Kocaeli launches summer sea tours and new aquarium

Kocaeli Mehtap tours Büyükada trips Körfez Aqua Aquarium summer tourism

The Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality has opened its summer tourism programme. Starting 20 June, the "Mehtap Turları" (Moonlight Tours) will run every Saturday, offering sunset boat trips on the Gulf with free tea and water. Tickets cost 300 TL for adults and 215 TL for students, with departure points in İzmit, Gölcük, Derince and Değirmendere.

On Sundays, the municipality runs "Büyükada'ya Yolculuk" day‑trip ferries to the popular Princes' Islands. The service departs from İzmit at 08:30 and stops at Değirmendere, Karamürsel and Darıca before reaching Büyükada at 12:45. Return trips are at 17:15. Adult fares range from 310 TL to 420 TL depending on the departure town; student fares are 240 TL‑270 TL. Payment is accepted only via KocaeliCard, contactless bank cards or credit cards.

Additionally, the "Körfez Aqua Kıtalar Akvaryumu" opened on 20 June at İzmit Millet Bahçesi. The aquarium features five continent‑themed sections, a 6‑metre freshwater tunnel (Turkey’s first) and a 20‑metre saltwater tunnel with coral and ship‑wreck displays. Admission is 300 TL for adults, 100 TL for students, with free entry for children under three, seniors over 65, and certain veterans.