Bodrum: Orak or Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch

Bodrum’s best swimming spots are scattered offshore, and this 6.5-hour boat trip gives you an easy way to reach several of them in one day. You’ll swim in warm cave water, float above the site of a supposed meteor impact, and stop at bays with clear turquoise water.

I like the generous swimming time and the relaxed pace. I also like that lunch, fruit, tea, and biscuits are included, so the $34 price covers more than just a seat on a boat. The main consideration is that the route may switch between Black Island and Orak Island, and some advertised details, such as tea or the exact bay sequence, may vary.

Key points to know before booking

• Six-and-a-half hours at sea: This is a full half-day outing, not a quick harbor cruise.
• Several swim stops: Meteor Bay, Aquarius Bay, Red Bay, and Rabbit Bay each offer time in the water.
• Black Island cave stop: The warm hot spring waters are a highlight, though cave or entrance fees are not included.
• Lunch is part of the fare: You can expect a filling meal, with chicken and pasta mentioned as part of the menu.
• Drinks cost extra: Bring cash if you want water, soft drinks, alcohol, or rented equipment.
• Route flexibility matters: The boat may visit Orak Island instead of following the Black Island plan exactly.

A full day built around swimming

This is a straightforward Bodrum sea day. You board near the harbor, settle into a boat, and spend the next several hours moving between swimming stops rather than sightseeing from a distance.

That distinction matters. The main attraction is not a guided history lesson or a packed schedule of monuments. It is the chance to get into the water repeatedly, dry off in the sun, eat lunch, and do it again. If you want a quiet break from Bodrum’s streets, this is a useful way to spend a day.

The tour begins at the harbor near the sign for Hotel Istankoy Boat. You exchange your voucher for a ticket there, then return to the same point at the end. Allow time to find the boat office, especially if you are unfamiliar with Bodrum’s waterfront.

The boat is described as clean and comfortable, and one particularly useful detail is that some departures may not feel crowded. Still, group size can vary, so do not assume you will have a quiet private deck unless you reserve the private group option.

Black Island hot spring cave

The first stop is the Black Island hot spring cave. The warm water gives this stop a different feel from the open-water bays, especially if you enjoy sitting in naturally heated water rather than swimming laps.

You may need to pay an additional cave or entrance fee. That cost is not part of the $34 tour price, so keep some cash with you if you want to enter. The information provided also refers to Cleopatra’s Cave, which appears to be one of the optional cave experiences connected with this route.

This stop can be less appealing if you dislike tight spaces, crowded bathing areas, or paying an extra fee after boarding. It is also not ideal for anyone with vertigo, and the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers. Even at a warm spring, you should treat the water as a swimming stop, not simply a sightseeing platform.

Bring flip-flops for the approach and a towel for the trip back to the deck. Sunscreen is essential because the boat offers little escape from the strong Aegean sun once you are wet.

Meteor Bay and the story beneath the water

Next comes Meteor Bay, named for a meteor that reportedly crashed here many years ago. The appeal is partly the story and partly the setting: you jump into the water above the supposed impact area.

Do not expect a museum or a marked crater. This is a swim stop with a local tale attached to it. For most people, the pleasure comes from the clear water, the open view, and the simple fun of jumping overboard at a place with an unusual name.

The crew may give you time to swim independently, and the stops are designed for people who want to spend time in the water rather than rush through a photo opportunity. A camera can be useful, but protect it carefully around the sea. Sunglasses, a hat, and a secure place for personal medication are also worth packing.

Aquarius Bay combines lunch and a long swim

Aquarius Bay is the main meal stop. The water here is described as especially clear, and the schedule gives you time to swim before or after eating.

Lunch is included, which improves the value of this trip. The meal has been described as filling, with chicken and pasta among the dishes served, followed later by melon on at least one departure. The exact menu can change, and vegetarian choices may be limited. If you do not eat meat, ask about the meal when booking or contact the provider in advance rather than assuming a full vegetarian plate will be ready.

The lunch break is a practical part of the day. A boat tour with repeated swims can leave you hungry, and buying a full meal onboard would quickly push the price higher. Here, food is already covered, although drinks are not.

Water and soft drinks cost extra, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase onboard. Take cash if you want anything beyond the included food and fruit. The $34 fare is good value if you stick with the included items, but your final cost will be higher if you buy drinks, rent water-sports equipment, or pay for a cave entrance.

Red Bay brings fruit and another chance to swim

Red Bay is a shorter, easygoing stop for swimming and fresh fruit. The fruit is included, giving you something light after lunch and a welcome break from heavier food.

This is the kind of stop that makes the itinerary work. You are not expected to spend the whole day in one place, and the repeated changes of bay keep the outing from feeling like a simple boat ride to a single beach. At the same time, the schedule is not packed with formal activities. You can swim, sit on deck, take photos, or simply wait for the boat to move on.

