A Day on the Water: Exploring Bodrum’s Bays and Orak Island
Planning a day in Bodrum and craving some time on the water? This Boat Trip to the Turkish Maldives—Orak Island offers a relaxing and scenic escape for roughly 7 hours, where you’ll get to visit several beautiful bays and the famed Orak Island. For just $34.76 per person, you’ll enjoy a well-organized trip that’s praised for its good value, friendly crew, and stunning scenery.
What we love about this experience is how effortless it is—lunch is included, so you don’t have to worry about bringing food or packing a picnic, and the low price makes it accessible for most travelers. Plus, the chance to swim and snorkel in spots only accessible by boat means you’re in for authentic aquatic adventures.
A small downside? Since drinks are extra, you’ll want to budget for beverages on board if you like your drinks with your sunbathing. This trip suits those looking for a laid-back, social day on the water—perfect if you want to relax, meet fellow travelers, or simply soak in the scenic beauty without fuss.
Key Points
- Stunning Bays: Visit several scenic spots perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Affordable Price: Great value considering the included lunch and multiple stops.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Friendly crew and spacious boat make for a stress-free day.
- Authentic Experience: Access hidden beaches and bays only reachable by boat.
- Good for Social Travelers: Meet others and enjoy a lively, friendly vibe.
- Consider Extra Costs: Drinks are not included, so plan to purchase on board.
Discovering the Details of the Bodrum Boat Trip
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What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
This boat trip is all about enjoying Bodrum’s natural beauty from the water—a perspective that’s hard to beat. At a modest cost, you’ll cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed. The trip is around 7 hours long, starting at 11:00 am from Halikarnas Harbour, making it perfect for a full day of sun, sea, and relaxation. The mobile ticket makes planning straightforward, and with a maximum group size of 50 travelers, it retains a friendly, intimate vibe.
The Itinerary in Depth
Stop 1: Orak Adası (Orak Island)
This is the highlight for many—a swimming stop at Orak Island, often called part of Turkey’s “Maldives.” The reviews rave about the crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches. You’ll have about two hours here to swim, snorkel, or just lounge on the boat and soak up the views. According to travelers, the water is so inviting, and the scenery is truly special.
Other Stops:
While the main focus is Orak Island, travelers mention visiting 4 to 5 beaches and bays during the trip. Some stops include hot springs (additional fee), a small cave, and areas suitable for snorkeling. The crew is lauded for their friendly, humorous attitude, making each stop more enjoyable.
Food and Drinks
Lunch is included, typically a chicken pasta with salad—plenty of food, with many reviewers noting it’s tasty and filling. One traveler described the lunch as “delicious and tasty,” and that there’s enough for seconds. Watermelon and tea are also provided towards the end, adding a nice touch.
Drinks such as soda, beer, and water are available for purchase, and prices are reported as affordable. This approach keeps the base price low but means you may want to bring some extra cash if you prefer beverages with your meal or during swimming breaks.
The Crew and Atmosphere
The reviews make it clear that the staff is a major highlight. They’re described as friendly, attentive, and humorous—some reviews even mention crew members by name, like Sibsi, as “an absolute legend.” The boat itself is clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant environment for the duration.
The top deck offers good space for sunbathing or taking photos, with some reviews highlighting the beautiful views of Bodrum from the water. The overall vibe is relaxed and social, perfect if you enjoy meeting new people or just want to unwind in a scenic setting.
Value and Practical Considerations
Given the cost of under $35, this trip offers great value for the amount of time, scenery, and activities included. However, since drinks are extra, you might want to bring some cash or plan to purchase beverages on board.
The group size—up to 50 travelers—strikes a good balance between social and private. Most travelers say the experience feels personal enough without being crowded, and the crew’s friendly attitude adds to that feeling.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re looking for a low-cost, scenic day on the water with plenty of swimming, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially well-suited for families, solo travelers, or couples wanting to relax among beautiful bays. Those seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path spots will appreciate the access to beaches and islands only reachable by boat.
It’s also ideal if you’re on a short visit to Bodrum and want a straightforward way to enjoy the sea—no complicated logistics, just good fun, good views, and a satisfying meal.
Who Might Want to Think Twice?
If you’re a big drinker or need a full bar experience, you might find the extra costs for beverages inconvenient. Also, if closeness to nature (like caves or hot springs) is a priority, be aware that some stops are simple swimming spots, not elaborate attractions.
Final Thoughts
This boat trip to Orak Island and Bodrum’s bays offers a great balance of scenic beauty, good value, and social atmosphere. From the crystal waters and scenic stops to the delicious, filling lunch, it’s a straightforward choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the Turkish coast without fuss or high price.
If you love relaxing days on the water, with opportunities to swim and snorkel in unspoiled spots, this tour hits all the right notes. The friendly crew, comfortable boat, and stunning scenery make it an experience you’ll remember—and worth recommending.
For travelers craving an authentic, easygoing adventure, this trip is just about perfect. It’s especially suited for those who prioritize value, scenery, and relaxed social vibes over high-end amenities or elaborate excursions.
FAQs
What time does the tour start?
The trip departs at 11:00 am from Halikarnas Harbour, making it easy to fit into a leisurely morning.
How long is the trip?
It lasts about 7 hours, giving enough time to enjoy multiple swimming stops, lunch, and the scenic boat ride.
Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included but can be purchased on board at affordable prices. Water, soda, and alcohol are available.
Is the lunch vegetarian or special diet friendly?
The included lunch generally features chicken pasta and salad, so it’s not vegetarian. Special dietary requests aren’t specified, so consider bringing snacks if needed.
Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Less notice means no refund.
Is this suitable for children or families?
Yes, most reviews mention families and children enjoying the day, making it a family-friendly outing.
To sum it up, this boat trip to Bodrum’s bays and Orak Island offers superb scenery, good food, and friendly service at a reasonable price. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic, and social day on the water, with enough swimming and snorkeling to make it memorable. Just remember to bring some extra cash for drinks and enjoy the beautiful coast of Turkey—your Turkish Maldives awaits.
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