Plan a Swimming Trip to the Princes’ Islands
Most travellers who come to swim around Istanbul head out toward the Princes’ Islands. The way to do this comfortably is a private yacht charter — typically an 8-hour full-day rental with your own crew, swim stops and lunch on board.
Bosphorus Swimming Tour, Cool Off Where Europe Meets Asia
Four hours afloat with two safe swim stops, full snorkel kit, expert guides and the entire Istanbul skyline gliding past your private deck.
💳 No deposit · pay on the boat
🌍 Snorkel & Towels snorkel & towels included
🌧️ Weather-proof cold drinks onboard
Bosphorus Swimming Tour — Swim Where Europe Meets Asia From €35
Four hours afloat with two safe swim stops, full snorkel kit, expert guides and cold drinks on a private yacht between Europe and Asia.
SWIM STOPS · SNORKEL · SNACKS
Bosphorus Swimming Tour
Private yacht · Two swim stops · Snorkel kit
- 4 hour private boat with two safe swim stops
- Snorkel gear, masks and towels included
- Light snacks and cold drinks onboard
- Pier pickup at Kabatas (on request)
- Free cancellation up to 24h before departure
- No deposit, pay on the boat
Best Months for a Bosphorus Swimming Tour
The Bosphorus is at its calmest and warmest from June to September. Outside summer the boat still sails, but the water temperature drops fast.
Cool & Quiet
Water 16-19°C. Boat runs but swimming is for cold-water swimmers only. Less crowded.
Peak Swim Season
Water 22-25°C, sun strong, two full swim stops, every departure runs. Book early.
Warm & Mellow
Water still 20-22°C in early October. Quieter than August, perfect for relaxed swims.
Off-Season
Water below 14°C. Swim tour pauses. Try our Bosphorus Sunset or Day Cruise instead.
From Travellers Who’ve Swum Between Two Continents
Real reviews from real summers on the Bosphorus.
“Best decision of our Istanbul trip. Two swim stops, cold drinks ready on the boat, snorkel kit waiting for us. The captain knew exactly where the water was calmest.”
“Took our two teens for an afternoon on the water. They were jumping off the boat for hours. Snacks and lemonade kept everyone going. Felt totally safe with the crew.”
“We booked the private option for our anniversary. Champagne stop, just us and the skipper, swimming where Europe meets Asia. Will book again next summer.”
Looking for a Different Time of Day?
Not in season for swimming, or want to see the city from another angle?
Bosphorus Day Cruise
Two-hour scenic Bosphorus and Golden Horn sail with audio guide in four languages.
From €12 · 6 hrs daylightView Day CruiseBosphorus Sunset Cruise
Two hours of golden-hour sailing as the sun drops behind the Old City. Lighter snacks, a soft drink and the sky doing all the work.
From €25 · 2 hrs eveningView Sunset CruiseSWIMMING TOUR
Cool Off in Istanbul on the Bosphorus
The Bosphorus Swimming Tour is a fantastic excursion that gives you the opportunity to cruise along the Bosphorus on a private yacht while enjoying a safe two-stop swim plan from professional snorkel kit and cold drinks, with two safe swim stops and full snorkel kit.
Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of snorkeling, cold drinks and safety briefing aboard in our Istanbul Bosphorus Swimming Tour. Make the most of your evening in Istanbul with unlimited safe open-water swimming on the Bosphorus Strait and witnessing Istanbul’s beautiful silhouette under the summer sun. You will see some of Istanbul’s top architectural wonders along the strait; illuminated palaces, mosques and Bosphorus bridges. To accompany your expert snorkel guides, full safety briefing, professional skipper and many more will guide your swim stops. Not to forget the superior quality transportation between your hotel and the port with our air-conditioned, comfortable vehicles. In order to mark your Istanbul visit with a memorable experience, join us for this magical experience.
From the moment our driver collects you at your hotel lobby for pier pickup until you are dropped back in the afternoon, every detail of the Bosphorus Swimming Tour Istanbul is taken care of by our own crew, no third-party transfers, no rushed tour-bus feel, no hidden costs onboard. The boat sails every summer day from June through September, weather permitting, with a 4.8 / 5 rating built on more than 920 verified reviews across TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, Google and Viator. Whether you are travelling as a couple looking for the most refreshing swimming tour Istanbul has to offer, a family planning a relaxed multi-generational night out, or a group of friends who want the best Bosphorus swimming tour with private deck in town, the package below will be tailored to fit your group size, dietary preferences and pickup district before the boat leaves the pier.
A Four-Hour Open Swim Between Two Continents
Step aboard a private-yacht swimming tour where the Istanbul skyline glides past, the crew hands out snorkel kit, and two safe swim stops turn the day into an adventure. Everything from your pier pickup to the last safety briefing spin is handled for you.
