istanbul by boat and bus

[johnny1]

has anyone been to istanbul going by ferry to Tassacu or mersin and then by bus?
how was it? thinking of doing it.

[metin]

Haven’t done it that way, but did take the ferry once. To be avoided at all costs unless you have a really smooth crossing which is never guaranteed or a very strong stomach. People throwing up everywhere.
The buses in Turkey on the other hand are 5 Star.

[waddo]

Not thought of doing that trip but have thought about ferry from Kyrenia to Alanya - called the high speed ferry or water bus - and then onwards to Istanbul by coach. It looks a really cheap way to travel and see a lot of the country. Plus side for me is that I have used the "high speed ferry" before and found it to be an easy ride although not as high speed as you would think! Being a "kind of" hydroplane it is quite smooth and if you are quick you used to be able to grab a spot right up on the cabin roof and watch the world and the dolphins go by - magic.

[johnny1]

dolphins? u mean there r dolphins between kyrenia and mainland turkey? didnt think that

[waddo]

Sure are but mainly off the coast of Turkey, as the "high speed" ferry follows the cost from Alanya for quite a way until it does a quick turn to the right and heads across the water, the dolphins will follow or "follow in front?" of the ferry for quite long distances. As an aside, if you have never seen the Island rising from the sea in the distance then you must do the trip from Alanya to Kyrenia once! It is pure magic because you are so low down in the water it happens slowly.

[johnny1]

wow
i thought the boat was to mersin.
i shall go next week to ask about kyrenia to alanya.how many hours is that?

[johnny1]

what would be the best time to take that trip to catch the dolphins...and is summer good time? when did u do the trip?

[Kath]

Saw dolphins on a trip up the Bosphorus (spelling?) from Istanbul toward the Black Sea - can’t remember what month, it was on the ferry - cheap well worth it , Turkish lamps half the price of in the city. The only problem with fast ferries they are often referred to as th vomit comet - sorry.

[Groucho]

Dolphins are resident in the Med so there is a good chance they will be seen at any time of the year I would imagine.

[karmels]

I would check with Akgunlar as to when the high speed stops running, the ferry port in Alanya is in the town centre and not far from the main bus station.although I have not traveled to Istanbul from Alanya a few Turkish friend have, it takes between 12 and 14 hours depending on which part of istanbul you want to get off.
The popularity of the bus is not what it used to be due to high speed train travel but there are no trains from Antalya. Maybe a bus to Konya then the train to Istanbul.

[waddo]

Last time I did the trip was the end of June, watch the weather forecast before you book! The wind can turn the Med into a very choppy sea in very quick time but when it is calm it is wonderful. Not done it in heavy weather and through I have never had sea sickness, even on a trawler in the North Sea, I would think twice about taking the high speed in rough weather as it is fairly flat bottomed!! You should get dolphins all the year round when the sea is calm anyway. If you don't plan on going before October then wait till May next year - lol.

[johnny1]

well you have tempted me..you and the dolphins so im thinking about it and if i do it i will early in september

[waddo]

Good choice. Not always dead accurate but worth a look before you book: http://www.windowoncyprus.com/weather.htm

[tylerbabe]

wow
i thought the boat was to mersin.
i shall go next week to ask about kyrenia to alanya.how many hours is that?

3hrs 30 minutes

[tylerbabe]

wow
i thought the boat was to mersin.
i shall go next week to ask about kyrenia to alanya.how many hours is that?

3hrs 30 minutes

to Alanya, Mersin is overnight have done both of them