If you prefer a tightly organized sightseeing program, the relaxed rhythm may feel loose. If you want a day with room to do very little, it is a strength.

Rabbit Bay ends the route at a slower pace

The final stop is Rabbit Bay. You get another swimming break, followed by tea and biscuits before the boat heads back to Bodrum.

Tea and biscuits are listed as included, but the exact service may not appear on every departure. One account of the outing included a good lunch and fruit but no tea or biscuits. I would treat these items as a pleasant extra rather than the reason to book.

Rabbit Bay works well as the final stop because it gives you one more chance to get in the water before the return journey. By this point, you may prefer a seat in the shade, a dry towel, and a quiet view from the deck. Pack a cover-up or spare clothes so the ride back is comfortable.

What the $34 price really covers

At $34 per person, this tour is priced as a basic, activity-focused day on the water. You receive the boat trip, lunch, fruit, tea, and biscuits, which is a solid package for a 6.5-hour outing.

The value is strongest if you want multiple swimming stops and do not need luxury service. You are paying for access to bays that are difficult to visit independently, plus food and a full schedule at sea. The trip can also be less expensive than arranging separate transport, meals, and boat access for each stop.

Budget for the extras:

• Water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
• Water sports or rented equipment
• Cave and other entrance fees

The boat has a bathroom, but expectations should stay modest. One account described the bathroom as being in poor condition. That will matter more on a six-and-a-half-hour trip than it would on a short cruise, so keep this practical point in mind if onboard facilities are important to you.

Black Island or Orak Island?

The advertised route centers on Black Island, but the boat may instead visit Orak Island. This is not necessarily a bad change. Orak is also associated with beautiful swimming places, and the trip can still include several attractive bays.

The problem is communication. If the route changes, you should expect a clear explanation from the crew. Without one, you may spend the day wondering why the boat is not following the plan you expected. Ask at the start if the route is Black Island, Orak Island, or a mix of locations.

This flexibility may be caused by operating conditions, scheduling, or the day’s plan, but no specific reason is provided. I would book this tour for the overall sea day, not for one exact island or a guaranteed sequence of stops.

The crew, atmosphere, and comfort level

The crew is described as friendly, welcoming, and courteous. That helps on a boat trip because the staff control the timing of stops, meal service, and purchases onboard.

The atmosphere appears to be relaxed and social rather than formal. You may share the boat with other people, swim near other boats, and spend part of the day chatting or resting on deck. Some departures are comfortable and uncrowded, but crowd levels are not guaranteed.

The tour is available with Turkish and English support. A private group can also be arranged if you want more control over who shares the boat, though the provided information does not specify the private-group price or exact format.

What to bring for a better day

Pack for sun, salt water, and a long ride. The basic list is sensible:

• Swimsuit and beachwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Flip-flops
• Camera
• Personal medication

I would add a small amount of cash for drinks, cave fees, and optional equipment. Keep valuables to a minimum, and use a waterproof pouch for anything you bring close to the water.

The tour is not suitable for people with vertigo or non-swimmers. You should be comfortable entering the sea and managing yourself around a boat. The information also lists mobility scooters and fireworks as not allowed.

Who will enjoy this Bodrum boat trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants a simple day away from town. The repeated swim stops, included meal, and friendly crew make it easy to settle into the rhythm.

It is also a good choice for people watching their budget. You get a substantial amount of time on the water without paying for a premium yacht experience. The trip is especially appealing if your ideal holiday day includes swimming, sun, lunch, and not much else.

I would hesitate if you want a precise route, a strong focus on history, high-end onboard facilities, or a guaranteed vegetarian lunch. I would also think twice if you dislike open-water swimming, basic boat bathrooms, or extra charges for drinks and caves.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful if your Bodrum schedule is still changing.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want good-value access to several swimming bays and are happy with a relaxed, changing route. The included lunch and the long time at sea make the price appealing, while the hot spring cave, Meteor Bay, Red Bay, and Rabbit Bay give the day enough variety.

Choose another option if you need a fixed Black Island itinerary, polished facilities, or a clearly planned vegetarian meal. For everyone else, this is a practical Bodrum sea day with plenty of water time, a friendly crew, and only a few manageable compromises.

FAQ

How long does the Bodrum boat tour last?

The tour lasts 6.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the boat tour start?

Meet at the left side of the Bodrum harbor, where you will find Hotel Istankoy Boat. Exchange your voucher there for your ticket.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at the harbor.

Does the tour visit Black Island or Orak Island?

The boat trip may visit Black Island or Orak Island. The route can vary, so ask about the planned island and stops at the start of the day.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with fruit, tea, and biscuits. Vegetarian choices may be limited.

Are drinks included?

No. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available onboard but cost extra.

Are cave entrance fees included?

No. Cave and other entrance fees are not included in the tour price.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers or people with vertigo?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers and people with vertigo.