Day Trip Ayvalık Bays and Cunda Island Tour with Swimming Breaks
Day Trip to Ayvalık Bays with Swimming Breaks and Cunda Island Tour
Ready for a short break from Istanbul's hustle and bustle and to spend a pleasant day in the deep blue waters of the Aegean! With the Day Trip to Ayvalık Bays and Cunda Island, you can enjoy a full-day boat tour, swimming breaks, and the unique atmosphere of Cunda all in one program.
Your journey begins with an overnight departure from Istanbul, arriving in Ayvalık in the morning. Throughout the day, you will explore Ayvalık's unique bays and have the opportunity to visit Cunda Island.
Tour Highlights
- 🚌 Round-trip transportation from Istanbul
- 🛥️ Full-day boat tour of the Ayvalık Islands
- 🌊 Swimming breaks at 3 different bays
- 🏝️ Aquarium Bay and the beautiful bays of Ayvalık
- 🍽️ Lunch included in the boat tour price
- 🏘️ Visit to Cunda Island and free time
- 📸 Plenty of photo opportunities with views of the sea, bays, and islands
- 📅 Guaranteed departures every Saturday and Sunday throughout the season
Starting the Day in Ayvalık
After our overnight departure from Istanbul, we arrive in Ayvalık in the morning hours.
You can start your day with one of Ayvalık's most famous delicacies, the Ayvalık toast, before preparing for our boat tour to explore the deep blue waters of the Aegean.
Ayvalık Islands Boat Tour and Swimming Breaks
Departing from Ayvalık, we begin exploring the region's stunning islands and bays on our boat.
Throughout the day, there are swimming breaks at three different locations, including Aquarium Bay. You can swim in the clear waters of the Aegean, relax on the boat, and enjoy the sea.
Lunch is included in the boat tour fee.
Cunda Island Visit
After the boat tour, our destination is Cunda Island, one of Ayvalık's most special spots.
During the free time in Cunda, you can walk through the island's historic stone streets, see the neoclassical Greek houses, explore local shops, and taste the famous mastic ice cream.
You will have free time to take photos in Cunda's unique Aegean atmosphere, spend time in its cafes, and explore the island at your own pace.
Return to Istanbul
After a full day filled with the sea, swimming, and exploring Cunda, we gather at the designated time to begin our return journey to Istanbul.
If you are looking for a pleasant day trip to discover Ayvalık's bays and Cunda Island, swim in the Aegean Sea, and take a short break from city life, this weekend getaway awaits you.
Explore Ayvalık and Cunda with Turvop
Through Turvop, you can check the current dates and prices for the Day Trip to Ayvalık Bays with Swimming Breaks and Cunda Island Tour, select a suitable weekend, and make your reservation.
Important Information
The boat route, swimming points, departure times, and program schedule may change depending on weather and sea conditions as well as operational reasons. It is recommended to check the updated program and included services for the selected date prior to the tour.
Day 1: Departure from Istanbul, Ayvalık, Ayvalık Boat Tour, Cunda Island
Meeting Points and Times
00.30 Incirli Metrobus Stop (In front of Nevada Coffea & Incirli Kiosk)
00.45 Mecidiyekoy Square (In front of Nevada Coffea & IETT Stops)
01.00 Kadikoy Civil Registry Office Parking Lot Front
01.10 Bostanci Bridge (Towards Ankara)
01.20 Kartal Bridge (Towards Ankara)
01.30 Pendik Bridge (Towards Ankara)
01.40 Cayirova Mc Donald's Front
01.50 Gebze Center AVM (In front of gas station)
Our tour begins at night with pickups from the specified starting points. After our comfortable journey, we arrive in Ayvalik in the morning and take a breakfast break accompanied by the famous Ayvalik Toast, which has become a symbol of the region. After breakfast, guests can spend some free time in central Ayvalik to explore the historic streets, walk along the seaside, and experience the unique atmosphere of the area.
