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

Orak Island is the star here: clear turquoise water, pale sand, and two hours to swim rather than a quick photo stop. The boat also reaches German Bay, Red Nose, and TavşanBurnu, giving you a full day of sea views for about $25.

I like the large double-deck boat, with sunny outdoor space and shaded indoor seating, and I like that lunch and hotel transfers are included. The main caution is crowding: on busy days, several boats may anchor at the same bays, and departure or pickup arrangements can run late.

Key points to know before you book

• Two hours at Orak Island Bay: This is the longest and prettiest stop, with time for swimming, sunbathing, and photos.
• Four to five swimming stops: Most breaks last about 30 minutes, with a longer stay at Orak Island.
• Simple lunch included: Expect BBQ chicken, pasta, salad, bread, and sometimes fruit, tea, or biscuits.
• Large boat, up to 80 people: You get shade and sun, but a busy sailing can feel cramped around mealtimes.
• Hotel pickup needs care: Meet at your hotel’s main entrance gate, and confirm the pickup details before departure.
• Bring towels and swim gear: Upper-deck seating may be cushion-style, and shoes are not allowed upstairs on some boats.

A full day on Bodrum’s water for a low price

At roughly $25 per person, this is one of the least expensive ways to spend a full day swimming around Bodrum. The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking crew, and lunch. Drinks are extra, but the bar is available on board.

The value is strongest if your goal is simple: get out on the water, swim in several bays, eat a filling meal, and return to Bodrum in the afternoon. You are not paying for a private yacht, a quiet sailing trip, or a polished guided tour with detailed commentary. This is a shared boat outing built around swimming.

The listed duration is about six to seven hours. The usual plan has you meet at the harbor around 10:15 am, with departure close to 11 am, then return later in the afternoon. Actual timing can vary. Boats have sometimes left 40 minutes to an hour late, so I would not schedule a tight connection afterward.

The boat can carry up to 80 people. That capacity matters. On a quieter day, the roomy double-deck design gives you a reasonable choice between sun and shade. On a busy Saturday, the same boat can feel crowded, especially when everyone gathers for lunch or moves around the upper deck.

Finding the boat and handling the pickup

The stated meeting point is Prenses Yasemin Yacht at Kumbahçe, İskele Caddesi No. 24, in Bodrum. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, with a vehicle taking you to your accommodation if hotel transfer is part of your booking.

Pickup instructions deserve attention. Many Bodrum hotels restrict access beyond the entrance, so you are told to wait at the main entrance gate rather than inside the reception area. Some pickup arrangements have worked well, while others have been late or unclear. If your hotel is not included in the operator’s pickup search area, you may be asked to reach a nearby meeting point instead.

I would confirm three things before the morning of the tour:

• The exact pickup time and hotel entrance
• The name or location of the boat at the pier
• The expected return time to Bodrum

The pier can be confusing because several boats may operate together. The boat may not have a large obvious sign, and some people have had to ask local staff which boat was assigned to their booking. Arrive early, keep your confirmation handy, and allow extra time to find the correct vessel.

This trip can work for a cruise-ship day visit, but only if you have a generous buffer before your ship sails. The tour does not promise a precise return time, and delays have occurred. I would avoid it if missing the ship would create a serious problem.

Kızılburun and the run toward German Bay

The boat first heads toward Kızılburun. This opening stretch gives you time to settle in, claim a seat, and see Bodrum’s coast from the water. The journey to the first main swimming area takes about 30 minutes.

German Bay is one of the most popular stops on the route. The water is clear and inviting, and the basic choice is exactly what you want from this sort of trip: jump in, float, swim near the boat, or stay on deck with a camera.

The stop is listed as about 30 minutes, so do not expect a long shore visit. This is a water stop, not a town visit. If you want to snorkel, bring your own equipment or ask about buying or renting one on board. Some float noodles and life jackets are available, but supplies may be limited.

The sea can also be cold early in the season. A May trip may offer beautiful water but a brisk swim, particularly in the morning. If you are sensitive to cold water, pack a towel and a dry layer for the ride afterward.

Orak Island Bay, the main event

Orak Island Bay receives the longest stop, generally around two hours, and this is where the trip earns its name. The bay is known for turquoise water and fine white sand, making it the best place to swim and take photographs.

You have enough time here to do more than make a quick splash. Swim, float, sit in the sun, or walk around the surrounding area if access allows. Lunch is also served during the day, with the exact timing depending on the boat’s schedule.

The meal is straightforward rather than memorable. The usual plate includes BBQ chicken, pasta, salad, and bread. Vegetarian food is described as pasta, salad, and bread, so anyone wanting a wider choice should plan accordingly. Some outings have also included watermelon, tea, or biscuits, but those extras should not be treated as guaranteed.

The long stop sounds peaceful on paper, but the setting can change with the day. Orak Island is a major target for boat excursions, so several boats may anchor nearby. On a busy day, boats can line up side by side and leave only a smaller swimming area between them. The water remains attractive, but the feeling is less like a private bay and more like a popular summer swimming stop.

This is also the point where seating can become an issue. Some boats use cushions or large pillows on the upper deck rather than individual chairs. Arriving early helps you claim a comfortable spot. On some boats, shoes or sandals are not allowed on the upper deck, so a towel can serve as a clean place to sit or step.

Red Nose and TavşanBurnu

The schedule continues with two more stops, usually described as Red Nose and TavşanBurnu. Red Nose is marked by gray rock formations around blue water. It is a scenic contrast to Orak Island’s pale sand and is mainly another chance to swim and cool off.

