Greek Islands Boat Trip from Turkey: Routes from Bodrum, Marmaris and Kaş (2026)

Many of our guests holidaying on Turkey’s southwest coast want to spend a day — or part of their trip — on the Greek islands just across the border. From Bodrum to Kos, from Marmaris and Datça to Rhodes and Symi, and from Kaş to Rhodes and Kastellorizo, these crossings become far more comfortable and flexible on a private yacht than on an ordinary ferry trip. In this guide we look at which routes make sense for a Greek islands boat trip from Turkey, the documents you need, price ranges, the best timing and what to watch out for.

What is a Greek islands boat trip, and where does it start?

A Greek islands boat trip is a day or multi-day crossing from the Turkish coast to the Greek islands across the border on a private motor yacht, gulet or catamaran. Unlike group ferry trips, on a private boat the departure time, route and stops are planned entirely around you; you can stay longer in a bay you like and have lunch in whichever harbour you choose. On the Turkish side, the best departure points are Bodrum, Marmaris, Datça, Bozburun and Kaş — each one stands out for its proximity to a different Greek island.

At Aquinox Yachting we organise these crossings both as day trips and as part of a multi-day blue cruise; depending on your request, we plan a short visit to a single island or a more comprehensive route covering several.

Why go by private boat?

You can of course reach Kos, Rhodes and Symi on group ferries or package tours, but these usually come with a fixed schedule, a crowded ship and limited time in port. A private crossing is completely different: you set the departure time, stop for a swim in any bay you like and have lunch on deck instead of in a crowded harbour square. Guests who choose a private boat also value having the boat to themselves with family or friends, letting families with children move at their own pace, and taking as much time as they want for photos.

Another difference is flexibility: small changes to the route because of the weather or the group’s mood are impossible on a ferry, but on a private charter you can decide on the spot with the captain.

The most popular routes and islands

Distances between the Turkish coast and the Greek islands vary a lot from place to place; in some spots the other side is close enough to see with the naked eye. Kaş and Kastellorizo are only about 3–4 km apart, and the shortest crossing between Bodrum and Kos is around 4 km. The crossing from Marmaris to Symi is relatively short, while Marmaris to Rhodes is a longer passage. These differences directly affect which route you choose and how much time you need.

• Bodrum – Kos: With only a few nautical miles between the two coasts, Bodrum to Kos is the shortest and most popular route. Kos’s historic centre, the Tree of Hippocrates, the medieval castle and the seafront you can explore by bike make it ideal for a there-and-back day. Leave early in the morning, spend until the afternoon on the island and be back in Bodrum by early evening.
• Marmaris / Datça – Symi: Symi lies very close to the Datça and Bozburun coast; with its pastel houses, a harbour that climbs the hillside like an amphitheatre and quiet bays, it is perfect for a short day escape. The island is small, so even half a day gives you a good feel for it.
• Marmaris – Rhodes: Rhodes needs a slightly longer crossing than Symi, but its UNESCO-listed medieval old town, the Palace of the Grand Master and its size make it a favourite for a full day or an overnight stay.
• Kaş – Kastellorizo (Meis) and Rhodes: Crossings from Kaş usually visit the small, colourful island of Kastellorizo; on a longer route you can also reach Rhodes. Kaş itself is a quiet, boutique harbour, so this route suits anyone who wants to see the Lycian coast and the Greek islands in one programme.
• Multi-day combined routes: When you charter for a week-long blue cruise, you can also set aside one or two days of the route for the islands across the border. That way you can combine the Göcek–Fethiye bays and the Greek islands in one trip, and add Kalymnos or Kos to your route.

What to do on the islands

On Kos, the medieval castle, the Tree of Hippocrates and the town centre shaped by Italian-era architecture are enough for a short walking tour; you can also rent a bike and follow the seafront. On Symi, the highlights are a coffee among the pastel houses around the harbour, browsing the small jewellery and soap shops and swimming in clear bays. The old town of Rhodes is a much bigger area to explore; the Palace of the Grand Master, the narrow stone streets and the fish restaurants around the harbour are especially worth it on an overnight programme. On Kastellorizo, the colourful neoclassical façades, the small harbour and a relaxed lunch are the main attractions.

On every island, trying the local food, having lunch in the harbour with fish or meze and taking short swim stops in the bays by boat fit naturally into the day.

Who is it for?

This kind of programme is especially popular with couples who want to take their Turkey holiday up a level, families who want to see another country and culture in the same week, honeymooners and groups of friends. For busy professionals with limited time, a single day on Kos or Symi is a practical escape that fits into a packed holiday. For groups planning a longer blue cruise, setting aside part of the route for the Greek islands is a natural choice for experiencing both the Turkish coast and the other side of the Aegean in one trip. For families with children, day routes with shorter crossings (Bodrum–Kos, Marmaris–Symi) are usually the more comfortable option.

Documents and border formalities

On a private boat, the crossing is coordinated with the harbour master and customs by the ship agent or the captain; guests don’t need to deal with this part. What matters for passengers is carrying a valid passport and meeting the entry requirements for Greece, which is part of the Schengen area. Visitors from many countries (including EU, UK and US passport holders) can enter Greece visa-free for short stays, while others need a valid Schengen visa. For Turkish citizens, short sea crossings of this kind generally require a valid Schengen visa or a limited-duration entry arrangement offered through authorised operators. Because these rules change from time to time, we recommend confirming the current requirements with official consular sources or with us before booking.

