Marmaris: Private Boat Cruise w/ Lunch and Soft Driks

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Marmaris, a private boat cruise might seem like a perfect escape. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve looked into what it offers and what travelers are saying. It’s a flexible experience designed for small groups — from couples to families — with a focus on exploring the beautiful coastline, swimming, and enjoying a tasty BBQ lunch.

What really draws many to this trip is the chance to have a personalized day on the sea without the crowds. Plus, the inclusion of unlimited soft drinks makes it a refreshing break from the heat. On the flip side, some reviews highlight potential issues, like boat size and cleanliness, which are worth considering before booking. If you’re after a relaxing, scenic day with good value, this might be a good fit.

This tour is best suited for those who want a more intimate experience, appreciate the freedom to customize their day, and love being on the water. It’s also ideal for travelers who want to enjoy stunning views and swim in untouched bays, but maybe not so much if you’re expecting luxury or are concerned about boat size or language barriers.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: You can tailor the itinerary to your preferences, making it a flexible experience.
• Includes a hearty BBQ lunch: Perfect for refueling after swimming or sunbathing.
• Unlimited soft drinks: A nice touch for staying refreshed during the cruise.
• Duration of about 6 hours: A full day’s adventure, but flexible if you prefer shorter or longer trips.
• Potential boat size concerns: Some guests report the actual boat being smaller and less glamorous than expected.
• Accessible for private groups: Perfect for couples, families, or friends traveling together.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring what to Expect on this Marmaris Boat Trip

The core idea here is a private, laid-back cruise along Marmaris’s coastline, with enough flexibility so you can design your perfect day. From the start, you’ll be picked up at your hotel — a convenience that saves you the hassle of finding your way to the harbor. Once on board, you’ll cruise through beautiful bays and caves, enjoying the serene waters of the Mediterranean.

The boat itself has two floors with sunbeds and relaxing areas, making it easy to find your favorite spot to soak up the sun or enjoy the views. The average duration is about six hours, but the tour can be shortened or extended based on your preferences — a flexibility that’s great if you have other plans or want to linger longer in a particular spot.

The Route and Stops

Your boat will take you across bays and caves that are often untouched and tricky to reach by land. Expect to make stops to swim and snorkel — this is where the experience shines, especially if you love being in the water. The waters around Marmaris are clear and inviting, perfect for a quick dip or a longer swim to cool off.

One of the highlights is the chance to see Marmaris from a different perspective — the coastline’s cliffs, secluded beaches, and caves all provide incredible photo ops. Some reviews mention the boat doesn’t exactly match the “luxury yacht” image shown online, but the focus here is on intimate, scenic cruising rather than opulence.

Lunch and Drinks

The cruise includes a BBQ lunch, which is generally seen as a good value add. It’s a straightforward meal, likely grilled meats, served with sides, and a solid way to refuel after swimming or sunbathing. Alongside this, you’ll enjoy unlimited soft drinks, making the day more enjoyable and refreshing, especially under the Turkish sun.

It’s worth noting that alcoholic drinks and snacks aren’t included**, so if you’re looking for wine or ice cream, you’ll need to bring your own or purchase them separately. The focus here is on a relaxed day with family-friendly options (soft drinks and lunch provided).

The Realities: What Travelers Say

Looking at actual reviews, there’s a mixed picture. One guest raved, “Fab day out on the boat. Weather amazing. Def worth it,” indicating many people find the trip enjoyable, especially the scenic views and good value for money. On the other hand, some travelers expressed disappointment. One review said, “It was not the boat advertised in the photo. Instead, it was a much smaller fishing boat that had a horrible smell,” and described a rough start with delays and a captain who didn’t speak English.

This highlights an important consideration: boat quality and cleanliness may vary, and sometimes the vessel isn’t as luxurious or new as you might expect from online images. The fact that the boat might not match the promotional pictures is something to keep in mind.

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Think About the Size and Comfort

In particular, some reviews mention the boat being small and less comfortable than expected, which could impact your overall experience, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or seeking a more luxurious trip. The smaller boat also meant a less spacious environment for relaxing or taking photos.

The Guide’s Role

The guide is included and typically speaks both Turkish and English. A knowledgeable guide can make a difference — providing info, helping you find the best swimming spots, and making the trip more enjoyable. However, language barriers could be an issue, as one reviewer noted the captain didn’t speak English well, which required translation via Google.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Duration and Flexibility

The 6-hour duration is quite generous for a boat trip, giving plenty of time to swim, relax, and enjoy the scenery. The tour can be shortened or lengthened if you prefer, which is great if you’re on a tight schedule or want to linger longer at a favorite spot.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The included parts — boat trip, guide, starters, BBQ lunch, unlimited soft drinks, and insurance — offer good value. The not included items are alcoholic drinks, ice cream, and snacks, so plan to bring some if you want additional treats.

Transportation and Accessibility

You’ll be picked up from your accommodation at no extra cost, which is a major plus. The tour is private, so it’s just your group, making it a more intimate experience.

Important Items to Bring

Make sure to pack sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and cash. The boat may not provide these, and you’ll want them to enjoy the day comfortably.

Suitability and Restrictions

This tour isn’t recommended for people with heart problems, likely due to the physical activity involved, like swimming and the boat ride. It’s also accessible for wheelchair users, depending on the boat’s facilities.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private boat cruise is ideal for small groups seeking a personalized, relaxed day on the water. If you’re after beautiful scenery, swimming in untouched bays, and a casual lunch, this fits the bill. It’s especially good for those wanting to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more exclusive experience.

However, if luxury or boat size is a priority, or if you’re sensitive to boat cleanliness and condition, you might want to explore other options. It’s also worth noting that some reviews point out the boat isn’t exactly like the pictures, so manage expectations accordingly.

The Sum Up

A private boat cruise in Marmaris offers a lovely way to see the coastline, swim in pristine waters, and enjoy a laid-back day with loved ones. The flexibility of the schedule, the inclusion of lunch and drinks, and the chance to have the boat all to yourself make it quite appealing for many travelers.

That said, it’s important to stay aware of potential downsides like boat size and condition. For some, the experience will be a highlight of their trip, especially if they’re looking for a peaceful, scenic day on the water. For others, the actual vessel might not match the online images, so keep that in mind.

This tour is best suited for relaxed, small-group travelers who value a personal touch and are okay with some variability in boat quality. If these points align with your travel style, you might find this to be a relaxing, enjoyable day out in Marmaris.

FAQs

Is the boat private?
Yes, the tour is designed for private groups of 1-12 people, making it a more intimate experience.

What is included in the tour?
You get the boat trip, guide, starters, a BBQ lunch, unlimited soft drinks, and full insurance.

Can I customize the duration?
While the standard is about 6 hours, the itinerary can be adjusted to be shorter or longer based on your preferences.

What should I bring?
Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and some cash for extras.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the private nature means you can decide if it’s appropriate for children, especially considering the boat size and water activities.

Are alcoholic drinks included?
No, only soft drinks are included. You can bring your own if you wish.

What if the weather isn’t great?
The tour is weather-dependent. It’s best to check the forecast and possibly opt for a flexible booking.

How do reviews describe the experience?
Many travelers loved the scenic views and value, but some noted the boat isn’t as luxurious as online images and had issues with boat cleanliness and comfort.

All in all, this Marmaris private boat cruise can be a memorable part of your trip if you’re after a relaxed day on the water with a flexible schedule and good value. Just keep your expectations in check regarding boat quality, and you’re set for an enjoyable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: