Three bays is the right kind of Bodrum day. This boat tour from the harbour focuses on swimming in Bodrum’s quiet coves, with Black or Orak Island as the main stage. I love that it mixes warm-water time, crystal-clear bay stops, and a lunch break that actually gives you fuel for the rest of the day.

My second favorite is the chance to soak at the Black Island hot-spring cave, then keep cooling off as the day goes on. The one drawback to factor in: it is not suitable for non-swimmers (and it is also not for people with vertigo), so you’ll want confidence in the water before booking.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Warm hot-spring cave swim at Black Island to start your day with something different.
• Aquarius Bay lunch + swimming in clear water, with a proper sit-down break.
• Meteor Bay impact-site swimming where you can swim in the waters over an old meteor crash area.
• Red Bay fruit stop that keeps you fueled without turning the day into a long meal schedule.
• Rabbit Bay tea and biscuits for a gentle, low-effort finish before heading back.
• Alcohol and soft drinks onboard (extra), with included lunch and fruit but not drink bar items.

Bodrum’s island day trip: why this one works

Bodrum’s coastline is famous for boats, but not all tours feel like they understand what you came for. This one is built around your schedule, not the other way around. You get multiple swimming stops instead of one long “look from the boat” cruise.

Also, the format is simple. You meet at the harbour, ride out, swim, eat, swim again, then end at the same spot you started. At $34 per person, the value comes from what’s included: lunch plus fruit, and the little extras like tea and biscuits at the end. When you compare that to paying separately for a lot of small costs on the water, it’s an easy day to justify.

Meeting at Hotel Istankoy Boat (and starting smoothly)

Your meeting point is the left side of the harbour. Look for Hotel Istankoy Boat, then exchange your voucher for your ticket there.

This matters more than it sounds. When tours run from the harbour, the “finding the right boat” part can waste your first hour. If you arrive a bit early and get your ticket handled, you can settle in, get your swim kit ready, and be the kind of relaxed passenger everyone else envies.

The tour runs about 6.5 hours, so plan it like a half-day commitment. That also means you’ll want to manage sun and water carefully, since you’ll spend a lot of time outside.

First swim stop: the Black Island hot-spring cave

The day starts with a swim at the Black Island hot-spring cave waters. This is the standout concept of the route: you get warm water at the beginning, which helps if you’re used to the shock of cold sea swims or if you just want a comfortable first dip.

How to enjoy it:

• Bring your towel and keep your swimwear easily reachable.
• Put sunscreen on before you step off for the first stop, not after.
• Wear flip-flops so you’re not walking around barefoot on boat decks and rocky edges.

If you’re sensitive to tight spaces or rough entry points, keep that in mind. It’s a cave hot-spring stop, so there’s more chance of uneven footing than a simple sandy beach swim.

Meteor Bay: swimming in the storybook part of Bodrum

Next up is Meteor Bay, where a meteor crashed many years ago. The fun part here isn’t the science lecture. It’s the idea of swimming in the water above a place with that kind of impact story.

In practice, this stop is about the feeling: you get another chance to jump in, cool down after the warm-water start, and keep your day moving at a swim-first pace. If you like taking photos, bring your camera—but keep it protected. Deck days are windy, and sea spray has a way of turning “one quick photo” into “why is my phone wet.”

This stop also pairs well with a short reset. After the hot-spring cave, it’s nice to feel the water shift back to normal sea temperature.

Aquarius Bay lunch: when the break actually counts

Aquarius Bay is the lunch and swim stop, and it’s one of the reasons this tour feels like more than a quick hop between coves. You’re not just eating while the boat does the busy work—you get time at a water spot you can enjoy.

Lunch is included, along with fruit. What that means for you is that the meal is part of the day plan, not an afterthought. You’ll likely find you can swim longer and enjoy the final bays more when you’re not running on empty.

A practical tip: set your sunscreen again after lunch. The sun doesn’t care that you had pasta.

One small heads-up from the experience details: there’s tea and biscuits later, but there have been mentions that those extras don’t always show up as advertised. Even so, lunch and the included fruit are solid value anchors for the trip.

Red Bay fruit and swimming where the day slows

After lunch and another swim cycle, the route includes Red Bay for a swim and complimentary fresh fruit.

This stop is usually what you want midway through a water day: no big production, just time to relax and re-fuel. The fruit helps because you’ve been active—unless you’ve spent the whole day lounging (respect), you’ll have worked up an appetite by this point.

