Princes’ Islands Tour from Istanbul

Exploring the Princes’ Islands from Istanbul: An Honest Review

If you’re considering a day trip out of the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, a boat tour to the Princes’ Islands might sound appealing. This guided excursion promises a scenic cruise past iconic sights like Topkapi Palace and Leanders Tower, with stops at Heybeliada and Buyukada—two of the most charming islands in the Marmara Sea. We’ve gathered feedback from travelers who’ve experienced this tour firsthand, so you can decide whether it’s the right fit for your trip.

One thing many travelers love about this experience is the stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline and historic landmarks from the open water, which is truly special. Plus, the lunch at a local fish restaurant often earns praise for its freshness and quality, making the day not just scenic but also delicious. However, some folks have noted that timing can be tight, and that the itinerary might feel rushed, especially with only brief stops on each island.

If you’re after a relaxed, culturally in-depth exploration of the islands, this tour might not satisfy all your curiosity—it’s more about enjoying the scenery and the sea than detailed historical storytelling. That said, it’s a decent pick for those who want a taste of island life without too much fuss, especially if you’re okay with a somewhat hurried schedule.

Who This Tour Suits Best: Travelers looking for a straightforward, scenic day out with some free time for personal exploration, combined with good value and a friendly guide. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate a balance of sightseeing and leisure, but perhaps less ideal if you’re expecting an in-depth cultural or historical tour.

Key Points

• Scenic boat ride offers great views of Istanbul’s landmarks and the surrounding sea.
• Visits to Heybeliada and Buyukada provide a glimpse of island life and natural beauty.
• Lunch at a seafood restaurant is generally well-received for freshness and quality.
• Timing may be tight, with limited free time on each island, so plan accordingly.
• Group size stays at a maximum of 30, making the experience more manageable.
• Transport and logistics are included, with hotel pickup and drop-off, which adds convenience.

A Detailed Look at the Princes’ Islands Tour

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The day kicks off around 9:00 am with pickup in Istanbul, in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan. From there, it’s a relatively short drive to the marina, where you’ll board a boat—and this is where the adventure truly begins. The boat cruise itself is likely to be a highlight, offering you spectacular views of Topkapi Palace, Leanders Tower, and Uskudar as you glide across the Marmara Sea.

The boat ride is a key part of the experience—many reviews mention the discomfort of crowded, non-air-conditioned buses and boats, which might be an issue if you’re sensitive to heat or crowds. One traveler pointed out that “crowded and uncomfortable seats in the boat” made it less enjoyable, so packing water and dressing appropriately can help.

Stop 1: Buyukada Tabiat Parki

The first stop is Buyukada, often the most popular island for summer visitors. It’s known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. You’ll have about two hours here, which is enough to stroll along the beaches or check out the town. The included lunch at a fish restaurant provides a good break—many describe it as “really nice” and “great,” especially if you like fresh seafood.

One review noted that they didn’t spend much time on the first island but appreciated the high-quality lunch. However, the overall time on each island can feel rushed, as the tour only allocates a limited window for exploration.

Stop 2: Heybeliada & Additional Islands

The second major stop is Heybeliada, which is smaller and less crowded than Buyukada. During the tour, you’ll see the beaches, enjoy the scenic greenery, or take a quick walk through the town. You won’t get a deep cultural dive, but you will get a taste of island life, especially if you like relaxing by the sea or want some free time to explore on your own.

The Return Journey

After spending time on the islands, the boat ride back is about 1.25 hours, followed by a bus transfer back to Istanbul. Travelers should know that waiting times before departure can be lengthy—one review mentioned waiting an hour on the boat dock, which might make the whole day feel longer than expected.

What’s Good About This Tour?

Guides and Service: Many reviews commend the friendly and attentive guides. For example, one reviewer said, “Guide was very good and attentive and lunch was great,” highlighting the professionalism of the staff. A guide can make or break the experience, and this tour seems to have a team that strives to keep guests engaged.

Cost-Effective: At just under $60 per person, including lunch, hotel pickup, and transportation, this tour offers good value especially if you’re looking for an easy, all-in-one package. The price covers local taxes and includes a mobile ticket, simplifying the logistics.

Views and Relaxation: If you’re after picturesque scenery and a break from the city noise, this trip delivers. Many travelers note the boat ride itself is a highlight, offering unique perspectives of Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosphorus.

The Downsides: What to Watch Out For

Limited Time on Islands: Several reviews mention that only about 20 minutes are allocated for exploring each island, which can feel a bit rushed. One person said, “We only had 20 minutes on each island,” which isn’t really enough to soak in the atmosphere or visit major sites.

Crowded Vehicles and Waiting: With a maximum of 30 travelers, the group size is manageable, but some reviews pointed out long waits—up to an hour—before departure, or on the boat. For those who prefer more comfort or punctuality, this could be a drawback.

Not a Cultural Deep Dive: The tour is geared toward enjoying the scenery and beaches rather than exploring the islands’ history extensively. According to one review, “this tour turned into a photo tour,” as there’s limited time for cultural or historical insights.

Weather Dependence: Like any outdoor activity, this tour relies on good weather. If the skies are overcast or stormy, the experience could be less enjoyable, and cancellations or rescheduling are possible.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a relaxing day of sightseeing with minimal hassle. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, fresh seafood, and island views, you’ll likely find this trip satisfying. It’s also suitable if you’re okay with a somewhat rushed itinerary and aren’t expecting a detailed cultural narration.

However, if you’re seeking an in-depth exploration of the islands’ history or a quieter, more comfortable experience, you might want to consider alternative options, like a private tour or taking a public ferry at your own pace.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Istanbul, which makes logistics easier, especially after a long day.

What’s included in the price?
The tour cost covers transportation by air-conditioned minivan, boat cruise, local guide, lunch at a fish restaurant, and local taxes.

Are drinks or additional food available?
No, drinks and additional food are not included unless specified. You might want to bring some water or snacks, especially if you tend to get hungry during long outings.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride from Istanbul to the islands takes about an hour, with a return trip of roughly 1.25 hours. Expect some waiting times at the start and end.

Will I have enough time to explore each island?
Most travelers find about 20 minutes on each island is not enough for a thorough exploration. It’s more about quick visits and enjoying the scenery.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly targeted at children, the boat ride and outdoor exploration can be enjoyable for families, but be prepared for some crowds and limited time for activities.

Final Thoughts

This Princes’ Islands tour offers a straightforward way to see some of Istanbul’s nearby island gems without much fuss. The views, fresh seafood, and ease of logistics make it appealing for those who want a relaxed day by the sea. However, the limited time on each island and the possibility of crowds might make it less ideal for travelers craving a deeper cultural experience or more comfort.

If your priority is snapping photos, enjoying fresh fish, and taking in scenic views without too much planning, this could be a solid choice. Just keep in mind the potential for hurried stops and long waits, and plan your expectations accordingly.

Ultimately, this tour works best for those who value convenience and scenery more than in-depth exploration. It’s a good option if you like guided experiences with some free time and are happy to accept a bit of busyness along the way.