Jalem Tur Schedules 2026

Jalem Tur is four generations deep in Ayvalık. The family's first representative in Turkey was Eşref Kaptan, who came across from Crete and was known locally for fearless seamanship; when Turkey's surname law arrived he took Jale, meaning a drop of water. His son Ali Jale — "Ali Kaptan" to the town — is credited with starting maritime tourism in the region. The third generation, Captain Eşref Jale, took over in 1984 and began carrying passengers to Lesvos with a ferry called Jale 6. The company dates its presence in shipping here to 1923, and the fourth generation — a mechanical engineer and a naval architect — is now in the business.

Two boats, two prices, and the slower one is cheaper

The crossing from Ayvalık comes in two forms. The sea bus takes 45 minutes and costs €35 one way, €45 return. The vehicle ferry takes 90 minutes and costs €30 one way, €40 return — slower, but less. Children 6–12 pay €22.50 on the fast boat and €20 on the ferry; infants €10 either way. Getting the crossing time down to 45 minutes was the company's own doing, and it changed the shape of the day trip.

What the ticket price leaves out

Read this before budgeting. On top of the fare, every passenger departing Ayvalık pays 300 TL port tax and 1,250 TL Turkish exit levy — together often more than the child fare. Vehicles carry their own additional charges: 500 TL for a motorcycle, 750 TL for a car, 1,150 TL for a jeep, minibus or pickup, 2,250 TL for a camper, coach or lorry, and 3,350 TL for an articulated truck.

Taking a vehicle

On the ferry a motorcycle is €40 single / €60 return, a car, jeep or SUV €75 / €110, a minibus or pickup €90 / €140, a camper €120 / €180 and a coach €300 / €500 — before the lira charges above.

The fleet

Two catamarans, one vehicle ferry, one passenger ferry and two excursion boats, all named for the family. Seda Jale is the vehicle ship — 440 passengers and 16 cars. Emine Jale carries 440 passengers without vehicles, Nazlı Jale 242 and Eşref Jale 172. Jale 6, the boat the modern service began with, and Kontes now run excursions.

Before you sail

Be at the port two hours before departure — for foot passengers and vehicles alike, which is longer than most Aegean crossings ask. Tickets are personal and non-transferable, valid only for the route and category printed on them. Under EU directive 98/41 the company records passenger name lists, so book with the name that matches the passport. And note the disclaimer: for cancellations or diversions ordered by the Greek maritime ministry, port authorities or weather, the company accepts no liability and does not undertake to refund in full.