Is it worth paying for a beach club on the Princes' Islands near Istanbul, or is it better to split the cost of a boat trip with a group?

From messages by 2 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 54 days ago

TL;DR

Beach entry on the Princes' Islands runs about 1200 lira, but travelers complain it's often dirty and crowded. Splitting a boat rental among 5-6 people costs roughly the same but gets you cleaner, warmer water and a nicer swim.

What the community said

Some report positive experiences with beach clubs on the islands: one particular beach (not Büyükada) is chosen year after year — clean water, no need for sand, fewer crowds than Büyükada, with a long stretch of beach along the shore.

Even at 1200 lira, the beach turned out dirty — dirty cups and dishes lying around, lots of bees, and a very small fenced-off swimming area. Not considered worth the money.

1200 lira beach entry fee

With a group of at least 6 people splitting a boat rental, the per-person cost ends up similar to a paid beach entry, but the experience is much better.

6+ people — cost comparable to beach entry

After trying boat swimming a few times, the water is described as much cleaner and warmer than at the most popular beach on the Princes' Islands, with better scenery — making the 1200 lira beach fee feel not worth it.