Bodrum Daily Boat Trip / Orak or Black Island

A Practical Look at the Bodrum Daily Boat Trip to Orak or Black Island

If you’re considering a day on the water during your stay in Bodrum, this daily boat trip around Orak Island offers a relaxed way to see some of the most scenic spots along the Gulf of Gokova. While it might not be a secret hidden gem, it’s a solid choice for anyone who loves swimming in clear waters, enjoying good food, and soaking up beautiful coastal scenery.

We particularly appreciate the comfortable cruise ship and the chance to explore up to four different bays, giving you plenty of opportunities to cool off and enjoy the sea. The included lunch and fresh fruits add a nice touch that makes the experience feel more complete without extra hassle.

However, a notable consideration is the group size—with up to 40 travelers on board, this isn’t the most intimate setting, so if you’re after a quiet, personalized experience, it might not be your first pick. Still, if you’re traveling with friends or family, you’ll likely find this tour to be a fun, laid-back outing that provides excellent value for money.

This trip works best for those who enjoy a hassle-free day on the water, appreciate good views, and want to relax with some swimming and good food. It’s a straightforward way to see some of the Gulf’s beauty without the need for a private charter or more expensive options.

Key Points

• Comfortable, well-equipped boat with space for up to 40 people ensures everyone can relax.
• Multiple swimming stops at four different bays let you enjoy the turquoise waters and scenic surroundings.
• Inclusion of lunch, fresh fruits, and snacks make this a convenient and tasty way to spend the day.
• Views of the Aegean Coast from the water are stunning and worth the trip.
• Group size means it’s lively but not necessarily intimate—good for social travelers.
• Price point offers fair value considering lunch, snorkeling gear, and the experience itself.

The Day on the Water — What to Expect

Starting around 11:00 am from Halikarnas Harbour, the tour kicks off with a cruise that’s relaxed and easygoing. We loved the way the day is structured to give you a good balance of swimming, eating, and relaxing. The boat itself is described as comfortable and clean, which is a plus when you’re spending several hours on board.

First Stop: Refresh and Swim

The trip begins with a chance to cool off immediately. The first stop usually involves a swim in one of the bays, giving you a break from the boat’s interior and a chance to dip into the turquoise waters. Based on reviews, many travelers appreciate this initial swim, even if some note the sea can be a bit chilly early in the season.

Lunch in the Second Bay

The highlight for many is the lunch served at the second stop, which includes grilled chicken, salad, and pasta—simple but satisfying. They also serve watermelon and melon, which are thoughtful touches for a hot day. The lunch quality is generally good, and the fact that it’s all included makes it a practical choice for those wanting a no-fuss meal on the water.

More Swimming and Relaxation

After lunch, there’s time allocated for swimming again. Multiple reviews highlight the beautiful blue waters of the bays, making this part of the trip truly visually rewarding. The boat crew provides snorkeling equipment, so if you’re curious to see underwater, you’ll have what you need—though some reviews mention that equipment availability isn’t always as advertised, so temper expectations.

Final Stop: Fruits and Tea

As the day winds down, the boat offers fresh fruits like watermelon and melon, a nice, refreshing end to the water fun. Then, in the last bay, the crew serves tea, biscuits, and ice cream sales—a cozy way to round off your day before heading back.

Return to Bodrum

The trip concludes around 6:00 pm with a gentle cruise back to the starting point. The overall duration, about 6.5 hours, makes it a full but not exhausting day on the water.

The Experience: What You’ll Love

One thing that stands out from reviews is the stunning views of the Aegean coast from the water. Whether it’s the rocky bays, olive groves, or turquoise waters, this trip offers plenty of photo-worthy moments. The boat’s crew is frequently described as friendly and fun, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere—especially important if you’re traveling with friends or just want to socialize.

Many travelers have noted that the lunch is quite good for a boat tour—fresh, reasonably hearty, and delivered with a friendly attitude. The availability of snorkeling gear and the multiple stops for swimming mean you can make the most of the beautiful, clear waters.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviews mention that the group size could feel crowded, especially during peak season, which might impact the intimacy of the experience. Also, there are occasional mentions that equipment availability may not match expectations, so if snorkeling is a priority, it’s worth arriving early or bringing your own gear if possible.

A few reviews also highlight that the trip can feel somewhat commercial—with stops at shops selling leather and other goods, which might be off-putting for travelers expecting a straightforward boat trip. However, the tour operators have clarified that these are separate shops and not part of the trip itself.

The Value Proposition

At around $26 per person, this tour is relatively affordable considering all that’s included. The lunch, fresh fruits, snorkeling gear, and the scenery offer decent value, especially for those who want to relax and enjoy the sea without the hassle of organizing individual trips to each bay.

On the downside, alcohol and certain extras like water sports aren’t included in the price, so if you’re keen on cocktails or jet skis, you’ll need to budget for those separately. The group size of up to 40 travelers might feel crowded for some, but it also adds a lively atmosphere that many find enjoyable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat trip is well suited for people who want a straightforward, relaxing day on the water. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy swimming, scenic views, and sharing a good meal in a social environment. Travelers looking for a more intimate or private experience might prefer a smaller group or private charter.

Those who want to explore multiple bays and enjoy a full day of sun and sea will find plenty to love. However, if you’re after a highly exclusive or luxury experience, or if snorkeling gear is a must-have for you, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, the boat is described as comfortable and clean, with enough space for up to 40 guests, making it a decent setup for a day on the water.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes lunch (grilled chicken, salad, pasta), fresh fruits, snorkeling equipment, and onboard services like tea and biscuits. Drinks and water sports are extra.

Can I swim at each stop?
Absolutely. The trip features up to four different bays, each offering swimming opportunities. Just keep in mind that the water can be chilly early in the season, according to some reviewers.

What should I bring?
Pack your camera, swimwear, sunscreen, a long-sleeve for cooler evenings, and any personal medication. Beach towels and flip-flops are also handy.

Are there any restrictions or considerations?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s worth noting that if the weather turns bad, the trip could be canceled or rescheduled—though this is rare with good weather.

Is the trip suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the relaxed nature and swimming stops make it generally kid-friendly, provided children are comfortable in the water.

Can I buy alcohol on the boat?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Final Thoughts

This Bodrum boat trip around Orak Island offers a good blend of scenic beauty, swimming, and easygoing enjoyment. The stunning bays and clear waters are the real highlights, giving travelers a chance to unwind and take in the breathtaking views of the Aegean coast. The well-organized itinerary with lunch, fruits, and multiple swimming stops makes for a hassle-free day that balances activity and relaxation.

If you’re looking for a value-packed, social day on the water with plenty of photo opportunities and good food, this tour will likely meet your expectations. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy a lively group setting and don’t mind sharing the boat with other travelers.

However, if you’re after a more private, intimate experience or have specific water sports interests, you might want to consider alternatives. Overall, it’s a dependable choice for a scenic cruise that delivers on the basics and provides a memorable day out in Bodrum’s beautiful coastline.

Remember to arrive prepared with your swim gear, sunscreen, and a good camera to capture the stunning views. Enjoy your day on the water!