Monday, July 17, 2023

Black Sea Cruises from Istanbul to Poyrazköy


Black Sea Cruises from Istanbul to Poyrazköy

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Join us on a breathtaking cruise from Istanbul to Poyrazköy, where you'll discover the beauty of the Black Sea. Our carefully crafted itinerary offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, swimming, fishing, and relaxation. Get ready to embark on a journey that will leave you with lifelong memories.

Route Map

Click here to view the route map and get a closer look at the path we usually take for this captivating Bosphorus cruise to the Black Sea, all the way to Poyrazköy.

Black Sea Cruises from Istanbul to Poyrazköy Travel Guide


Itinerary

Cruising the Bosphorus

Departing from central Istanbul, our cruise takes you along the Bosphorus, where you'll be treated to magnificent views of waterfront palaces, majestic bridges, and elegant mosques. As we sail through the lively maritime line, adorned with ships, yachts, ferries, and boats, you'll feel the vibrant energy of this enchanting city. The European and Asian shores of the Bosphorus will unfold before your eyes, offering a visual feast like no other.

Beykoz: A Haven of Serenity

Our first stop is the serene bays near Beykoz. Here, you can indulge in a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters or try your hand at fishing. Our expert crew will be there to assist you and provide fishing rods and lines if needed. Depending on the season, you might be lucky enough to catch Blue Fish, Bonito, Whiting, Sardines, or Horse Mackerel.

Anadolu Kavagi: A Gateway to the Asian Continent

Next, we make a delightful port-of-call at the picturesque fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi. If you wish, you can step ashore and set foot on the Asian Continent. Explore the village's charms, enjoy a delicious village lunch (not included), or visit the magnificent Yoros Castle perched atop a hill. From there, you can marvel at panoramic views of Istanbul, the Bosphorus, and the Black Sea coast. For those who prefer to stay on board, we offer an optional lunch served on the yacht (advance booking required).

Poyrazköy: Where the Black Sea Awaits

As we venture further north, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins dancing in the waves. Gliding around uninhabited headlands, you'll be greeted by the beauty of wild flowers and forests adorning the coast. Our final destination is Poyrazköy, a charming fishing village nestled at the mouth of the Black Sea.

From here, you'll have a stunning view of the third Bosphorus Bridge, Garipçe and Rumeli, and the Anadolu Feneri lighthouses in the distance. Take the opportunity to fish once again or enjoy a revitalizing swim in one of the secluded coves before we head back to the city center. You'll return relaxed and invigorated after this extraordinary day trip from Istanbul.

Istanbul Black Sea Cruise to Anadolu Kavagi

What to Bring

Make sure to bring your swimsuit and towels if you want to take a dip in the inviting waters. Don't forget your suncream, sunhats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun's rays.

What You'll Experience

During this exceptional cruise, you'll be treated to:

  • Unforgettable views of the entire Bosphorus and the mouth of the Turkish Black Sea
  • A chance to explore Anadolu Kavağı, Poyrazköy, and the surrounding areas
  • A scenic tour along Istanbul's maritime lifeline
  • Stops for fishing or swimming, according to your preference
  • A comfortable and relaxing Black Sea cruise from Istanbul
  • Exclusive yacht charter for you and your chosen companions
  • Attentive and friendly captain and crew at your service
  • A well-stocked bar offering a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (available for purchase on-board)
  • Excellent photo opportunities to capture the beauty of the Bosphorus, Black Sea entrance, palaces, fishing villages, fortresses, and boats of all sizes

Lunch Options

If you wish to enjoy a delicious meal during the cruise, we have several options for you:

  1. Light Lunch served aboard: Indulge in a variety of traditional Turkish mezes (cold appetizers), accompanied by coffee and tea. This option is available for 20 Euros per person, but make sure to reserve in advance.


  2. Lunch served aboard: Delight in a variety of traditional Turkish mezes (cold appetizers), followed by your choice of grilled meat, fish, or sautéed vegetables as the main course. Finish off with seasonal fruit for dessert, and enjoy coffee and tea. This option is available starting from 40 Euros per person, and advance reservation is required.

  3. Lunch on land: If you prefer, we can arrange a lunch reservation at a local restaurant in Anadolu Kavagi village, or you can explore other dining options on your own.

