If you’re planning a holiday in Kusadasi soon, you’re likely to want to book some days out or excursions. Kusadasi boat trips are a really popular day out but make sure you’re informed and prepared before you book.
How much will it cost?
One of the main things you need to know before you book any Kusadasi boat trip is how much the day is going to cost. There are a lot of tour operators selling different kinds of trips and prices will vary. Price can depend on who you book with, the time of year, the length of the trip and what’s included. Make sure you know upfront what the cost involves and what you get for the price.
Duration and itinerary
One of the most important things you should ask is what the tour duration is? Some Kusadasi boat trips only last a few hours while others will last the whole day. The itinerary will vary depending on the kind of boat and how long the tour lasts. For a tour lasting roughly from 9am to 4pm a typical itinerary will include 3-4 stops. It might also include lunch.
Boat trips in the Aegean sea are perfect for stopping at different bays and swimming in the crystal clear waters. You might even flat past some of Türkiye historic landmarks. Kusadasi has a wonderful national park, that is often a point of interest on one of these day trips.
Where does the trip start?
Depending on where you book, you might have a different starting point to others. By booking through Jet2, the trip included hotel pickup and transfer to the port of Kusadasi. I was informed of my exact pickup time and how I would get back to my hotel. This was a huge relief as it meant that I didn’t have to figure any of this out myself. If you book independently, you might have to make your own way to and from the port. Make sure you leave enough time to get there in time and that you’re able to get back to your accommodation safely.
Boat type and capacity
A lot of Kusadasi boat trips will take part on a traditional wooden gulet, which are great for larger groups. The boat trip I took in June 2023 was on this kind of boat. There was capacity for around 80 people. I booked through a Jet2 rep at our hotel (KoruMar Hotel De Luxe) who was able to offer advice on the boat and capacity.
There may also be options for a small group or private boat trips. You can choose the type of boat trip that suits you, your party size and the budget you have available. Be sure to ask what options are available and what the price differences are.
Facilities and amenities
I had my first experience of a boat trip in June 2023, in Kusadasi. I was a little bit nervous about what the boat would actually be like. If, like me, you’re not sure, you can ask beforehand.
A lot of the boats used on a Kusadasi boat tour often have both an upper deck and a lower deck. The top deck is widely used for a sunbathing area and to get great views of the sea. Our boat also had a shaded area on the top deck to ensure people could be safe in the sun. The bottom deck of the boat had lots of bench and table style seating, which was also used during lunch time. Some people used this to play games during the day. The bar and restrooms were also on the lower deck.
Activities and extras
When you’re asking about the cost of your full-day boat trip, you’ll want to make sure what is included. Although looking out to the beautiful bays and turquoise waters might be enough for some, others might want to do a bit more. Some boats will offer additional services such as scuba diving, snorkelling and trips to places such as archaeological sites and ancient ruins. Entrance or equipment might be an additional cost so make sure you’re prepared for this beforehand.
Meals and refreshments
If you have booked a full-day boat tour then it’s likely that you’ll need lunch during this time. Many Kusadasi boat tours include a traditional BBQ style delicious lunch with the cost. The lunch I experienced consisted of pasta, salad and chicken. If you have any dietary requirements, this is something you should confirm before handing over any money.
Although the boat trip I went on did include this type of meal, any snacks and drinks were extra. The bar served both soft drinks and alcoholic drinks as well as ice cream.
What should you take with you?
As someone who hadn’t been on a boat trip before, I wasn’t prepared for what I should have taken with me. Here are some things you might find helpful to take with you for the day:
- Suncream
- Swimwear
- Extra clothes such as a cover up
- Water shoes – the beaches/ bays are quite stoney
- Snacks and water – they prices can be quite high on board some boats
- Cash
- A towel or two
- Motion sickness medication
- A book or other entertainment
Safety measures
What safety measures are in place? Is there a trained crew, life jackets, and emergency equipment on board? As I booked through a Jet2 representative, I didn’t think to ask any of these things at the time of booking. You can always ask the crew before departure if they don’t already do a safety speech beforehand.
Have a great time
Kusadasi boat trips are such a fun way to see more of Türkiye and some hidden beauties of the Aegean coast. I had the best time on the trip I went on and it was a fantastic first experience on a boat. I enjoyed sitting on the top deck, feeling the warm touch of the sun while I sunbathed as well as dipping my toes into the water when we stopped at the crystal clear bays. Although I wasn’t brave enough to jump in from the diving board getting off and being in the sea was huge for me. This was a huge highlight during my time in Kusadasi.
Find out more about Kusadasi:
- Things to do in Kusadasi
- Staying at the KoruMar Hotel De Luxe hotel
- Exploring Kusadasi at night
- Kusadasi boat trips: what you need to know before you book
