Bodrum: Private Gulet Day Trip with Bays, Black Island & Lunch

Summary

Swim Bodrum’s hidden bays, taste fresh lunch aboard, unwind at Black Island

You’ll drift between Bodrum’s quietest bays on a private gulet tour, swim at Black Island’s hot spring cave, and enjoy a fresh-cooked lunch on deck. With flexible departure times and a friendly local crew, you’ll find space to relax — maybe even lose track of time like I did.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think the water around Bodrum could actually be that blue — but when we pulled away from the port on our gulet, it was almost unreal. The boat felt solid under my bare feet, sun already warming the wood. Our captain, Erkan (he grinned when I tried to say “gulet” in Turkish), handed out cold water and nodded toward the coastline. We set off late morning — though apparently you can start earlier if you want — and the breeze carried this salty, herbal smell I can’t really describe. Maybe sage? Or just summer.

First stop was Black Island, or Karaada as Erkan called it. There’s this cave with warm spring water — not what I expected out here. You climb down into it and suddenly it’s quiet except for drips echoing off the stone. The hot water felt weirdly good after swimming in the cool sea outside. After that we drifted over to Meteor Hole and Poyraz Bay; honestly, I lost track of time a bit. People just sort of fell silent for a while, staring at the cliffs or dozing on deck cushions. Lunch showed up right when everyone started getting hungry — grilled fish for me (you pick fish or chicken or meatballs), with macaroni and salad. Simple but so good after swimming all morning.

I liked Rabbit Bay best — maybe because there were barely any other boats around and you could hear gulls fighting over crumbs someone tossed overboard. At some point one of the crew made tea and passed it around in little glasses; I drank mine sitting at the bow with my legs dangling over the side. Not sure why that sticks with me but it does.

You can bring your own drinks if you want (I wish we’d brought cold beer), and there’s bottled water and coffee included too. The whole day just kind of slipped by quietly — no rush, no schedule except where we wanted to swim next. If you’re looking for a private gulet tour in Bodrum that doesn’t feel like a checklist, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private gulet tour with swimming stops

• Depart from Bodrum port
• Stop at Cleopatra Cave hot spring
• Visit Meteor Hole
• Swim and sunbathe at Poyraz Bay
• Swim and sunbathe at Rabbit Bay
• Stop at 3-4 different bays and beaches
• Enjoy delicious lunch on board
• Return to Bodrum port

Top questions

How long is the private gulet tour from Bodrum?

The tour lasts about 7 hours, usually from 10:30 to 17:30.

Can I choose my departure time for the Bodrum gulet trip?

Yes, you can select different departure times such as 09:00, 10:00, or 11:00.

What stops are included on this Bodrum boat tour?

The boat visits 4-5 spots including Black Island (Karaada), Cleopatra Cave with hot springs, Meteor Hole, Poyraz Bay, and Rabbit Bay.

Is lunch included on the private gulet tour?

Yes, lunch is served onboard with your choice of fish, meatballs or chicken plus macaroni and salad.

Are drinks included during the Bodrum day trip?

Bottled water is included; other drinks are extra but you can bring your own beverages if you prefer.

Is this Bodrum gulet tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and infant seats are available if needed.

Does the boat provide snorkeling equipment?

The description mentions swimming and snorkeling but does not specify if equipment is provided; check directly before booking.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout the cruise plus tea or coffee served onboard; a freshly prepared lunch where you choose between fish, meatballs or chicken alongside macaroni and salad; flexible departure options from Bodrum port; stops at several bays including Black Island; all with a welcoming local crew before returning in the late afternoon.