Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 137 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise worth booking?
Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise is a 2-hour experience in Istanbul, Turkey, from €25 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 137 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (137)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- €25 per person
Start your day with a luxury yacht cruise along the Bosphorus. Enjoy the refreshing breeze, admire Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, and discover the city’s rich history with insights from our professional guide. Relax in comfort while our friendly crew ensures an unforgettable experience. For Swimming Option :6-hour group yacht cruise to the Princes’ Islands (10:00 AM–4:00 PM) without a guide, with free time for swimming and relaxation. Complimentary sandwiches and soft drinks are served on board. Please bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any personal or children’s swimming equipment. For everyone’s comfort, please follow basic hygiene rules. This activity is not suitable for guests who cannot swim.
What you get
About this experience
Start your day with a luxury yacht cruise along the Bosphorus. Enjoy the refreshing breeze, admire Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, and discover the city’s rich history with insights from our professional guide. Relax in comfort while our friendly crew ensures an unforgettable experience. For Swimming Option :6-hour group yacht cruise to the Princes’ Islands (10:00 AM–4:00 PM) without a guide, with free time for swimming and relaxation. Complimentary sandwiches and soft drinks are served on board. Please bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any personal or children’s swimming equipment. For everyone’s comfort, please follow basic hygiene rules. This activity is not suitable for guests who cannot swim.
What's included
Included
- Freshly prepared Turkish coffee, along with delicious cookies and baklava, is served onboard.
- Restroom on the boat
- Professional Tour Guide
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Transfer services
What you'll see and do
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace (Turkish: Dolmabahçe Sarayı) located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey, on the European coast of the Bosporus strait, served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1887 and from 1909 to 1922 (Yıldız Palace was used in the interim period).
Pass by without stopping
Çırağan Palace (Turkish: Çırağan Sarayı), a former Ottoman palace, is now a five-star hotel in the Kempinski Hotels chain. It is located on the European shore of the Bosporus, between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy in Istanbul, Turkey. The Sultan's Suite, billed at US$35,419.68 per night, is ranked number 14 on World's 15 most expensive hotel suites compiled by CNN Go in 2012.
Pass by without stopping
Besiktas
Beşiktaş (Turkish: [beˈʃiktaʃ]) is a district and municipality of Istanbul, Turkey, located on the European shore of the Bosphorus strait. It is bordered on the north by Sarıyer and Şişli, on the west by Kağıthane and Şişli, on the south by Beyoğlu, and on the east by the Bosphorus. Directly across the Bosphorus is the district of Üsküdar.
Pass by without stopping
Ortakoy
Ortaköy (lit. Middle Village) is a neighbourhood within the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, Turkey, on the European shore of the Bosphorus. it was originally a small fishing village, known in Greek as Agios Fokas (Άγιος Φωκάς) in the Byzantine period and then as Mesachorion (Μεσαχώριον, meaning 'Middle Village').
Pass by without stopping
Arnavutkoy
Arnavutköy (lit. 'Albanian village';[2][3] Greek: Μέγα Ρεύμα, romanized: Mega Revma) is a neighbourhood in Istanbul, Turkey renowned for its wooden Ottoman mansions and seafood restaurants, as well as for the campus of the prestigious Robert College with its historic buildings. It is part of the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, and is located between Ortaköy and Bebek on the European shoreline of the Bosphorus strait.
Pass by without stopping
Galatasaray Island
A half natural half artificial island, which is the only island in Bosphorus Strait.
Pass by without stopping
Bebek Park
Bebek is an affluent Istanbul neighbourhood located on Bebek Bay on the European shore of the Bosphorus strait. It falls within the administrative boundaries of Beşiktaş district and is flanked by similarly affluent neighbourhoods such as Arnavutköy and Rumeli Hisarı.
Pass by without stopping
Rumeli Fortress
Rumelihisarı (also known as Rumelian Castle and Roumeli Hissar Castle[1]) or Boğazkesen Castle (meaning 'strait-blocker castle') is a medieval fortress located in Istanbul, Turkey, on a series of hills on the European banks of the Bosphorus. The fortress also lends its name to the immediate neighborhood around it in the city's Sarıyer district.
Pass by without stopping
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
The Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge ("Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror Bridge"; Turkish: Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü, abbreviated as F.S.M. Köprüsü), also known as the Second Bosphorus Bridge (İkinci Köprü), is a bridge in Istanbul, Turkey spanning the Bosphorus strait (Turkish: Boğaziçi). When completed in 1988, it was the 5th-longest suspension bridge span in the world.
Pass by without stopping
Anadolu Hisari Fort
Anadoluhisarı (English: Anatolian Castle), known historically as Güzelce Hisar ("the Beauteous Castle"[1]) is a medieval Ottoman fortress located in Istanbul, Turkey on the Anatolian (Asian) side of the Bosporus. The complex is the oldest surviving Turkish architectural structure built in Istanbul, and further gives its name to the neighborhood around it in the city's Beykoz district.
