About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve seen my fair share of "luxury cruises" where the RevPAR is high but the soul is nowhere to be found. Most operators just want to pack a deck and hit the lead targets for the season, but Bodrum hits different when you get away from the club remix of "Despacito" at the marina. Orak Island is often dubbed the "Maldives of Turkey," which—let's be honest—is a bit of a marketing reach, but the water clarity? That actually lives up to the hype. If you're tired of the same old tourist traps, this trip is a solid reminder of why we fell in love with the Aegean in the first place. It’s simple, it's salty, and the grilled chicken on board tastes better than it has any right to. Sometimes the industry tries to overcomplicate things, but a boat and a turquoise bay is usually all you need.
About the Tour
Forget the crowded hotel pools for a day. This journey kicks off from Halikarnas harbor at 11:00 AM, a civilized start time for those of us who enjoy a slow breakfast. We skip the corporate fluff and head straight for the blue.
Diving into the Blue
The day begins with a "wake-up" dip at Red Bay. It’s a short, refreshing stop to get your sea legs before we head to the main event.
Orak Island is the crown jewel here. You’ll have roughly 2 hours to lose yourself in waters so clear you’ll be checking if your eyes are playing tricks on you. The white seabed gives the water that electric blue glow that keeps the Instagram influencers coming back year after year.
Lunch and Coastal Cruising
While you’re drying off, the crew gets to work. No pre-packaged sandwiches here; lunch is freshly prepared on the boat. You can usually expect:
- Grilled Chicken (the staple of any good Turkish boat trip)
- Fresh Pasta or Rice
- Seasonal Salad
As the afternoon rolls in, we hit two more secluded bays. The captain makes the call on these stops based on the sea conditions—because nobody likes a choppy swim. Between dives, expect a serve of fresh melon and traditional Turkish tea with biscuits as we cruise back along the peninsula.
It’s a low-stress, high-reward day that reminds you why Bodrum stays at 100% occupancy during the peak season.
Highlights
- Swim and snorkel at several different beautiful bays and beaches
- Sunbathe on the deck of the boat
- Enjoy a hot lunch, freshly cooked and served on board
Know before you go
- Be sure to bring a towel and sun cream
- Bringing your own drinks on-board is not permitted, however you can purchase drinks on-board
What to bring
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting location:
Bayside & Tora Boat Trips
Bodrum
Boat cruise (45 minutes)
Red Bay
Swimming, Snorkeling (30 minutes)
Bodrum
Boat cruise (1 hour)
Orak Island
Lunch, Swimming, Snorkeling, Meal onboard (2 hours)
Bodrum
Boat cruise (30 minutes)
German Bay
Dessert, Swimming, Snorkeling (30 minutes)
Bodrum
Boat cruise (45 minutes)
Rabbit Bay, Bodrum
Tea, Swimming, Snorkeling (30 minutes)
Bodrum
Boat cruise (30 minutes)
Arrive back at:
Bayside & Tora Boat Trips