Bodrum Orak Island Boat Tour & Bays with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Swim Bodrum’s blue bays, lunch on deck, discover Orak Island

You’ll float through Bodrum’s turquoise bays, swim off Orak Island’s soft sands, share laughs with locals over lunch on deck, and let time slow down as you drift between hidden coves. This day trip is for anyone who craves sunlight, saltwater, and those small moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the salt in the air — that mix of sunscreen and the Aegean, right as we stepped onto the boat in Bodrum harbor. The crew waved us in, already joking with some regulars (or maybe just very friendly). We found a spot upstairs where you could feel the sun but still catch a bit of breeze. There was this low hum from the engine and someone’s pop music drifting up from below deck. I don’t know why but it made me smile — felt like summer holidays from when I was a kid.

Our first swim stop was German Bay. The water looked almost fake, that clear. I hesitated before jumping in (it’s always colder than you think), but our guide Murat grinned and said “no excuses!” so in I went. It was sharp-cool at first, then perfect — you could see your toes even meters down. Some folks stayed on deck to sunbathe or take photos; I just floated for a while, listening to muffled laughter and seagulls overhead.

Orak Island was the main event — two hours there felt both long and not enough. The sand is fine and pale, not what I expected at all. You can wander a bit or just sit with your feet in the water watching little fish dart around. Lunch was simple: grilled chicken, pasta, salad — nothing fancy but somehow exactly what you want after swimming (and yes, I went back for seconds). At one point I tried to ask for more salad in Turkish; Murat laughed at my pronunciation but handed me an extra scoop anyway.

After that we stopped at Red Nose Bay and TavşanBurnu — quieter spots where the rocks turn gray against impossibly blue water. By then everyone had relaxed into that slow rhythm you only get on boats: some people napped under towels, others swapped stories with the crew or just watched the coastline drift by. When we finally headed back toward Bodrum, hair still salty and skin warm from the sun, it hit me how rare it is to have a whole day that feels this easy. I still think about that view over Orak Bay sometimes — it sneaks up on you later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day boat tour and swimming

• Pick up from hotels
• Drive to Bodrum harbour
• Depart from Bodrum harbour
• Stop at Kızılburun
• Relax on deck and take photos
• Arrive at German Bay for swimming
• Travel to Orak Island bay
• Enjoy 2 hours at Orak Island bay
• Stop at Red Nose for sightseeing
• Stop at TavşanBurnu for tranquility
• Return to harbour
• Transfer back to accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Bodrum Orak Island boat tour last?

The tour lasts a full day, departing around 11:00 am and returning in the afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for guests staying in Bodrum.

What stops are included during the boat tour?

The tour stops at German Bay, Orak Island (main stop), Red Nose Bay (Kızılburun), and TavşanBurnu (Rabbit Nose).

Is lunch provided on board?

Yes, lunch is served on board and includes BBQ chicken, salad, and pasta.

Can children join this boat trip?

Yes, children of all ages can join; infants can sit on laps or use strollers.

Are there shaded areas on the boat?

Yes, there are both outdoor sun decks and indoor shaded lounges available.

Can I snorkel during this tour?

You can swim and snorkel at several stops including Orak Island’s clear waters.

Is this suitable for people who don’t swim?

You can relax on deck if you prefer not to swim; swimming is optional at each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Bodrum, a full-day cruise aboard a spacious double-deck boat with both sunny decks and shaded lounges, multiple swimming breaks at places like German Bay and Orak Island, plus a fresh lunch of BBQ chicken with salad and pasta served by a friendly local crew before heading back in the afternoon.