Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch

Bodrum’s Orak Island boat trip is really a full day of swimming, not a sightseeing cruise with long talks or historic monuments. You sail from Kumbahçe, stop in clear blue bays, eat chicken, pasta, salad, and bread, then return by afternoon. The prize is the water.

I like the low price of $25 and the number of swim stops. I also like the double-deck boat, since you can claim sun upstairs or shade below. The main caution is crowding. On busy days, many boats gather in the same bays, and the boat can feel packed at lunch or when everyone wants a cushion.

Key points to know before you book

• Five swimming opportunities: The route includes German Bay, Orak Island Bay, Red Nose, Tavşan Burnu, and other short swim stops, although the exact number and timing can change.
• Orak Island is the main attraction: You get about two hours there, with pale sand, clear water, and time to swim or take photos.
• Lunch is simple and filling: Expect barbecue chicken, pasta, salad, and bread. Drinks cost extra.
• The boat can carry up to 80 people: Arrive early if you want a good place on the upper deck or one of the limited cushions.
• Pickup needs attention: Hotel pickup is offered, but you may be asked to meet at your hotel’s main entrance or go directly to the pier.
• Ali may be part of the crew: Some departures include a helpful crew member named Ali, who has assisted with questions, photos, and transfer problems.

Orak Island is the reason to go

The name Maldives of Turkey is marketing talk, but you can see why it is used once the boat reaches Orak Island Bay. The water is clear and bright, and the bay has pale sand and pale rock around it. This is the longest stop, usually about two hours, so you have enough time to swim without watching the clock every few minutes.

You can stay on the boat, stretch out on the deck, or swim from the side. The water is the star here. It can be cold in May, but that makes the first jump refreshing rather than pointless. Bring goggles or a snorkel if you want to look for fish near the shore. Snorkels may be available to buy, but do not count on a full supply of equipment.

The main catch is that Orak Island is not your private bay. Many boats may arrive at the same time, sometimes lining up side by side. That can reduce the swimming area and take some of the calm out of the scene. The experience is best understood as a shared boat day, not a quiet escape.

Leaving Bodrum from Kumbahçe

The stated meeting point is Prenses Yasemin Yacht at Kumbahçe, İskele Caddesi No. 24. The listed start time is 10:15 in the morning, with boats generally leaving Bodrum Harbor around 11:00. That gap matters. You may spend time waiting while boarding is organized or tickets are checked.

Pickup is offered from many hotels in the Bodrum area. The instruction is to meet at the hotel’s main entrance gate rather than the reception desk, since some hotels restrict access to vehicles and outside staff. If your hotel is not included in the pickup system, you may be asked to travel to a nearby listed hotel or the harbor.

Allow extra time and confirm the exact meeting place before the morning of the trip. A few departures have had late pickups, unclear pier directions, or delayed departures. One practical problem is that different boats may be operating as a group, so you may need to ask around for the correct vessel. Look for the boat name and confirm with local staff before boarding.

If you are arriving from a cruise ship, check the return schedule carefully. The advertised duration is about 6 to 7 hours, but departure delays can shorten your time at sea or make the return less comfortable. Do not book this as a tight connection before a ship departure unless you have a generous time buffer.

A double-deck boat with sun and shade

The boat is designed for a long day on the water. The upper deck offers open air, sun, pillows, and space to lie down. The lower deck has more conventional seating and shade. That mix is useful because Bodrum’s midday sun can be strong, while the lower area gives you a break when the heat becomes tiring.

Arrive early if you care where you sit. Cushions are limited, and the upper deck can fill quickly. One useful tip is to bring a towel not only for swimming, but also as something to sit on or place under your feet. Shoes or sandals may not be allowed on the upper deck, so you need to manage wet feet and hot surfaces.

The setup is relaxed, but not luxurious. Some boats use oversized pillows rather than full mattress-style cushions. If you need a proper seat for the whole day, the lower deck may suit you better than the open upper deck.

The official maximum is 80 people. That is a reasonable size for a large boat, but it can still feel cramped when everyone is eating, changing, or moving between decks. One departure had too few seats for everyone at lunch, and walking space upstairs became difficult. That is an important distinction: the boat may feel comfortable while underway, then crowded when all passengers gather in one place.

German Bay and the first swim

After leaving Bodrum, the boat heads toward Kızılburun and then German Bay. The ride to the first main stop takes roughly 30 minutes. German Bay is popular because the water is calm and clear, and the first swim gives you a quick taste of the day.

You can jump in, use the provided swim areas, or stay on deck with your camera. The stop is not built around a guided walk, so there is no formal sightseeing program. If you want ruins, villages, or detailed information about the coast, this is not that kind of cruise.

The first stop also helps you settle into the boat’s rhythm. You sail, stop, swim, and sail again. Announcements may be made in English, but sound quality has not always been strong. If you have trouble hearing, watch the crew and keep track of the announced departure time yourself.

Kızılburun and the open-water ride

Kızılburun is included as part of the early route, though the schedule can be presented differently depending on the boat. The sailing sections between stops are short, often around 30 minutes. These stretches are when you can take photos of Bodrum’s coast, find a seat, or order a drink.

Do not expect a constant program. There is usually no Wi-Fi or screen-based entertainment, and the appeal is the sea rather than onboard activity. Music is played, but the volume and selection vary. Some people enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Others find loud or poorly chosen music tiring during a long day.

I would bring a book, headphones, or a simple card game if you do not plan to swim at every stop. The boat day works best for people who are happy with a slow routine and plenty of open water.

Two hours at Orak Island Bay

Orak Island is the heart of the trip. The boat usually gives you around two hours here, which is much more generous than the shorter 30 to 40 minute stops elsewhere. You can swim several times, dry off, eat lunch, and still have time for photographs.

