Discovering the Cesme Islands and Bays Boat Trip with BBQ Lunch
Imagine floating gently on the turquoise waters of Turkey’s Aegean coast, surrounded by stunning islands and shimmering bays. That’s exactly what this Cesme: Islands and Bays Boat Trip with BBQ Lunch promises — a full 8-hour day of relaxing, exploring, and soaking up the sun. Based on numerous reviews, it’s a popular choice for travelers looking to combine scenic beauty with some good old-fashioned relaxation.
What we really love about this experience is how it balances adventure and comfort. You get a chance to snorkel in waters with over 20 meters of visibility — yes, the underwater views are that clear — and enjoy a hearty BBQ lunch while lounging on deck. Plus, the option for hotel pickup and drop-off makes logistics simple, especially if you’re staying in Cesme or Alacati.
One thing to keep in mind is that the itinerary can change daily depending on weather conditions, which might mean some stops are swapped out. If you’re picky about specific islands, that’s worth considering. But overall, this tour is ideal for anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic day out—families, couples, or groups of friends—especially those who enjoy snorkeling, sunbathing, and good food.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters with over 20 meters of visibility offers a fantastic underwater view.
- Flexible stops include Aquarium Bay, Donkey Island, and other islands like Coral Island or Paradise Island, depending on the day.
- A hearty BBQ lunch with chicken or fish, pasta, and seasonal salads keeps visitors energized.
- Comfortable amenities like reserved sun loungers, showers, changing cabins, and toilets make the day more enjoyable.
- Hotel transfer options simplify logistics, especially for those staying in Cesme or Alacati.
- Experienced crew and guides ensure safety and enhance the experience with friendly service.
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An In-Depth Look at the Cesme Islands and Bays Boat Trip
Let’s walk through what you can expect on this 8-hour coastal adventure, based on the information available. When you book, you’re signing up for a day filled with tranquil cruising, picturesque views, and plenty of chances to beat the heat with activities like swimming, paddling, and snorkeling.
Meeting Point and Start
The tour begins either at a designated dock directly across from Çeme Castle or with pickup from your hotel in Cesme or Alacati, if that option is selected. The meeting point is easy to find—just walk down to the seaside, opposite the PTT post office, and look for the boat. The activity typically starts with a briefing from the crew, who are known to be polite and efficient. Timing varies, so it’s advisable to check availability and confirm your start time when booking.
First Stop: Aquarium Bay
The first major stop on this trip is Aquarium Bay, famous for its astonishing water clarity. With over 20 meters of visibility, the water is perfect for snorkeling. Travelers rave about how beautiful and transparent the water is, allowing you to see a wide array of underwater sights. You’ll spend about an hour here, which is enough time to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard if you like.
One reviewer expressed how much they appreciated the waters’ “beautiful green waters” and how they enjoyed hours of swimming — especially if you’re a confident swimmer or eager to get in the water early. For non-swimmers, life jackets and rings are available—making it safer and more comfortable for everyone.
More Great Tours NearbyLunch: BBQ on Deck
After the swim, everyone heads back aboard for a delicious BBQ lunch. The menu offers your choice of chicken or fish, accompanied by pasta and seasonal salads. Reviewers highlight how tasty and plentiful the meal is, with some noting it’s more than enough to keep them energized for the rest of the day. The dining area on the boat is spacious and clean, with the lowest deck used for lunch and rest.
A bonus is that your sun lounger, reserved in advance, allows you to relax comfortably. Many guests comment on how relaxing the setting is—lounging beneath the sun with a gentle breeze and the sound of the water lapping against the boat.
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Visiting Donkey Island (“Goni”)
Post-lunch, the boat heads to Donkey Island, also known as “Goni.” Here, you can explore the island on foot, take a swim, or just soak up the peaceful surroundings. The water surrounding this small island is clear and inviting, perfect for dipping in and cooling off again. Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to stretch their legs and explore, with some noting the island’s natural beauty as a highlight.
