Icmeler: Day-Cruise to Cleopatra Island & Gokova Bay

Icmeler: Day-Cruise to Cleopatra Island & Gokova Bay — An Authentic Turkish Marine Adventure

This 8-hour boat tour from Icmeler promises a day filled with stunning scenery, historical ruins, and relaxing swims. Navigating through crystal-clear waters, you’ll visit Cleopatra Island, known for its soft sands and ancient remnants, as well as the lush Bayir Cypress trees and the captivating Gokova Bay. The trip includes a freshly cooked barbecue lunch, plenty of swimming opportunities, and the chance to explore sites that are hard to access otherwise.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines both natural beauty and a touch of history, all while giving you a relaxing day on the water. The knowledgeable crew and well-organized itinerary make it a standout for those craving an authentic, scenic escape.

One aspect to consider is the need to be comfortable with boat travel and some walking around the island. While the tour is well-paced, it does involve several stops with some walking, especially at Cleopatra Island.

This tour suits those who enjoy boat trips, stunning coastlines, and historical sites, making it ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to soak up the best of Turkey’s Aegean coast in one day.

Key Points

• Stunning Locations: Explore Cleopatra Island, Gokova Bay, and Incekum Beach, all renowned for their natural beauty.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing meals with a structured yet flexible timetable.
• Expert Guides: The crew speaks multiple languages, including Turkish, English, and Russian, enhancing the experience with local knowledge.
• Value for Money: At $42, this all-inclusive day offers a lot—lunch, soft drinks, transfers, and scenic stops—making it a worthwhile investment.
• Authentic Experience: Enjoy swimming in crystal waters, walking through ancient ruins, and tasting fresh barbecue, making this more than just a boat ride.
• Family-Friendly: The tour is suitable for families and offers amenities like toilets and showers on the boat, plus options for vegetarians.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Out: Convenient Transfers & Scenic Drive

The journey begins with hotel pickups in air-conditioned buses, a simple but crucial detail that means you don’t have to worry about organizing transportation. After a roughly 30-minute drive from Icmeler to Camli Harbour, you’ll be introduced to the boat that will be your home for the day—a beautifully maintained double-decker wooden vessel with sunbeds on top, perfect for catching the rays.

The early part of the day sets a relaxed tone, with plenty of time to settle in and enjoy the scenic drive through Turkey’s lush countryside. The short bus ride keeps the group manageable and ensures everyone is ready to go once at the harbor.

First Swim: Incekum Beach National Park

The first stop is Incekum Beach, a famous national park with soft sands and transparent waters. The boat anchors here for about 60 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, or just lounge on the beach. Reviewers note this is a highlight—a tranquil spot with crystal-clear waters perfect for cooling off after the boat ride.

One reviewer, Calum, mentioned the “absolutely beautiful” scenery and a great guide, emphasizing the quality of the stops. You might find Incekum to be a peaceful retreat to start your day, especially if you love natural beaches.

Midday: Lunch & Cleopatra Island

At around midday, the boat departs for Cleopatra Island, famous for its pristine sands and ancient ruins. Here, a freshly cooked barbecue lunch awaits, including chicken, pasta, salads, and bread—an impressive spread considering the short notice. Vegetarians are accommodated if requested in advance.

After lunch, you’re free to roam around Cleopatra Island for about three hours. Many visitors appreciate the unique sand, which is said to have been a gift from Cleopatra herself, and the chance to explore ruins and remains of the island’s past. Cafeterias and toilets are available, adding convenience to your exploration.

A review highlights that the island’s beach is a popular destination, with some guests spending their time swimming or sunbathing, and others wandering through the historical remnants. If you’re into history, there’s plenty to discover, while sunbathers will love the crystalline waters.

Final Stops: Dark Blue Bay

The last major stop is Lacivert Bay, called Dark Blue Bay, known for its deep, intense blue waters—a favourite among yachters. This shallow and quiet bay offers ideal conditions for a final swim, with the deep blue waters providing a stunning backdrop.

Many guests find this a fitting ending to their day; the tranquil environment lets you unwind just before heading back. The boat then begins its return journey to Marmaris, with everyone filled with wonderful memories and plenty of photos.

Return & Relaxation

After a full day of swimming, sightseeing, and eating, the boat heads back to the harbor. The transfer back to your hotel or accommodation is smooth and straightforward, with many reviewers noting the timely and friendly service.

What to Expect and What to Bring

The tour is quite comprehensive but also relaxed enough to suit most travelers. An important note is that the boat is equipped with toilets and outside showers, which can be a relief after hours of swimming and sunbathing. The lunch is hearty and varied, with soft drinks included, though snacks like chips or ice cream are extra and not included.

Travelers should bring essentials such as sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, towels, cameras, sunscreen, and cash (for personal expenses or optional purchases). Since alcohol and drugs are not allowed, the focus remains on enjoying the natural setting and company.

The tour is suitable for children and families, with plenty of opportunities for water fun, but not ideal for those with mobility issues or heart problems due to the boat travel and walking involved on the islands.

The Experience from Past Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable crew, with Calum noting the “great tour guide” and the overall “absolutely beautiful” scenery. The inclusion of a live tour guide in multiple languages enhances the experience, making sure everyone can understand and appreciate the stops.

Some guests, like one reviewer, appreciated the well-organized schedule and the quality of the lunch. The clean facilities on the boat and the peaceful stops are other recurring themes.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This cruise offers a genuinely balanced look at Turkey’s coast—combining natural beauty, history, and relaxation. It’s a great pick for families, couples, or solo travelers who want an affordable, well-organized day on the water. Whether you’re into swimming, exploring ancient ruins, or just soaking up the sun, this trip covers all those bases.

The value for money is impressive, considering the included lunch, soft drinks, transfers, and guided commentary. Plus, the flexibility of free cancellation and the option to reserve without immediate payment adds peace of mind.

If you’re someone who appreciates stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and a leisurely paced day, this tour from Icmeler will likely meet your expectations. Just prepare for a full and fun-filled day that captures the very essence of Turkey’s beautiful Aegean coastline.

FAQ

• What is the duration of the tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with the exact start time varying based on your pickup schedule.

• Are hotel transfers included?
  Yes, free pickup and drop-off from hotels and apartments are included, with pickups from the main security gates of your accommodation.

• What should I bring?
  Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and cash for personal expenses or optional purchases.

• Is lunch provided?
  Yes, there is a freshly cooked barbecue lunch including chicken, salad, pasta, and bread. Vegetarian options are available if requested.

• Are there vegetarian options for lunch?
  Yes, vegetarian alternatives are available, but you should request this when booking.

• Can I swim at each stop?
  Yes, swimming is the main activity at each stop, especially at Incekum Beach, Cleopatra Island, and Dark Blue Bay.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  Mostly yes, the tour is family-friendly, with facilities on board and plenty of water-based activities.

• Are there any additional costs?
  Extra expenses may include snacks like crisps or ice cream, and entry fees for Cleopatra Island are not included in the price.

• Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?
  No, it is not suitable due to walking and boat access limitations.

• What languages are spoken on the tour?
  The crew and guides speak Turkish, English, and Russian.

In summary, this boat trip from Icmeler offers an affordable, scenic, and well-rounded day that balances relaxing swims, historical exploration, and delicious food. It’s perfect for travelers looking to experience Turkey’s coast in a way that’s both authentic and enjoyable.