Antalya/Kemer: Porto Genoese Boat Trip and Mud Bath w/ Lunch

Antalya/Kemer: Porto Genoese Boat Trip and Mud Bath with Lunch

This boat trip offers a full day of swimming, relaxing, and exploring some of Turkey’s most beautiful waters. From hotel pickups to crystal-clear coves, mud baths, and a hearty lunch, it’s designed to give you a taste of the Mediterranean’s best without breaking the bank.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the combination of seclusion and scenic beauty, all served with the comforts of a smaller, boutique-style boat. Yet, as with any tour, there are a few considerations—mainly the long transfer times and language barriers during the bus ride—that travelers should keep in mind.

If you love nature, stunning views, and a bit of fun mud-washing, this trip should definitely be on your list. It’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed day out with plenty of swimming, scenic stops, and a lively, friendly atmosphere.

Key Points

• Small Group Comfort: Boats hold a maximum of 35 people, offering a more intimate experience.
• Breathtaking Bays: Stops at Akseki Bay, Porto Genoese, and Korsan Bay for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing.
• Unique Mud Bath: Fun-filled mud experience with a rinse in the sea—perfect for skin and laughs alike.
• Authentic Turkish Lunch: Fresh fish, tea, and fruits served on board, highlighting local flavors.
• Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off included if selected, reducing hassle.
• Long Day Out: Expect around 7-8 hours with travel, stops, and activities, so come prepared for a full day.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The journey begins early in the morning, with hotel pickups from Antalya, Lara, and Belek, making it convenient for most travelers. You’ll be greeted at the port in Adrasan Koyu by a Tur Turizm staff member, with clear signage, so arriving is straightforward. The ride to the port takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, which may seem lengthy, but the scenic views and the promise of a day on the water make it worthwhile. On the way, there’s a 20-minute stop at a breakfast restaurant—an ideal chance to stretch your legs and fuel up before the main activities.

Once at the port, you’ll board a cozy, boutique-style boat that limits groups to 35 people, ensuring a more personalized vibe. The first stop is Akseki Bay, for about 30 minutes of swimming and relaxing. This bay has a slightly wild bottom, with sea urchins, making it an interesting snorkelling spot for those comfortable with a bit of adventure. Reviewers highlight that it’s a great place to watch marine life, but not the place to touch or disturb the sea creatures.

Next, you’ll cruise approximately 25 minutes to Porto Genoese Bay, arguably the day’s star attraction. Here, you’ll have about an hour to soak up the spectacular scenery, swim in the clear waters, and enjoy your picnic-style lunch. The view alone makes this spot worth the trip—crystal waters, lush surroundings, and a sense of exclusivity. Tourists often mention how lovely it is to eat on the boat while taking in the view, with food that’s described as delicious, particularly the grilled fish.

The third highlight is Korsan Bay, another 40-minute stop for swimming and relaxing, where many find the water even more inviting. After this, it’s a breezy 25-minute cruise back, ending the day with a final splash or just lounging on deck.

The Mud Bath – A Fun and Unique Experience

A highlight that keeps coming up in reviews is the mud bath. Once at Porto Genoese Bay, you get the chance to smear yourself in mud—an activity reviewers describe as fun and surprisingly effective for skin. After covering yourself in mud, you rinse off in the sea, which is sometimes described as a rinse and repeat process. While some mention that washing off can take a bit of effort, most agree it’s a playful, memorable activity that leaves your skin feeling smooth.

Reviewers also point out that the mud is quite basic—more of a bucket of mud than a spa treatment—so don’t expect luxurious spa muds. But the laughs and the novelty more than make up for it.

The Food and Beverages

Included in the tour is a hearty lunch served on board, often highlighted as a good value for the price. Tourists mention the fish is cooked to perfection, with fried dorada being a common choice. Alongside the meal, Turkish tea and fresh fruits are offered, giving you a taste of local hospitality. Many reviews emphasize the quality of the food, noting it’s plentiful and satisfying after several hours of swimming.

