Bodrum Daily Boat Trip / Orak or Black Island

Bodrum Daily Boat Trip to Orak Island and Black Island: An Affordable Day on the Water

The Bodrum Daily Boat Trip offers a relaxing escape along Turkey’s Aegean coast for just $26.09 per person. This 6.5-hour cruise departs from Halikarnas Harbour at 11:00 am, sailing to Orak Island, located along the Gulf of Gokova. Known for its rocky bays, olive groves, and turquoise waters, this tour provides plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy scenic landscapes. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 40 guests, making it a lively yet manageable group size.

The tour includes a tasty lunch, fresh fruits, and snacks served onboard, with drinks available at reasonable prices. While alcohol and water sports are not included, the overall experience shines in its affordable price, friendly crew, and beautiful scenery. This tour suits travelers who want a full day on the water with plenty of swimming and delicious food—though the large group size might feel less intimate for some.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $26.09 per person for 6.5 hours of sailing
• Multiple swimming and snorkeling stops at four different bays
• Comfortable boat with space for up to 40 passengers
• Lunch includes grilled chicken, pasta, salad, and fresh fruits
• Scenic views of the Aegean coast and turquoise waters
• Drinks available for purchase, with ice cream for hot days

Departure from Halikarnas Harbour at 11:00 am

The tour begins at Halikarnas Harbour, easily reachable near public transportation. The meeting point is at Royal Istankoy Daily and Private Boat Trips, located on Kumbahçe, Halikarnas Skelesi. The cruise departs promptly at 11:00 am, so arriving a little earlier ensures a smooth start. The journey concludes back at the same point around 6:00 pm, offering a well-paced day of relaxation and exploration.

Exploring Orak Island’s Bays and Beaches

The main attraction of this tour is the visit to four different bays around Orak Island. Each stop offers a chance to swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the water. The first stop provides a refreshing swimming opportunity to cool off after the boat departure. The second stop features a delicious lunch served on board, with grilled chicken, pasta, salad, and watermelon—a highlight for many. The third stop offers fresh fruits, while the final stop treats guests to tea, biscuits, and a chance to soak in the scenic views during the last hours of the trip.

The beaches and bays around Orak Island are known for their turquoise waters and rocky coastlines, perfect for taking photos or relaxing on the boat. The snorkeling equipment is provided, allowing you to explore underwater life, although some reviews note that diving equipment availability may be inconsistent.

The Comfort and Layout of the Cruise Boat

The cruise ship itself is described as comfortable and clean, with enough space for up to 40 guests. The crew members are praised for their friendly attitude and good humor, helping create an enjoyable atmosphere. The boat features snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and pallets, which guests can use during stops.

While the boat is not intimate—hosting up to 40 passengers—this is seen as a fair trade-off for the reasonable price and variety of amenities. The lunch service is well-organized, with watermelon and melon offered as complimentary treats, and soft drinks and alcoholic beverages available for purchase throughout the day.

Food and Drinks During the Trip

The lunch is a significant highlight, with grilled chicken, pasta, and salad served at the second stop. Guests also receive fresh fruits, specifically watermelon and melon, which add a refreshing touch.

Throughout the day, the crew provides tea and biscuits, and ice cream sales are available for those seeking a cool treat on hot days. Drinks such as soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included in the price but are sold onboard at reasonable prices, giving guests the flexibility to enjoy their preferred beverages.

What’s Not Included: Alcohol, Water Sports, and Entrance Fees

While the tour covers lunch, fruits, tea, and snorkeling equipment usage, it excludes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, water sports, and entrance fees for caves or similar attractions. Guests should plan to bring their own drinks if they wish to have alcohol or soft drinks during the day.

The lack of water sports might be a drawback for those looking for more adventure, but for families or groups seeking relaxing water activities, the swimming and snorkeling options are sufficient.

Group Size, Crew, and Atmosphere

The maximum of 40 travelers ensures a lively but not overcrowded experience. The crew receives high praise for their friendliness, good humor, and attention to guests’ needs. Many reviews mention that the crew wants guests to have a good time, which adds to the overall enjoyment of the tour.

However, some guests note that the large group size might make the experience less ideal for those seeking something more intimate or romantic. If a smaller or private experience is preferred, other options may be more suitable.

Pacing and Timing of the Itinerary

The itinerary is straightforward, with the trip starting at 11:00 am and concluding around 6:00 pm. The stops are well spaced, with swimming opportunities at the first and second bays and fruit and tea breaks in the latter part of the day.

The lunch break at the second stop allows enough time to relax and enjoy the meal without feeling rushed. The final bay provides a relaxing ending with tea and biscuits before returning to Bodrum.

Practical Tips for Participants

Guests should bring a camera to capture the scenic views, along with swimsuits, beach towels, flip-flops, and sunscreen for protection. A long-sleeve shirt or pullover is recommended for cooler evenings or breezy days. Medication such as allergy pills might be necessary for some, and it’s wise to prepare waterproof cases for electronics near water.

Since drinks are sold separately, bringing some cash is advisable for beverages or ice cream. The meeting point is convenient, close to public transportation, ensuring easy access for most travelers.

Variations and Similar Tours in Bodrum

This boat trip offers a good balance between price and experience, especially for those who enjoy scenic water views and swimming. For travelers seeking more exclusive or private experiences, other tours might be more suitable, but they will typically come at a higher cost.

Similar options include Bodrum-Orak Island Turkish Maldives Boat Trip or Daily Boat around the Bodrum Peninsula, which can be found online. It’s worth noting that some reviews suggest bookings in person can sometimes be more economical than online, but availability may vary.

Final Thoughts on the Bodrum Daily Boat Trip

This full-day cruise offers great value for just over $26, with scenic bays, swimming, and a generous lunch included. The friendly crew, clean vessel, and beautiful water scenery make it a solid choice for families, couples, or groups who want a relaxed day on the water.

The main considerations are the large group size and the exclusion of drinks from the price, which may influence those seeking a more private or luxury experience. Nonetheless, for most visitors, this tour provides a fun, scenic, and affordable way to enjoy Bodrum’s waters and islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour price?
Yes, lunch with grilled chicken, pasta, salad, and fresh fruits is included.

What activities are available during the trip?
Guests can swim and snorkel at four different bays; snorkeling equipment is provided.

Are drinks included?
No, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are sold separately for reasonable prices.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 11:00 am and returning around 6:00 pm.

What is the group size limit?
The boat can host up to 40 guests, ensuring a lively atmosphere.

What should I bring?
Camera, swimwear, beach towel, sunscreen, long-sleeve shirts for cooler evenings, and medication if needed.

Where does the tour start?
At Royal Istankoy Daily and Private Boat Trips near Kumbahçe, Halikarnas Skelesi.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, making it suitable for families.

Are there any entrance fees for caves or attractions?
No, entrance fees are not included and are not specified in the tour.

Can I book this tour in Bodrum or online?
Both options are available; some guests find booking in person can sometimes be cheaper, but availability varies.

This Bodrum Daily Boat Trip stands out as a cost-effective, scenic way to enjoy the turquoise waters, with plenty of swimming, good food, and a friendly crew. It’s a practical choice for those looking for a full-day water adventure without breaking the bank.