Marmaris: Boat Trip with Unlimited Drinks and BBQ Lunch

Marmaris: Boat Trip with Unlimited Drinks and BBQ Lunch — An Honest Review

If your idea of a perfect vacation day involves cruising along Turkey’s beautiful Aegean coast, stopping for swims in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying a hearty BBQ with unlimited drinks, then this Marmaris boat trip might be right up your alley. This experience, offered by Payless Turizm, is a well-loved option for travelers seeking a relaxed, all-inclusive day out on the water. With a 4.5-star rating based on over 530 reviews, it clearly hits many marks.

What we love most about this trip is how seamlessly it combines stunning scenery, plenty of swimming opportunities, and a laid-back vibe — all wrapped up in a straightforward, value-packed package. The fact that hotel transfers are included (if you choose that option) makes it even easier to relax from start to finish. However, it’s worth noting that the trip is quite family-friendly and might not be the best pick if you’re seeking a party atmosphere or a more active adventure.

This tour is best suited for those after a leisurely day in the sun, enjoying the Mediterranean views, and indulging in good food and drinks. Whether you’re visiting Marmaris for the first time or simply looking to escape the hustle of the town, this boat trip offers a refreshing break from busy sightseeing.

Key Points

• All-inclusive comfort: Unlimited drinks, BBQ lunch, and hotel transfers (if selected) make this a hassle-free day.
• Multiple swim stops: You’ll enjoy swimming and snorkeling in calm waters with gear provided, including for less confident swimmers.
• Beautiful routes: Visits to Aquarium Bay, Wishing Cave, Heaven Island, and Turunc offer diverse scenery and photo opportunities.
• Family-friendly: Vests, noodles, and a relaxed atmosphere make it suitable for all ages.
• Knowledgeable guides: Friendly, English-speaking crew and guides help maximize your experience.
• Good value: For around $22 USD, you’ll get a full 6-hour trip packed with activities, food, and drinks.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Hotel Pickup and Transfer

The journey begins with a convenient pickup service from your hotel. This feature alone sets this tour apart from many others, eliminating the stress of navigating to the harbor yourself. According to reviews, the pickup is generally smooth, though some mention slight delays, especially during peak season. Once on board, the relaxed vibe kicks in, and you can settle into your seat, ready for the day ahead.

Embarking on the Cruise

As the boat departs from Marmaris, you’ll enjoy an overview of your route—heading toward several scenic spots in the Mediterranean Sea, including Aquarium Bay and the famous Wishing Cave. The fleet boasts modern, well-maintained boats with three decks, including a sunbathing deck with loungers and shaded areas with tables and chairs.

Visiting Aquarium Bay and Snorkeling

The first major stop is at Aquarium Bay, renowned for its clear waters and fish-filled reefs. Travelers consistently praise the opportunity to snorkel here, with some reviewers noting they borrowed the provided life jackets and noodles, especially if they’re not confident swimmers. The calm waters are excellent for relaxing swims and photo opportunities.

The Wishing Cave (Phosphorous Cave)

Next, the boat heads to the Wishing Cave, also known as Phosphorous Cave. This cave gets its name from the shimmering phosphorescent effect visible in the water, creating a magical atmosphere. Reviewers like Robert, who called the trip “one of the highlights,” appreciated the well-organized stops and the stunning scenery. The crew, including friendly guides, often help with photos and safety, making sure everyone gets a good glimpse of the cave’s unique features.

Kumlubuk, Amos, and Turunc Village

Continuing along the route, the boat visits Kumlubuk and Amos, where travelers can swim, relax, or stroll ashore briefly. The inclusion of Turunc Village provides an optional shopping and sightseeing stop, giving a taste of local life and a chance to browse market stalls. Many reviewers enjoyed these stops, with Natasha noting that the “market was great” and the “stop-offs for swimming” were well spaced out.

Green Sea and Return to Marmaris

The final stretch offers relaxing views of the Green Sea, a tranquil bay perfect for a last swim or sunbathe. Throughout the day, the crew keeps drinks flowing — whether soft drinks, beer, or other alcohol options (if purchased). The trip wraps up with a smooth return to Marmaris harbor, where hotel transfers drop you off conveniently, completing a full six-hour adventure.