If you’re the type who likes a calm moment during an activity day, Red Bay tends to fit that role. You can keep it casual: swim a bit, eat some fruit, chat with whoever is near you on the boat, then be ready for the final bay.

Rabbit Bay tea and biscuits: the gentle ending

Rabbit Bay is where the tour ends on a lighter note. You get a break with tea and biscuits before heading back.

This is a smart design choice. After multiple swims, you want something warm and easy that doesn’t demand a full sit-down meal. Tea gives you a reset, and biscuits make it feel like a real finish rather than a rushed “back to the harbour” moment.

It’s also a good time to pack up wet gear carefully. Boat decks can be chaotic at the end, and you’ll thank yourself later when your bag doesn’t turn into a science project.

Boat comfort, drinks, and the “small stuff” that matters

This kind of trip lives or dies on the small details. Here’s what to watch for so you have a smoother day.

Onboard drinks

Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available onboard, but they are not included. Some people also choose to bring extra cash for drink purchases or any water-related extras that pop up at stops.

If you’re trying to keep the day within budget, decide in advance how many drinks you want. Once you’re out on the water, it’s easy to forget costs until the bill arrives.

Bathroom reality

One downside that comes up in the experience information is that the bathroom situation isn’t great. That doesn’t mean the whole tour is bad—most of your time is outside and in the water—but it’s still worth knowing. Go in expecting basic conditions, not a spa setup.

What the tour does well on comfort

The tour experience is described as relaxed, with enough time for swimming at multiple bays. And since the core activities are swims and breaks, you’re not stuck doing long stretches of standing around.

What’s included vs. what you’ll pay separately

For budgeting, focus on what’s locked in.

Included:

• Boat trip to Black Island or Orak Island
• Lunch
• Fruit
• Tea
• Biscuits

Not included:

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (available onboard)
• Water sports
• Cave and other entrance fees

That last line is key. Even if you don’t plan on paying for anything else, it’s smart to have a small buffer for any entrance-related costs at specific stops.

Price and value: is $34 a good deal?

At $34 per person, this tour is priced like you’re buying a full day of movement, swimming access, and one real meal. For Bodrum, that’s often the threshold where you either get a basic cruise with minimal extras, or you get a swim-focused day with food included.

Here, you get the value ingredients:

• multiple swim opportunities
• lunch and fruit built into the day
• a tea-and-biscuits finish

The main value risk is your expectations. If you’re hoping for a high-end, guided history tour with lots of explanation, this isn’t set up that way. If you want to spend the day in and around the water, with easy meal stops and minimal fuss, it fits.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip)

This tour is a good match if:

• you can swim and you’re comfortable with repeated entry and exit steps
• you want a chill family-style swim day rather than constant sightseeing
• you prefer a simple schedule: boat, swim, lunch, swim, tea, back

You should skip it if:

• you don’t swim confidently (it is not suitable for non-swimmers)
• you have vertigo concerns (not suitable)
• you need a mobility scooter (not allowed)

If you’re deciding between this and a more sightseeing-heavy option, think about how you like to spend a vacation day. This one is about water time first.

What to bring so the day feels easy

You’ll get the most out of the day when you come ready for sun, salt, and getting in and out of the water.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Flip-flops
• Beachwear
• Personal medication

A small strategy that helps: pack a dry layer for the ride back. Even when the weather feels good, sea breeze can cool you off after you’re wet.

Should you book this Bodrum Black/Orak Island Boat Tour?

If your ideal Bodrum day includes warm-water time, clear-bay swimming, and a lunch that doesn’t leave you hungry, this is a strong pick. The route makes sense for the length of the trip: enough stops to justify the boat ride, not so many that you feel rushed.

Book it if you’re a swimmer and you want an easy day with included food. Skip it if water comfort is a question, or if you’re affected by vertigo.

If you want a one-line decision rule: choose this tour when you want to trade long lectures for swimming time and simple seaside breaks.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The tour duration is about 6.5 hours. Exact starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for the time options.

What does the tour include?

It includes the boat trip to Black Island or Orak Island, lunch, fruit, tea, and biscuits.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included, but they are available to purchase onboard.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet on the left side of the harbour at Hotel Istankoy Boat. Exchange your voucher for your ticket there.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Is it okay if I have vertigo?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with vertigo.

Do I need to pay entrance fees?

Cave and other entrance fees are not included, so you should expect possible extra costs depending on the stops.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, flip-flops, beachwear, and any personal medication you need. A camera can also be useful.