Boat Trip, Cleopatra Island from Marmaris w/Lunch and Soft Drinks

An Authentic Day in Marmaris: Exploring Cleopatra Island by Boat

If you’re looking to escape the bustle of Marmaris and soak up some sun on a legendary beach, this boat trip to Cleopatra Island offers a balanced mix of scenic sailing, historical curiosity, and relaxing swims. For around $45, you get a roughly 8-hour adventure that includes hotel pickup, a day on the water, and a hearty lunch. It’s perfect if you enjoy a leisurely pace, gentle sightseeing, and the chance to dip into some beautiful bays along the Gulf of Gökova.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this experience are the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, which takes the hassle out of organizing transport, and the opportunity to explore multiple swimming spots, from the famous Cleopatra Beach to secluded bays near Rabbit Island. These stops are prime for relaxing, snapping photos, or cooling off in the clear waters.

However, a potential drawback is that the beach and archaeological site may not live up to everyone’s expectations, especially if you’re expecting a grand historical display. The beach is described as small and somewhat closed off, and the boat in some reviews is noted to be tired or less comfortable compared to others. This trip is best suited for those who want a scenic, laid-back day with some history and plenty of swimming rather than a deep archaeological tour.

This tour caters well to families or groups wanting a straightforward, scenic day with guaranteed relaxing moments. If you’re after a gentle, well-organized outing that maximizes your time on the water and offers good value for money, this experience might be just right.

Key Points

• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics simple and stress-free.
• Multiple swimming stops in bays and near islands provide ample chances to cool off and enjoy the scenery.
• Lunch included on the island means you won’t go hungry, with soft drinks also available.
• The archaeological interest might be limited, with some reviews noting the beach and site as small or not as impressive as hoped.
• A moderate price point for a full-day trip, considering transportation, boat, and food are included.
• Best for families and casual travelers seeking relaxation rather than intense sightseeing.

Discovering Cleopatra Island and the Gulf of Gökova

The tour kicks off early, with hotel pickups starting around 9:30 am, giving you a relaxed start to your day. From your hotel in Marmaris, you’ll hop into a bus or minibus that takes you about 30 minutes to Çaml Bay, where your boat awaits. The journey offers a chance to enjoy the coastal views and get excited about the day ahead.

Once aboard the comfortable vessel, the real magic begins. As you leave land behind, you’ll cruise across the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Gökova, a sight to behold. The boat varies in comfort and style depending on the operator, but most reviews suggest it’s sufficient for a day of sightseeing and swimming.

The Charm of Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island)

Arriving at Sedir Island around 10:30 am, you’ll find a legendary beach that’s often called “Cleopatra Beach.” Legend has it that Cleopatra herself bathed here with Mark Antony, and the sands are rumored to have been imported from Egypt, giving the beach a distinctive seashell texture.

On this island, you’ll have about two and a half hours to explore or relax. Entrance tickets to the beach are available for purchase on the boat, which costs around 13 TRY per person. If you decide not to visit the beach, you can simply enjoy the peaceful island atmosphere or wander among the ruins of ancient city structures—though the archaeological significance is noted to be limited by some reviewers.

Many visitors enjoy sunbathing or swimming on Cleopatra Beach, especially since the sand’s unique origin makes for a memorable photo backdrop. Still, some travelers find the beach small and crowded, especially during peak times, and mention that the chairs are often broken or limited.

Lunch and Relaxation

After soaking up the sun, you’ll anchor behind the island for a one-hour lunch break. This is a good opportunity to refuel with a provided meal, which is included in the tour price. The menu typically offers simple, filling fare, and soft drinks are included, though alcohol and additional drinks are available for purchase.

Swimming at Incekum Bay and Gokova’s Bays

The afternoon features several swimming stops designed to cool you down and show off the natural beauty of the area. At Incekum Bay, you’ll spend about 45 minutes in calm waters, perfect for a relaxed swim. The bay’s tranquil setting makes it an ideal spot for families or those wanting a peaceful break.

Next, the boat heads to Lacivert Bay and Rabbit Island, where you’ll stay for about an hour and a half. These bays are known for their scenic beauty and clear waters—great for snapping photos or just floating around.

The day wraps up with a 30-minute return to Camlı Pier around 5:00 pm, followed by the bus ride back to Marmaris. Arriving back in town, you’ll be dropped close to your hotel, making the logistics smooth and straightforward.