Following the free time, we board our boat for the Ayvalik Islands Boat Tour. This enjoyable boat tour takes place within the boundaries of the Ayvalik Islands Nature Park, offering panoramic views of the most beautiful bays and islands of the Aegean Sea. During the cruise around Tavuk Adasi, Ciplak Ada, Pinar Adasi, Tas Adasi, Maden Adasi, and Ilyosta Islands—whose historical backgrounds date back to Ottoman and Greek settlements—our guide provides information about the natural beauty of the region.
Throughout the boat tour, swimming breaks are taken at Incirli Island, Yelice Bay, Kara Ada Bay, and Akvaryum Bay, where you can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. These bays, famous for their crystalline clarity and natural setting, are among the most visited spots in Ayvalik. Lunch is served on board, allowing guests to enjoy a pleasant day surrounded by the sea, sun, and breathtaking views.
Continuing our tour, we proceed to Cunda Island, one of the most important tourist centers of Northern Aegean. Officially known as Alibey Island, Cunda is notable for its stone houses dating back to the Ottoman period, historic churches, and narrow streets. The island, which carries the cultural heritage of the region to the present day, was historically known as an important Greek settlement. During the free time here, guests can walk along the seaside, spend time in the famous local cafes, or take photos in the historic streets.
After our break at Cunda Island, we return to central Ayvalik and head towards Istanbul. Following rest stops for needs along the way, we arrive in Istanbul at night, completing our tour.
What's Included
- Round-trip bus transportation
- Professional guide service
- Ayvalik Islands boat tour
- Lunch on the boat
- Travel insurance
- Epic Vacation Guarantee
Not Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Personal expenses
- Museum and historical site entry fees (if applicable)
Escaping the pace of Istanbul to immerse yourself in Ayvalık's stone streets steeped in history, Cunda Island's nostalgic Greek architecture, and the crystal-clear swimming coves of a full-day catamaran/boat tour, your comfort is the most important key to travel quality. As Epic Tatil, here are our comprehensive recommendations to guide you while packing:
1. Footwear Selection for Boat Fun, Beaches, and Island Streets Most of our tour will take place on the boat and during swimming breaks. To walk safely on the boat deck and wet surfaces and prevent slipping, you must bring a stylish non-slip beach sandal or sporty sandal. The stopover point of our boat tour, Cunda Island, and the streets of Ayvalık center we will visit in the morning consist of traditional cobblestone stone structures. To walk comfortably on these stone paths and explore local shops, you should carry a lightweight, breathable orthopedic sneaker with you. Additionally, to feel comfortable on the natural floor of the coves, a sturdy water shoe must definitely be included in your beach bag.
2. Aegean Climate, Sun Protection, and Night Travel Strategy The Aegean sun is very effective and intense throughout the day on the boat, in open sea coves, and on Cunda streets. To protect your skin from harmful rays and enjoy a comfortable tan, high SPF (50+) sunscreens, quality UV-filtered sunglasses, and wide-brimmed straw hats must be essential items in your bag. Bringing at least two spare swimsuits/bikinis and a soft beach towel (or peshtemal) is important to avoid feeling cold after being in the sea. To avoid being affected by the coolness of the vehicle air conditioning during our midnight bus journey, bringing a light cardigan, jean jacket, or sweatshirt will significantly enhance your travel comfort.
3. Technology, Maps, and Digital Memory Management You will want to immortalize every moment, from the turquoise depths of Aquarium Cove to Cunda's bougainvillea-covered stone houses. Intensive camera use, video shooting, and social media sharing will drain your phone battery much faster than usual. To stay connected with our guide during this day trip and not miss meeting points during free time, adding a high-capacity power bank to your backpack will ensure uninterrupted travel freedom.
4. Financial Preparations and Personal Extras Our tour package includes luxury bus transportation, guidance, the boat tour, and lunch served on the boat. However, to pay for the famous Ayvalık Toast breakfast you will have separately in the morning at Ayvalık, the evening meal break on the return journey, personal ice cream, lokma, souvenirs, and Taş Kahve expenses on the island, it is highly recommended that you carry sufficient amounts of cash Turkish Lira (TL) in small denominations with you, which will greatly facilitate payments at local shops.
As the official team of Epic Tatil, we wish you a pleasant journey in advance on this dream-like day trip through the cool breezes and turquoise waters of the Aegean!