The Food and Drinks: What You’ll Actually Get

Food is a highlight for many travelers, with a ** BBQ-style lunch** including chicken, pasta, and salad. Reviewers like Emily and Georgie appreciated the quality and generous portions, noting that it exceeded expectations for an included meal. The drinks selection offers unlimited soft drinks, tea, and coffee — a perfect way to stay refreshed.

For those opting for alcoholic drinks, prices are considered reasonable, and guests like Maria mention that the drinks menu is well curated. The staff is attentive, ensuring everyone stays hydrated and happy, especially during the hot summer months.

The Boats and Comfort

The fleet’s boats are designed for comfort and safety, with features like showers, toilets, and plenty of shaded areas. The top deck equipped with sun-beds offers a perfect spot for soaking up the sun, while lower decks with tables and chairs allow for socializing or relaxing in the shade. Many reviews comment on the well-maintained boats and friendly crew, including guides who are fluent in English and ready to assist.

Entertainment Factors

Music and light entertainment are part of the experience, but if you prefer a quieter day, the crew can accommodate that preference by arranging a quieter spot on the boat. This flexibility is a plus for travelers seeking some downtime amid the fun.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

What really makes this trip shine are the authentic, unpretentious stops and the friendly crew, often mentioned by reviewers like Eric and Suat. Their attentiveness ensures you get the most out of your day, whether it’s capturing photos, offering snorkel gear, or just keeping the drinks flowing.

The trip’s flexibility—allowing you to swim whenever you want, explore the markets, or relax on deck—means you can tailor your day. Reviewers have consistently described it as a “relaxing and well-organized” experience, with many stating it was a highlight of their trips to Turkey.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At around $22 per person for a full six hours, this tour provides a lot of bang for your buck. Given the inclusion of hotel transfers, multiple scenic stops, a hearty BBQ lunch, and unlimited drinks, it’s a very competitive deal. When you consider the cost of separate boat rentals, meals, and transportation, this package offers convenience and affordability.

However, keep in mind that the trip is family-focused and has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. If you’re after a wild party or high-energy adventure, this might not be your scene. Instead, it’s perfect for travelers who want a low-key, scenic day with plenty of opportunities to swim, relax, and enjoy good food.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you prefer a laid-back, scenic day on the water with comfortable amenities and good value. It suits families, couples, and solo travelers who want to avoid the hassle of organizing their own boat trip and prefer an inclusive package. It’s also great for those who want to explore the coast’s best swimming spots while enjoying some delicious food and drinks.

If you’re looking for a lively party vibe or a more active, adrenaline-fueled trip, you might find this too relaxed. But for anyone wishing to unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy Turkey’s natural beauty, this boat trip hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the pickup option. The tour offers hotel transfers from most Marmaris hotels, making the start of your day stress-free. Just be sure to be ready at the main security gate about 10 minutes before pickup.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera. Since you’ll be swimming and sunbathing, dressing in light, comfortable clothes is best.

How long does the trip last?
The total duration is approximately 6 hours, including transfers, cruising, swimming, and lunch.

Can I go if I don’t swim?
Absolutely. Life jackets and noodles are provided for non-swimmers, and many reviews mention feeling comfortable with the equipment. Crew members are attentive and helpful to ensure everyone feels safe.

Is the food really good?
According to reviews, yes. The BBQ includes chicken, pasta, and salad, and is served in a generous portion. Some mention it exceeded expectations for an included meal.

Are drinks unlimited?
Soft drinks, tea, and coffee are unlimited during the trip. Alcoholic drinks are available if you opt for the upgrade, and prices are considered reasonable.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, the boats are well-maintained, with multiple decks, sun loungers, shaded areas, toilets, and showers. The top deck is ideal for sunbathing.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the relaxed environment, safety gear, and friendly staff make it great for families, especially those with children who enjoy swimming.

To sum it up, this Marmaris boat trip offers a relaxed, scenic, and thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a day on Turkey’s coast. Its combination of comfortable amenities, friendly crew, stunning stops, and good value makes it a standout choice for travelers who want to unwind and soak up the sun. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, it’s a straightforward and rewarding way to explore the Mediterranean waters while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

If you’re after a peaceful, fun-filled day with plenty of swimming and scenic views, this trip is definitely worth considering.