2022 Cruise Schedule

Our Black Sea tours from Istanbul to Poyrazköy are available daily at the following times:

  • 09:00
  • 10:00
  • 11:00
  • 12:00
  • 13:00
  • Custom departure times can be arranged upon request.

Pick Up & Drop Off

To ensure your convenience, we offer round-trip hotel transfers for pick-up and drop-off. We can pick you up from your hotel or cruiseship in Istanbul. European-side city-center hotels and cruiseships enjoy free transfers. Alternatively, you can join us at Kuruçeşme, Arnavutköy, and Kabataş piers (European Side), or Beylerbeyi and Kuleli piers (Asian Side). We also provide transfers from selected Bosphorus hotels and restaurants for cruises aboard Zoe Yacht.

Capacity

Zoe Yacht is perfect for small groups of up to 12 guests. For larger groups, we have a selection of medium to large yachts available. Please contact us with your requirements, and we will be happy to assist you.

Testimonial

A Day We Will Never Forget

"Four of us rented Zoe for the 6-hour cruise to Poyrazköy (Black Sea Mouth). They picked us up on time from the hotel, got us to the boat quickly, and we took off immediately. The crew took such great care of us, even taking pictures of the group when we asked. We were incredibly lucky that day; we saw over 100 dolphins surrounding the boat, feeding multiple times during our trip. It was an experience none of us will ever forget. We could see how excited the crew was about seeing the dolphins; it truly was a special moment.

The food, drinks, service, captain, crew, fishing village, swimming, the Black Sea, the Asian side, the European side, the entire experience... everything was flawless.

Don't hesitate, book Zoe for yourself, and experience Istanbul in style and luxury."



Black Sea Cruises from Istanbul to Poyrazköy

Route Map

Click the map to enlarge and view the route usually taken for this Bosphorus cruise to Black Sea as far as Poyrazkoy:

black sea map cruise poyrazköy

Itinerary

Northwards: Cruise the full Bosphorus to the Black Sea mouth at Poyrazköy in Turkey, with sightseeing or swimming & fishing opportunities.

Experience a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus to the mouth of Turkey’s Black Sea near Poyrazköy. Along the way you’ll enjoy scenic views of small fishing towns, idyllic swimming and fishing stops, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins.

Departing from central Istanbul, you’ll start by cruising past some of the most stunning waterfront palaces, bridges and mosques along both European & Asian shores of the Bosphorus. Travel along this lively maritime line dotted with ships, yachts, ferries and boats before approaching the calm and tranquil bays near Beykoz.

Beykoz makes an ideal location for a refreshing swim for those who wish, or why not try your hand at reeling in a fish using our fishing rods and lines, (assistance provided from our crew if needed). Depending on the season and your luck you’ll have the possibility to catch Blue Fish, Bonito, Whiting, Sardines or Horse Mackerel.

Later we make a port-of-call at the little fisherman village of Anadolu Kavagi, where you’ll have the chance to set foot ashore on the Asian Continent if you wish. Here you can enjoy a typical village lunch (not included), or visit the hill-top Yoros Castle for panoramic views overlooking Istanbul, the Bosphorus and Black Sea coast. Alternatively we can offer an optional lunch served on board the yacht for advance bookings.

Keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins, you’ll continue further North, gliding around the uninhabited headland and coasts dotted with little coves of wild flowers and forests towards the fishing village of Poyrazköy and the mouth of the Black Sea . At this stage of our Black Sea cruises, you’ll see the third Bosphorus Bridge, the opposite shore with Garipçe and Rumeli and Anadolu Feneri lighthouses in the distance.

Dolphins can often be seen leaping, playing and hunting here, especially during the summer fish migration. Enjoy the chance for more fishing or another refreshing swim in one of the secluded coves, before returning back to the city center, relaxed and refreshed after this incredible day trip from Istanbul.

Istanbul Black Sea Cruise to Anadolu Kavagi

What to bring:

Please bring swimsuit and towels if you would like to swim, suncream, sunhats and sunglasses.


