Top Istanbul Water Tours

Discover the culinary delights of Istanbul on a small-group evening walking and food tour that explores the European and Asian sides of the city. Catch the ferry across the Bosphorus strait from Karakoy to visit Kadikoy Carsisi market for tastings of typical bites. Sail back to the European side for a hearty meal of kebabs and meze, then continue to other fantastic eateries for dessert and Turkish ice cream.

Istanbul’s magical skyline looks dazzling in the golden light before sunset—and glitters after dark as well. See it from a very special vantage point, the water, when you book these Bosphorus cruises. The golden hour option features iconic landmarks bathed in golden light, including the Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, and Rumeli Fortress; the night cruise lets you see the lights exclusively from the water.

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight.

Take in the highlights of Istanbul and maximize your time with skip-the-line entrance at the most popular attractions. Enjoy guided visits to the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Blue Mosque; browse the stalls at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar; and tuck into tasty Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides on a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise.

Get a fresh look at Istanbul on this sunset yacht cruise with a live guide to tell you all the top tales as you glide by palaces, mosques and minarets. Sail north as far as pretty Kanlıca, then head south to see the Bosphorus Bridge transformed into a dazzling LED light sculpture after sunset. As you travel, enjoy snacks, water, seasonal fruit, tea, coffee and, of course, Turkey’s signature baklava.

Taste your way around two continents during this small-group, half-day food and drink tour in Istanbul. Enjoy a mix of classic recipes, including doner kebab, meatballs, pide flatbreads, and the iconic baklava desert, passing by city landmarks along the way. Tours include all snacks and refreshments, plus ferry tickets to Kadıköy and back.

A Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia is a rite of passage when in Istanbul. Skip the hassle of selecting a boat on the waterfront and enjoy a premium experience aboard a spacious, yacht-style cruiser—with an audio guide in nine languages to explain exactly what you’re seeing. Your package includes tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Upgrade to add snacks with alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner option but want to plan something that combines cuisine with culture, this Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Night Show from Istanbul is a perfect choice. With dinner included, you’ll cruise the strait while taking in sights of some of Istanbul’s impressive attractions like the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Blue Mosque. Plus, you’ll enjoy live entertainment, too.

Escape bustling Istanbul for a day with a small-group cruise trip to the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara. Board a ferry and admire landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque from the water as you cruise toward these nine, traffic-free islets. Dock at Buyukada and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour, restaurant lunch, and free time before your return ferry. Includes pickup and drop-off from selected hotels, boat trip, and lunch.

Make the most of an evening in Istanbul with a scenic dinner cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. See Istanbul’s palaces, mosques and bridges from the water. Choose from a package that includes soft drinks or alcoholic drinks. Stay entertained on board with shows featuring belly dancers, folk dancers, and more.

Enjoy stunning evening views along Istanbul’s waterfront during this half-day Bosphorus dinner cruise. Settle back on a comfortable and spacious boat where a high-energy entertainment program awaits with folk dancing, belly dancing, and a live DJ set. Dinner cruises include hotel pickup and drop-off from the European side of the city and unlimited soft drinks.

Step aboard a cruise between Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus to enjoy dinner and shoreline views. Eat a 3-course menu of traditional Turkish meze at a private table accompanied by soft drinks and alcohol. In addition to enjoying views of the sites on shore—such as the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge and the Bosphorus Bridge—enjoy a show of traditional Turkish entertainment. Hotel pickup and transfer are included for convenience.

Stroll through Istanbul with the guidance and commentary of a private guide on this food-focused excursion. Your guide will provide facts about the city's culinary culture and history, and you'll stop along the way to taste traditional Turkish delicacies. Highlights include the Spice Bazaar, the back streets of Eminonu, and the Kadikoy fish market.

Experience the stunning beauty of Istanbul on a Bosphorus cruise. Glide along the famous Bosphorus Strait and marvel at the city's iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque and the Maiden's Tower, as well as the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Sip on complimentary Turkish tea or coffee while listening to fascinating stories about the history and culture of Istanbul. Opt for a sunset tour to see the city bathed in the sun's golden rays.

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.

This service has a passion for uncovering Istanbul’s lesser known historical treasures on foot. Visitors will first be taken to the imposing Galata Tower which overlooks Bosphorus and the Old City, then off the tourist trail to multi-cultural Fener, Balat, and Ayvansaray. The tour will finish with a relaxing ferry journey along the Golden Horn.

Explore Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait on this 3-half day boat tour. Enjoy a relaxed cruise in the company of experienced staff and discover the fascinating history of the sights you pass. Cruise under the Galata Bridge, stop at the European side under the Bosphorus Bridge, and take photos by the Rumeli Fortress. Bookings are available in the morning or late afternoon, to work conveniently with your travel schedule.

A cruise along the Bosphorus is a quintessential activity for visitors to Istanbul. With this tour, get more out of the experience with a guide that accompanies you onboard. Sail past landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, the Galata Tower, and the KIz Kulesi, learn about the history of the Rumeli Fortress, and pass the waterfront neighborhood of Ortakoy. Along the way, ask your guide any questions you have and gain a new understanding of Istanbul and Turkish culture.

Secure your spot on this popular evening Bosphorus cruise—one of the best ways to see the city of Istanbul—as it often sells out. Step aboard for nighttime views of Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Blue Mosque. Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with drinks and live entertainment, with hotel pickup included for a seamless experience.

Set sail along the Bosphorus, the meeting point of Europe and Asia, on this evening cruise. Experience Istanbul at its most atmospheric as you cruise past the illuminated city skyline and admire landmarks including Dolmabahce Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the Maiden's Tower. While on-board, tuck into a 3-course dinner and enjoy a variety of entertainment including whirling dervishes, belly dancing, and DJs.

Istanbul looks at its most dazzling when seen from the water. Enjoy a private yacht trip on an all-weather vessel with a transparent tent for cooler evenings. Sip on soft drinks and nibble on snacks as you sail. Choose from various options such as half- and full-day options, a speedboat adventure, a sunset journey, and longer island voyages that include swimming stops.

Watching the sunset over Istanbul’s skyline is best experienced from the water. This Bosphorus yacht cruise lets you relax as you glide past landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Beylerbeyi Palace. Sip traditional sharbat (a chilled, sweet drink) and enjoy baklava, cookies, fresh seasonal fruits, and other snacks while taking in the city’s waterfront views at sunset. Live commentary is available in English and Spanish.

See Istanbul’s minarets, mansions, mosques and palaces from the water as you sail between two continents on this long lunch cruise. Glide up to Anadolu Kavagi, a pretty fishing village near where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea, then scale the hill to an old fortress to capture dramatic photos. As you sail, savor a 2-course lunch with coffee, tea, water, snacks and fruit: alcoholic drinks are available for an extra charge.

Set sail on a leisurely afternoon cruise along Istanbul’s iconic Bosphorus Strait and into the Black Sea, offering spectacular views of historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Enjoy a delightful lunch featuring traditional Turkish meze, grilled chicken, and fresh fish. Cruise past significant sights such as Galata Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge before venturing into the Black Sea. Stop at the charming village of Anadolu Kavağı, where you can explore the medieval ruins of Yaros Castle, offering breathtaking views, or simply soak in the scenery before returning to Istanbul.