Bosphorus Tour and Heybeliada: A Day at Sea for Families with Children

Combining a Bosphorus tour and Heybeliada in one day gives families with children one of Istanbul's most relaxed days at sea: in the morning you spend about two hours on the boat watching the shores of the Bosphorus, then you spend the day picnicking and playing under the pine trees on Heybeliada. You return to Eminönü in the late afternoon. For children, the most important things to pack are a layer against the wind, a hat against the sun and enough snacks for the whole day.

The day's schedule

The Princes' Islands and Bosphorus Tour is a day trip lasting about 9.5 hours:

• 08:00 Departure
• 08:30 Bosphorus tour by boat of about two hours and crossing to Heybeliada
• 10:30 Free time at the Heybeliada picnic area
• 15:00 Departure from Heybeliada
• 16:30 Eminönü; return by coach
• 17:30 Arrival

Most of the day is spent outdoors. There is a long stretch of free time on the island; thinking in advance about how you will use it makes the day much more enjoyable, especially with young children.

On the boat: the Bosphorus through a child's eyes

During the Bosphorus tour you see palaces, mosques, fortresses, bridges and historic waterside mansions along the shores. The boat's route is shaped on the day by sea conditions, but the landmarks that usually catch the eye along the Bosphorus are:

• Dolmabahçe Palace: Instantly recognisable by its long white façade on the Bosphorus shore.
• Ortaköy Mosque: The elegant mosque at the water's edge, right beside the foot of the bridge.
• The Bosphorus bridges: Passing under the bridges that link two continents is one of the moments children find most exciting.
• Rumeli Hisarı and Anadolu Hisarı: Fortress walls facing each other on the two shores of the Bosphorus.
• Yalı mansions: Wooden and stone mansions lined up along the shore.

You can prepare a little game for the children on the boat, such as 'Who will spot the first bridge?' or 'How many red mansions can you count?'. Drawing a simple map of the Bosphorus and having them mark the places they see also keeps them engaged.

Dealing with seasickness

Although the sea in the Bosphorus is usually calm, you may feel the waves once you head out into the Sea of Marmara. For children prone to seasickness:

• Avoid heavy, fatty food before the trip and have a light breakfast.
• Choose to sit in the middle of the boat and in the open air.
• Keeping your eyes fixed on the horizon and not looking at a phone or book helps.
• If necessary, consult your doctor and take suitable precautions before the trip.

As stated in our catalogue, wind and sea conditions are decisive for programmes that include a sea journey. In bad weather, a change of date or an alternative programme is planned together with the group.

How the day goes on Heybeliada

After Büyükada, Heybeliada is one of the largest of the Princes' Islands. It is known for its pine forests, roads climbing the hills, historic mansions and quiet shores. Car traffic on the island is very limited, which makes it a spacious and safe setting for children.

In the programme, free time is spent at the picnic area. Some suggestions for making the most of it:

• Picnic: Spreading out your blanket in the shade of the pine trees becomes the centre of the day.
• Games: Light toys such as a ball, a skipping rope or a frisbee keep children busy for hours.
• Nature walk: A short walk among the trees, collecting pine cones and leaves, is a fun activity for little ones.
• Rest: Young children who got up early may even need a short nap in the shade.

To keep the children in sight on the island, agree on a meeting point and put a card with your phone number in the children's pockets.

Packing list for families

• Windbreaker or light jacket (on the boat, whatever the season)
• Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water bottles and plenty of snacks
• Picnic blanket
• Spare clothes (especially for young children)
• Wet wipes and a rubbish bag
• Light toys: ball, frisbee, skipping rope
• Insect repellent (in summer)
• Seasickness precautions if needed

About meals: the programme includes free time at the picnic area on the island. We agree the meal arrangements, what to bring and what is covered with you at the quote stage.

For school groups

In our catalogue, the Princes' Islands and Bosphorus Tour stands out as a good outdoor day for end-of-year trips and class outings. Free time on the island is planned under teacher supervision. With large classes, preparing activities that keep the group together at the picnic area makes things easier. For details, take a look at our school trips page.

Which season?

For this programme, with its sea journey and outdoor picnic, the most enjoyable time is late spring, summer and early autumn. In May and June the weather is mild and the island's trees are lush and green. In midsummer it gets hotter, but the pine shade and sea breeze help. September is a time when the crowds thin out and the weather is still lovely.

If you would like a shorter experience at sea, we describe the programme that crosses by boat from Salacak to the Maiden's Tower in our article how to get to the Maiden's Tower.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Bosphorus tour last?

In our catalogue programme, the boat makes a Bosphorus tour of about two hours and then reaches Heybeliada. The whole tour lasts about 9.5 hours.

Is the tour cancelled if the weather is bad?

On programmes that include a sea journey, wind and sea conditions are decisive. In bad weather, a change of date or an alternative programme is planned together with the group.

How much time is spent on Heybeliada?

The programme includes free time at the Heybeliada picnic area from 10:30 to 15:00. After that, you leave the island and return to Eminönü.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Yes. It is an outdoor day with little walking and plenty of picnicking. With a windbreaker, hat, snacks and spare clothes, you can easily join with young children.