You’ll experience:

Unique views of the entire Bosphorus and mouth of the Turkish Black Sea, Anadolu Kavağı, Poyrazköy

A one day boat trip that includes all 3 Bosphorus Bridges

Chance for fishing or swimming stop/s if you wish

A scenic tour along the maritime lifeline of Istanbul

Enjoy a stop on the Asian Side to visit Anadolu Kavağı fishing village

A Black Sea cruise from Istanbul in comfort and a relaxing environment

A yacht charter for you and your chosen companions only, nobody else

A friendly captain and crew at your service

A bar with great service for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (available for purchase on-board)

Great photo opportunities to capture beautiful views of the Bosphorus, Black Sea entrance, palaces, fishing villages, fortresses and boats of all sizes

Istanbul Lunch Black Sea

Delicious Mezes at Lunch Option on Zoe Yacht

Lunch Options:

For those who would like to eat something on our yacht, or on land, we can offer these choices:

Light Lunch served aboard: A variety of traditional Turkish mezes (cold appetizers), coffee and tea: 20 Euros per person. Available by advance reservation only.

Lunch served aboard: A variety of traditional Turkish mezes (cold appetizers), your choice of grilled meat, fish or sautéed vegetables for main course, seasonal fruit for dessert, coffee and tea: From 40 Euros per person. Available by advance reservation only.

Lunch on land: Alternatively we can arrange you a lunch reservation at a local restaurant at Anadolu Kavagi village, or you can go where you like on the day.

2022 Cruise Schedule:

Black Sea tours from Istanbul to Poyrazköy daily at these times:

Daily departures at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 or custom times.

Pick Up & Drop Off:

We can collect you right from your hotel or cruiseship in Istanbul with round-trip hotel transfers for pick-up and drop-off provided (FREE for European-side city-center hotels or cruiseships – see these Istanbul neighborhoods here), or from Kuruçeşme, Arnavutköy and Kabataş piers (European Side), or from Beylerbeyi and Kuleli piers (Asian Side), selected Bosphorus hotels and restaurants, for cruises aboard Zoe Yacht.


Capacity:

For Small Groups: Zoe Yacht is ideal for up to 12 guests.

For Larger Groups: We also offer a selection of medium to large yachts for other group sizes – please just email us with your requirements.

What Our Guests Say About This Cruise:

A day we will never forget

Four of us rented Zoe for the 6 hour cruise to Poyrazköy (Black Sea Mouth). They picked us up on time from the hotel, got us to the boat quickly, and we took off immediately. The crew took such great care of us, even taking pictures of the group of us when we asked. Apparently, we got very lucky the day of our cruise; we saw over 100 dolphins surrounding the boat feeding multiple times through our trip. It was an experience none of us will ever forget. We knew it was a special moment with the dolphins ,because we could see how excited the crew was about seeing all of them as well.

The food, the drinks, the service, the captain, the crew, the fishing village, the swimming, the Black Sea, the Asian side, the European side, the general experience….all flawless.

Just do it, book Zoe for yourself and see Istanbul in style in luxury.


Atlanta, Georgia, USA

https://www.bosphorusyacht.com/cruises/black-sea-cruise-poyrazkoy/

Monday, July 3, 2023

9 Best Things to Do in Tauranga, New Zealand

 

9 Best Things to Do in Tauranga, New Zealand | North Island Tourism & Travel Guide

Learn to Surf in the Bay of Plenty

If you're visiting Tauranga, New Zealand, make sure to experience the thrill of surfing in the Bay of Plenty. With its impressive coastline that attracts surfers from around the world, this destination offers something for everyone, from beginners to experienced surfers.

Whether you choose to join a group lesson or book a private session, there are numerous surf schools along the beachfront that can cater to your needs. With over 78 miles of pristine coastline, you'll have plenty of waves to catch and an unforgettable experience awaits you.

9 Best Things to Do in Tauranga, New Zealand 


Explore Whale Island: A Wildlife Sanctuary

Contrary to its name, Whale Island, locally known as Mutuhora, is not just for whales. It serves as one of the best protected wildlife sanctuaries in New Zealand, playing a crucial role in preserving endangered species like kiwi birds, fur seals, blue penguins, and Tuatara reptiles. Visitors have the opportunity to explore this conservation spot accompanied by experienced guides.

