Boat tours in Istanbul
Istanbul looks different from the water. The most comfortable months are June to September, with highs around 80°F (27°C) and about 6 rainy days a month.
Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Top boat tours in Istanbul
Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in IstanbulFrom $7View 
Istanbul Pier lotti, Eyup, Balat Tour by Cable Car and BoatFrom $34View 
Golden Horn and Bosphorus Boat Tour in IstanbulFrom $17View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
Local operators and places
Names that come up for boat tours in Istanbul:
How to pick a good boat tour
- Decide between a shared boat (cheaper, fixed route) and a private charter (your pace, your stops).
- Ask whether the boat has shade. An open deck for three hours in summer is hard work.
- Morning departures usually have calmer water; afternoons can get windy and choppy.
- Check the cancellation rule for bad weather. Good operators rebook or refund if they cancel.
Istanbul month by month
Averages for Kireçburnu, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 48 (9) | 49 (9) | 54 (12) | 61 (16) | 70 (21) | 78 (26) | 82 (28) | 83 (28) | 76 (25) | 68 (20) | 59 (15) | 51 (11) |
| Low °F (°C) | 38 (4) | 38 (4) | 41 (5) | 47 (8) | 55 (13) | 63 (17) | 69 (20) | 70 (21) | 63 (17) | 56 (14) | 49 (9) | 42 (6) |
| Rainy days | 17 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 18 |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:00 pm | 6:38 pm | 7:10 pm | 7:43 pm | 8:15 pm | 8:38 pm | 8:35 pm | 8:04 pm | 7:14 pm | 6:24 pm | 5:46 pm | 5:37 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for boat tours in Istanbul?
June to September. Expect highs around 80°F (27°C) and about 6 rainy days a month. The least comfortable months are January and February.
What time is sunset in Istanbul?
Sunset comes earliest in December, around 5:37 pm, and latest in June, around 8:38 pm. Pick a date in the planner above for the exact time.
Where can I book boat tours in Istanbul?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
