Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Buyukada

The best part of this trip is the change of pace. Istanbul’s ferries, minarets, and shoreline fade behind you, then the Princes’ Islands replace city noise with pine trees, old wooden houses, quiet lanes, and sea air. Heybeliada gives you a calmer first look, while Büyükada offers more time and more to see.

I like the generous ferry time, which turns transport into part of the day, and the low price of $18, especially when lunch and island transfers are included. Guides such as Oktay and Suleyman are often singled out for being warm, clear, and helpful. The main drawback is simple: eight hours sounds long, but the island stops can feel short if you want to walk to distant sights.

Key points to know before you book

• Two islands in one day: Usually visit green Heybeliada and larger Büyükada, though the first island can sometimes change.
• A long sea crossing: Expect roughly 1 to 1.5 hours on the way out and again on the return, with Istanbul views along the route.
• Lunch on board: The included meal is Turkish food with one bottle of water, if you select the lunch option.
• Free time, not a tightly guided march: You receive explanations and meeting instructions, then explore independently.
• Electric vehicles cost extra: Bicycle hire and electric vehicle rides are optional and are not included in the $18 price.
• A lively finish: The return boat may include music and dancing, followed by a short shopping stop in Sultanahmet.

Why the Princes’ Islands make a good break from Istanbul

The Princes’ Islands sit in the Sea of Marmara, but the appeal is not just the ferry ride. They feel removed from Istanbul’s traffic and constant movement. You get sea views, old houses, small port areas, green lanes, and a slower village atmosphere without needing a separate overnight trip.

This excursion is best understood as a relaxed day out rather than a deep historical tour. The guide provides background on Istanbul and the islands, but the main pleasure is having time to look around at your own speed. You can walk, sit at a café, browse small shops, or simply watch the water.

The price matters here. At $18 per person, the tour is unusually inexpensive for a full-day outing with boat transfers and a lunch option. You should not expect a private guide or a carefully tailored walking tour at that rate. You are joining a shared boat experience, and the day includes a shopping stop that some people may find unnecessary.

Finding the boat near Kadir Has University

If you arrange your own transport, the meeting point is across from Kadir Has University. Take the T5 tram from Sirkeci and get off at Cibali, then walk toward the water and look for the boat named MİLANA.

Hotel pickup is available for selected areas, including Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Kabataş, Eminönü, Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Laleli, Beyazıt, and Vezneciler. Pickup times run roughly from 8:00 to 9:15, depending on your address. You should wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the stated time.

The pickup option adds convenience, but it also adds time. A bus ride of about 45 minutes can be useful if you are staying in one of the covered districts, especially when you do not want to navigate Istanbul’s morning transport. If you are already near the port, meeting the boat yourself may be quicker.

The ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara

The boat journey is a major part of the experience, not just a transfer between stops. On the way out, you pass Kınalıada and Burgaz Island, with Istanbul gradually shrinking behind you. The water gives you a fresh view of the city’s waterfront and lets you settle into the day.

The outward journey may take about 1.5 hours, while some descriptions give roughly one hour for the crossing. Plan for a long ride either way. That is good news if you enjoy sitting outside with a tea and watching the shoreline, but less appealing if you want constant sightseeing.

Tea, coffee, snacks, soft drinks, and fresh juices are available to buy on board. Bring a light jacket even in warm weather, since the sea breeze can feel cool. A professional photographer also works on the boat and may offer photos for sale. Ask for the price before agreeing to anything.

The return crossing is sometimes more animated than the morning ride. Music, singing, and dancing may turn the boat into a small international party. That will appeal to you if you like a social finish. If you want a quiet ride after a long day, choose a seat away from the main activity.

Heybeliada, the green and quieter stop

Heybeliada is the second-largest of the Princes’ Islands and is known for being the greenest. The stop usually lasts about 45 minutes to one hour, giving you enough time for a short walk, photos, and a look around the port area.

The island’s calm mood is its main attraction. Do not expect to cover every road in less than an hour. Instead, use the time to get a feel for the island, enjoy the trees and old buildings, and ask the guide for the best nearby sight.

A Greek Orthodox monastery is one useful target if it is included in your walking route and time allows. It is around 15 minutes from the boat according to the practical directions provided during the tour, though steep sections can make the walk feel longer. Wear shoes with a good grip, especially if you hope to reach higher points or religious sites.

The order is not fixed in every departure. Heybeliada may occasionally be replaced by another island, such as Kınalıada, and the islands may be visited in a different order. That flexibility is worth knowing before you book. If one particular island is your main reason for joining, ask the operator about the planned schedule on your date.

Büyükada and its wooden mansions

Büyükada is the largest and usually the main event. You can expect roughly two and a half to three hours here, though the exact timing can shift. The port area is livelier than Heybeliada, with cafés, small shops, and more choices for a break.

The island is famous for its old wooden mansions and quiet streets. You can walk through residential areas, take photos of the architecture, and follow the guide’s suggestions for viewpoints or historic buildings. The island is hilly, so even a short route may involve slopes.

You may hear about the abandoned Greek orphanage, a Greek monastery, or the former house associated with Leon Trotsky. These are useful points to research before the trip because two or three hours is not enough to see everything at a leisurely pace. Decide in advance if you prefer architecture, a scenic walk, a religious site, or time beside the water.