At the first seal colony, you can even dig your very own hot pool at Sulfur Bay Beach, where geothermal hot water bursts through the sand. Don't forget to pack sunscreen for this amazing experience.

Indulge at Fernland Spa

To unwind after a day of exploration, pamper yourself at Fernland Spa in Tauranga. This serene sanctuary offers clean hot pools filled with non-chlorine-aided mineral water, providing a truly relaxing experience. Choose between private bubbly pools, private indoor pools, or the large outdoor pool surrounded by birds and towering ferns.

The large outdoor pool is not only beautiful but also more affordable than the private options. After enjoying the pools, you can opt for a massage or even spend a night camping under the stars at one of the tenting sites available.

Hike on Mount Maunganui for Breathtaking Views

Embark on a rewarding adventure by hiking on Mount Maunganui, just a short drive from Tauranga. This extinct volcano offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the Bay of Plenty, making it an unforgettable experience. The Mao Summit walk takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the top, and it's essential to stay hydrated along the way.

This popular hike provides an opportunity to meet fellow nature enthusiasts. Alternatively, you can choose to walk around the volcano until you reach the top, taking in the stunning scenery. To learn how to save money on airfares, check out the link in the description below for a guide on getting the cheapest flights.

McLaren Falls Park: Nature's Playground

Located just outside of Tauranga, McLaren Falls Park is a sprawling 190-hectare park offering a range of outdoor activities. The park boasts an impressive collection of botanical trees, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Take a leisurely stroll along the short waterfall track and enjoy the breathtaking views, which become even more enchanting at night.

As darkness falls, glow worms illuminate both sides of the track, creating a magical atmosphere. The park also offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and even disc golf on its nine-hole and 18-hole courses.

Swim with Dolphins for an Unforgettable Encounter

One of the most remarkable experiences you can have in Tauranga is swimming with wild dolphins. Join a five-hour dolphin cruise from Tauranga during the summer months, preferably in May, and get up close and personal with these adorable creatures. Enjoy a magnificent boat ride as you search for dolphins, and once you spot them, hop into the water and snorkel alongside them.

While it may seem intimidating, the thrill and excitement will leave you with memories to cherish. If you don't have snorkeling gear or wetsuits, rental agencies and guides in the area can provide you with the necessary equipment and valuable insights on dolphin behavior.

Walk to Moturiki Island: A Tranquil Escape

For a peaceful and serene experience in Tauranga, take a walk to Moturiki Island. Adjacent to Mount Maunganui Beach, this island offers a delightful escape and a two-in-one adventure. Access the beach by crossing the walking bridge, and while exploring the island on foot, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city's coastline and the ocean. Keep an eye out for the blowhole, which shoots impressive jets of water during high tide. It's a captivating sight that you wouldn't want to miss.

Embark on an Aerial Adventure: Skydiving

If you're an adrenaline junkie seeking a thrilling activity, skydiving over Tauranga is an absolute must. Experience the exhilaration and breathtaking views as you jump from 10,000 feet, taking in the iconic Mount Maunganui and the entire city.

Free fall for approximately 30 seconds before your parachute deploys, guiding you safely back to the ground. This aerial adventure provides a unique perspective of the city and an adrenaline rush that will leave you with a sense of accomplishment and awe.

Ride a Blow Kart in Papamoa

While in Tauranga, don't miss the chance to ride a blow kart in Papamoa, the largest suburb of the city. This thrilling and uncommon activity involves riding wind-powered go-karts and will surely get your heart racing with excitement. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the uniqueness of the area and create lasting memories.

Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, the blow kart ride in Papamoa promises an extraordinary experience that will leave you exhilarated.

In conclusion, Tauranga, New Zealand, offers a plethora of exciting activities and attractions for visitors to explore. From learning to surf in the Bay of Plenty to indulging in relaxation at Fernland Spa, hiking on Mount Maunganui, swimming with dolphins, and embarking on aerial adventures, this vibrant city has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty, embrace thrilling experiences, and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting destination.

9 Best Things to Do in Tauranga, New Zealand Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVMmIqZRbvI

Discover Paradise: The 15 Best Hotels to Stay in Hawaii for an Unforgettable Vacation

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