However, drinks beyond tea and fruit are not included, so if you want soft drinks or alcohol, you’ll need to buy those separately. Photos of the meal are not provided by the tour, so if capturing the lunch is important, bring your camera or phone early.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 35 guests, this tour feels intimate and friendly. Several reviewers praise the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to chat with fellow travelers, often noting the local, family-owned nature of the boat. Friendly guides like Sura and others keep everyone informed, even if language occasionally shifts to Russian for some parts of the trip.

Reviewers say the guides are knowledgeable and attentive, making sure everyone is comfortable and safe. The smaller boat size makes it easier to find a good spot, whether for sunbathing or snorkelling.

Transportation and Practicalities

The long transfer from Antalya can be a downside for some, taking approximately 2-2.5 hours each way. But, many consider the scenic drive worthwhile, and the included stop for breakfast adds a nice touch. The meeting point is well organized, with clear signage, but the port area can be crowded, so taking a picture of your bus number is recommended.

Pickup is optional, and drivers are punctual—please wait at your hotel’s security area, as they won’t wait longer than 5 minutes after scheduled pickup time. Tours start at around 10 am, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the day.

Cost and Value

While the price isn’t specified in the details, reviews suggest that the tour offers very good value for money. The combination of transportation, boat ride, multiple swimming stops, mud bath, and a decent lunch makes it an all-in-one package that won’t break the bank. It’s especially appealing if you’re after a relaxed, scenic day with a touch of fun.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the water, with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy a mud bath. It’s suitable for those who appreciate smaller groups and authentic, family-run boat trips. If you’re not a fan of long transfers or have limited mobility, the 2+ hour bus ride may be a consideration.

It’s also well-suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy nature, good food, and a fun sense of adventure. Those seeking a lively, social atmosphere will likely enjoy the friendly guides and shared experiences.

However, if you’re claustrophobic or prefer more luxurious spa treatments, the mud bath might feel a bit rustic. Also, travelers who speak only English should be aware that part of the commentary during the bus ride might be in Russian, though guides do translate on the boat.

The Sum Up

This boat trip from Antalya offers a well-balanced mix of stunning scenery, fun activities, and authentic Turkish hospitality. The stops at Akseki Bay, Porto Genoese, and Korsan Bay provide ample opportunities for swimming and relaxing in some of Turkey’s most beautiful waters. The mud bath adds a playful touch that sets this tour apart from standard boat rides, and the included lunch with fresh fish is a bonus for food lovers.

The small-group vibe ensures you won’t feel overwhelmed, and the knowledgeable guides help make the day both enjoyable and informative. While the long transfer times and occasional language hiccups are worth noting, many find these minor inconveniences are outweighed by the scenic beauty and authentic experience.

This tour is best suited for those who love nature, watersports, and a laid-back atmosphere. It offers excellent value for money, making it an ideal choice for travelers wanting a memorable day out on the Turkish coast.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the option, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Antalya, Lara, or Belek, making the day more convenient.

How long is the transfer to the port?
The transfer takes about 2 to 2.5 hours each way, with a rest stop at a breakfast restaurant on the way.

What should I bring for the mud bath?
Just yourselves and maybe a towel or change of clothes. The mud is simple, and most enjoy the fun, messy experience.

Are beverages included?
No, drinks beyond tea and fruits are not included, so bring your own or purchase at the bay.

How much time do we spend at each stop?
Akseki Bay: 30 minutes, Porto Genoese Bay: 1 hour, Korsan Bay: 40 minutes.

Is this trip suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, but you should be comfortable in the water and able to snorkel if you wish to enjoy the underwater scenery.

Is the tour good for families?
Absolutely, the relaxed pace and fun mud activity appeal to families with children, provided they’re comfortable in the water.

This engaging, detailed review should help you decide if this boat trip balances your desire for scenic beauty, authentic fun, and good value. It promises a memorable day on Turkey’s turquoise waters—one that many travelers consider a highlight of their Antalya visit.