Princes' Islands Boat Tour: Route, Swim Stops and the Best Time to Go

Istanbul's best-kept maritime secret is not the Bosphorus, it is the Princes' Islands. Forty minutes from the city's noise wait pine-covered hills, quiet car-free streets and coves so clear they rival the Aegean. Visitors who take the ferry see the islands' streets; those who arrive by boat anchor in coves the ferry can never enter and swim in them. This guide brings together the route, the swim stops, the duration and the best season for a Princes' Islands boat tour.

The route: which islands do you visit?

The archipelago counts nine islands, and boat tours focus on the four largest. The classic route starts at Kinaliada, calls at the calm coves of Burgazada, pauses for a swim along Heybeliada's pine-forested shore and finishes past the grand mansions of Buyukada. The advantage of a private boat is that the order belongs to you: on a busy day the route simply redraws itself around the quietest bays.

Departures on the Istanbul side are usually from Kalamis, Fenerbahce or Pendik marinas; leaving from the European side adds a short Sea of Marmara crossing to the plan. The choice of departure marina directly affects the total duration.

The best swim stops

The islands' real charm lives in their coves. Cam Limani on Heybeliada, sheltered from the wind, is the classic first stop. The back bays of Burgazada are nearly empty on weekdays. The Aya Nikola stretch and Yorukali waters on Buyukada's southern shore are known for their clarity, and the turquoise ring around Sedef Island surprises most first-timers. What these spots share is limited ferry and foot access: arriving by boat means having the water largely to yourselves.

If swimming is the priority, build the day around two long stops rather than four short ones. For how the islands compare with the city's other swim spots, see our guide to the best places to swim in Istanbul; for a dedicated swimming day on a private boat, our Istanbul swimming tour page has the details.

How long does the tour take?

The islands route covers more distance than a Bosphorus cruise, so it rewards a generous schedule. From the Kalamis area, a single-island plan with a swim stop fits into 4 to 5 hours; visiting two or three islands with proper bay time calls for a 6 to 8 hour full-day charter. The flow our guests choose most often starts with a yacht breakfast at Cam Limani, spends the afternoon off Buyukada and meets the sunset on the Marmara during the return leg.

Private boat or ferry?

The ferry is an economical and pleasant way to walk the islands' streets; but for swimming, choosing your own route and staying clear of the crowds, a private boat is a different experience altogether. On a private charter the boat belongs to your group alone: the music, the catering, the length of every stop and the route are your call. We compared the two options in detail in our piece on the advantages of renting a yacht to the Princes' Islands. For birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations afloat, our Princes' Islands cruise page lists the arrangements.

When should you go?

The swimming season runs from mid June to the end of September, with the Marmara warmest in July and August. June and September offer the best balance of warm water and empty coves. In spring and autumn the tour becomes a scenery and photography day; the islands' greenery is at its brightest in April and May. Weekdays are quieter than weekends in every season.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim on a Princes' Islands boat tour?

Yes; bay stops are the heart of the program. The boat anchors in a sheltered cove and you step down the swim ladder straight into clear water. Life jackets and a swim ladder are standard on every boat.

Can the islands tour be combined with a Bosphorus cruise?

On a full-day charter it is possible, but each route deserves its hours. Rather than squeezing both into one day, choose the islands if swimming comes first and a Bosphorus cruise if the skyline and history come first.

What determines Princes' Islands boat tour prices?

Duration, boat size and catering are the main factors. Because of the distance, the islands route calls for a minimum charter of 4 to 5 hours; current rates are on our Istanbul yacht tour prices page.

Is the sea rough on the way?

The Marmara crossing can bring brief light chop, while the coves themselves are sheltered. The captain plans the calmest crossing time and route for the day's wind; if you are prone to it, our seasickness tips help.