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Istanbul Afternoon Bosphorus or Swimming Yacht Cruise

70 Reviews 4.96 out of 5 stars Based on 70 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
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Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Istanbul, Turkey
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from $34.24 per person

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Istanbul Afternoon Bosphorus or Swimming Yacht Cruise Image 1
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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Overview

Join an unforgettable Bosphorus Afternoon Cruise and experience the rich tradition of Turkish coffee. Discover its journey from the Ottoman era to modern culture, learn about its unique brewing ritual, and enjoy freshly prepared Turkish coffee onboard with stunning Istanbul views.

Departing from Kabataş, discover Istanbul’s European and Asian shores, pass the 2nd Bridge, and admire Maiden’s Tower. Enjoy a luxury yacht experience with expert stories and delicious treats.

For Swimming Option

6-hour private 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

  • Freshly prepared Turkish coffee, along with delicious cookies and baklava, is served onboard.
  • Restroom on board
  • 2 Hours Luxury Yacht Cruise
  • Alcoholic beverages Alcoholic Beverages
  • Transfer services
See 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Ömer Avni
İskele Yolu No:28, 34427 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Bosphorus Strait (pass by)

The Bosphorus, or Bosporus with its historical name, is a strait and international waterway that separates the continents of Asia and Europe and connects the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea.The Bosphorus generally stretches in the northeast-southwest direction and divides the city of Istanbul into the European Side and the Anatolian Side.The Bosphorus is a gateway connecting Asia and Europe and is 30 kilometers long. It is the point that connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. The depth of the Bosphorus is 60 meters on average, and the deepest point reaches up to 120 meters. Its width is very variable due to its distance from the shore, and its widest point is 3500 meters.In the Bosphorus, there are currents from the Black Sea to the Marmara on the water surface, and from the Marmara to the Black Sea underwater. There are also occasional counter currents on the water surface.
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Dolmabahce Palace (pass by)

Dolmabahçe Palace is an Ottoman palace located on an area of ​​250.000 m² in Istanbul, Beşiktaş, between Dolmabahçe Street stretching from Kabataş to Beşiktaş and the Bosphorus.It is located on the left bank at the entrance to the Bosphorus from the Sea of Marmara, opposite Uskudar and Kuzguncuk.Dolmabahçe, which used to be a cove where ships anchored in ancient times, became the favorite residence of the sultanate, carries the memory of centuries and the clear splendor of the waters of the Bosphorus.
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Ciragan Palace Kempinski (pass by)

The Cıragan Palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed by the architect Sarkis Balyan. It is located in the place of a former wooden summer palace built by Selim Ill in 1800. In the course of the palace's construction the wooden structure and the nearby Besiktas Mevlevihane were destroyed.Cıragan's construction was completed in 1871. The palace is made of marble and is spread out over a total area of 80,000 square meters. After Abdelaziz was deposed, he was imprisoned here for years together with his family. After Murat V was deposed, he was also imprisoned here in a similar fashion for 29 years with his family.After the declaration of the Second Constitutional Monarchy in 1908, the palace was used as the House of Parliament, however it was damaged by fire in 1910. The palace grounds were transferred to the Besiktas Sports Club and were used for some time as the Seref Stadium. Toward the beginning of the 1990's the palace was restored and reopened as a luxury hotel
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Ortakoy (pass by)

Ortakoy is a neighborhood and district in the district of Beşiktas, on the European side of the Bosphorus. Ortakoy district, which consists of Ortakoy and Mecidiye districts, is a settlement established on the slopes along the valley opening to the coast. The northern border of the district, which is surrounded by Kurucesme, Ulus, Levazım, Balmumcu and Yildiz districts, is Defterdarburnu.Ortakoy Bazaar is lively at all hours of the day with its "intellectual market", souvenir shops, cafes, bars and restaurants inside the bazaar. But in the early hours of the morning, the market is a bit uninspiring. The movement starts after 10:00 am...
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Bosphorus Bridge (pass by)

The feet of the Bosphorus Bridge, one of the two suspension bridges on the Bosphorus, are located in Ortaköy on the European side and in Beylerbeyi on the Anatolian side. The Bosphorus Bridge, the first bridge built on the Bosphorus, provides access between the two sides of the city, together with the later Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the ferries operating on the Bosphorus.The idea of ​​building a bridge over the Bosphorus is quite old. After many attempts, the construction of the Bosphorus Bridge started in 1970 and the bridge was opened on 29 October 1973, the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic. This suspension bridge, which is an important link in the Turkish transportation network and is very active at all hours of the day, is also an important crossing point of the Istanbul Eurasa Marathon organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. In addition to transportation, the bridge is one of the important symbols of Istanbul with its unique Bosphorus view
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Rumeli Fortress (pass by)

Located in Sariyer, Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisari) was constructed directly across from the Anadolu Hisari (the Anatolian Fortress). Construction began in 1453 at the order of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror placing the fortress at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. The construction was completed in the short span of three months. Before the conquest of Istanbul, it was used to protect against naval attacks. After the conquest it was used to as an inspection point for maritime traffic on the Bosphorus. Over the centuries, the area inside the fortress filled with small wooden houses but in the course of restoration work in 1953 these houses were removed. After its restoration, the fortress came to be known for the numerous concerts given here during the summer months, and it now serves as an open-air theater and museum.
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Anadolu Hisari Fort (pass by)

