Sports and Watersports in Bodrum
As far as sports and watersports in Bodrum are concerned, Bodrum is famous for it's excellent sailing facilities; the Bodrum Cup is a famous annual yacht regatta for wooden boats. The cup is entirely individual, firstly because it is the only regatta in the world solely for wooden boats, and secondly, because the boats, known as 'gulets' can compete with passengers on board, meaning totally inexperienced sailors can compete in a world famous competition. The race takes place along the 'Blue Voyage' route, which has lots of beautiful coves and islands dotted along it.
Should you want participate in the watersports in Bodrum and hire a gulet of your own, you're looking at paying anywhere between £3000 and £5000 per week, with a full crew and food included. A favourite with the rich and invariably famous, gulet hire offers a relaxing way to see the stunning Bodrum peninsula.
Diving is a popular watersport in Bodrum. The annual Bodrum Diving Festival promotes sustainable diving along the peninsula, encouraging the diving companies to become more responsible with reference to caring for the underwater life. With many schools for people of all levels, and caverns, caves and reefs for the more adventurous divers to explore, Bodrum is a great destination for keen divers and scuba divers alike.
Askin Diving Centre in Bodrum offers PADI, CMAS and Baracuda courses for everyone from beginners to professionals. Diving equipment can be hired from the centre, and they operate daily excursions, which leave at 10am and return at 5pm with lunch served on board. The boat has a shaded area, and regular stops for swimming and snorkelling.
A range of watersports in Bodrum are on offer;
Parasailing. A ten minute flight costs around 75 TRY for one person or 100 for two. This trip will see you rise to 100-150 metres in height, but please bear in mind that pregnant ladies, asthmatics and those who have suffered from a heart attack cannot participate.
Jet skiing costs 60 TRY for ten minutes, although you can purchase 15 and 20 minute slots if you wish. To ride you'll need to sign a safety disclaimer.
Pedalos. A great way to relax, if not hard work, pedalos cost 20 TRY for an hour's rental.
Banana rides, doughnuts and other inflatables are around 40 TRY per ride.
Water skiing. This watersport is definitely not for the fainthearted! Water skiing is available along the peninsula, with many companies offering water skiing lessons in Gumbet.
Windsurfing. Bitez, on the Bodrum peninsula, is especially popular amonst windsufers; beginners and professionals alike, thanks to it's sharrow waters and gentle breeze.
