Bodrum Boat Trips & Day Tours: The Complete Guide

At Blu Yachting, we believe Bodrum is built for life on the water. From traditional wooden gulet cruises around turquoise bays to a quick ferry hop to a Greek island, our base on the Bodrum peninsula puts us at the heart of Turkey's finest boating territory. In this guide, we walk you through your options, where our boats depart from, how we run the famous Kos day trip, and everything you need for a smooth day on the Aegean.

What boat trips and day tours do we offer in Bodrum?

We have something for everyone. Our classic Bodrum boat trips circle the bays for swimming and snorkelling; our gulet cruises offer a relaxed full day with lunch on board; our private boat tours give groups their own itinerary; and our ferry connections open up day trips to the Greek islands and inland ancient sites. It is no surprise that our day trips from Bodrum are among the most popular experiences on the coast.

Where do we depart from?

Our ferries and international departures leave from the Bodrum cruise port, which sits beside the town centre just below the iconic Bodrum Castle, around 2 km from the heart of the old town. Check-in offices, passport control, cafés and car-rental desks are all nearby. Our local day boats and gulets depart from the adjoining harbour and marina.

What are our Bodrum boat trips and gulet cruises like?

On a typical Blu Yachting day boat trip, we cruise to sheltered coves and islands such as Karaada (Black Island), known for its thermal waters, with stops for swimming, snorkelling and a barbecue lunch on board. Our gulet cruises capture the full romance of sailing on a beautiful wooden yacht at a gentle, unhurried pace.

Can you book a private boat tour with us?

Absolutely. Our private boat tours and yacht day trips let you set your own route, choose your swimming spots and travel at your own pace. This is our most popular option for families, groups and couples who want a more exclusive day on the water.

How do we run the Bodrum to Kos day trip?

Our Bodrum to Kos day trip is one of the most popular excursions we offer. Our fast ferries cross from the Bodrum cruise port to the Greek island of Kos in roughly 20 to 45 minutes, with several daily sailings through the summer season. We typically depart in the morning and return late afternoon, giving you around six hours to explore Kos independently.

The route works in reverse too: our Kos to Bodrum day trip is equally popular with visitors staying in Greece. We always remind guests to carry their passport and bring euros, as Kos uses the euro.

What other Greek island and inland day trips do we offer?

Beyond Kos, our seasonal ferry connections reach other Dodecanese islands including Rhodes, Symi and Leros, though schedules vary by season so we recommend checking with us in advance. For history lovers, our Bodrum to Ephesus day trip heads inland to one of the world's greatest ancient cities, around 2.5 to 3 hours each way, always as a fully guided full-day tour.

When is the best time to join our boat trips from Bodrum?

Our boating season runs from May to October, with the calmest seas and most frequent ferry crossings in July and August. For warm water, smaller crowds and better availability, we recommend late spring and early autumn. Our Greek island ferry services run far less often in winter, so summer is the ideal window for island hopping with us.

How do you plan your trip with us?

For Greek island day trips, we recommend booking ahead in peak season. Carry your passport and allow time for passport control at both ports. For our local boat tours, you can often book directly through us a day or two in advance or at the harbour.

We advise bringing swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and water. Many of our tours include lunch on board, but please confirm this when you book. We also offer hotel pick-up on selected tours to make reaching the port completely stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the ferry from Bodrum to Kos?

  Our fast ferry from Bodrum to Kos takes roughly 20 to 45 minutes, with several daily crossings in summer, making it ideal for a day trip.

• Do you need a passport for our Bodrum to Kos day trip?

  Yes. Kos is in Greece, so all guests need a valid passport for both Bodrum and Kos passport control, plus euros for spending on the island.

• Where do your boats depart from?

  Our ferries leave from the Bodrum cruise port beside the castle. Our local day boats and gulets depart from the adjoining harbour and marina.

• Can you do a Kos to Bodrum day trip with you?

  Yes. We operate the route both ways, and our Kos to Bodrum day trip is a popular choice for visitors based on the Greek island.

• What does a Blu Yachting boat tour include?

  Our typical day tours include swimming and snorkelling stops at bays and islands, and often a barbecue lunch on board. We recommend confirming exactly what is included when you book with us.

• Is a private boat trip with Blu Yachting worth it?

  For families, groups or couples, our private boat tours offer flexibility, privacy and a fully customised route. We think it is well worth it.

• Can you visit Ephesus on a day trip from Bodrum?

  Yes. Our Bodrum to Ephesus day trip runs as a guided full-day tour, with around 2.5 to 3 hours of travel each way.