacks and wine
Pass by key landmarks such as Bosphorus Bridge, and Rumeli Fortress

What's Included

This insightful tour is guided and commentated by an experienced host
Complimentary drinks (homemade lemonade in summer and fresh fruit juice in winter), tea and coffee
Delicious canapés and snacks served aboard
Cookies with delicious baklava
Daily prepared fresh season fruits plate
Coffee and/or Tea
Luxury yacht decorated with passengers' comfort in mind

Hotel Pick - Up / Drop Off
Alcoholic Beverages (optional)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Kethüda Yahya Ağa Çeşmesi
Arap Cami, Makaracılar Cd. No:5, 34421, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
The meeting point is : ''Ibb Karaköy Sahil Park'' Our company representative will be holding a board on which ''Istanbul Express Travel'' is written. You are kindly requested to come to the meeting point 15 minutes before the cruise departure time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Bosphorus Bridge (Pass By)

KIz Kulesi (Pass By)

Galata Tower (Pass By)

Dolmabahce Palace (Pass By)

Rumeli Fortress (Pass By)

Beylerbeyi Palace (Pass By)

Ortakoy (Pass By)

Anadolu Hisari Fort (Pass By)

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (Pass By)

Kucuksu Pavilion (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Jean_T

Super nice crew for this sunset yacht tour. Friendly service with a lot to snacks ( fruit, pastries, nuts, chips and etc) and drink. The yacht was clean and plenty of space for only 8 customers ( probably like 5-6 crew members). We had a wonderful time and sunset was so beautiful! The hotel pickup service was great but the Istanbul’s horrible traffic made it very challenging ( feel really and for them). Definitely recommend their sunset cruise for a quiet relaxing trip down the Bosphorus.

Reviews

4.7

based on 218 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Hello,...

Pardeep_k, Mar 2026

Hello, Unfortunately our experience was not good. We could not find the guide at the meeting point and no one contacted us. We tried to call but could not reach anyone. Because of this, we missed the sunset tour. We would like a refund for the booking. Thank you.

Trip cancelled on the day

Hannah_R, Dec 2025

Unfortunately our trip was cancelled on the day - fortunately another boat operator helped us and allowed us to board their boat with 2 minutes before departure so we didn’t miss out. But had to pay again and now awaiting a full refund from original operator.

Relaxing and informative

Cheryl_P, Oct 2025

It was a very enlightening tour. Our tour guide Robert was very informative on the historic sites along the river. He knew of the Asian side and the European side facts.

A must do!

Jeannine_W, Oct 2025

There are so many different items to make here…stained glass, Turkish lamps, your own perfume and so much more and the staff is absolutely delightful and creative!

Wonderful Isn’t anbul

Tammy_F, Sept 2025

We had a wonderful time a great way to see the city. We were so grateful for flexibility. Due to flight delay we could not make our booking date and this provider graciously allowed us to take part the following night. Would be happy to recommend and use again if we are lucky enough to return to Istanbul

Wonderful sunset cruise

Jo_M, Jul 2025

We cannot thank you enough for a brilliant trip. We didn’t want a cruise with dinner but there were canapés and fruit platters provided which were perfect. We were given water and the option of a cold or hot drink or to purchase beer. The commentary was informative and there was plenty of time to chat, listen to the music and enjoy the beautiful views. The boat was clean and comfortable. All the meeting point information was sent to us in advance with clear instructions and a map to the relevant location. Our hosts were super friendly and helpful and took their time to speak to everyone on board, offering help and information about our visit to Istanbul if we needed it. We cannot fault this experience. I am so grateful for your assistance with an issue that I had to enable us not to miss our trip. A heartfelt thank you for everything.

Awful

Amirali_I, Jul 2025

They left without me , you guys ruined our honeymoon , worst people in the world. We wanted to see Istanbul for honeymoon . They couldn’t even wait for us for 5 minutes

Sailing on the River

Paul_C, Jun 2025

Great customer service On time Good Snacks and Drink Choices friendly crew great sunset heading back into Istanbul

Lovely sunset cruise with gorgeous views

JeanPaulS_A, Sept 2024

Lovely sunset cruise, with some gorgeous views over 2hrs-ish (or just a bit over). You’ll be on a yacht (lower, upper and front deck) , picked up from Karaköy pier, with 30 or less other people. The guide, Robert, was friendly and informative. You will be served lemonade, water, fruit platter and a small platter size of delicacies (baklava, bread roll etc). Wine and beer can be purchased but do bring cash with you! It was a very relaxing experience!

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you for your nice thoughts about us. For us, it was a great pleasure to host you. We would be proud to see you and your loved ones among us next time, again. Best Regards, Bosphorus Tours Istanbul

Amazing experience

Sarah_E, Aug 2024

Highly recommended. The cruise is very well organised, the information given by Mr. Robert was very rich and entertaining. The snacks, the drinks, the fruits were served as described. Everything was so perfect.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Great vibes!

Shabina_A, Jul 2024

Fantastic sunset cruise! Good music, great tour guides and beautiful backdrop! Don’t hesitate to book!

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Simply amazing !!

Dennis_V, Jul 2024

Guide and Staff were very attentive. Went above and beyond expectations !!! Food was great. Def worth the experience

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Wonderful highly recommended tour of the Bosphorous

jennifer_k, Jul 2024

Loved it. Second review as others would not post with the beautiful sunset photos. I will be back and highly recommend this tour, company and Robert!

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Fabulous yacht cruise!

