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Taking a boat trip around Bodrum’s stunning coastline is a must-do for anyone visiting this Turkish paradise. The Orak Island Boat Tour offers a full day of sun, sea, and scenic spots, with a relaxed pace that’s perfect for families, friends, or solo travelers craving a taste of the Mediterranean’s best. This tour, operated by Bodrum Onelli Travel, has earned a spotless 5.0 rating from just one review so far—an encouraging sign of its quality and appeal.
What really caught our eye is how this experience balances beautiful scenery, delicious included lunch, and multiple swimming stops that showcase some of the best hidden gems around Bodrum. However, potential travelers should consider that the tour doesn’t include drinks beyond soft drinks, so if you’re after alcohol or bottled water, you’ll need to bring your own.
This tour is ideal for those looking for a value-packed day on the water—no fuss, just fun. It suits families, couples, and groups who want to enjoy the Mediterranean without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple bookings. If authentic, scenic, and relaxing aquatic adventures are your thing, this might be just the right fit.
Key Points
Beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters make this boat trip a visual treat.
All-inclusive lunch and drinks provide good value, and soft drinks are unlimited onboard.
Snorkeling gear is supplied, perfect for exploring the vibrant marine life.
Multiple swimming stops at renowned spots like Orak Island, Rabbit Bay, German Bay, and Red Bay.
Flexible cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind.
Tour duration of around 7 hours offers plenty of time to relax without feeling rushed.
A Deep Dive Into the Experience
The Orak Island Boat Tour kicks off from Bodrum’s onelli TurUmurca harbor at 11:00 AM and wraps up around 6:30 PM. The day is neatly packed with four major stops, each offering a different flavor of Bodrum’s coastal beauty. The overall duration of roughly seven hours makes it a manageable yet thoroughly enjoyable outing.
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The Itinerary Breakdown
Bodrum City – Departure Point
Starting from Bodrum’s bustling harbor, the departure is smooth, with the boat leaving promptly at 11:00 AM. This is a convenient meeting point if you’re already exploring the town, especially since it’s near public transportation. The friendly crew, including guides like Mr. Metin—who has a reputation for both fun and efficiency—sets a relaxed tone for the day.
Stop 1: Orak Island
The star of the trip, Orak Island, is famed for its stunning views and clear waters. The guides emphasize that this is the most beautiful island for swimming and snorkeling, and the reviewers agree. The shallow, inviting waters make it perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
What you’ll love: The chance to see lively marine life and enjoy the pristine beaches. The quiet and unspoiled nature of the island means fewer crowds, especially in the shoulder seasons.
What to note: The stop here lasts about 3 hours, giving ample time for sunbathing, snorkeling, or just floating around with a drink in hand. If you’re into exploring marine life, bring your own snorkel gear if you prefer a specific style, although provided equipment is available.
Stop 2: Karaada Island
Known as “Black Island,” Karaada offers a different landscape—perhaps with volcanic features or darker sands—adding variety to your day. The one-hour stop here is enough to stretch your legs, snap photos, or take a quick dip.
Insight from reviews: While not heavily detailed, this stop adds a nice break and a chance to appreciate Bodrum’s diverse island geography.
Stop 3: German Bay
This bay is a favorite for swimming and relaxing. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for families and those wanting a more tranquil experience. The three-hour stay allows for a leisurely lunch, more swimming, or just soaking up the sun.
Food lovers will appreciate: The included lunch—presumably fresh, with some local flavors—adds significant value, especially since soft drinks are unlimited. The reviews mention a “lovely food in a small village,” hinting that the meal might include local or traditional touches.
Stop 4: Red Bay and Rabbit Bay
These two bays serve as the grand finale, offering picturesque settings to end your day. With another three hours here, you can snorkel, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the serenity of these beautiful coves, which seem to be the perfect spots to unwind after a busy morning.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour keeps it straightforward—lunch and soft drinks are covered, which is fair considering the price of just over $34 per person. The soft drinks are unlimited, allowing you to stay refreshed during the hot day. The supplied snorkeling equipment means you won’t need to carry your own unless you prefer a specific mask or fins.