The Remaining Stops: Variety Depending on Weather
The last part of the trip involves visiting two more islands or bays — options include Coral Island, Paradise Island, Winter Bay, and Macri Island. These stops are scheduled based on the weather, so the itinerary can change from day to day. Expect more stunning waters and opportunities for swimming, paddling, or simply lounging on the deck.
Onboard Comfort and Safety
The boat itself is well-equipped with 4 decks—the top deck features sun loungers, perfect for catching rays and enjoying the panoramic views. The lower decks offer shaded areas, restrooms, showers, and changing cabins. The crew is attentive, offering safety equipment like life jackets and rings, which makes the experience accessible even for non-swimmers.
Final Return and Optional Transfers
At the end of the day, you’ll return to the dock. If you booked the transfer option, your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, making the whole day hassle-free. Without transfers, you can simply walk back to your accommodation or arrange your own transport.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
Many travelers mention how effortless and enjoyable this boat trip is. The combination of scenic cruising, swimming in clear waters, and a hearty BBQ lunch hits all the right notes for a laid-back day. The friendly crew, combined with the well-maintained boat, makes for a comfortable experience.
Reviews highlight the quality of the snorkeling, the delicious lunch, and the relaxing ambiance. One traveler even described their experience as feeling like a cruise-turned-party, with dancing and socializing onboard. The availability of life jackets and safety rings gives peace of mind, especially for those who may not be strong swimmers.
Potential Drawbacks
While most reviews are glowing, it’s worth noting that the itinerary can vary daily, depending on weather and sea conditions. If you have your heart set on specific islands, this variability might be a minor inconvenience. Also, the tour is quite centered around water activities, so if you prefer land-based sightseeing, this might not be your ideal option.
The price of $57 per person offers good value considering the length of the trip, multiple stops, food, and amenities, but keep in mind drinks and snacks are not included—so bring extra cash if you want refreshments.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This boat trip suits travelers who love scenic coastal views, swimming, and relaxing onboard. It’s particularly great if you enjoy snorkeling or are curious about the underwater world. Families with older children, couples, or groups of friends looking for a full day on the water will find it a worthwhile experience.
While not specifically marketed as family-focused, the availability of safety equipment and the calm, shallow waters around some islands make it accessible for most ages. Just keep in mind the overall length and make sure everyone in your group is comfortable on boats.
FAQs
Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, if you choose the transfer option, pickups are available from hotels in Cesme and Alacati. You’re advised to wait in your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.
What should I bring for the trip?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear (which is also recommended). The boat provides restroom facilities, changing cabins, and showers, so you can freshen up after swimming.
How long is the boat trip?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, with starts varying depending on availability. It includes cruising, swimming, snorkeling, and lunch.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The itinerary can change based on weather conditions, so some stops may be swapped out for others or skipped altogether for safety reasons.
Can non-swimmers participate?
Absolutely. Life jackets and rings are available for non-swimmers, and the crew is attentive to safety. You can still enjoy the scenery from the boat or relax on a sun lounger.
Is the BBQ lunch suitable for all dietary preferences?
The menu features chicken or fish, pasta, and seasonal salads. If you have special dietary needs, it’s best to inquire beforehand, but the standard options are quite straightforward.
Cesme: Islands and Bays Boat Trip with BBQ Lunch
“Great tour. Especially for swimmers, lot of options to dive and swim for hours in the beautiful green waters. Lunch was great as well.”
Final Thoughts
The Cesme Islands and Bays Boat Trip with BBQ Lunch offers a satisfying mix of scenic beauty, water activities, and good food — all at a reasonable price. It’s a solid choice for travelers seeking a relaxing day on the coast, with opportunities for snorkeling, sunbathing, and exploring small islands. The experience is supported by friendly staff and excellent amenities, making it a stress-free way to enjoy Cesme’s natural charm.
If you’re someone who loves being on the water, soaking up the sun, and tasting fresh grilled dishes in a beautiful setting, this trip is worth considering. Just remember that the specific island stops might vary, so keeping an open mind about the day’s plan will help you enjoy it to the fullest.
Whether you’re traveling solo, in a couple, or with friends, this boat trip captures the essence of a leisurely day in Turkey’s coastal paradise — scenic, relaxed, and delicious.
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