The bay’s pale sand and clear water make it the best place to bring a waterproof phone case. You will want to photograph the contrast between the boat, the bright water, and the rocky shoreline. The scenery is attractive from the deck, but it is even better when you are in the water looking back toward the boat.

Lunch is commonly served during this stop. The meal includes barbecue chicken, pasta, salad, and bread. Tea, biscuits, or watermelon may also be served on some departures. It is a basic boat lunch, not a restaurant meal. Portions are generally enough for a day of swimming, but vegetarians may receive limited choices, often pasta, salad, and bread.

Drinks are not included. You can buy them from the onboard bar, and prices have been described as reasonable for a boat, but bring enough Turkish lira or another accepted payment method. Since the price is only $25, the included lunch still adds useful value, even if the food will not be the highlight of your day.

Red Nose, Tavşan Burnu, and the shorter stops

After Orak Island, the route includes Red Nose, known for its gray rocks and blue water, and Tavşan Burnu, a quieter-looking bay. These stops are usually shorter than Orak Island, often around 30 minutes. They are ideal for one more swim, a quick float, or a few photographs.

The wording of the route can make the day sound more varied than it feels. The bays look different, but the basic activity remains the same: get off the boat, swim, and climb back aboard. If you love sea swimming, that repetition is the point. If you want several different kinds of sightseeing, the day may begin to feel long.

One advertised stop is described as a sandy beach, but conditions can look rocky rather than sandy. Do not book this expecting a broad beach where you can stroll for hours. The boat is usually the base, and the stops are mainly for swimming.

The final stop may be shortened or missed if the boat leaves late. This has happened on some departures, so think of the route as a general plan rather than a minute-by-minute promise. Weather, harbor delays, and the pace of boarding all affect the schedule.

Lunch, drinks, and the real value of $25

At $25 per person, this is one of the cheaper ways to spend a full day on the Bodrum coast. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off where available, an English-speaking crew, the boat, several swimming stops, and lunch. A separate beach club or private boat would cost much more.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim several times. You are paying for access to bays that are not practical to reach on foot, plus transport from Bodrum and a meal. If you dislike swimming or tire quickly on boats, the low price may not compensate for six or seven hours of sitting around.

The food deserves realistic expectations. Barbecue chicken, pasta, salad, and bread make a serviceable lunch, but quality can vary. Some people find it tasty and plentiful. Others find it plain or below average. I would call it fuel for the afternoon rather than a reason to book.

Drinks are extra, and onboard purchases can add to the final cost. Bring sun protection, a towel, swimwear, and money for drinks. A snorkel is useful if you already own one, though you may also be able to buy one on the boat.

Crowds, comfort, and crew service

The crew speaks English, and the best departures include staff who are friendly and willing to help. Ali has received special praise for answering questions, helping with a taxi problem, and taking photographs for a reasonable extra fee. That kind of practical help can make a difference when pickup or return arrangements become confusing.

Service is not perfectly consistent. Some departures have had friendly, attentive staff, while others have felt less organized. Communication can be weak, particularly around departure times, hotel transfers, and pier instructions. Do not assume that a scheduled time means the boat will leave exactly then.

Safety communication is another point to watch. There have been concerns about unclear safety instructions and life jacket visibility. The boat has life jackets, but you may not see all of them immediately. Once aboard, ask a crew member where they are kept if you have any concern.

The boat has a toilet, though one onboard account described it as prone to blocking. With a full boat, that can become inconvenient. Wet floors near the lower cabin can also be slippery, so walk carefully after swimming.

Who should book this Bodrum boat tour?

I would book this trip if you want an inexpensive day on the water and your ideal holiday activity is swimming in clear bays. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who are comfortable sharing a large boat and keeping their own schedule between stops.

It is also a good option if you are staying in Bodrum without a car. The pickup service can remove much of the transport hassle, provided your hotel is covered and you confirm the instructions. Cruise ship passengers can use it too, but only with a generous return buffer.

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet private cruise, polished onboard service, gourmet food, or detailed coastal guiding. The music may be loud, the boat may be full, and the route can feel repetitive. A private charter would give you more control, but it would cost far more.

The overall rating is strong at 4.6 out of 5, with 91 percent of people recommending the experience. That fits the basic truth of the trip: the water and price are excellent, while organization, crowd levels, food, and music can vary.

Should you book the Orak Island boat tour?

Book it if your priority is swimming, sun, and a low-cost way to reach Bodrum’s best bays. Arrive early, confirm the pier or pickup point, bring a towel and snorkel, and expect a simple lunch rather than a culinary event.

Skip it if you need a precise schedule, quiet surroundings, or a comfortable seat guaranteed for every part of the day. The best reason to go is simple: for $25, you get a long stretch of sea time and access to beautiful swimming spots. Just accept that this is a busy shared boat excursion, not a private island fantasy.

FAQ

How long does the Orak Island boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. It generally leaves Bodrum Harbor around 11:00 in the morning and returns during the afternoon.

Where does the boat tour start?

The listed meeting point is Prenses Yasemin Yacht at Kumbahçe, İskele Cd. No. 24, Bodrum. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for many hotels in the Bodrum area. You may be asked to meet the vehicle at your hotel’s main entrance gate rather than at reception.

What food is included?

Lunch includes barbecue chicken, salad, pasta, and bread. Some departures also provide tea, biscuits, or watermelon. Drinks are not included.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks must be purchased separately from the boat’s bar.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is listed as 80 people. The boat may feel crowded on busy days, especially during lunch and at the most popular swimming bays.

What stops are included?

The route includes German Bay, Orak Island Bay, Red Nose, and Tavşan Burnu, along with additional short swimming stops. Orak Island usually receives the longest stop, at about two hours.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.