Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Buyukada

Leave Istanbul’s noise behind. This full-day trip gives you beautiful ferry views across the Sea of Marmara, time on two peaceful islands, and a taste of slower village life. At $18 per person, it is an unusually affordable way to spend eight hours outside the city.

I especially like the mix of guided background and unhurried free time. Guides such as Oktay and Suleyman are often praised for being friendly, clear, and helpful, while the return boat ride can turn into a cheerful music-and-dancing session. The main drawback is time: Büyükada deserves more than three hours, and the smaller island stop can feel brief.

Key points to know

• Two island stops: Usually Heybeliada and Büyükada, although the first island can sometimes change to Kınalıada.
• A long but scenic ferry ride: The crossing takes roughly one to one and a half hours each way, with fine views of Istanbul’s shoreline.
• Büyükada is the main event: You get around three hours for old mansions, cafés, walks, swimming, or optional electric transport.
• Lunch is included only with selected options: The meal is served on board, with one bottle of water included.
• Swimming costs extra: Public beaches may be free, while private beaches charge an entrance fee.
• Expect a shopping stop: The return to Istanbul includes about 30 minutes at a shop, often with a fashion presentation.

Why the Princes’ Islands make a good escape

The Princes’ Islands sit in the Sea of Marmara, just beyond Istanbul’s busy waterfront. The change is striking. Instead of traffic, trams, and crowded pavements, you get sea air, quiet streets, old wooden houses, cafés, and green hills.

Büyükada is the largest and most visited island in the group. Its grand homes reflect the island’s long connection with Istanbul’s wealthy residents and minority communities. Heybeliada is smaller and greener, with a calmer feel. Kınalıada and Burgaz Island are usually passed by during the cruise.

This tour works well if you want more than another museum or mosque but do not want to plan a complicated day trip yourself. Transport, ferry tickets, a guide, and selected meal options are bundled together. You simply need to arrive at the pickup point and follow the schedule.

The tradeoff is that this is a group outing, not a private island visit. The boat may have music, a photographer, and sales activity. If you prefer a quiet public ferry and hours of independent walking, you may find the organized format a little busy.

Starting from Istanbul’s Kadir Has University port

The boat departs from across Kadir Has University. If you are making your own way there, take the T5 tram from Sirkeci and get off at Cibali. Walk toward the water and look for the boat named MİLANA.

Hotel pickup is available from several central areas, including Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Kabataş, Eminönü, Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Laleli, Beyazıt, and Vezneciler. Pickup normally takes place between 8:00 and 9:15 in the morning, depending on your location. You should wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the assigned time.

The transfer to the port can take about 45 minutes. That matters because the eight-hour tour includes road transfers, ferry time, island visits, lunch, and the final shopping stop. You are getting a full day out, but not eight hours on the islands.

At the port, meet the guide before boarding. The tour is offered in English, Arabic, and Russian. Guides are an important part of the experience because they explain the islands and help you understand how to use your limited free time.

The ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara

The ferry crossing is one of the strongest parts of the day. Istanbul gradually recedes, and the city’s shoreline becomes a broad view of domes, mosques, waterfront buildings, and open water. It is a pleasant change of pace after several busy days in the historic center.

The scheduled cruise can last about 1.5 hours, while some descriptions refer to roughly one hour for the first crossing. In practice, the exact timing may vary with the route and island order. Plan for a substantial amount of time on the boat in both directions.

You can sit inside or find a place outside for views and sea air. Tea, coffee, snacks, and drinks are available to buy on board. A professional photographer also works on the boat. If you are interested in the pictures, ask for the price first. That simple question can save an awkward surprise later.

The return ride is often livelier than the outward crossing. Music, Turkish songs, and dancing may bring people together on the boat. Some people will love this friendly, international party atmosphere. If you hoped to read quietly after a tiring day, bring patience and perhaps choose an indoor seat away from the main activity.

