BOZBURUN - TURKEY

After meeting in the reception area of the hotel, we will head down to the water for your acclimatisation swim. We will then return to the hotel for a welcome drink and a safety briefing before discussing our plans for the week ahead.

Early this morning, we head out on the boat and make our way towards our first swim spot: Saksılı Koyu. This bay, as a nature reserve, offers calm and clear water perfect to start our coastal swim towards the peninsula. We finish around the other side of the peninsula where we will anchor for lunch onboard the boat.

Our second swim of the day takes us from our lunch spot as we snake along the coast to finish just before the second headland, which we will return to tomorrow.

This morning we head back to where we finished yesterday to continue exploring the coastline. Eventually we will end up in the small village of Sögüt. Our swim takes us through a shallow and beautiful entryway between Sögüt Adasi and the mainland. The bay gives us an opportunity to film your stroke above and below the water to be played back one evening in the week. We enjoy lunch at a welcoming spot in Sögüt before heading out to our first circumnavigation of the week, which is around Zeytin Adasi.

After a hearty breakfast we start our longest journey of the week, heading west towards Canak Limani. We start our morning swim in the bay with a fantastic view of the Greek island of Symi.

Next, we make our way along the coast, cutting towards Bozburun and aiming for Tavsanbuku Island. We anchor in a protected spot for lunch before continuing our journey back towards the bay.

Today, we stay closer to home and start from the bay just opposite the hotel. We swim following the coastline and finish in the warm, shallow vicinity of another historical landmark: Larymna-Loryma. We stay in this area for lunch before riding off from the shallows to the neighbouring island Kiseli to complete our second circumnavigation. Later, we will head back to the town for the evening.

On our final full day, we head out to the edge of the bay, but this time on the east, to explore more islands. We start on the northern side of the peninsula and make our way to islands of Taslica, Suluca and Degirmen. Then we will motor off to the bay of Sögüt Adasi, where we stay for lunch. After lunch, we complete this week’s crossing over to Kizil Ada Adasi.

We hold a final early morning swim before breakfast to conclude our fantastic week of swimming around the Bozburun peninsula.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience. However, you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, but if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Conditions

There are no planned walks on this location.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 16. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes one main boat and two support vessels to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Extra Activities

There are a number of additional activities available locally or via a transfer along the coast. If you want to book additional excursions at either end of your trip, our partners at WILUSA will be able to help you. You can contact them directly at info@swiminturkey.com.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website. For additional, location specific items, please see the information below.

SwimTrek will provide water and electrolytes at every location and refill your bottles.

The easiest way to get to Bozburun is to fly into Dalaman (DLM) and take a transfer to the hotel. The journey time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly into Bodrum (BJV) but the transfer time is longer.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

Dalaman Airport to Bozburun- Transfers

Direct public transport is limited so we recommend arranging a transfer from the airport. You can arrange a transfer with our local partner, Wilusa Travel. They will be able to assist with a group or private transfers. For a quote, please email info@swiminturkey.com at least seven days prior to your arrival with your flight number and arrival time.

Alternatively, many airlines offer transfer services, or you can pick up a taxi from outside the airport, however this may be a more expensive option.

For the duration of our trip, we stay at the Dolphin Boutique Hotel, which sits in the small coastal village of Bozburun. The hotel is a family-run property with decking right beside the sea - perfect to enjoy an evening drink or to slide off into the deep blue waters. Our accommodation is based on double and twin-share rooms with en-suite facilities. Our twin shares compromise of one double bed and one single bed please note we are unable to allocate individual beds when booking. There are a limited number of single supplement rooms, which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require any additional nights’ accommodation before or after the trip, this can be arranged directly via our partners in Turkey, Wilusa via info@swiminturkey.com.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches are included in your trip price - however, dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Turkey is not part of the European Union. Non-residents of Turkey require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. UK and EU Citizens do not need a visa to enter Turkey and stay for a period of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand require a visa to enter Turkey. Most foreign nationals entering Turkey must purchase a visa before entering the country. It is important that you purchase your visa through the official website, www.evisa.gov.tr and avoid purchasing through third-party providers, as these can be considerably more expensive.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

Dolphin Hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.