Kara Ada, or Black Island, is a small island in the Gulf of Gökova known for its natural springs and caves, and it is also called Cleopatra Island in local tradition. This cruise leaves from the centre of Bodrum around 11:00 and sails for roughly 30 minutes to the island, where you can swim in the natural springs. The day also includes swim stops at Meteor Bay, Aquarium Bay and Rabbit Bay, giving a mix of cove swimming and snorkelling over clear water. Lunch of chicken, salad, spaghetti and bread is included, with afternoon tea, and a vegetarian menu is available. Drinks are not included, and the Cleopatra pool has a separate small entrance fee. Groups are limited to about 31 people, so the boat feels more personal than the large party vessels, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before departure.
The attraction of Kara Island is the combination of swimming spots in a single day. The island's springs are warm compared with the surrounding sea, and the cave and cove areas give the day a bit of adventure beyond a simple swim stop. The bay names, Meteor, Aquarium and Rabbit, hint at what you will see: rocky shores, fish in clear water and shallow turquoise inlets. Expect to spend more time swimming than sailing, so bring a swimsuit and towel, and water shoes help if you are not keen on rocky entries.
Seasons
Boat trips and beach clubs around Bodrum mostly run from May to October, when the sea is warm and the weather is reliable. From November to April this cruise is unlikely to operate on most days, and the water is cold enough that few will want to swim, so treat it as a warm-season trip unless you see departure dates on the booking page. If you are travelling in shoulder months, book with the free cancellation option and keep your schedule flexible.
Practical tips
Meet at the Cumhuriyet Caddesi address given in your booking, arrive a little early, and carry some cash for drinks and the Cleopatra pool fee. Sun protection matters even on cloudy days at sea. If you have time for only one island trip, choose between this and the Orak Island cruise: Orak is the better pick for sandy-bottomed, shallow swimming, while Kara Island suits those who like springs, caves and a smaller boat.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group boat cruise to Black Island with swim stops at Meteor, Aquarium and Rabbit bays and lunch on board.
Best time
June to September; boats mainly run from May to October.
How long
About six hours, departing around 11:00 from central Bodrum.
Tips
Bring a swimsuit, towel and cash for drinks and the Cleopatra pool fee, and keep the free-cancellation window in mind for weather.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Swimmers who like coves, springs and a smaller group boat.
- Families
- Fine for swimming children with life jackets, though the long day suits school-age kids best.
- Couples
- A quieter day on the water than the big party boats.
- Pair with
- A hamam or a harbour dinner back in Bodrum.
- Time needed
- Six hours.
Good questions
When does the Kara Island cruise run?+
Boat trips around Bodrum mostly run from May to October. From November to April it is unlikely to operate on most days, so check availability on the booking page.
What is included?+
Lunch of chicken, salad, spaghetti and bread, with afternoon tea. Drinks and the Cleopatra pool entrance fee are extra.
How long is the trip?+
About six hours, starting around 11:00 with a sail of roughly 30 minutes to the island.
Which bays do you swim in?+
Meteor, Aquarium and Rabbit bays, plus the natural springs at Black Island.
Can I cancel?+
Free cancellation and rescheduling are offered until 24 hours before the trip.
