Bosphorus Cruise with Kids: Which One Suits Your Family?
Published: · Bosphorus Glow
In short
For families with young children, the 2-hour daytime tour is the easiest: it runs in daylight, includes hotel transfer, and children aged 0–2 go free. For an evening out, the night cruise includes hotel pickup, dinner and shows, with children aged 0–3 free and 4–7 at half price. A private yacht is priced for the whole yacht, so children add nothing to the price.
Which cruise for which family
With small children, the hours matter more than anything else. The daytime tours leave at 11:00 or 14:00 and take two hours, which fits between meals and naps. The one-hour tour at 17:00 is the shortest way to be on the water if your children lose patience quickly.
The night cruise runs from 20:30 to 23:30. Older children usually love the dervish, folk dances and drums, but it is a late night for toddlers. The sunset cruise, 17:00 to 19:00, is a calm middle ground, but you come to Karaköy yourself.
Compare the four cruisesWhat children pay
Child prices are not the same on every cruise:
- Daytime tours: children aged 0–2 go free; from age 3 the full price applies, with no child discount.
- Sunset cruise: children aged 0–3 go free.
- Night cruise: children aged 0–3 go free and children aged 4–7 pay half price.
- Private yacht: the price is for the whole yacht, so the number of children does not change it.
Practical tips
It is cooler and windier on the water than in the streets, so bring a layer for each child, even in summer. Snacks and a drink help on the daytime tours, where tea is served on board. Tell us in your request how many children are coming and their ages, so the booking and the price are right from the start.
Hotel transfer, where it is included, is for centrally located hotels on the European side. Tell us your hotel and we confirm the pickup on WhatsApp.
When a private yacht makes sense
For a large family, or a family celebrating something, a private yacht can cost less per person than you expect, because the price is for the whole yacht. You choose the hours, so the trip can fit your children's day rather than the other way round.
See private yacht rentalQuestions and answers
Do babies pay on a Bosphorus cruise?
No. Children aged 0–2 go free on the daytime tours, and children aged 0–3 go free on the sunset and night cruises. They must still be included in the booking.
Is there a child discount on the daytime tour?
No. Children aged 0–2 go free, and from age 3 the full price applies.
Is the night cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome and ages 4–7 pay half price. Keep in mind that it runs from 20:30 to 23:30, which is late for small children.
Which cruise is shortest?
The one-hour boat tour at 17:00 from Eminönü, for €10 per person. It has no hotel transfer.
Can we bring a stroller?
Tell us in your request. We advise you on the cruise you choose before you book.
