Sarigerme: 12 Islands Boat Trip with Lunch and Transfer

The best part of this 12 Islands boat trip is the mix of swimming, scenery, and old ruins. You cruise through Göcek Gulf, where small islands, pine-covered shores, quiet coves, and clear water make the day feel far removed from Sarigerme’s hotel strip. Several stops give you time to get into the sea rather than simply photograph it from the deck.

I like the small-group feel, with around 30 people on some departures, and I like that lunch is more than a token sandwich: chicken, pasta, salad, starters, and dessert are served aboard. The main drawback is that drinks cost extra and can be pricey, while the boat and transfer may feel crowded at peak times.

• Cleopatra Bath combines a swimming stop with submerged ruins linked to Cleopatra and Marc Antony.
• Gobun Cove is shallow enough to reveal ancient remains beneath the water, but larger boats cannot enter.
• Yassica Islands offer some of the clearest, most inviting swimming water on the route.
• Bedri Rahmi Cove pairs tombs, oleanders, and a fine view across Göcek Bay.
• Lunch is generously portioned, with barbecue-style food served on the boat’s deck.
• Hotel pickup, insurance, guiding, and lunch are included in the $83 price, but drinks are not.

What the Sarigerme Boat Day Is Really Like

This is a full-day sea outing, not a quick coastal cruise. Allow about 10 hours from pickup to return, with the boat moving between coves and islands and stopping several times for swimming and shore time.

You are collected at your hotel’s main security gate. Be ready 10 minutes before the stated pickup time, since the driver waits no more than five minutes. The transfer is included, and the air-conditioned vehicles used on some departures have been praised for being comfortable and well maintained.

The transfer can also be the least polished part of the day. At busy times, the van may be full, and one family reported that a child had to sit in the front. The ride was still on time and safe, but it is worth keeping expectations sensible during high season.

Once aboard, you can sit inside, claim a place on the upper deck, or settle on a sunbed when available. Some departures carry about 30 people, which gives the crew a manageable group to look after. Other departures may feel tighter, especially around the lower seating area before people spread out across the boat.

The sea is not always perfectly still, but one passenger who usually suffers badly from seasickness found the water comfortable. That is encouraging, though no boat trip can promise calm conditions. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you can see the horizon and bring any medication you normally use.

Cleopatra Bath and the Sunken Remains

Cleopatra Bath is one of the day’s most memorable stops because it offers more than a pretty bay. The story says Cleopatra bathed here with Marc Antony during their honeymoon, and the ruins of an old hammam give the place its name.

The remains of ancient Lydae are also found in the area, with parts now beneath the water. You will not be walking through a complete archaeological site. Instead, the interest comes from seeing how old structures and the sea now share the same space.

This is a good early stop for getting comfortable in the water. The bay gives you a chance to swim near the ruins, though you should follow the crew’s instructions and avoid touching or climbing on ancient stonework. Bring goggles if you want to make out details below the surface. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, so take your own if you have it.

The Cleopatra connection adds a memorable story, but the real pleasure is the setting. The water, old masonry, and quiet cove make this more rewarding than a standard swim stop.

Yassica Islands and the Best Swimming Time

The Yassica Islands are a group of five small islands, each with a postcard shape and clear water around the shore. They are among the most popular stops in Göcek Gulf, and the boat gives you time to swim rather than rushing everyone back aboard after a few minutes.

Saytanil Ada, one of the islands, has a local tale attached to it. Its name means Devil Island, and folklore says the devil once lived there. You do not need to accept the story literally to enjoy the contrast between the dark name and the calm, bright water around it.

This part of the route is especially good if your priority is swimming. Several people have described the water as beautifully clear and the swimming stops as generous. Some departures stop at about four bays in total, though the exact pattern can vary.

You can also use this time to stay on deck. The upper level is useful for sunbathing, taking photos, and getting a wider view across the gulf. Pack sunscreen and a hat, because much of the day takes place in open sun. A towel and swimwear are essential, and cash is useful for anything you buy aboard.

