Caspian Sea Boat Tour with Skyline Views Baku

The Caspian Sea and Baku Bay

The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water on Earth, and Baku sits on a curved bay on its western shore. Seen from a boat, the city rises in terraces from the waterfront up the hillside, which is the reason a Caspian Sea boat tour is one of the most popular things to do in Baku. The trip lasts about one hour, and the water is usually calm inside the bay.

Departures run through the afternoon and evening, and the standard option has several sailings at half-past the hour. Baku is known as the city of winds, so departures depend on the weather, and we contact you if anything changes. If you are asking about the best time for a Baku boat trip, late afternoon and sunset bring soft light and the most colour on the skyline.

The Flame Towers and the skyline

The Flame Towers are three curved skyscrapers on a hill above the bay, completed in 2012 and the tallest of them about 190 metres high. Their shape is meant to recall the flames of Azerbaijan's fire heritage, and their surfaces carry LED screens that light up in flame patterns after dark.

From the boat you see the towers rise above the modern city and the old streets below, and they are the most photographed part of the Baku skyline. A trip in the evening makes the light show a highlight, while daytime departures show the shapes against the sky. The views of the towers are included in every option.

The Maiden Tower and the Old City walls

The Maiden Tower, Giz Galasi in Azerbaijani, is a round stone tower from the 12th century, standing at the edge of the Old City, or Icherisheher. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshahs' Palace, and its purpose is still debated by historians. Legends about a maiden who jumped from the top give it its name.

From the water, you see the tower and the golden stone of the old walls together with the glass of the modern city behind them. That contrast between medieval and modern Baku is one of the best reasons to book a boat tour rather than a walk. Many travellers visit the tower on foot the next day after seeing it from the sea.

Baku Boulevard, the Baku Eye, Crystal Hall and Flag Square

The boat follows Baku Boulevard, the palm-lined seaside promenade that runs for several kilometres along the bay. Along it you see the Baku Eye, a Ferris wheel that lights up after dark, Crystal Hall, the glass arena at the water's edge built in 2012, and Flag Square, which has one of the tallest flagpoles in the world.

These landmarks are easier to grasp from the sea than on foot, because the whole waterfront comes into view at once. Relaxing background music plays on board. Food and drinks can be bought on the boat, and are not included in the ticket.

Standard seating, business class and the photo session

The standard option gives you a boat ticket and a seat on the main deck. The business class options have fewer passengers, seats in a lounge and on a balcony, and complimentary Azerbaijani tea, so they suit couples and anyone who wants a calmer trip.

The third option is business class with a photo session led by a professional photographer, so you leave with photographs of yourselves against the skyline. Departure times differ slightly between the options, so check them when you book. Every option includes hotel pickup and drop-off and the boat admission ticket.