Pass by without stopping
Kucuksu Pavilion
Küçüksu Pavilion is a summer palace that was used by Emperors of Ottoman. It was used as a resort and also a hunting lodge. Now it is used as a museum. We will enter this museum and experience the Ottoman architecture and rich history.
Pass by without stopping
Kuzguncuk Sahili
Kuzguncuk is a neighborhood in the Üsküdar district on the Asian side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. The neighborhood is centered on a valley opening to the Bosphorus and is somewhat isolated from the main part of the city, being surrounded by nature preserves, cemeteries, and a military installation. It is a quiet neighborhood with streets lined with antique Ottoman wooden houses.
Pass by without stopping
Beylerbeyi Palace
The Beylerbeyi Palace (Turkish: Beylerbeyi Sarayı, literally meaning the palace of the bey of beys) is located in the Beylerbeyi neighbourhood of Üsküdar district in Istanbul, Turkey, at the Asian side of the Bosphorus. An Imperial Ottoman summer residence built between 1861 and 1865, it is now situated immediately north of the first Bosphorus Bridge. It was the last place where Sultan Abdulhamid II was under house arrest before his death in 1918.
Pass by without stopping
Uskudar
Üsküdar (Turkish pronunciation: [ysˈcydaɾ]) is a large and densely populated district of Istanbul, Turkey, on the Anatolian (Asian) shore of the Bosphorus. It is bordered to the north by Beykoz, to the east by Ümraniye, to the southeast by Ataşehir and to the south by Kadıköy; with Karaköy, Kabataş, Beşiktaş, and the historic city center of Fatih facing it on the opposite shore to the west. Üsküdar has been a conservative cultural center of the Anatolian side of Istanbul since Ottoman times with its numerous historic landmark and little mosques and dergahs. It is home to about half a million people.
Pass by without stopping
KIz Kulesi
The Maiden's Tower (Turkish: Kız Kulesi), also known as Leander's Tower (Tower of Leandros) since the Byzantine period, is a tower on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait, 200 m (220 yd) from the coast of Üsküdar in Istanbul, Turkey. The tower appeared on the reverse of the Turkish 10 lira banknote from 1966 to 1981.[2]
Pass by without stopping
Galataport
Galataport Istanbul is a modern cruise port and waterfront destination located in Karaköy. With its restaurants, shops, museums, and stunning Bosphorus views, it is one of Istanbul’s most popular seaside attractions.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Istanbul
We’ll meet at Kabataş Square, near the glass elevator (the lift with the M sign), with our board: GOLDEN CITY TOURS.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We’ll meet at Kabataş Square, near the glass elevator (the lift with the M sign), with our board: GOLDEN CITY TOURS.
Options you can book
Island swimming Cruise 6 hours
6 hours without guide
Afternoon Cruise with Guide
English Tour Guide
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bosphorus Tour Organisations
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for people who are prone to seasickness
- Not recommended for people with vertigo.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 137 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
137 verified traveler reviews for Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience
Noor was so nice & helpful & amazing snacks and fresh fruits
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.
via Tripadvisor
Sunset cruise
Very pleasant sunset cruise, with beautiful views of the both the european and asian coastline. The boat is super comfortable and the staff is very nice. Great experience overall.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.
via Tripadvisor
Good vibes
Tea was good! Views were amazing too
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.
via Tripadvisor
Thanks
Aleyna, Kaan and team was very nice. Lovely cruise.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing customer service
Aleyna was very kind and helpful!! Great view, good food
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words :) We were very pleased to host you and hope to see you again soon.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €25 to €80
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 48
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bosphorus Tour Organisations, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.7 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Bosphorus Tour Organisations runsWhy this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Istanbul.
How much does Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise cost?
+
Prices start at €25 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Istanbul usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Istanbul is not rushed.
Is Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 137 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Istanbul, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise?
+
Around 48 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Istanbul can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Istanbul and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Istanbul within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Istanbul?
+
On Outty we rank every Istanbul experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Princes Islands Blue Journey from Old City Istanbul, Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience, Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Istanbul?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise?
+
Included: Freshly prepared Turkish coffee, along with delicious cookies and baklava, is served onboa; Restroom on the boat; and Professional Tour Guide. Not included: Alcoholic beverages; and Transfer services. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise?
+
We’ll meet at Kabataş Square, near the glass elevator (the lift with the M sign), with our board: GOLDEN CITY TOURS. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise?
+
Across 137 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, the guide, food and drink. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
What booking options are available for Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including Island swimming Cruise 6 hours, Afternoon Cruise with Guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Istanbul Guided Bosphorus Afternoon or Swimming Cruise.
Pick your date
