Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruise Istanbul: Maiden's Tower at dusk

Watch the sun slip below the horizon from the water between Europe and Asia.

A 2.5-hour shared sunset cruise on the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul aboard a 25-meter luxury motor yacht, with a live English or Spanish-speaking guide, champagne or wine, homemade snacks and a pause at Maiden's Tower as the sun sets. The route passes Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian shore. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an add-on option at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Bosphorus Strait2h 30m · entry included
2. Dolmabahce Palacepass by
3. Ortaköypass by
4. Bosphorus Bridgepass by
5. Viaport Marinapass by
6. Rumeli Fortresspass by
7. Küçüksu Palacepass by
8. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridgepass by
9. Beylerbeyi Palacepass by
10. Galata Bridgepass by
11. Galata Towerpass by
12. Maiden’s Towerpass by
13. Golden Hornpass by

Bosphorus sunset luxury yacht cruise

• Board luxury yacht SUNSET BOSPHORUS
• Enjoy refreshments and music onboard
• Cruise along Bosphorus Strait
• Pass Dolmabahce Palace
• Pass Ortaköy Mosque
• Pass Bosphorus Bridge
• Pass Ciragan Palace ruins
• Pass Rumeli Fortress
• Pass Bebek residential area
• Pass Kanlıca neighborhood
• Pass Anadoluhisari Fortress
• Pass Küçüksu Palace
• Pass Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge
• Pass Beylerbeyi Palace
• Pass Galata Bridge
• Pass Galata Tower
• Pause near Maiden's Tower for sunset
• Return to starting point

The experience

The yacht departs from Viaport Marina on the European shore, and you'll head out toward the Black Sea as the crew raises the sails. The route winds through the strait's narrowest points, passing Ottoman palaces and fortresses that line both shores: Dolmabahce Palace with its mile-long gardens, the Ortaköy Mosque at the water's edge, and the Rumeli Fortress where Sultan Mehmet laid the foundation stone in 1452 to control passage through the strait. A professional guide in English or Spanish narrates the landmarks and their history as you move through the water.

On the return journey, the yacht slows at Maiden's Tower, the 180-meter offshore structure that stands between the European and Asian shores, so you can watch the sun drop below the horizon from the deck. Between the two continents, with a glass of champagne, white wine or soda in hand, this is the moment the cruise is built around. The crew serves homemade lemonade or fresh fruit juice depending on the season, unlimited coffee and tea, Turkish baklava, cookies and fresh seasonal fruits throughout the sail.

This is a small group cruise, not a private one, so you'll share the yacht with other travelers. You're asked to arrive 15 minutes before departure. The operator sends the exact pier location and directions via WhatsApp once you book. The schedule is subject to change daily based on weather, and the cruise runs weather permitting. Pets are not allowed on board, and the cruise is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

• 2.5-hour cruise on a 25-meter luxury motor yacht.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• one glass of champagne, white wine or soda.
• unlimited coffee and tea.
• homemade lemonade or fresh fruit juice.
• Turkish baklava, cookies and fresh seasonal fruits.
• hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected at checkout).

Options for this experience

2 options

Without TransfersGuide in English or Spanish · 16:00 and 16:30does not include hotel transfers

Hotel Transfers IncludedGuide in English or Spanish · 16:00 and 16:30includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 16:00 and 16:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (6 to 12 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bosphorus Cruise Tours Istanbul

Is this one for you?Choose the option with hotel transfers if your accommodation is in central Istanbul and you'd rather not navigate to Viaport Marina. Book without transfers if you're staying near the European shore or prefer to arrange your own way to the pier. Either way, the small group size and fixed return time mean the sunset moment itself is the anchor. You're not waiting for stragglers or chasing light that's already gone.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 12 years); Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What landmarks do you actually see on the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise?

The yacht passes Dolmabahce Palace on the European shore, Ortaköy Mosque at the waterside, the Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress at the strait's narrowest point, and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian shore. The route pauses at Maiden's Tower as the sun sets, the 180-meter offshore tower that stands between both continents.

Is champagne included, or do I have to pay extra for drinks?

A glass of champagne, white wine or soda is included in the cruise price. Coffee, tea, lemonade and fresh fruit juice are unlimited and complimentary. Alcoholic drinks beyond the included glass are available for purchase on board.

How long is the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise, and when does it depart?

The cruise runs 2 hours and 30 minutes total. The operator asks you to arrive 15 minutes before departure. The exact departure time and pier location are sent to you via WhatsApp after you book, as the schedule changes daily based on weather and daylight.

Can I book hotel pickup, or do I need to get to the marina myself?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an option at checkout. If you choose the option without transfers, you'll meet the yacht at Viaport Marina on the European shore. Public transportation options are available nearby to reach the pier.

Is this cruise private, or will there be other travelers on board?

This is a small group cruise shared with other travelers, not a private charter. The yacht holds multiple passengers, and you'll sail with other guests who booked the same departure.

What snacks and refreshments are served during the cruise?

The yacht serves homemade lemonade in summer or fresh fruit juice in winter, unlimited coffee and tea, Turkish baklava, cookies and a selection of fresh seasonal fruits. One glass of champagne, white wine or soda is included. Additional alcoholic drinks can be purchased on board.