Heybeliada, the green and quieter stop

Heybeliada is the second-largest of the islands and is generally the greener one. The usual stop lasts around 45 minutes, although the exact time and even the island itself can change. Some departures visit Kınalıada instead.

That variation is worth noting. The tour description presents Heybeliada as the first island, but the route may be adjusted. You should not book this trip expecting a fixed visit to the same island on every departure.

When Heybeliada is included, the guide gives basic information before you have free time to walk and take photographs. The island is well suited to a short stroll near the port. You may see quiet streets, trees, old houses, and a slower pace than in central Istanbul.

A Greek monastery is one of the places that can be reached from the port. It is roughly a 15-minute walk according to the practical directions provided during the tour, but remember that the island has hills. With only 45 minutes, you need to keep an eye on your watch.

This stop is best treated as a brief introduction rather than a full exploration. If you want to visit a monastery, climb to a viewpoint, and browse cafés, you may have to choose one priority. Wear shoes that are comfortable on slopes and uneven streets.

Three hours on Büyükada

Büyükada is where the tour gives you the most freedom. The usual break lasts around three hours, though some departures provide closer to 2.5 hours. That is enough for a good taste of the island, but not enough for every sight.

Start by listening to the guide’s orientation. You will receive directions about the port, meeting place, available transport, and possible walks. Take a photograph of the meeting point or save it on your phone. Missing the return gathering would create a serious problem on a timed group tour.

Büyükada is known for large historic mansions and quiet streets lined with wooden houses. The best experience comes from slowing down. Walk away from the immediate port area, look up at the façades, and allow time for a café stop or a seaside pause.

You can also use your free time for a longer walk. The island includes steep sections, particularly if you head toward monasteries or higher viewpoints. One route described by participants includes the old Greek orphanage, a Greek monastery, a scenic viewpoint, and the ruins of Trotsky’s former house. You will not have time for all of these unless you move quickly.

If history interests you, decide your target before arriving. If you simply want a peaceful afternoon, stay near the port, browse small shops, and enjoy the water. The tour is more satisfying when you accept that Büyükada is an introduction, not an exhaustive visit.

Electric vehicles, bicycles, and island swimming

Cars are restricted on the islands compared with mainland Istanbul, so bicycles and electric vehicles are common ways to get around. You can rent a bicycle or use an electric vehicle during free time, but neither is included in the tour price.

Some departures offer an electric local bus or vehicle ride toward the center of Büyükada. The cost may be paid with an Istanbulkart, according to the supplied trip details. Check the price and payment method before boarding, and make sure any rented bicycle or vehicle is in good working order.

The operator does not accept responsibility for problems connected with rented vehicles. That makes a careful inspection worthwhile. If you are not comfortable with hills, traffic, or unfamiliar rental equipment, walking near the port may be the simpler choice.

Swimming is possible during the summer months. The islands have both free public beaches and private paid beaches, and beach entrance fees are not included. Bring suitable clothing and allow enough time to return to the meeting point. A swim may sound relaxing, but it can consume much of your limited island time.

Lunch on board and what the $18 price covers

Lunch is served on the boat with selected booking options. The meal includes Turkish dishes and one water, while other drinks can be purchased separately. The food is generally described as simple, tasty, and satisfying rather than a special culinary event.

The timing is practical. Depending on the route, lunch may be served after the first island or before the longer Büyükada break. Eating on board means you do not need to spend part of your island time searching for a restaurant.

Check your chosen option carefully. Hotel pickup, drop-off, and lunch are not necessarily included in every price selection. Meals are not included for children aged two and under, and personal expenses remain your responsibility.

At $18, the value is strong even if you choose the basic option. Ferry tickets alone, local transport to the port, and the effort of arranging two island visits can add up. Here, you also receive a guide, organized transfers, and a planned route.

The price does not cover electric vehicles, bicycles, swimming spots, drinks, beach entrance fees, or personal purchases. If you want to rent transport, swim at a private beach, and buy food or drinks, your final cost will rise.