Gobun Cove and Its Underwater Ruins

Gobun Cove is one of the more unusual stops because the water is only about 5 to 7 meters deep. That shallow depth makes it possible to see underwater remains from old settlements, especially if the light and water conditions are good.

Large boats cannot enter the narrow cove, so this part of the visit depends on the boat’s size and route. The cove is also worth appreciating from above. If you make the climb to the viewpoint, you get a wide panorama over Göcek Bay.

The word hidden is often overused for coastal stops, but Gobun Cove genuinely feels more tucked away than the open swimming areas. Do not expect a major land excursion, though. The attraction is the combination of shallow archaeological remains, still water, and the view from the hillside.

Wear shoes with a decent grip if you plan to walk upward. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the climb may not suit anyone who finds uneven ground difficult. For most visitors, staying near the boat and swimming is the simpler choice.

Bedri Rahmi Cove, Tombs, and Oleanders

Bedri Rahmi Cove brings a quieter, more natural pause to the route. Simple tombs are tucked among oleanders near the shore, and the water has the turquoise color you hope for on a Turkish coast cruise.

The cove takes its name from Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, a Turkish artist and writer, though the provided tour details focus on the tombs and natural setting rather than a full account of his life. You can expect a scenic stop with time for swimming and looking toward the wooded slopes.

I would treat this as a place for unhurried views rather than a major guided archaeological visit. The guide may explain what you are seeing, but the tour’s main rhythm is still swim, eat, relax, and move on. That balance suits a holiday day when you want some culture without turning the outing into a museum lecture.

Lunch on Deck: Better Than a Basic Boat Buffet

Lunch is included in the $83 price, and it is one of the stronger parts of the package. A typical meal includes cheese rolls and onion rings to start, followed by pasta, chicken, and salad, with chocolate pudding for dessert.

Portions have been described as generous, with some people receiving more than one serving. Even fussy children have found the pasta and chicken easy to enjoy. The meal is served on deck, so you eat with sea views and the boat’s relaxed holiday atmosphere around you.

The exact menu may vary, but you should expect a cooked meal rather than a packed lunch. That matters on a 10-hour outing. You do not need to bring food, and outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Drinks are extra, including alcoholic choices and cocktails. One menu was considered decent, but prices aboard were described as high. You can bring cash for purchases, but check the cost before ordering. Extra chips were available on one departure for 200 Turkish lira per serving, which gives you a useful idea of how add-ons can increase the final spend.

Knight Cove, Zeytin Ada, and Tersane Adasi

Knight Cove gets its name from the Knights of Rhodes, who once occupied the area. Today, the cove has cafes and motels, giving it a more developed feel than some of the quieter bays.

This stop may appeal if you want a short look beyond the boat. It is not presented as a major walking town, but the cafes and accommodation give the island a bit of life. If you prefer empty coves, it may feel less special than Gobun or Bedri Rahmi. If you like having somewhere to look around and perhaps buy a drink, it adds variety.

Zeytin Ada means Olive Island. The island is home to an Ottoman-period olive oil workshop, and its private position among the southern Yassica Islands adds a sense of separation from the main routes.

Tersane Adasi is one of the larger islands in the gulf. Greek remains, including an old watchtower, make it one of the better stops for people who want a little more than sun and sea. The ruins are not presented as a full walking tour, so think of them as part of the view and the story of the gulf rather than a formal archaeological visit.

Domuz Adasi and Delikili Adalar

Domuz Adasi was once associated with wild boars, and today it is valued mainly for its natural scenery. Like several stops on this route, its appeal is less about a single grand monument and more about the feeling of moving through small, changing coastal spaces.

The final group, Delikili Adalar, includes Heybeliada, Buyukada, Kinaliada, and Burgazada. These islands are popular with both local people and holidaymakers, yet the setting still offers a calm break from city life.

