The Bosphorus Only Boat Tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore the captivating waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Offering panoramic views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, this 2-hour cruise showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage in an affordable and accessible manner. With a knowledgeable guide providing insights, passengers can enjoy the beauty and history of the Bosphorus, making it a must-do experience for any visitor to the city. However, the true allure of this tour lies in the way it…
Key Points

- A 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus strait, connecting Europe and Asia, offering panoramic views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks.
- Highlights include Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ciragan Palace, and Rumeli Fortress.
- Pricing starts from Kč 350 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
- Live English-speaking guide and audio guide included, providing insights into the landmarks and landscapes.
- Tour not suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags are not allowed on board.
Overview of the Bosphorus Boat Tour

The Bosphorus Boat Tour is a 2-hour cruise along the waterway that connects Europe and Asia.
The tour offers stunning views of historical landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ciragan Palace, and Rumeli Fortress. Passengers can also admire the city’s mosques, wooden villas, and iconic bridges from the water.
The tour is accompanied by a live English-speaking guide and includes an audio guide. While meals and drinks aren’t provided, the tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the maritime landscapes of Istanbul.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags aren’t allowed.
Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Istanbul
Highlights of the Cruise

As passengers embark on the Bosphorus Boat Tour, they’ll be treated to a panoramic view of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
The cruise sails past the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Ciragan Palace, showcasing the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
Passengers also witness the Rumeli Fortress, a strategic landmark that guarded the Bosphorus.
Along the way, they’ll admire the vibrant mosques, charming wooden villas, and impressive bridges that dot the shoreline.
The unique maritime landscapes provide a one-of-a-kind perspective on the city, blending European and Asian influences.
Duration and Pricing

Although the Bosphorus Boat Tour lasts for 2 hours, it offers an affordable experience, with prices starting from Kč 350 per person. Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the "reserve now & pay later" option is also available. The pricing details are as follows:
| Pricing | Amount |
| — | — |
| Tour Price | From Kč 350 per person |
| Free Cancellation | Up to 24 hours in advance |
| Refund Policy | Full refund |
| Payment Option | Reserve now & pay later |
The Bosphorus Boat Tour provides an opportunity to explore the unique maritime landscapes and sights along the Bosphorus at a reasonable cost.
Cancellation and Payment Options
Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This offers flexibility for those who need to adjust their plans.
The reserve now & pay later option is also available, allowing customers to secure their spot without an immediate payment. This can be helpful for those wanting to lock in the tour but finalize their plans later.
The pricing starts from Kč 350 per person, providing a budget-friendly option for visitors to experience the Bosphorus cruise.
More Great Tours NearbyTour Guidance and Amenities

The tour provides a live English-speaking guide to accompany guests throughout the Bosphorus cruise.
Travelers can listen to an audio guide in English for additional information about the sights. A local guide is also provided to offer insights into the landmarks and landscapes.
While meals and drinks aren’t included, guests can purchase them on board. However, large bags and luggage aren’t allowed on the tour.
This boat ride isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to potential accessibility challenges.
- Small Group Tour: Essential Istanbul
- Pub Crawl Istanbul / Rooftop Parties & Party Bus
- Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour: Spice Market & Ferry
- Istanbul Sunset Yacht Cruise on the Bosphorus
- Istanbul Private Tours: 1, 2 or 3 Day Highlights
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise With Live Performance, Folk Dance and DJ
Restrictions and Considerations

While the Bosphorus boat tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the waterway connecting Europe and Asia, there are a few restrictions and considerations for prospective travelers.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed on board. This is likely due to the compact nature of the vessel and the need to maintain safety and accessibility for all passengers.
Travelers should be prepared to navigate the tour without the assistance of wheelchairs or with limited space for larger items. These restrictions are in place to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Customer Feedback and Ratings

