Türkiye · Aegean
The island paradise of Ayvalık and Cunda
© Magurale · CC BY-SA 4.0Balıkesir
Researched routes with stops, departure times and season.
Balıkesir
The most sheltered bay of the Ayvalık islands, with clear water and pine shade.
A volcanic hill overlooking the Ayvalık gulf, its silhouette visible from the boats.
The marble-quarry island and the Zeytinliada route — the closest tour region to İstanbul.
Departure points
Each harbour has its own route, season and tour length.
Ayvalık İskelesi
Tours among the 22 islands of the Ayvalık gulf sail past olive-covered hills with the Devil's Table on the horizon. Patriça Bay is the most sheltered spot; Maiden Island and Maden Island are further stops. Lunch is Ayvalık-style seafood, and the famous Ayvalık toast is served on the way back. With few wind surprises the season runs long.
Cunda Limanı
Tours from Cunda are more boutique. The monastery ruins in Poroselene Bay and Pateriça Point are the highlights. The sunset return to Cunda, with its stone houses and windmill silhouette, is the signature moment of the area. Boats usually take fewer than 30 guests, favoured by couples and small groups.
Erdek Limanı
Erdek is the closest day-tour region to İstanbul, on the Sea of Marmara. The route covers Zeytinliada, Fener Island and Marmara Island. Marmara Island is famous for its marble quarries, and the ancient marble workshops at Saraylar village can be visited. The water is less clear than the Aegean but prices are noticeably lower, and weekends are busy in season.
Boats
GuletAltınoluk, Balıkesir 10:30–20:15
Avşa Adası, Balıkesir 10:30–17:00
GuletAyvalık, Balıkesir 11:00–18:00
GuletCunda, Balıkesir 11:00–17:30
GuletErdek, Balıkesir 11:00–19:00
GuletErdek, Balıkesir 10:00–18:00
Balıkesir's Aegean coast is famous for tours among the 22 islands around Ayvalık and Cunda. Boats anchor at Patriça Bay, Maiden Island and Maden Island, with olive-covered hills and the silhouette of the Devil's Table alongside all day. The monastery ruins in Poroselene Bay and the sunset return to Cunda are the signature moments. On the Marmara side, routes from Erdek to Zeytinliada and Marmara Island are the closest day tours to İstanbul.