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Bosphorus Canoe Experience via Maiden's Tower

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Two smiling women raise their paddles in an orange tandem kayak by Maiden's Tower, canoeing on the Bosphorus, Istanbul
Two smiling women raise their paddles in an orange tandem kayak by Maiden's Tower, canoeing on the Bosphorus, Istanbul
Red and yellow sea kayaks on the shore at sunset before a Bosphorus kayaking trip in Istanbul.
Three smiling paddlers in a green kayak on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, the Maiden's Tower behind
Two kayakers paddle a blue tandem across the Bosphorus at sunset in Istanbul, a ferry in the distance
Two paddlers in an orange kayak on the Bosphorus at sunset near Istanbul's Maiden's Tower

Between two continents, one hour on the water, You know Istanbul, but seeing the Bosphorus from water level, with the sound of your paddle and the seagulls, is something else entirely. Paddling out from the Uskudar shore, you glide right up to the legendary Maiden's Tower and take in the city's timeless skyline from a brand-new angle, right between Europe and Asia. No experience needed: this journey begins with a short safety briefing and ends as an unforgettable memory.

Once in a lifetime

Guests say it's special and unique.

Up to 1 hour

This activity lasts about 1 hour

Languages

English, Turkish

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Secure your spot and pay at the venue

Cancellation flexibility

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance

Away from the city's noise

Guests say it's a peaceful, calming escape.

Experience

On the water, between two continents, This is much more than an ordinary boat tour. With your own paddle, at your own rhythm, you glide across the calm waters of the Bosphorus. No phone, no traffic, no crowds; just you, the paddle and Istanbul's incomparable skyline.

The journey begins with a warm welcome at the meeting point. Even if you've never paddled before, there's nothing to worry about: after a short, easy-to-follow safety and paddling lesson, you put on your life jacket and settle into your canoe. Within a few minutes, you're out on the Bosphorus.

Your expert guide stays with you throughout, sharing the legends behind the Maiden's Tower and the stories of the Bosphorus, and pointing out the perfect moments for photos. As the sun sets behind centuries-old palaces and ferries glide between two continents, you capture that unforgettable shot. After about a 50-minute paddling session, you return to the starting point and savor the moment over a warm cup of Turkish tea.

By the end of the day, you won't have simply paddled in Istanbul; you'll have experienced the city you know from an angle you've never seen, right from the water.

Highlights

  • Unbeatable, water-level views, a paddle's distance from the Maiden's Tower
  • One hour on the Bosphorus, right between Europe and Asia
  • Beginner-friendly, safe canoe session that requires no experience
  • Photo break with the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace skyline
  • Expert guide sharing the legends of the Bosphorus and the Maiden's Tower
  • Small, intimate group of up to 10 people
  • Traditional Turkish tea after the session

What's Included

Equipment

  • 50-minute 9 supervisé Bosphorus canoe session
  • Safety briefing and basic paddling instruction
  • Canoe (single/double), paddles and life jacket
  • One small dry bag per canoe
  • Turkish tea after the session

Where we will meet

Salacak Su Ürünleri Kooperatifi

Open in Maps

Salacak Mahallesi, Harem Sahil Yolu Caddesi, Salacak Balıkçı Barınağı No:1 Üsküdar/İstanbul.

S.S. Üsküdar Su Ürünleri Kooperatifi is a small, traditional harbor hosting local fishing boats, located on the Salacak coastline in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul, directly facing the historic Maiden’s Tower. Offering an unobstructed, panoramic view of the Bosphorus, its easy sea access and relatively sheltered structure from strong currents make it one of the most popular and strategic launching points for water sports like canoeing in Istanbul.

$30person

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Secure your spot

Reserve now and pay at the venue

Planning a corporate event?

Planning a corporate event?

Let's plan a great day for your company together

Bosphorus Canoe Experience via Maiden's Tower

Liked what you read? Book your spot today.

$30person
Planning a corporate event?

Planning a corporate event?

Let's plan a great day for your company together

What our guests said about Istanbul Workshops

Real reviews from guests who joined us in Istanbul.

M

Molly

United Kingdom·June 9, 2026
5.0
It was so so fun! Loved the communication beforehand and Bahar came to pick us up and guide us to the workshop from a meeting point which was very easy to find (and paid for our travel!). We were greeted very warmly by everyone once we arrived and served snacks and drinks. Zanib who ran our workshop was a delight. So knowledgeable and fun to interact with. Getting to smell so many scents and really being able to choose something unique to you was amazing and if in any doubt Zanib was there to offer her excellent guidance. I would recommend this to anyone even remotely interested in making perfume or even just looking to fill a couple of hours.
A

Arzu

Turkey·June 8, 2026
5.0
Wir hatten eine wunderschöne Yachtfahrt und waren rundum begeistert. Das Essen war gut und ausreichend. Die Unterhaltung an Bord war abwechslungsreich und hat für eine tolle Stimmung gesorgt. Besonders hervorheben möchten wir unseren Kellner Yunus Emre. Er war äußerst freundlich, aufmerksam und professionell. Mit seiner herzlichen Art hat er dafür gesorgt, dass wir uns jederzeit wohl und willkommen gefühlt haben. Sein Service war erstklassig und hat unsere Erfahrung an Bord noch angenehmer gemacht. Wir können diese Yachtfahrt uneingeschränkt empfehlen und freuen uns schon auf das nächste Mal. Vielen Dank an das gesamte Team.
G

GetYourGuide traveler

Germany·June 9, 2026
5.0
I had a great time and the perfume is a nice souvenir to take home. The guide was great, the place is very cute and comfortable, we got tea, coffee and some snacks for free. Would 100% recommend!
A

Alexis

United States·June 8, 2026
5.0
Loved this activity making the lamp. A perfect keepsake to bring home. The girls in the shop were lovely! The snacks weren’t much, so don’t plan on skipping any meals. But the tea and coffee was very good. The lamp is the important part, and absolutely wonderful!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got a question? We're here to answer! If you don't see your question here, contact with us directly on our Contact Page →

What language is the workshop in?

Open sessions run in English and Turkish. The guide moves with each guest as needed. A private session can be set fully in English or fully in Turkish. Other tongues are open on request with a guide who covers them on some dates.

What should I wear to a workshop?

Wear something casual you do not mind a small mark on. Aprons are provided for crafts that can stain. Closed shoes are best for sessions with sharp tools or glass. No formal dress code beyond that simple guidance.

How long does a workshop typically last?

Most workshops run two to three hours from start to finish. A short demo and a wrap-up sit on either side of the build phase. You leave with the piece you made. Add buffer for travel to the meeting point.

Check for more questions

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Popular Workshops

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Contact

Call us at

+90 533 167 62 71

Say hello via

info@istanbulworkshops.com

See us at

Aziz Mahmut Hüdayi, Gülfem Sk. No:15, 34672
Üsküdar/İstanbul
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