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TRIP OVERVIEW

7 days
Classic
Up to 3km/day
Leisurely

Trip Dates

2025
19 May - 25 May
Available
02 Jun - 08 Jun
Available
22 Sep - 28 Sep
Full
13 Oct - 19 Oct
Available

Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy a more leisurely holiday of shorter swims in sunlit bays where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas meet.

  • Relax in the quiet coastal town of Bozburun and peer out at sweeping views over the sea, with the Greek island of Symi in the distance.

  • Swim alongside rocky backdrops and explore the coastal terrain from our large, comfortable main support boat.

  • Seek out more secluded bays and complete a range of coastal swims, island hopping adventures and open water crossings.

The quiet town of Bozburun is located just 45km from the sandy beaches and pine-forested surrounds of Marmaris. It is a unique and peaceful base within the busy district of Muğla - a region scattered with mountains and home to several sites of historical interest. You can visit the ancient port town of Larymna (which means ‘people of sand’) or find the ruins of a long-forgotten citadel in Bozukkale (which means ‘broken castle’). The Carian trail also runs through Bozburun peninsula and offers plenty of incredible hiking routes and viewpoints to stop and savour the journey.

It’s here, where the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea collide, that you’ll uncover the many bays of Bozburun, washed with warm, clear waters. You’ll be spoilt for coastlines to explore and islands to circumnavigate. There is plenty of room on our main support boat to stretch out, dry off and relax under the sun after you leave the water.

If you are set on exploring this part of the world, but keen for slightly longer swimming distances, please check out our classic Bozburun - Turkey trip.

Who is this trip for?

This trip is designed for swimmers who are new to open water or prefer shorter swims. You enjoy a mixture of crossings and coastal swims, as well as exploring small islands and bays.

Swimmers should also have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average swim distance of around 1.5km prior to the start of the trip. The average daily swim distance is around 3km (split over a minimum of two swims).

We have given this trip a ‘Leisurely’ grading designed for people who want to swim at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.


What's included?

  • Fully guided swimming holiday (swimmers only)
  • Professional swim guides and full safety escort on all swims (swimmers only)
  • Six nights' accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • All lunches (swimmers only)
  • Full ABTOT Financial Protection

What's not included?

  • Travel to and from the start of the trip
  • Evening meals
  • Drinks and additional activities


Sample Trip Itinerary

Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during your trip, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions. Your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilots will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.

Trip Schedule

Start Point: Dolphin Boutique Hotel

Start Time: 17:00 on Day 1

Finish Point: Dolphin Boutique Hotel

Finish Time: 11:00 on Day 7

Day 1

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.

Day 2

First thing this morning, we head out on the boat and make our way towards our swim spot: Saksılı Koyu. This bay, as a nature reserve, offers calm and clear water, which is ideal to begin our coastal swims. We will head towards the peninsula where we will anchor for lunch onboard the boat.

We head around to Sögüt and swim back towards the narrow of Sögüt Adasi, where the water is shallow and warm.

Day 3

This morning, we head out for our first circumnavigation of the week as we circle Zeytin Adasi. We start with the first half of the island, with the Turkish name meaning olive. We then head to a nearby bay for lunch onboard the boat before returning to the island and completing the circumnavigation in the afternoon.

Day 4

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, snaking towards Bozburun and aiming for Tavsanbuku Island. We anchor in a protected spot for lunch before continuing our journey back towards the town.

Day 5

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 location of the historical landmark: Larymna-Loryma. We stay in this area for lunch before heading off from the shallows to the neighbouring island of Kiseli to complete our second circumnavigation. Buoyed by a great sense of achievement, we then head back to the town for the evening.

Day 6

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 the islands of Taslica, Suluca and Degirmen. This is followed by us motoring to the bay of Sögüt Adasi, where we stay for lunch. After lunch, we complete this week with a crossing over to Kizil Ada Adasi.

Day 7

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

Reviews

Best holiday ever! I had no idea I could swim so well. Incredible swims, new friends, what's not to like?

Issen R, USA - 2024

Accommodation

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Dolphin Boutique Hotel

Dolphin Boutique Hotel, in the small coastal village of Bozburun is a family-run property with perfectly placed decking, right on the water - ideal to enjoy an evening drink or to slide off into the deep blue waters.

Location Summary

Bozburun

While it is small and understated, Bozburun sits in a shielded bay with a rocky backdrop and serves as an ideal launching point for local adventures. This relaxing neighbourhood is famous for its wooden boat builders, who specialise in crafting traditional Turkish ‘gulets.’ The seaside fishing town has a charming harbour, coloured with bougainvillea. You can also enjoy sweeping views over the bay and peer out to the Greek Island of Simi in the distance.

Sögüt

This beautiful village is found at the far end of the Bozburun peninsula and it is where you will find the dusty remnants of ancient Thyssanos, as well as two pebble beaches that are perfect to sprawl out on and listen to the sounds of the sea. The village itself is known for its fishing and agriculture. You can also pick up a treat of fresh lobster, directly from the fishers after they moor their boats.

Trip Grading

We have given this trip a ‘Leisurely’ grading designed for people who want to swim at a more relaxed pace and enjoy the scenery.

Swimming Distances

Swim Distances Swim Distances
Saksılı Koyu (coastal) 1½km Sögüt to Saksili Gap 1½km
South Zeytin Agasi (circumnavigation) 1½km North Zeytin Agasi (circumnavigation) 1½km
Canak Limani (coastal) 1½km Tavsanbuku (coastal) 1½km
Bozburun - Larymna-Loryma 1½km Larymna-Loryma – Kiseli Adasi (circumnavigation) 1½km
Taslica - Suluca - Degirmen 1½km Sögüt Adasi – Kizil Ada Adasi 1½km

*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

Month Water Temperature* Air Temperature*
May 18-23°C / 64-73°F 18-24°C / 64-75°F
June 19-27°C / 79-84°F 22-28°C / 72-82°F
September 23-29°C / 77-84°F 23-28°C / 73-82°F
October 20-27°C / 72-81°F 19-24°C / 66-75°F
November 21-22°C / 70-72°F 18-20°C / 64-68°F

*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.

Trip Information

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 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 several 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.

Getting There

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.

Accommodation

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. It is important to note that due to the geography of Bozburun, the hotel is built into a hill with no elevators. Meaning that there are stairs beginning from street level to access the hotel. If you have mobility issues and stairs are a known issue, please consider booking a different trip.

The 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.

Travel Advice

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. Most foreign nationals, including Australia and New Zealand, entering Turkey must purchase a visa before entering the country. Residents of the EU, alongside UK and US citizens, do not need a visa to enter Turkey and stay for a period of up to 90 days. 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. 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.

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.

eSIM's

An alternative to buying a SIM card when you land, is to purchase an eSIM before you travel. It is important to check whether your device is compatible, and able to accept an eSIM before committing to a provider.

The advantage of having an eSIM is that you can have data, calls and messages, depending on the package you choose, as soon as you land.

Popular providers include Holafly, Nomad eSIM, Saily eSIM, Airalo and Lycamobile.

It is recommended that you install your eSIM on your device 1-2 days prior to travel as you'll need a solid WiFi (or data) connection to complete the eSIM instillation process. Installation instructions will be given by the provider that you choose and depend on the handset you use.


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