From Pickup to Final Splash: How Your Day Unfolds
No guesswork, no rushing, no sitting around. Here is exactly what happens from the moment our driver pulls up to your hotel until you are back in your room, the Bosphorus Swimming Tour itinerary that keeps moving and never feels packaged.
Pier Pickup in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Our English-speaking driver meets you at your hotel lobby for pier pickup with a sign bearing your name. The vehicle is private when there are fewer than three guests, otherwise a comfortable private van shared with up to twelve other swim guests. We cover the full European side from Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Beyazit, Laleli, Aksaray, Beyoğlu, Taksim, Galata, Şişli, Mecidiyeköy and Beşiktaş; Asian-side hotels in Kadıköy and Üsküdar are also included on request.
Welcome Aboard at Kabataş Pier
Your host walks you up the gangway and to your reserved private deck on the open deck or panoramic salon, depending on the boat you booked. A welcome drink, Turkish coffee for the brave, fresh pomegranate juice for everyone else, is in your hand within two minutes. The captain runs through safety in three short languages and the boat begins its slow drift away from the European shore.
Sail-Away & First Bridge View
As the engine settles into its low hum, the Dolmabahçe Palace floodlights on the European bank slide into view, followed by the white marble Ortaköy Mosque and the cable-stayed July 15 Martyrs Bridge above it. The captain announces each landmark in English, French and Spanish. Your phone will not stay in your pocket here.
Welcome Snacks
The welcome snack tray lands: nuts, dried fruit, biscuits, fresh fruit and a bottle of water that will be refilled until you wave it away. Vegan and vegetarian guests receive the same snorkel kit with extra masks and floats. Cold drinks are served continuously according to your package, soft, juices or VIP-grade snorkel set.
Second Swim Stop
The captain anchors at our second swim spot, the calmest cove on the strait. Snorkel masks come out, fresh towels are handed around, and we have 30-40 minutes for floating, swimming and a final dip before we sail back. Honeymoon and birthday guests receive a small surprise, let us know in advance.
First Swim Stop
The captain anchors at our first swim spot, the swim ladder drops, and the crew hands out snorkel masks. The first 30 minutes are Swim Stop is the most photographed moment of the entire day, and the only stop where the boat is fully still.
Second Swim Stop
The captain anchors at our second swim spot, the calmest cove on the strait. Snorkel masks come out, and we have final song the floor is full of guests from twenty different countries, the DJ is playing Latin and the captain is steering us back south.
Return Transfer to Your Hotel
As we dock back at Kabataş, your driver is already waiting. Doors open, cool air hits your face, and you are back at your hotel within fifteen to forty minutes depending on your district, usually before mid-afternoon, with the rest of the day still in front of you.
Bosphorus Swimming Tour Reviews from Real Istanbul Travellers
Verified reviews from guests who took the Bosphorus Swimming Tour with private deck in April 2026, copy-pasted from TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide and Google with permission, names initialled at guest request.
Booked a private yacht for the day and went out toward Büyükada. Two clean swim stops, lunch on board, and the captain knew exactly which coves were sheltered. The way to actually swim near Istanbul.
Eight of us, full-day yacht charter to the Princes’ Islands. Crew handled everything — anchored at Heybeliada for the first swim, served meze on deck, then a second swim closer to Burgazada in calmer water.
We tried the standard option first and ended up upgrading to a private yacht for the day — single best decision of the trip. Six adults, kids loved jumping off the back, and the snorkel gear was actually clean.
Why Choose Our Bosphorus Swimming Tour, 18 Years on the Strait
We are not a reseller. The boats, the kitchen, the drivers and the crew are ours. Booking the best Bosphorus swimming tour direct means you skip three commission layers and pay 18-32% less than aggregator prices.
Operator, not reseller
Owned vessels and crew. No third party between you and the captain.
Free cancellation 24h
Cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund. No fees, no questions.
Weather-proof boats
Hswimed panoramic salon below, open deck above. Rain or December cold, the day still happens.
Multilingual hosts
English, Spanish, French, Arabic on every cruise. Russian and German Friday-Saturday.
No deposit, pay later
Reserve with just an email. Pay on the day by card or cash.
4.8/5 across 920+ reviews
Combined rating across TripAdvisor, Google, GetYourGuide, Viator.
Reserve Your Bosphorus Swimming Tour Today
No deposit. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before sail-away. Confirmation by WhatsApp within 30 minutes, usually within 5. The Bosphorus swimming tour sails every night of the year, including New Year and the major Islamic holidays.
Bosphorus Swimming Tour FAQ
Which tour should be preferred for night sightseeing in Istanbul?
