Bodrum: Orak or Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch

Bodrum’s best swimming is often found away from the town beach, and this boat trip takes you to several of those bright-blue bays in one easy day. The most unusual stop is Meteor Bay, where you can swim in the water above the spot where a meteor is said to have crashed. You also get time at a hot spring cave and several quiet coves.

I like the generous swimming time and the simple, filling lunch at Aquarius Bay. I also like the friendly crew, clean boat, and the fact that the $34 price includes lunch, fruit, tea, and biscuits. The main thing to check is the route: some departures go to Orak Island instead of following the full Black Island plan, so ask for clarification before leaving the harbour.

Key points to know

• Meteor Bay offers the oddest stop: Swim in the sea above the reported impact site of an old meteor crash.
• The day is built around swimming: Expect several stops rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.
• Aquarius Bay includes lunch: The meal is filling, with chicken and pasta noted as common choices.
• Drinks cost extra: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and water are available onboard but are not included.
• The route can change: Black Island or Orak Island may be used, and communication about changes may not always be clear.

A full day on Bodrum’s blue water

This is a relaxed boat day, not a fast sightseeing cruise. The plan gives you around six and a half hours on the water, with stops arranged for swimming, lunch, and short breaks rather than museums, ruins, or long walks.

You meet at the Bodrum harbour and look for Hotel Istankoy Boat on the left side. Exchange your voucher there for your ticket, then board for the cruise. The activity returns to the same meeting point, which makes planning the rest of your day fairly simple.

You should think of the boat as your base for the day. Bring your towel, swimwear, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, flip-flops, camera, and any personal medication. You will spend much of the trip exposed to the sun, and shade may be limited depending on where you sit.

The host or greeter speaks Turkish and English. A private group option is available, but the standard experience is a shared boat outing. One useful sign of value is the schedule: you are not paying for a short harbour cruise with one quick swim. The boat makes several stops and gives you real time in the water.

Black Island’s hot spring cave

The first major stop is the Black Island hot spring cave. You can take a dip in the warm water, which gives the morning a change of pace from ordinary sea swimming.

The cave stop is also where you should keep your expectations practical. This is not presented as a long cave tour or a major geological attraction. The pleasure is the contrast between warm spring water and the open sea, plus the chance to enjoy a swim in a setting that feels different from a normal beach.

Cave and other entrance fees are not included, so carry extra cash if the crew offers access to a paid cave area. The exact arrangement can vary, and you should ask before paying for anything. If you dislike enclosed spaces or feel uneasy on boats, note that the activity is not recommended for people with vertigo.

You will want secure footwear for getting in and out of the water. Flip-flops are listed among the suggested items, but take care on wet surfaces. The boat is the practical part of the experience here, while the water itself is the main attraction.

Meteor Bay and the story beneath the surface

Meteor Bay adds a little character to the day. The stop is linked to a meteor that reportedly crashed in the area many years ago, and you can swim in the water above the supposed impact spot.

You should treat the story as an interesting feature of the stop rather than a formal scientific presentation. There is no indication of a museum, marker, or detailed explanation. The fun comes from jumping into an ordinary-looking patch of sea with an unusual story attached to it.

This is also a good example of how the cruise works. You are moving from one swimming place to another, and each bay gives the day a slightly different setting. If you want a history-heavy excursion, this will feel light. If you want warm water, open views, and a series of easy swims, it fits well.

Non-swimmers should think carefully before booking. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the stops are designed around getting into the sea. There may be water sports available for an extra charge, but they are not part of the price.

Aquarius Bay brings lunch and the longest pause

Aquarius Bay is the central break in the day. The water is described as crystal clear, and you get time to swim before or after lunch.

The meal is included, which matters at a $34 price point. The food is reported as filling, with chicken and pasta served, followed later by melon on at least one departure. It is best to expect a straightforward boat lunch rather than a restaurant meal. For a day spent swimming, simple food is often exactly right.

Vegetarians should ask about the meal before booking or tell the operator in advance. The standard food selection may offer limited choice for vegetarians, and there is no indication that a vegetarian menu is automatically selected during booking.

Water and other drinks are not included. This catches some people off guard because lunch, fruit, tea, and biscuits are included but water and soft drinks must be purchased onboard. Bring extra cash for drinks, water, water sports, or any cave entrance charge.

Aquarius Bay is likely to be the most useful stop for families and couples who want a proper break. You can eat, swim, dry off, and settle into the rhythm of the cruise without rushing from one location to the next.

Red Bay adds fruit and another swim

The boat then heads to Red Bay for another swimming stop. The point here is not a long walk ashore or a major sight. You stop, get into the water, and have time to relax before fresh fruit is served.

That fruit is a small but welcome part of the day. After sun, swimming, and lunch, something cool and light works better than another heavy snack. It also gives you a chance to sit back on the boat instead of treating every stop as an activity.

The repeated swimming stops are the strongest part of this cruise. You do not have to make one long swim last all afternoon. Instead, you can get in several times, rest between stops, and choose how active you want to be.

You should still use sunscreen regularly. The water can make the day feel cool, but the sun remains strong on an open boat. A hat and sunglasses are useful even when you are not swimming.

