Why you should try the Boat Trip in Bodrum?

When I first came to Bodrum in 1998, i was astonished at how many street sellers were promoting the Boat Trip in Bodrum. Surely there aren’t that many boats? Surely there isn’t that much to see? When I’ve been on holiday before, to other countries, the boat trips have been on small boats with bench like seats lining the sides, and for only a few hours. I couldn’t imagine how a full day trip could be comfortable, especially with lunch served too. That was until I saw the Turkish Gulet boat!

The Turkish Gulet Boat

These boats known famously in Turkey are beautifully crafted from the most decorative wood, and are made for comfort. The decks are lined with soft cushioned sunbeds, and the back of the boats, depending on the size, either have a shaded cushioned area, or an undercover seating area. This is where guests on the boat trip in Bodrum can enjoy the delicious lunch that is freshly cooked and served during the tour.

The The boats are equipped with toilets for the guests, and ladders from which you can easily climb into the water to cool off at one of the stops on the tour.

 

What do you do on the Bodrum Boat Trip?

The first thing to know about Bodrum is how much you are missing by staying on land! The boat Trips typically visit 5 bays around Bodrum peninsula that you would probably never know existed if it wasn’t for the boat trip. The waters are crystal clear and the snorkelling is amazing at some of the spots, especially Aquarium bay. Nearly all of the boats will stop at Aquarium bay, which can make it quite busy at certain times of the day.

Another popular stop on the Bodrum boat tour is Camel Beach. Its unlike the other beaches you’ll find around the resorts in Bodrum, which can quite often be shingle. Camel beach is full of white sand and if you want to you can ride a camel! it’s around 30 Turkish Lira to ride a camel.

The ride is quite short though and the owners of the camels don’t like people taking pictures as there is a photographer there to take and sell photos. If you want a drink at this stop, there are restaurants on the beach but they are not included in the price of the boat trip.

The other bays we stopped at on the Bodrum boat trip were equally as beautiful, and have varied from time to time over the many boat trips I have been on. The standard 5 bay boat trip that seems to be the most popular in Bodrum, has stopped at Lady bay, Bagla bay, Black Island, mud cave, Aspat bay, and Rabbit bay.

although the breeze helps with this when cruising along. The lunch stop is longer at about an hour, at which I always find time to swim and eat. Soft drinks are also included on all of the boat trips I have been on, however alcohol is not included in the price. I have often bought a beer from the boats bar at a decent price, much the same as in local bars on land. I have seen other alcohol is also available to buy on board ,

The stops are around 30 minutes each so there is plenty of time to cool off from the hot sun,

Variations on the Bodrum Boat Trip

Bodrum Orak Island Boat Tour

I didn’t hear about the Orak Island boat tour for years having stayed in Gumbet and Bitez. It’s mainly a tour that is promoted in Bodrum.

But if you are on a 2 week holiday you should definitely try the Orak Island boat tour as well as the standard boat tour. Orak Island is further away from Bodrum than the other bays on the standard boat trip, so there are less stops, normally only 3. Orak Island has only become popular with boat trips in recent years, so although beautiful, it is also very busy. Being busy gives it a fun party atmosphere where all the customers from the boats seem to come together and party in the sea.

Orak Island is about a 2 and a half hour boat ride from Bodrum, but the boat will stop once on the way there and once on the way back so people on board can have a swim.

Bodrum Party Boat Tour

I have never done this Bodrum party boat trip but I love to watch the party on board the huge wooden Pirate ship. The party boats are huge, and take over 100 people, so it really is a day of partying!

If you think that a standard boat trip will be too relaxed for you, you don’t need to miss out on the beauty of the Bodrum bays, you can still see them on this tour. The party boat offers the same stops as the standard tour, but the big difference is that there is a party

on board all day! With a foam machine (covid19 permitting) and a DJ! The music is played and the party is on the top deck of the boat.

Lunch is also included on this trip and the big party boats have a huge under cover seating area on the bottom floor.

It always looks such good fun as it cruises past with everyone dancing on board, but personally I prefer the quieter music, and more relaxing day of the standard boat trip.

Bodrum Private Boat Tour

Out of curiosity one year on an annual holiday to Turkey, myself and a group of friends asked about a private boat tour in Bodrum.

 We didn’t think we’d be able to afford it, but we were pleasantly surprised by the prices and decided to go for it. Well, this was by far the BEST day out we’ve had!

The private boat trip in Bodrum makes you feel special, like you’re the only people in the world. The captain of the boat was so attentive, asking us where we wanted to go, if we wanted to stay longer at the bays we were having fun at. It was more relaxed that the group daily boat trips in Bodrum because, as lovely as they are they follow a route, and it can sometimes be busy at the stops with all the other boats.

The food on the private boat trip was also a bit different to the standard daily boat trip in Bodrum. This perhaps is because there are less people on board, and the chef has more time to make something more complex.

There is also an option to not only hire a wooden gulet boat, but luxury yacht hire in Bodrum is also available! This was a bit out of my budget but it looks very special.

Sunset Cruise boat tour (private hire)

I have 2 experiences of the sunset boat cruise and both were AMAZING! Who ever thought that I would be hiring a boat privately in Bodrum and watching the sun set over the land. The only word to describe this is magical!

My first experience of the sunset boat trip in Bodrum was again with a group of friends, and we were celebrating a special birthday. We hired the boat, and were allowed to take our own alcohol and snacks onto the boat, so we made it into a cheese and wine night. We bought a cake locally and took that on board too.

The tour was from 6pm until 9pm. We dressed up and it was the most special way to celebrate our friends birthday.

My second time on the sunset boat trip, was for a friends proposal! What a romantic way to propose! I am so lucky to have been able to share this experience with my friend. The romantic music was playing, we had champagne, and the only ones in on the plan were the boyfriend, and the captain of the boat! There were flowers on the table, and balloons hanging from the roof. It was an experience that will never be forgotten.

 

How do I know which boat to choose for my tour?

There are hundreds of boats in the area of Bodrum, and it can sometimes be daunting figuring out which one to choose for your boat trip. There are street sellers and online sellers, all selling at different prices. Easy Book Tours are both an online company, and a street seller, with their office based in Gumbet.

The range of boats differ in size, quality, and service. This website offers all ranges of boat trip in Bodrum that I have mentioned above at a range of prices. I found them to be very open about the differences in service and cost, so you can really feel confident about what you are booking. Don’t hesitate to book a boat trip while you’re in Bodrum! Once you’ve done it, you’ll be hooked!