On the practical side, the captain submits the passenger list and passport details to the authorities before departure, so you will need to share every guest’s passport details in advance when you book. Also make sure your passport remains valid for long enough after the date of the crossing.

How prices are shaped

Prices depend on the type of boat, the number of guests, whether it is a day trip or an overnight programme, and the season. As a general guide:

• Private day trip (motor yacht/gulet for 6–8 guests): Priced per boat, not per person, as an addition to the daily charter fee, including fuel, the captain and basic harbour fees. The larger the group, the lower the cost per person.
• Crossing as part of a multi-day blue cruise: When you add a one- or two-day island leg to a weekly gulet or motor yacht charter, the extra cost is usually limited to customs/harbour fees and extra fuel — a reasonable difference relative to the total weekly price.
• Effect of boat type: A larger, faster motor yacht can cover more than one island in a day, so although the price per boat is higher, it saves time. Catamarans and gulets are preferred by groups who want a large deck and a calmer passage.
• Effect of the season: In the July–August high season both charter rates and harbour fees are higher, while May–June and September–October offer a better balance of weather and budget.

For an exact price, just send us the boat type, number of guests and your preferred route, and we will prepare a tailored quote.

Day trip or multi-day?

If you are short on time and want to see one island, a day trip is enough — especially for islands close to the Turkish coast such as Kos and Symi. But if you really want to explore a larger island with a rich history like Rhodes, have dinner in the old town and continue the next day, an overnight programme is much more relaxed. If you are planning a multi-day blue cruise, setting aside part of the route for the Greek islands adds a different layer of culture and scenery to your holiday.

Best time and weather

Summer in this part of the Aegean usually brings calm seas, but in the afternoons the northwesterly wind known as the meltemi can pick up. That is why early departures give both a calmer crossing and more time on the island. May, June, September and October are especially recommended for this kind of island trip because of milder winds and fewer tourists. In July and August both the sea and the island harbour squares can be busier.

How to prepare

• Documents: Always carry your passport and, if required, your visa; your captain will ask for these details in advance for the border formalities.
• Cash and cards: It is useful to carry some euros for lunch or shopping on the islands; some small businesses may not accept cards.
• Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes (especially for the cobbled streets of Rhodes and Symi), sunscreen, a hat and swimwear are enough for a day visit. On overnight programmes, bring something light for the evening too.
• Timing: On day trips the customs formalities take some time, so plan realistically, allowing for the time you want to spend on the island.

Things to keep in mind

• Weather flexibility: If wind or sea conditions aren’t suitable, the captain may suggest a change of route or timing for safety; leave some flexibility in your plans.
• Stick to the return time: On day trips, keeping to the agreed return time is important for customs and harbour formalities to go smoothly.
• Connectivity: Roaming charges may apply on the islands depending on your mobile plan; if you plan to use a lot of data, check with your operator in advance.
• Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended even for a short island visit; it is worth reviewing your cover for health and lost belongings before you travel.

Greek islands boat trips with Aquinox Yachting

Aquinox Yachting organises both day and multi-day Greek islands boat trips across a wide Mediterranean network covering Göcek, Fethiye, Bodrum, Marmaris and Antalya. As a yacht broker, our goal is to coordinate every detail on your behalf — from your route and boat type to customs procedures and guest numbers. Thanks to our broad broker network we are not limited to a single boat; we find the motor yacht, gulet or catamaran that best fits your budget and programme, and manage harbour formalities and concierge services from start to finish.

Whether you are planning a day on Kos from Bodrum, a route from Kaş to Rhodes and Kastellorizo, or an island leg added to a weekly motor yacht charter, we make the process transparent and stress-free.

Conclusion: the most comfortable way to see the other side

A private Greek islands boat trip offers an experience built around your own programme, far from the crowds of ferries and group tours. With the right route and timing, a short escape from Bodrum to Kos, from Marmaris to Symi and Rhodes, or from Kaş to Kastellorizo can become one of the most memorable days of your holiday. At Aquinox Yachting we are ready to handle the whole process for you, from route planning to customs coordination.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for this kind of boat trip?

It depends on your nationality. Many passport holders can enter Greece visa-free for short stays; others need a valid Schengen visa or a limited day-entry arrangement offered through authorised operators. Since the rules change from time to time, we recommend confirming the current situation before booking.

How long does the crossing from Bodrum to Kos take?

Because the distance is so short, a private boat usually crosses in 30–45 minutes; even with customs formalities, you can spend most of the day on the island.

Should I choose a day trip or an overnight stay?

If you are short on time, a day trip to Kos or Symi is enough. If you really want to explore a larger island such as Rhodes, an overnight programme is more relaxed.

Which boat type suits this route best?

A motor yacht’s speed helps if you want to make the most of your time; a gulet or catamaran is a good choice for a calmer, more leisurely crossing.

What is included in the price?

Fuel, the captain/crew and harbour/customs fees are usually included. Lunch, drinks and personal spending on the island are usually separate; confirm the exact scope before booking.

What group size is it suitable for?

It depends on the boat: small to mid-size motor yachts and gulets take 6–8 guests, larger boats up to 10–12.

How far in advance should I book?

In high season (July–August) we recommend planning at least 2–3 weeks ahead; because customs and passport details need to be prepared in advance, last-minute options can be limited.

What happens if sea conditions aren’t suitable?

For safety, the captain may move the departure time, shorten the route or suggest an alternative programme, so it always helps to leave some flexibility in your travel plans.