Rabbit Bay ends the day gently

Rabbit Bay is the final stop. You can swim again, then enjoy tea and biscuits before the return to Bodrum.

This last break gives the day a softer ending. After several swims, you may prefer sitting with a hot drink and a small snack rather than rushing into another attraction. The tea and biscuits are included, although one departure did not provide them, so consider them part of the planned service rather than something to depend on absolutely.

Rabbit Bay is also a good place to decide how much energy you have left. You can swim again if you want, or simply enjoy the view from the boat. The cruise is flexible in spirit, even though the exact timing and stops are controlled by the crew.

Afterward, the boat returns to the harbour and the same Hotel Istankoy Boat meeting point. This is convenient if you have dinner plans in central Bodrum or want to return to your hotel after a sun-heavy afternoon.

What the $34 price really includes

At $34 per person, this is good value if you want a full day of swimming with lunch included. You are paying for the boat, several stops, the crew, lunch, fruit, tea, and biscuits. That is a useful package for a holiday day when you would otherwise need to arrange transport, food, and access to several bays yourself.

The value depends on what you want from a boat tour. I would book it for easy access to multiple swimming areas and a sociable day on the water. I would not book it for detailed guiding, archaeological information, or a carefully staged private cruise.

The boat can feel comfortable when the group is not too large, but group size is not specified. Private groups are available if you want more control over the setting. Ask about the boat and route before booking if space is especially important to you.

Keep money aside for:

• Water and soft drinks
• Alcoholic drinks
• Water sports
• Cave and other entrance fees

That extra spending can change the final cost. The advertised price is still strong, but it is not an all-inclusive drinks package.

The route may be Black Island or Orak Island

The experience is described as a Black Island or Orak Island boat tour. This distinction matters because the exact bays and order of stops can change.

One departure followed an Orak Island route rather than the expected Black Island plan. The places visited were still beautiful, but the crew did not clearly explain the change. I recommend asking at the harbour which island and bays are planned that day.

This is especially important if the hot spring cave is your main reason for booking. Do not assume every departure will follow an identical route. Weather, operating decisions, and local conditions may affect the plan, but the crew should still explain the change clearly.

The cruise remains worthwhile if you are flexible. Orak Island is also associated with beautiful swimming spots, and the point of the day is the time on the water. Still, clear information at the start would make the experience easier to judge.

Crew, comfort, and the small practical issues

The crew is described as friendly and courteous, which matters on a shared boat. A good crew keeps lunch moving, helps people understand the stops, and makes the day feel relaxed rather than hurried.

The boat has a clean, relaxed feel according to the information available, though conditions can vary by departure. Bathroom quality may be a weak point. If you prefer full facilities, use the harbour restroom before boarding and do not expect a boat bathroom to match hotel standards.

The host service is available in Turkish and English. You should be able to manage the basic schedule and stops, but the tour is not presented as a long guided commentary. Much of the appeal comes from the bays and swimming rather than explanations.

The activity is not suitable for mobility scooters or people with vertigo. Fireworks are not allowed. There is no indication that the boat is designed for passengers who need extensive mobility assistance, so ask the operator directly if you have access needs not covered by the information provided.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want:

• Several sea swims without arranging separate transport
• A low-cost day away from Bodrum town
• A relaxed family or couple outing
• Lunch included in the price
• A friendly shared boat atmosphere
• Warm spring water, clear bays, and plenty of sun

It is less suitable if you want a quiet private yacht, a detailed guide, a fixed route, or strong vegetarian meal choices. Non-swimmers should choose another activity, and people with vertigo may find the boat and open-water setting uncomfortable.

Families should bring plenty of sun protection and keep close track of children around the water. Couples may like the easy rhythm of the day, though the experience is not designed as a private romantic cruise. Solo visitors can expect a social setting rather than a secluded escape.

The weather will shape your enjoyment. On a warm, calm day, the repeated stops are the whole point. On a rough day, getting in and out of the water may be less pleasant, so check conditions if you are sensitive to motion.

Final decision: a good-value swimming day with one question to ask

Book this boat tour if your ideal Bodrum day means clear water, warm swims, simple food, and several bays for $34. The hot spring cave, Meteor Bay story, Aquarius Bay lunch, fresh fruit at Red Bay, and tea at Rabbit Bay give the day enough variety without making it feel rushed.

Before booking, ask which route is operating and what drinks cost onboard. If you are vegetarian, ask about lunch. If those details work for you, this is a practical and enjoyable way to spend half a day on the Aegean, with far more water time than a standard sightseeing cruise.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The activity lasts approximately 6.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

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

Where does the tour end?

The boat returns to the same meeting point at Hotel Istankoy Boat.

Does the tour visit Black Island?

The tour may visit Black Island or Orak Island. Ask which route is planned before departure because the route can vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and water are available onboard for an additional charge.

Is fruit included?

Yes. Fresh fruit is included and is served during the cruise.

Are tea and biscuits included?

They are included in the planned service, usually at Rabbit Bay, although availability may vary.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, beachwear, a camera, and any personal medication.

Can non-swimmers join the tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The host or greeter speaks Turkish and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.