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culture · Kos

Bodrum by Private Ferry: A Day in Turkey's Turquoise Capital

Cross the narrow Aegean strait to Bodrum — Turkey's most glamorous coastal city — on the regular high-speed ferry, arriving steps from the magnificent Castle of St. Peter and the UNESCO-listed Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Two countries, one extraordinary day.

What to expect

The 25-minute crossing delivers you directly to Bodrum harbour, framed by the castle's great towers. Inside, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology houses the world's oldest known shipwrecks and breathtaking Bronze Age treasures. The labyrinthine bazaar below the castle walls is perfect for hand-woven textiles, ceramics and Turkish delight. Lunch on a terrace above the Aegean — grilled sea bass, fresh meze, chilled Efes — before a leisurely wander back through the marina and castle district for the return ferry.

Book it with
Bodrum Express Lines (official ferry operator, Kos–Bodrum)
Approx. EUR 25–35 per adult each way (standard ferry); day-return tickets available. Note: Turkish visa-on-arrival fee approx. EUR 35–40 (varies by nationality — check current requirements).
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Good to know

Check your passport is valid; most EU and US passport holders receive a Turkish e-Visa or visa-on-arrival. Pre-book the ferry online to guarantee your seat, especially in summer. Typical cruise calls allow a 6–7 hour Bodrum day comfortably. Last ferry back is usually 17:00 or 18:00 — confirm the schedule against your all-aboard time before booking.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Kos — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Oceania · Oceania Allura
7 nights · calls at Kos
from $2,405
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Seabourn · Seabourn Quest
14 nights · calls at Kos
from $7,139
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Holland America · Oosterdam
10 nights · calls at Kos
from $1,629
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Costa · Costa Pacifica
7 nights · calls at Kos
from $1,419
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See all cruises to Kos →
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