TavşanBurnu is presented as a quieter, more restful bay. The stop gives you another chance to enter the water or stay on deck. Some descriptions call these later visits about 30 minutes each, while the wider itinerary allows roughly three hours for the final portion of the route. The exact order and length may shift with weather, crowding, and the boat’s schedule.

You should also know that the advertised stop count is not perfectly consistent. The trip is described in places as having four stops, and in others as five, with some passengers receiving three or four actual swim breaks. The practical expectation is several swimming stops, not a rigid five-stop sightseeing program.

One advertised sandy beach stop may also look different in person. Reports describe some shorelines as rocky rather than sandy. Bring water shoes if you have them, since they are useful around rocky edges and wet boat steps.

Life on the double-deck boat

The boat’s layout is one of its better features. The upper deck gives you open air and sun, while the lower area provides shade and more conventional seating. That choice is valuable on a long day, especially if you want to alternate between swimming, relaxing, and escaping the heat.

The upper deck may feel more like a shared lounging platform than a row of deck chairs. Pillows can be comfortable, but they do not provide the same support as a proper mattress or chair. Claim your place early if you care about a particular view or cushion.

After swimming, the deck can become slippery. Move slowly, especially when heading below for lunch or using the steps. A towel also helps with wet seating and cold wind during the boat rides.

Entertainment is basic. Music may play at intervals, and its volume and style are not always suited to everyone. If you want a quiet day, the sound system may irritate you. If you expect a party boat, the music may feel underwhelming. There is no stated Wi-Fi or television service, so bring a book, a playlist with headphones, or simply plan to watch the coast.

The crew is English-speaking, and individual service can vary. Ali is specifically praised for being helpful, answering questions, taking photographs, and even reimbursing a taxi in one case. A photographer may offer pictures for an additional fee. You can decline without buying anything.

Lunch, drinks, and what to pack

Lunch is included, which helps keep the total cost down. It is filling, but basic. Think of it as practical fuel between swims, not a reason to choose the tour. Drinks are not included, although they can be purchased from the boat bar. Prices have been described as reasonable for a boat setting.

Pack light, but bring the things that make a wet day easier:

• Swimsuit and a spare dry layer
• Towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Snorkel equipment if you want to look for fish near the shore
• Water shoes for rocky entrances
• Cash or payment for drinks and optional photographs

A towel is especially useful on the upper deck, where it may double as a seat cover. You may also want to avoid bringing valuables. The boat is shared, and you will be moving between the deck, water, and lunch area.

Safety standards are an area where I would pay attention. Some passengers have not seen a formal safety briefing or enough life jackets in plain view. The supplied information says life jackets are provided, but you should locate yours before the boat leaves and ask the crew if you are unsure. The skipper has received praise for handling difficult boat traffic, but that does not replace basic safety information.

Who will enjoy this Bodrum boat tour?

This outing suits you if you want an affordable day on the sea and are happy to share the experience with a large group. Families, couples, and solo visitors can all use it as an easy way to reach swimming spots that are harder to visit from land.

It is a particularly good fit for:

• Strong swimmers who want several water stops
• Couples looking for a low-cost day away from Bodrum’s streets
• Families who value included lunch and transport
• Visitors who enjoy sun, music, and a casual social setting
• Cruise passengers with plenty of time before departure

I would hesitate if you dislike crowds, loud music, uncertain timing, or basic food. It is also a poor choice if you want a quiet private cruise or a tour with detailed information about the coast. The focus is water access, not cultural interpretation.

The overall rating is 4.6 out of 5, with 91 percent recommending the experience. That matches the tour’s strengths: the water is the main reward, the route offers several attractive bays, and the price is hard to beat. The lower ratings tend to connect to delayed departures, confusing transfers, crowding, food quality, and communication.

My call on booking Orak Island

I would book this tour if I wanted a budget swimming day, especially in warm weather, and I would treat the $25 price as excellent value for transport, lunch, and several hours at sea. The most beautiful moments are likely to come from the water and the coastal views, not from the service or meal.

Book with extra care if you are traveling during a busy weekend. Arrive early, confirm the pickup, bring your own snorkel and towel, and leave plenty of time after the scheduled return. If those conditions suit you, Orak Island Boat Tour is a practical way to see Bodrum’s bays without spending private-charter money.

FAQ

How long does the Orak Island boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six to seven hours. It generally starts in the morning and returns to Bodrum harbor during the afternoon.

What time does the tour start?

The stated meeting time is 10:15 am, and the boat is expected to depart Bodrum harbor around 11 am. Delays have occurred, so allow extra time.

Where does the boat depart from?

The stated meeting point is Prenses Yasemin Yacht, Kumbahçe, İskele Cd. No. 24, Bodrum, Muğla, Türkiye.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most hotels in the Bodrum region. You should wait at your hotel’s main entrance gate, not at reception.

What food is included?

Lunch includes BBQ chicken, salad, and pasta. Bread is also served. Vegetarian food is described as pasta, salad, and bread.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included in the tour price, but they can be purchased from the boat bar.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum listed group size is 80 people.

What swimming stops are included?

The route includes German Bay, Orak Island Bay, Red Nose, and TavşanBurnu. The descriptions vary between four and five total stops, so the precise number and timing may change.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Poor weather may also lead to a different date or a full refund.