A quick look at the overall customer rating of 3.6 out of 5 suggests a mixed bag of experiences for those who’ve taken the Bosphorus boat tour.
The positive highlights include:
-
Excellent value for money, rated 5 out of 5
-
Unique maritime landscapes and sights along the Bosphorus
However, some criticisms point to:
-
Issues with loud music on board
-
Concerns over pre-recorded guidance not matching the actual tour
-
Complaints about on-board pricing and hidden costs
While the tour offers an affordable way to cruise the Bosphorus, the customer feedback indicates room for improvement in the overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wifi Available on the Boat During the Tour?
The tour information provided does not indicate whether Wi-Fi is available on the boat during the Bosphorus Only Boat Tour. The details provided focus on the tour highlights, guidance, and restrictions rather than onboard amenities.
Can I Take Pictures and Videos During the Cruise?
Sure, guests can take pictures and videos during the cruise. The tour allows for photography and videography throughout the journey, enabling passengers to capture the stunning Bosphorus scenery and landmarks along the way.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Boat Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this boat tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children or infants due to the length of the cruise and lack of on-board amenities.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Life Jacket?
No, life jackets are provided on the tour. Passengers do not need to bring their own. The tour operator ensures all necessary safety equipment is available for the duration of the Bosphorus boat tour.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?
Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on board. The tour provides an onboard cafe, but meals and drinks are not included in the tour price. Passengers should plan to purchase any desired refreshments from the onboard cafe during the tour.
The Sum Up
The Bosphorus Only Boat Tour offers a captivating 2-hour cruise that showcases Istanbul’s stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks. With panoramic views of renowned sites, a live English-speaking guide, and an audio guide, the tour provides an affordable way to explore the cultural richness of the Bosphorus. While meals and drinks aren’t included, the experience remains a delightful option for visitors seeking to enjoy the city’s timeless beauty.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Museum Experiences in Istanbul
- Istanbul: Private Guided Tour of Mosques, Bazaars & Museums
- Turkey: 15-Day Skip-the-Line Museum and Attraction Pass
- Asia-Europe with Bosphorus Full Day Inc.Museum fees and Lunch
- Eyup, Pierre Loti Hill, and Kariye Museum: Guided Day Tour from Istanbul
- Istanbul: Topkapi Palace and Harem Museum Tour with Ticket
- Luxury Istanbul Tours: Museum Entrances & Luxury Vehicle
More Walking Tours in Istanbul
- Istanbul: Rainbow Fener & Balat Walking Tour w/Local Guide
- Istanbul: Private Walking Tour with a Local
- Taksim Istiklal and Beyoglu Walking Tour with Tour Guide
- Istanbul: Customizable Private Guided Walking Tour
- Istanbul: Balat, Red School, Pierre Loti Walking Tour
- Istanbul: Asian Side Highlights Guided Walking Tour
More Tour Reviews in Istanbul
- Morning Bosphorus Cruise with Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar
- Istanbul Religious Sites Tour w Lunch Eyup Sultan & More
- Istanbul: 2 Continents, 1 City: From Europe to Asia Tour
- Istanbul: Private Full Day Byzantine / Ottoman Relics Tour
- Magnificient Mosques of Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque Tour & Ticket + Optional Basilica
Still browsing? Here are more Istanbul experiences we've covered recently
- 4 Best 4-Day Tours In Istanbul (With Reviews & Prices)
- Istanbul’s 14 Best Walking Tours: Which To Choose?
- 11 Top-Rated Istanbul Shopping & Market Tours
- 14 Best Historical Tours In Istanbul (With Prices)
- Istanbul’s 5 Top Coffee Tours
- We Rank The 14 Best Dining Experiences In Istanbul
- Which Istanbul Wine Tours To Choose? Our Best 4 Picks
- Istanbul’s 11 Top Workshops & Classes
- 14 Of The Best Tours In Istanbul
- What Are The Best Cooking Classes In Istanbul? Our Top 7 Picks
- Our Picks For The 14 Best Tours & Experiences In Istanbul
- 5 Fantastic Massage & Relaxation Services In Istanbul