The Anatolian Fortress (Anadolu Hisari) is located in in Beykoz (on the Asian Side), at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. It was built in 1395 by Beyazit I and is made up of a citadel and its exterior castle walls.After the conquest of Istanbul, it lost much of its strategic importance and was converted into a military hospital. Over time the area around the castle became settled. Today waterfront houses and old mansions are dispersed among the castle's ruins. During restoration work which lasted from 1991-1993 it was converted into a museum however it is not open to the public.Today, Anadolu Hisari is an open-air museum but only outer walls can be visited, and the road passes just through it.
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Kucuksu Pavilion (pass by)

We will see the Küçüksu Pavilion museum and relive history. Many Emperors of Ottoman used Küçüksu Pavilion as a Summer Palace and a hunting lodge.
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Beylerbeyi Palace (pass by)

The Beylerbeyi Palace (It means -Lord of Lords") is an Ottoman summer palace complex built in the 1860's on the shores of the Bosphorus. Today it lies right under the Bosphorus bridge. The building was designed by the well-known architect Sarkis Balyan and it combines elements of renaissance, baroque and other styles from both the East and West.The main building of the complex is a two-store construction, made of stone, on a high basement. The building was constructed on a land of about 2,500 square meters sits on a rectangular floor area. The South side of the Palace was organized as Imperial Mabeyn and The North side as Valide Sultan's Apartment. There is total 6 halls, 24 rooms, 1 hamam and 1 bathroom at two stores. In addition to the fantastic view of the Bosphorus and historical architecture, one should not miss exploring its lily pond and large garden.
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KIz Kulesi (pass by)

The Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi) is a distinctive feature of the Bosporus skyline. Built on a tiny island located about 200m from the shore of Uskudar, the tower is the main subject to many legends.The most popular legend though is about a sultan and his daughter. An oracle prophesied that the sultan's daughter would be killed by a snake bite on her 18th birthday. The sultan decided to protect her from this misfortune and had the tower built in the middle of the Bosphorus, where she was put to live her life in secrecy and protection.Finally on her 18th birthday, the sultan brought her a basket of fruits as a birthday gift, not aware of the hidden snake inside. Upon reaching into the basket the princess got bitten by the snake and died in her father's arms as foreseen by the oracle. Referring to this legend the tower got its name: Maiden's tower.
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Galata Koprusu (pass by)

The history of the Galata Bridge (Galata Koprusu), one of Istanbul's most exciting spots, begins in 1845. The bridge, which spans the two sides of the Golden Horn, has gone through many changes over the years. Most recently the bridge was damaged by fire in 1992 and a new bridge was built in its place. The beloved old bridge was moved to Halic.The Galata Bridge is an important symbol of Istanbul and has an important place in the daily life of the city, as well as in its literature and popular culture. With its restaurants, cafes and hookah lounges below and the tramway and pedestrian traffic passing above it offers a splendid view of the city, particularly in the evening.Together with the street peddlers, people fishing from the bridge and the ferries docking across the way it one of the most magnificent places to get a picture of daily life in Istanbul.
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Galata Tower (pass by)

Built by Genoese in 1348, the nine-story tower is 66.90 meters, and it was the tallest building in the city when built. In the Ottoman Era, the tower has been used for different purposes such as a fire observatory and a jail. During its long history, the tower witnessed a lot, but the most striking occasion undoubtedly was in 1632, when Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi glided from the top of the Galata Tower across the Bosphorus to Uskudar with his self-constructed wings.During a storm in 1875, the conic roof of the tower was destroyed and was not restored during the rest of the Ottoman Era. In 1960s the conical cap has been restored and the wooden interior was replaced by a concrete structure. Since then, the tower is open to public. Today there is a restaurant and café on its upper floor. With its essential role in Istanbul's skyline, Galata Tower is the optimum spot to catch a panoramic view of Istanbul
Read more
Show 11 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Q: Will I get seasick on Istanbul Afternoon Bosphorus or Swimming Yacht Cruise?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

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

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-422239P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.96
70 reviews

Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 70 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
67
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: Will I get seasick on Istanbul Afternoon Bosphorus or Swimming Yacht Cruise?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Istanbul Afternoon Bosphorus or Swimming Yacht Cruise?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (+03).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Freshly prepared Turkish coffee, along with delicious cookies and baklava, is served onboard.
  • Restroom on board.
  • 2 Hours Luxury Yacht Cruise.
The following is NOT included:
  • Alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Transfer services.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Istanbul Afternoon Bosphorus or Swimming Yacht Cruise is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for vertigo and seasickness
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Istanbul Afternoon Bosphorus or Swimming Yacht Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Freshly prepared Turkish coffee, along with delicious cookies and baklava, is served onboard.
  • Restroom on board
  • 2 Hours Luxury Yacht Cruise
  • Alcoholic beveragesAlcoholic Beverages
  • Transfer services

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for vertigo and seasickness
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Report Product Issue

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