Kara Ada (Bodrum) Island
Small Turkish islet off Bodrum, rocky coastline
Off Bodrum, Kara Ada attracts day boats and swimmers to its sheltered coves and clear water; visitors arrive for snorkeling, short coastal hikes and afternoons on rocky beaches.
Kara Ada (Bodrum) at a Glance#
Address: Kara Ada (off Bodrum), Muğla Province, Turkey
About Kara Ada (Bodrum)#
Kara Ada (Bodrum) is a small Aegean island off the coast of the Bodrum peninsula in Muğla Province, Turkey. The island’s Turkish name means “Black Island.”
Day-trippers from Bodrum visit for sheltered anchorages, swimming and snorkeling in clear Aegean water, and for shore areas with natural thermal springs that attract bathers. The island is generally uninhabited and used as a recreational stop on local boat tours.
The island has long been used as a local anchorage and for its springs; its name and use as a day-trip destination reflect maritime activity in the Bodrum area. It has no large permanent settlements.
Kara Ada lies off the Aegean coast adjacent to the Bodrum peninsula in Muğla Province, readily reached by short boat transfers from Bodrum harbour.
- Thermal springs: Known locally as part of the Bodrum archipelago, the island is a common short boat trip from Bodrum and is noted for shore-side thermal springs.
How to Get to Kara Ada (Bodrum)#
Regular day-boat excursions to Kara Ada depart from Bodrum marina and several nearby bays (Gümbet, Torba). Private boat hire is common and allows more flexible timing; crossings are typically 20-40 minutes depending on vessel and departure point.
Tips for Visiting Kara Ada (Bodrum)#
- If swimming, prefer the sheltered coves to the open sea; currents around some parts of the island can be strong.
- Bring snorkeling gear - water clarity near Kara Ada's coves is often excellent for short swims.
- Book a private boat from Bodrum or Gümbet to explore the island at the quietest hours (early morning or late afternoon).
Best Time to Visit Kara Ada (Bodrum)#
Late spring through early autumn; for calmer visits choose shoulder seasons.
Weather & Climate near Kara Ada (Bodrum)#
Kara Ada (Bodrum)'s climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 8°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (759 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 11° | 162 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| February | Good | 8° - 15° | 11° | 124 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.7h |
| March | Very Good | 9° - 16° | 13° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.8 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 12° - 20° | 16° | 37 mm | some cloud | 72% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.0h |
| May | Ideal | 16° - 24° | 20° | 19 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 3.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.0h |
| June | Ideal | 20° - 29° | 25° | 9 mm | clear | 64% | 4.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 14.5h |
| July | Ideal | 22° - 32° | 28° | 2 mm | clear | 58% | 4.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.2h |
| August | Ideal | 22° - 32° | 28° | 6 mm | clear | 60% | 4.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.4h |
| September | Ideal | 20° - 29° | 24° | 16 mm | clear | 63% | 3.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 16° - 24° | 20° | 50 mm | mostly sunny | 67% | 3.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Very Good | 12° - 19° | 16° | 92 mm | some cloud | 70% | 3.4 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.1h |
| December | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 161 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