Electric vehicles and bicycles are available to rent, but neither is included. An electric vehicle can help you cover more ground, though the extra cost is yours and the operator does not accept responsibility for rental problems. Check that any bicycle or vehicle is in good working order before setting off.

One practical warning: some roads and routes are steep. The islands reward walking, but you should not treat this as a flat promenade. Comfortable walking shoes will make a real difference. If you plan to use an electric vehicle, confirm the price and payment method first. Some rides can be paid with an Istanbul transportation card, though this depends on the service used.

Swimming and summer beach time

The free time on Büyükada may include a chance to swim during the summer months. There are free public beaches and private beaches that charge an entrance fee. Beach admission is not part of the tour price.

This option works best if swimming is a bonus rather than your main goal. The schedule includes transport, a second island, lunch, and the return journey, so beach time may be limited. You should also allow time to return to the designated meeting point. Missing the boat is not a risk worth taking for a few extra minutes in the water.

Outside summer, plan on walking and sightseeing instead. The islands remain appealing in cooler months, and visiting in December or another quiet period can mean fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere. Bring layers, since the open boat deck can be chilly even when Istanbul feels mild.

Lunch on board and what the $18 covers

The lunch option includes a Turkish meal served on board and one water. The meal is generally described as simple, tasty, and satisfying rather than elaborate. It is a sensible arrangement because it saves you from spending part of your limited island time searching for a restaurant.

Drinks other than the included water cost extra. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available at what the operator describes as reasonable prices, but bring some cash or a payment method that works on board. The precise meal presentation can vary, so do not book this expecting a special dining cruise.

The base experience may be offered with different inclusions, so check the selected option carefully. Hotel transport and lunch are not necessarily included in every booking choice. At this price, the package remains good value even when you pay separately for optional extras, but the total cost can rise if you add transfers, drinks, beach admission, and an electric vehicle.

The shopping stop on the way back

After returning to Istanbul, the bus makes a short shopping stop, often in the Sultanahmet area. A fashion show featuring leather or fur may be part of this stop, with products offered for sale.

Some people enjoy browsing and the chance to see Turkish clothing products. Others find the stop unrelated to the islands and would rather return directly to their hotel. Go in with clear expectations: this is a commercial stop, not a cultural sight.

You are not required to buy anything. If you are interested in a product, ask about the final price, materials, return terms, and shipping before making a decision. Do not let the friendly atmosphere rush you into a purchase.

Guides, languages, and the feel of the day

The tour offers English, Arabic, and Russian guiding. Several guides are named in the service information and guest feedback, including Oktay, Suleyman, Ali, Ahmed, and Sulayman. The strongest part of the guiding is practical help: meeting people at the port, explaining the island plan, pointing out sights, and making sure everyone knows when to return.

Oktay is often praised for his friendly energy and clear English. Suleyman is also described as warm, professional, and helpful. The quality of a shared tour can depend on the individual guide assigned that day, but the structure allows you to enjoy the scenery even when you are not listening to every explanation.

The boat atmosphere can be cheerful and social. Music and dancing on the return journey are part of the appeal for many people, while solo visitors can find it easy to join in or simply watch. Families may like the open space and ferry ride, although younger children may find the long crossing tiring.

Who should book this island tour

I would choose this tour if you want an affordable day outside central Istanbul, like boat rides, and prefer a loose schedule over a detailed walking tour. It suits first-time visitors who want to see another side of the city without arranging ferries, lunch, and island transport themselves.

It also works well for families, couples, and solo visitors who enjoy a friendly group setting. The optional hotel pickup is useful when you are staying in one of the covered districts, and the multilingual guide support makes the day easier for international groups.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet, private outing, a long swim, or enough time to explore every corner of Büyükada. The schedule covers two islands, but that means you must choose your priorities. You may need to skip a distant monastery, mansion, or viewpoint rather than trying to fit everything in.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your Istanbul plans are still moving. Still, check the exact starting time, pickup area, lunch inclusion, and island order before paying.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want good value, sea views, and a simple escape from Istanbul. The ferry ride is scenic, the islands offer a welcome change from the city, and lunch plus transfers make the $18 starting price hard to fault.

Skip it if you dislike group activities, shopping stops, or long periods on a boat. For everyone else, bring walking shoes, a little extra money for drinks or electric transport, and a short list of Büyükada sights. That preparation will help you use the limited free time well.

FAQ

How long does the Princes’ Islands tour last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including hotel pickup or transport to the port, the boat journey, time on the islands, the return crossing, and the shopping stop.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The usual plan includes Heybeliada and Büyükada. The first island can sometimes change, and Kınalıada may be visited instead on some departures.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available with selected options for hotels and addresses in areas including Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Kabataş, Eminönü, Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Laleli, Beyazıt, and Vezneciler.

Where do I meet the boat if I do not use pickup?

The boat departs across from Kadir Has University. You can take the T5 tram from Sirkeci to Cibali, walk toward the water, and look for the boat named MİLANA.

Is lunch included?

Lunch served on board with one water is included when you select the lunch option. Other drinks, including tea, coffee, and snacks, are available at your own expense.

Can I swim during the tour?

Swimming may be possible during the summer free time on the island. Public beaches and private paid beaches are available, but beach entrance fees are not included.

Are bicycles and electric vehicles included?

No. Bicycle hire and electric vehicle rides are optional extras and are not included in the tour price.

What languages are available from the guide?

Guiding is available in English, Arabic, and Russian.