Experience and Authenticity: What You Can Expect

The reviews reveal a mixed but generally positive picture. Some travelers, like the group who booked via Thomas Cook, found the trip thoroughly enjoyable and praised the beautiful scenery and the fun all-terrain jeep safari that was included in their package. They appreciated the “off-road mountain drive,” which added an adventure element to their day.

Others, however, express disappointment, particularly regarding the beach’s size and condition. One reviewer noted that the beach was “very small and closed off,” with broken chairs, and that the boat trip only involved about 15 minutes of actual sightseeing away from land, with the boat itself described as “very tired compared to others.” These comments suggest that while the day is scenic, some parts might not meet high archaeological or beach quality expectations.

What we love is how the tour combines relaxation with scenic views—from sailing across the Gulf to swimming in crystal-clear bays. The inclusion of lunch and soft drinks makes it a good value for a full-day outing, especially when considering the convenience of hotel pickup. The boat trips offer a chance to see and experience multiple spots without the hassle of organizing each stop independently.

Practical Details and Considerations

Timing is fairly strict; the tour starts with pickups around 9:30 am and ends back in Marmaris around 5:00 pm. The group size can be up to 200, which means it can get quite busy, especially during peak season. For those seeking intimacy or a quiet experience, this might be a lot of people, but most find it manageable.

The cost of entrance fees for Cleopatra Beach isn’t included in the base price but is available for purchase on the boat. Given that some reviews mention the beach as being small and crowded, you might choose to enjoy the other swimming spots if the beach isn’t appealing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day with easy logistics—families, first-time visitors, or anyone looking to combine sightseeing with swimming. If you enjoy boat rides and want to see multiple bays without planning each individually, this is a practical choice. It’s also ideal if value for money matters to you, as most meals, soft drinks, and transportation are included.

However, if you’re seeking a deep dive into archaeology or expect a pristine beach experience, you might find this tour a bit limited. The reviews suggest that the beach condition and boat comfort can vary, so temper expectations accordingly.

Final Thoughts

A day trip from Marmaris to Cleopatra Island offers a blend of scenic sailing, historical legend, and refreshing swims. The convenience of included transport and lunch makes it an appealing option for those who prefer to keep things simple. While the archaeological aspect may not be the highlight, the stunning views, diverse swimming stops, and overall value make this a solid choice for casual travelers.

If your aim is to relax, take lots of photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Gulf of Gökova, this tour fits the bill. Just be prepared for busy spots and a boat that might not be the newest or most luxurious. It’s a no-fuss way to spend a memorable day on the Turkish Riviera.

FAQ

How early should I be ready for pickup?
Pickups generally begin around 9:30 am, but you’ll be notified of your specific time when you book. It’s best to be ready a little earlier to avoid missing the bus.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, most hotels in Marmaris are covered, including Cooks Club Adakoy, TUI Blue Marmaris, and Marmaris Resort & Spa. Check your booking details for specifics.

What is the duration of the entire trip?
The trip lasts about 8 hours, starting with pickup, the boat ride, swimming stops, lunch, and returning to Marmaris around 5 pm.

Are drinks besides soft drinks included?
No, alcoholic drinks and additional beverages are available for purchase on the boat.

Do I need to buy the entrance fee for Cleopatra Beach separately?
Yes, the entrance fee, which is about 13 TRY per person, is paid separately if you wish to access Cleopatra Beach.

Is the boat comfortable?
Reviews suggest that boat comfort varies; some travelers find it tired or less well-maintained, so managing expectations is advisable.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
The key highlights include sailing across Gökova Bay, swimming in several bays including Incekum and Gokova, exploring Cleopatra Island, and enjoying a provided lunch.

Can I spend all my time at Cleopatra Beach?
The time on Cleopatra Island is about 2.5 hours, which is enough for a swim or to explore the ruins, but some find the beach small or crowded.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, families with children tend to enjoy the swimming and relaxed pace, but always consider the age of your kids for boat safety and activity level.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a towel, swimwear, and perhaps a waterproof camera or phone case to capture the scenery.

This boat trip is a solid, value-packed way to enjoy the natural and legendary sights of Gökova Bay and Cleopatra Island, especially if you’re after a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of swimming opportunities.