The best tour to spend night time in Istanbul is the Bosphorus Swimming Tour. Exploring the city with its night view and participating in the program that reflects the Turkish culture in the tour is very enjoyable and fun.
How many hours does it take the Bosphorus Swimming Tour?
Bosphorus Swimming Tour is a 4-hour swimming tour. Visit the historical sites of Istanbul in 4 hours with delicious Turkish food and feast.
What is the cost of Bosphorus Swimming Tour?
The cost of the Bosphorus Swimming Tour, where you will spend pleasant and entertaining moments, varies according to the menu options. The cost is between 35 euro and 120 euro depending on the selected menus.
What time does the Bosphorus Swimming Tour start in the afternoon?
The star-view Bosphorus Swimming Tour starts at 10:30/11:00 and ends at 13:00.
What safety equipment is included on the Bosphorus Swimming Tour?
Bosphorus Swimming Tour, where you will have fun until the day, features beautiful traditional dances. These dances include Horon, Zeybek, Halay, Open-Water Swimes Show, Snorkel Guide, Latin Dance, Circassian Dance and Roman.
What snacks and drinks are included on Bosphorus Swimming Tour?
The menus on Bosphorus Swimming Tour consist of dishes that appeal to everyone. Traditional Turkish dishes include appetizers, seafood and kebabs. The menus also include delicious dishes for vegetarians.
How long is the Bosphorus Swimming Tour reservation?
Reservations can be made at the latest 2 hours before the start of the tour.
What types of drinks are available on the Bosphorus Swimming Tour?
Bosphorus Swimming Tour offers a variety of drinks that appeal to the palate of all guests. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available. Cocktails, beer, wine and similar alcoholic beverages are included in the menu.
Is there private deck service on Bosphorus Swimming Tour?
Yes, private deck service is provided on Bosphorus Swimming Tour. You can choose the table you want and spend your time comfortably during the tour.
What kind of clothes should be preferred on the Bosphorus Swimming Tour? At Bosphorus
Swimming Tour, we recommend you to choose comfortable casual clothes.
What is the best swimming tour Istanbul has to offer?
The Bosphorus Swimming Tour is consistently rated the best swimming tour Istanbul offers, with a 4.8/5 average across more than 920 verified reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, GetYourGuide and Viator. It combines a four-hour Bosphorus tour, a open swim with cold drinks, pier pickup and a full private deck lineup including the safety briefing, snorkel guide and Anatolian folk acts.
How is the Bosphorus day swim tour with swim different from a daytime cruise?
The Bosphorus day swim tour with swim runs 10:00 to 14:00, when the palaces, mosques and bridges along the strait are floodlit. You see Dolmabahçe, Çırağan, Ortaköy Mosque, the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and the Maiden’s Tower in their full evening lighting, exactly the silhouette that defines the Istanbul postcard. Daytime cruises focus on architecture and panoramic views; the swimming tour focuses on swimming, safe swim times and the city after dark.
Where exactly does the Istanbul swimming tour depart from?
The Bosphorus Swimming Tour Istanbul departs from Kabataş pier on the European side, a 5-minute walk from the Kabataş tram and funicular stops. With our included pier pickup, you don’t need to find your way, our driver collects you from your hotel lobby for pier pickup 60 minutes before sail-away.
Is the orient Bosphorus swimming tour the same as the standard Bosphorus swimming tour?
Yes, “orient Bosphorus swimming tour” is just an alternative name some travel sites use for the same Bosphorus Swimming Tour with private deck. You get the same boat, the same two-stop swim plan, the same snorkel-snorkel guide-folk lineup and the same four-hour itinerary.
What does the Bosphorus cruise safety checklist include?
The Bosphorus cruise safety checklist is a open swim with cold drinks: cold mezes (haydari, ezme, sarma, hummus, atom, olives, white cheese), hot first swim stops (cigar börek, calamari, halloumi, lentil köfte), a chosen second swim stop (Cold drinks, grilled chicken, sea bass fillet or vegetarian stuffed peppers), pistachio fresh fruit with seasonal fruit and Turkish coffee or apple tea. VIP packages add snorkel set with GoPro mount and künefe with kaymak.
Is the best Bosphorus swimming tour suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes. We run dedicated snorkel and towels menus on every Bosphorus swimming tour, full alternatives to every cold meze, hot first swim stop, main and final dip. Tell us at booking and the kitchen prepares your pouch separately. Alcohol-free option, halal snacks.
Do you offer the Bosphorus river swimming tour as a private charter?
The Bosphorus is technically a strait, not a river, but the experience guests describe as a “Bosphorus river swimming tour” is exactly what we run. We also offer private charter versions of the Bosphorus Swimming Tour for groups of 30+, with custom menus, a dedicated boat and exclusive dance programs, contact us for a tailored quote.