The shopping stop on the way back

Before the final hotel drop-off, the group makes a shopping stop in the Sultanahmet area, usually for about 30 minutes. This may include a fashion presentation, often involving leather or fur products.

This stop is not the reason to book the tour, and it interrupts the otherwise pleasant island day. Some people enjoy browsing and may find the products attractive. Others find the sales approach uncomfortable, especially when prices are high.

You are not required to buy anything. Keep the stop in perspective, and do not let a sales presentation turn a good-value excursion into an expensive one. After shopping, the bus returns to central drop-off points including Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Beyoğlu, and nearby districts.

The guides and the feel on board

The guides receive some of the strongest praise attached to this experience. Oktay is often described as warm, energetic, and clear, while Suleyman is noted for his friendly manner and useful explanations. Other guides, including Ali and Ahmed, are also mentioned as helpful during transfers and island visits.

The best part of having a guide here is not a long lecture. It is having someone explain the route, point out historical places, answer questions, and make sure you know when and where to meet again. That support matters when the island schedule is tight.

The crew also shapes the mood. The boat can feel social and cheerful, especially on the return journey. Music and dancing have become part of the outing for many departures, creating a relaxed atmosphere for solo visitors, couples, and families.

That energy is not for everyone. The boat is designed as an enjoyable group excursion, not a silent sightseeing cruise. If you want a more private or low-key day, the regular public ferry may suit you better, though you would need to arrange the island visits yourself.

Who should book this island day trip?

I would recommend this tour to first-time visitors who want an easy break from Istanbul’s historic center. It is also a good match for families, couples, solo visitors, and anyone who likes scenic boat rides but does not want to manage ferry schedules and transfers alone.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy a flexible outline: a little guided sightseeing, a little walking, optional swimming, optional bicycle or electric transport, and plenty of time to set your own pace.

It is less suitable if you want deep time on Büyükada, a fixed island route, or a completely independent day. The first island can change, and the shopping stop may not appeal to everyone. The hills also make comfortable shoes important.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies help if your Istanbul schedule is still changing.

Should you book the Princes’ Islands tour?

Book it if you want excellent value and an easy escape from Istanbul. The ferry views, calm island streets, friendly guides, included transport, and optional lunch make the $18 starting price hard to fault.

Choose another plan if you want to spend a full day exploring one island in detail. For this tour, pick one or two Büyükada sights in advance, keep some cash or an Istanbulkart available for optional transport, ask about photo prices, and treat the shopping stop as part of the schedule rather than a surprise.

For most people, this is a pleasant, well-priced day away from the city. Just bring walking shoes, accept the group-tour rhythm, and leave room for a little music on the way home.

FAQ

How long does the Princes’ Islands tour last?

The full excursion lasts about eight hours, including hotel transfers if that option is selected, ferry journeys, island visits, lunch, and the shopping stop.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The usual route includes Heybeliada and Büyükada. The first island may sometimes change, with Kınalıada used instead. Kınalıada and Burgaz Island may also be passed during the cruise.

How much time do I get on Büyükada?

The planned stop is about three hours, although some departures provide closer to 2.5 hours. This is enough for a walk and sightseeing, but not every attraction on the island.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only with selected booking options. It is served on board and includes Turkish dishes plus one water. Other drinks can be purchased separately.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from listed central areas, including Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Kabataş, Eminönü, Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Laleli, Beyazıt, and Vezneciler.

Where does the boat depart?

The boat departs across from Kadir Has University. You can reach the port by taking the T5 tram from Sirkeci to Cibali, then walking toward the water and looking for MİLANA.

Can I swim during the tour?

Swimming may be possible on Büyükada during the summer months. Public beaches and private paid beaches are available, but entrance fees are not included.

Can I rent a bicycle or electric vehicle?

Yes. You can rent a bicycle or electric vehicle on the islands during free time. These costs are extra, and the tour provider does not accept responsibility for rental-related problems.

Is the shopping stop compulsory?

A short shopping stop is scheduled before the return to your hotel. It may include a leather or fur fashion presentation. You are not required to purchase anything.