However, drinks beyond soft drinks, such as bottled water, soda pop, or alcoholic beverages, are not included. If you’re a fan of a cold beer or a glass of wine, plan to bring your own or purchase them onshore.
Private transportation isn’t included, but the meeting point is accessible, and the tour operates within a group size that caps at 50 travelers, keeping things intimate enough for personalized attention.
The Value of This Tour
At its modest price, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. The itinerary covers multiple scenic spots, with enough time at each to swim, snorkel, or relax. The inclusion of lunch, soft drinks, and snorkeling equipment makes it a convenient choice for travelers who want a hassle-free day on the water.
The timing—departing around 11:00 and returning at 18:30—fits well into a typical Bodrum day, leaving mornings free for exploring town or relaxing beforehand. The 7-hour span balances a full experience with enough downtime to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Authentic Elements & Review Insights
From the single review available, we see that the experience can be quite memorable. The reviewer mentions using Mr. Metin’s services for both this boat trip and a jeep safari, describing both as “absolutely brilliant” and fun. The mention of the “lovely food in a small village” hints at authentic local cuisine, possibly served during the included lunch.
Many travelers appreciate the stunning views—the clear waters, unspoiled beaches, and scenic bays—and note that the waters are perfect for snorkeling, with equipment provided for ease. The calm, inviting bay settings are ideal for families or groups looking for a relaxed day out.
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Who Is This Tour Best For?
This boat tour is particularly well-suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day on the water without the need for strenuous activities or complex arrangements. It’s perfect for families with children, couples, or friends who want to enjoy Bodrum’s coastal beauty in comfort.
Those who value included meals and drinks will find this package appealing, especially since soft drinks are unlimited and the lunch is described as delicious in reviews. It also appeals to travelers who enjoy snorkeling but might not want to bring their own gear, thanks to the provided equipment.
However, if you’re after alcoholic drinks or bottled water, you’ll need to plan ahead. Also, those looking for a more private or customized experience might prefer private boat options.
Final Thoughts
The Orak Island Boat Tour stands out as a solid choice for anyone wanting to combine scenic beauty, good food, and a relaxed boat experience in Bodrum. Its value for money, with an inclusive lunch, snorkeling gear, and multiple stops, makes it a hassle-free way to enjoy the region’s best coastal spots.
The stops at Orak Island and Rabbit Bay offer some of the most stunning swimming and snorkeling opportunities, while the stops at Karaada, German Bay, and Red Bay diversify the experience with different landscapes and tranquility. The timing and group size ensure a comfortable, not overcrowded trip, and the flexible cancellation policy adds peace of mind.
This tour is an excellent fit for those looking to escape the crowds, soak up incredible views, and enjoy a day of Mediterranean bliss in Bodrum.
FAQs
What is the departure time for the tour?
The boat departs from Bodrum harbor at 11:00 AM and returns around 6:30 PM, providing a full day of activity.
Are drinks included in the tour?
Soft drinks are unlimited and included in the price. Alcoholic beverages and bottled water are not included and need to be purchased separately if desired.
How long are the stops at each location?
Stops vary from about 1 hour at Karaada to 3 hours at Orak Island, Rabbit Bay, and Red Bay, giving plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is supplied, making it easy to explore the underwater scenery without bringing your own.
What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs approximately $34.76 per person, offering good value considering the inclusions and the scenic stops.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed pace, shallow swimming spots, and provided equipment suggest it’s family-friendly, especially for those comfortable in the water.
Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at Onelli turUmurca, Üçkuyular Cd. No:7, Bodrum. The location is accessible by public transportation.
In essence, the Orak Island Boat Tour offers a straightforward, authentic way to experience Bodrum’s coastal treasures. With friendly guides, scenic stops, and inclusive meals, it’s a relaxing day designed for travelers who want to enjoy the Mediterranean in style, comfort, and good company.