Addy_K, Jul 2024

It's actually a yacht! Lots of room, lovely service. Snacks were light and delicious!! Instructional were clear and meet up was really easy. Boat is pretty smooth but you do get the feel of the ocean, which I love! Fantastic sunset pictures! I sat on top right side and that was perfect and always close to shore for awesome pictures. Even got extra local recommendations from the tour guide!

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Didn’t Happen!

Maniza_R, May 2024

Seller delayed the trip by 24hrs then cancelled due to mechanical problems. To be fair they sent nice postponement/ cancellation messages

Great tour

Phuong_T, Jan 2024

Great proper 2.5 hrs tour, great service with drink and snack onboard. The view is stunning. Highly recommended.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Lovely sunset experience

Kosha_M, Dec 2023

Great trip on the bhosphorous. We got to see both the European and Asian side attractions with good commentary from the guide with lot of information. The snacks were great!

Response from Host, Dec 2023

First of all, we would like to thank you for choosing ''BOSPHORUS TOURS ISTANBUL'' and taking the time to share your valuable opinions with us. We would like to state that our service quality will further increase thanks to your valuable opinions and comments. We would be very happy to welcome you again and see you among us. Best Regards BOSPHORUS TOURS ISTANBUL

Great way to see greater Istanbul.

Russell_T, Oct 2023

Fantastic way to see more of Istanbul than the area of the old City. Boat was comfortable but not a luxury yacht as we would define luxury. Good commentary on key sights throughout the tour. Drinks and snacks were good. Overall a very good experience.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Good

Kaynat_R, Oct 2023

Everything was good. Only weather was bad but it was out of anyones control. Guide commentary was nice and the cookies were nice. Only thing i would say is they didnt have coffee or any juice as mentioned on the ad. (i wasnt offered any choice other than water/tea or alcoholic drinks which you have to buy), overall good experience. Please note that the boat sways alot since it was smaller boat so if you get easily nauseous choose a bigger boat.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Worthwhile Experience

Martin_B, Oct 2023

A bit difficult when arriving early as the “official greeter” hadn’t arrived and lots of others trying to trick you onto a different tour. Boat was fine but not exactly a luxury yacht. However the tour guide worked extremely hard to point out all the sites to guests scattered throughout the boat. Views were very nice and in general a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Best ever sunset cruise experience!!

Bindu_K, Oct 2023

The cruise was amazing !! The seating was so cozy and the boat was not crowded so we could move around so comfortably .We were even able to stand outside and enjoy the breeze .The snacks were plentiful!! The commentary was great and he described all the landmarks as we went along .

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Must do!

Elizabeth_E, Sept 2023

Amazing cruise with fantastic commentary. We went on our first evening in Istanbul and it helped us understand the history and to recognise some of the buildings. Snacks are served - nibbles plus a selection of fruit included. Drinks are available to buy and prices are reasonable. Thoroughly enjoyed it all!

Response from Host, Sept 2023

highlight of our trip!

Pamela_L, Aug 2023

the guide was very knowledgeable and all the staff were very friendly and helpful! we caught a beautiful sunset across istanbul and it was the highlight of our trip. i felt the boat was a little busy with kids running about but i understand as not a private tour! still recommend!

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Delightful

farhan_d, Aug 2023

Tour guide was very knowledgeable, friendly with a friendly approach, warm and a nice sense of humor

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Very enjoyable and would recommend

David_G, Aug 2023

Very scenic and pleasant smooth boat ride. We sat up top and had a nice view. The staff were friendly and the commentary helpful although a little quiet were we sat. The staff were easy to find at the dockside and the boat was not too crowded. Snacks and refreshments served were a fine touch.

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Great experience

Nazlee_M, Jul 2023

Attentive/friendly staff, lovely finger food and drinks. Beautiful sunset over the Bosphorus! Took the yacht from Karikoy and back

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Enjoyed it.

Gary_M, Jun 2023

Enjoyed the slow pace, nibbles where nice the tour guide was excellent knew his stuff, but to call it a luxury yacht is pushing it far from it, I saw many different prices and I suppose the more you pay the better the yacht.

Response from Host, Sept 2023

Amazing!

Caroline_R, May 2023

Amazing trip on the Bosphorus, our guide Youssuf was really friendly and knowledgeable, he gave us regular information throughout the tour on the various sights, and his English is perfect. We were served lemonade, canapés and a large fruit plate which was delicious. The staff is very attentive, they gave us blankets (for those who want to sit on the deck, which is the best spot!) Note that the drinks are not included, but you can purchase them on board at a reasonable price, or bring your own drinks from outside on the boat.

Response from Host, May 2023

Well worth it

MaryLorna_D, May 2023

Great trip, great commentary definitely recommend to others. Enjoyable nibbles and drinks which were more than expected

Response from Host, May 2023

Great guide and staff, not for the boat

Alessandro_S, Apr 2023

I had the experience with my girlfriend and other people. The staff lived up to expectations, especially the guide, who explains very well what you see during the trip and was also really kind throughout the trip. Unfortunately that day they had a problem with the yacht and we had the experience with a normal boat for carry people. Overall it was a good experience especially for the travel guide.

Response from Host, May 2023

Hello our dear guests, Hope you enjoyed our cruise, We would like to apologize for the incidince that happened that day and there was last minute engine problem when the yacht was coming to pier. thats why we had to bring our alternative boat. we are very happy to hear that you had a good time. Thank you for your nice thoughts about us. For us, it was a great pleasure to host you. We would be proud to see you and your loved ones among us next time, again. Best Regards, Bosphorus Tours Istanbul

Likely to Sell Out