The names can be confusing because the excursion is sold as a 12 Islands trip while the detailed route includes groups of islands, coves, and named bays rather than 12 long shore visits. You should expect a moving itinerary with several swimming and sightseeing stops, not a separate full landing on each island.

That distinction matters. This is best for seeing a broad slice of Göcek Gulf in one day. It is not the right choice if you want to spend half a day exploring one island on foot.

Crew, Guiding, and the Feel on Board

The crew has been one of the most consistent strengths of the day. Staff are described as welcoming and attentive, and several departures have had a captain and crew who kept an eye on swimmers and made people feel comfortable.

George is one guide who has been singled out for humor and kindness. He even stopped to help a stranded turtle, a small moment that says something about the tone you can expect. English and Turkish guiding are available.

Do not expect a nonstop history lecture. The guide’s role is mainly to explain the places, keep the schedule moving, and help you enjoy the stops. That suits this kind of outing, since the best parts are often the quiet minutes on deck or in the water.

Boat facilities are practical rather than luxurious. There is plenty of seating and sunbathing space on some departures, though lower areas may feel crowded before the boat gets underway. One recurring practical complaint concerns the toilet smell. It did not ruin the day for most people, but it is a fair warning for anyone sensitive to odors.

Is $83 Good Value From Sarigerme?

At $83 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the included parts: hotel transfer, guiding, insurance, lunch, and a full 10-hour day on the water. Booking direct with a local operator may sometimes cost less. One person paid more through a booking channel than the direct price offered by Panda Tours after arriving in the area.

That does not automatically make the online price poor value. You are paying for advance booking, a stated cancellation option, and the convenience of having transport arranged. Still, compare the price with local operators if you are already in Sarigerme and have time to ask.

The main extra cost is drinks. Since you cannot bring your own food or drinks, set aside money for water and anything else you want aboard. The lunch is substantial enough that you should not need to buy additional food, unless you want fries or snacks.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less risky. These terms are useful if your weather plans are still moving around, but always check the departure details when booking.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want one easy day that combines swimming, old ruins, lunch, and hotel transport. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who prefers a planned day over arranging several boat connections alone.

The day is less suitable for infants and very young children. Babies can come, but the long hours, sun, swimming schedule, and boat setting may not be much fun for them. One practical view is that children aged five and older are likely to get more from the outing.

You should also think carefully if you have limited mobility. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, particularly because of boat access, uneven shore areas, and the possible climb above Gobun Cove.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and cash. Leave your own food and drinks behind, since they are not allowed. If you want to see anything beneath the water, bring your own mask and snorkel because those items are not listed as included.

Should You Book the Sarigerme 12 Islands Trip?

Book it if you want a big, easy coastal day with several swim stops and a proper lunch. The strongest reasons are the clear water around Yassica, the unusual remains at Cleopatra Bath and Gobun Cove, the comfortable crew, and the included hotel transport.

Think twice if you dislike spending all day on a boat, need quiet facilities, or want a low-cost outing with no paid extras. Drinks can be expensive, some transfers and seating areas may be crowded, and the route offers short visits rather than deep exploration of each island.

For most people staying in Sarigerme, this is a sound way to see Göcek Gulf without the work of planning it yourself. I would book it for the water and the scenery first, then enjoy the ruins and stories as a welcome bonus.

FAQ

How long does the Sarigerme 12 Islands boat trip last?

The activity lasts about 10 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel transfer included?

Yes. Free hotel transfer is included. Wait at your hotel’s main security gate 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, since drivers wait no longer than five minutes.

What food is included for lunch?

Lunch is included and may include starters such as cheese rolls and onion rings, pasta, chicken, salad, and chocolate pudding. The exact menu can vary.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, and food and drinks from outside are not allowed.

Which languages are available?

The host or guide service is available in English and Turkish.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and cash. You may also find a mask and snorkel useful, though they are not listed as included.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.