If you're dreaming of a day where the scent of pine mixes with the blue of the Marmara, the address is clear: the Istanbul Islands. With their streets free of engine noise, their crystal-clear bays and their rich seas, the Princes' Islands offer both a peaceful escape and an enjoyable fishing ground. An Islands boat tour lets you open up to a whole different world just a few nautical miles from the city.
The General Outline of the Islands Route
The archipelago is made up of islands of distinct character, chiefly Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada. A boat tour is usually planned to circle these islands. Along the route, pine-covered slopes, historic mansions and silent bays follow one after another. A Büyükada boat trip often forms the most spectacular part of the route, because the island's hills and shoreline villas are seen most impressively from the sea.
The waters between the islands are generally calmer than those of the Bosphorus. This makes for a comfortable day for families and for guests with little experience at sea. Even so, since the Marmara winds can strengthen in the afternoon, the timing of the trip matters.
Swimming Breaks in Crystal-Clear Bays
The greatest privilege of the Islands is the bays where you can safely anchor your boat and slip into clear water. A swimming tour around the Islands takes the boat trip beyond an ordinary outing. In these bays, where the water is so clear you can see the bottom, a swimming break becomes the most anticipated moment of the day.
Ideal conditions for a swimming break
- Bays sheltered from the wind: Protected spots with little wave action are preferred.
- Morning and midday hours: The sea is usually calmer and clearer.
- Safe anchoring: A captain who knows the seabed adds to your comfort.
- Suitable gear: Bring a towel, sunscreen and a hat.
Fishing Around the Islands
The Islands offer rich waters not only for swimming but also for rod fishing. The rocky bottoms and seagrass meadows around the islands provide shelter to many species. Depending on the season, species such as horse mackerel, picarel, two-banded bream (karagöz) and bogue (kupes) move through these waters. A quiet Islands fishing trip is more productive in the early morning or late afternoon.
When fishing around the Islands, reading the seabed is the key to success. Rocky and weedy areas are the spots where fish feed, while sandy flats are usually less productive. An experienced captain increases your chances by positioning the boat at the edge of these natural shelters.
Tips for an Enjoyable Day
You can make small but effective preparations to get the most out of an Islands tour. The points below will make your day both comfortable and memorable:
- The sun feels stronger at open sea; sunscreen and a hat are essential.
- Keep a swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes ready for swimming.
- Don't forget to drink plenty of water; the sea air speeds up dehydration.
- Carry your camera or phone in a waterproof case.
- Families with children should plan their life-jacket needs in advance for safety.
Which Season Is Best?
The Islands offer an enjoyable route over a wide window from spring to autumn. In summer, clear waters and long days bring the swimming breaks to the fore. Autumn, meanwhile, is a special period for anglers thanks to both a calmer atmosphere and the movement of fish. In spring, the greenery and blossoms on the island slopes turn the scenery viewed from the boat into a beauty all its own.
Whichever season you choose, a day spent around the Islands brings sea, nature and serenity together on a single route. For those who want to leave the fatigue of the city behind, this archipelago is one of the nearest and most peaceful escapes.
If you would like to combine a swim in the crystal-clear bays of the Islands with the pleasure of rod fishing, you can explore the routes we have prepared with our comfortable boats. Just contact us for dates, routes and all the details. A pleasant day in the most peaceful corner of the Marmara awaits you.