Princes Islands Istanbul: Boat Cruise & Island Exploration

Leave Istanbul's Noise Behind: A Boat Ride to Two Car-Free Islands

You board a boat in the Old City, sail past three iconic Istanbul landmarks, then spend the morning on Heybeliada exploring pine forests and historic sites, followed by three hours of free time on Büyükada, the largest island, to hike, swim, eat, or simply sit. The return journey brings you back past Topkapi Palace and the Maiden's Tower as the light changes. Includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned boat, and all transport between islands.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise and explore Princes' Islands

• Sail under Galata Bridge
• View Galata Tower
• Admire Topkapi Palace from water
• See Maiden's Tower
• Visit Heybeliada Island
• Explore Büyükada Island

The experience

One minute you're watching fishermen crowd the Galata Bridge, the next you're sailing under it, the city's roar fading as the boat heads toward open water. That shift (from the exhaust and horns of central Istanbul to the sound of waves and wind) is what this cruise is built around. You leave from the Old City and head straight out past the Maiden's Tower, that lonely illuminated structure on its tiny islet, then past Topkapi Palace cascading down toward the Bosphorus. Your guide points out the Galata Tower rising from the 14th century, still watching over everything. But the real point is what comes next: Heybeliada and Büyükada, the two largest Princes Islands, where cars don't exist and the air tastes different.

Heybeliada hits first. The island is thick with pine forest and old wooden mansions, the kind of place that makes you understand why people came here to escape. You walk or rent a bicycle, there's no other way, and the quiet is almost strange after Istanbul. There's a Naval High School here, historic churches, the Ayia Triada Monastery tucked into the trees. Most people grab seafood at a waterfront restaurant or just sit with coffee and watch the water. It's not a long stop, but it's enough to feel the difference. Then the boat moves on to Büyükada, the largest island, and this is where you get real time: three full hours to do whatever you want. Some people hike up to Ayia Yorgi Church for the view back across the Bosphorus. Others rent an electric vehicle and cruise the streets lined with old mansions, or find a beach and swim. The restaurants here are good (fresh fish, proper Turkish coffee), and the pace is entirely yours.

The return journey is the other half of the contrast. As the boat glides back toward the city, you see Topkapi Palace from the water, its pavilions and courtyards dropping down to the shore the way the Ottoman sultans built it four centuries ago. The Maiden's Tower passes again, now lit up as evening comes on. You sail back under the Galata Bridge, and suddenly you're back in the noise and traffic, but you've had a day that felt like a different city entirely. The boat is air-conditioned, the guide speaks English, and the whole thing runs on a fixed schedule so you don't have to think about timing or transport. It's the kind of day trip that works because it solves the problem: you want out of Istanbul for a few hours, but you don't want to arrange it yourself.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup (if arranged), boat transport to and between the Princes Islands, an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned boat, views of Galata Bridge, Galata Tower, Maiden's Tower, and Topkapi Palace from the water, time to explore Heybeliada on foot or by bicycle, three hours of free time on Büyükada to swim, hike, eat, or rest, and return transport to the Old City. Meals and bicycle or vehicle rentals on the islands are not included but are available to book on arrival.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 6 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by IMCA TOURISM

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full break from Istanbul's crowds and traffic without arranging your own transport, island ferries, or timing. The fixed schedule handles all of it, and three hours on the largest island gives you real time to move at your own pace.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (4 to 6 years); Infant (under 4): 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.

How long is the full cruise?

The itinerary covers a full day. Heybeliada is a shorter stop. Büyükada gives you three hours of free time. Total time on water and islands is roughly 8–9 hours depending on departure and return times.

Can I swim on the islands?

Yes. Both Heybeliada and Büyükada have beaches where you can swim. Bring a towel and swimwear if you plan to go in the water.

Are there restaurants on the islands?

Yes. Both islands have waterfront restaurants and cafes serving fresh seafood, Turkish dishes, and coffee. Prices are reasonable and food is good quality.

Do I need to book activities on the islands in advance?

No. Your three hours on Büyükada are free time. You can rent a bicycle or electric vehicle on arrival, hike, swim, or eat: no advance booking needed.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes. The boat and transportation are wheelchair accessible. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed.

What if I get seasick?

The boat is air-conditioned and the Bosphorus is usually calm, but if you're prone to seasickness, bring medication or ginger. The journey is not rough, but the water does move.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes. You're free to bring snacks or a picnic. The islands have restaurants, but bringing your own is fine.