Icmeler: Day-Cruise to Cleopatra Island & Gokova Bay

Planning a day out on the water in Turkey’s Aegean coast? This 8-hour boat tour from Icmeler promises a relaxed day exploring some of the most beautiful spots in the Gokova Gulf, with plenty of chances to swim, enjoy good food, and soak up stunning scenery. We haven’t done this trip ourselves, but based on details and reviews, it looks like a solid pick for anyone craving a day at sea with a touch of history and nature.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines beautiful water spots with historical sights and good food — you get a little bit of everything. The crystal-clear waters for swimming at Incekum Beach are a highlight, and the chance to walk around Cleopatra Island, with its legendary sands and ancient ruins, adds a unique historical element. Plus, the friendly, English-speaking crew and included lunch make it feel well-organized and family-friendly.

On the flip side, a possible drawback is that the experience runs for about 8 hours, which might be a long day for some—especially if you’re not a fan of boat trips or prone to seasickness. Also, since the Cleopatra Island Entry Fee isn’t included**, you’ll want to have some cash on hand if you plan to explore a bit more on your own.

This tour seems best suited for those who love beautiful scenery, swimming, and a relaxed pace—perfect if you’re after a scenic escape with some history and good food thrown in. Families, couples, or groups of friends who want a memorable day out on the water will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Stunning Water Spots: The tour features several swimming stops in crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxing, snorkeling, or playing in the surf.
• Historical & Natural Sights: Walk through ancient ruins and see the famous sands of Cleopatra Island, a highlight for history buffs and beach lovers alike.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: The lunch, soft drinks, and transfers are included, making it a hassle-free day.
• Beautiful Scenery & Calm Bays: The boat glides through scenic bays like Gokova Gulf and Lacivert Bay, perfect for photo ops or just soaking in the views.
• Flexible & Easy Planning: With free cancellation and reserve-now-pay-later options, you can book with confidence.
• Family-Friendly: The boat is equipped with toilets, outside showers, and a bar, making it suitable for most travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting from Icmeler: Easy Access and Comfort

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel or apartment in Icmeler via air-conditioned bus. The trip to Camli Harbour takes around 30 minutes, giving you a glimpse of the beautiful Turkish countryside—green hills, quaint villages, and the promise of a day on the water. If your hotel isn’t listed, you can request a pickup, which is a handy feature.

Once at Camli Harbour, you’ll hop aboard a double-decker wooden boat with sunbeds on top—perfect for catching the rays or relaxing in the shade. The boat itself looks charming and spacious, making the journey comfortable, especially if you’re prone to seasickness.

First Stop: Incekum Beach (60 Minutes)

The first swimming spot is Incekum Beach, a national park renowned for its fine sand and transparent waters. Here, you’ll have about 40 minutes to swim, snorkel, or just lounge on the sand. It’s a popular spot and a great way to kick off the day with some refreshing water. The natural beauty here is definitely a highlight—clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere make it a favorite among travelers.

Midday: Lunch on Board and Cleopatra Island

Next, you’ll cruise towards Cleopatra Island, where a freshly cooked BBQ lunch awaits you. The menu includes chicken, pasta, salad, and bread, providing enough fuel for an afternoon of exploring. The boat crew is friendly and attentive, ensuring everyone’s served and comfortable.

After lunch, you’re free to explore Cleopatra Island—famous for its white sands, said to be the sands Cleopatra herself once bathed in. The island isn’t just about the beach; you can walk among the ruins, take photos, or just relax on the sand. Some reviews describe it as akin to a “Turkish Maldives,” with turquoise waters and soft sands, making it a perfect place to unwind.

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Free Time & Exploration

You’ll have around 3 hours to wander around, swim, sunbathe, or explore the ruins. Cafes and toilets are available for refreshments and convenience. The ruins are a bonus for history lovers, and the beach’s popularity confirms it’s a true highlight of this trip.

Final Stop: Lacivert Bay (Dark Blue Bay)

The last swimming stop is Lacivert Bay, known for its deep blue, dense waters. It’s a favorite among yachts and boaters, and it offers a peaceful spot to relax before heading back. The deep waters and stunning color make it ideal for a final swim or just soaking up the scenery.

Head Back to Marmaris

After a full day of swimming, sightseeing, and good food, you’ll head back to Marmaris by bus, arriving in the early evening. The trip wraps up with hotel drop-offs, making logistics straightforward.

What’s Included & What to Keep in Mind

The package covers hotel transfers, lunch, soft drinks, and insurance, so you’re well taken care of. The only extras you might want cash for are snacks, ice-cream, photos, or the Cleopatra Island entry fee. The tour is also quite flexible—it allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your plans aren’t set in stone.

The Experience on the Water

The boat is equipped with toilets, outside showers, and a bar—making the experience comfortable and convenient. The crew speaks multiple languages, including English, Turkish, and Russian, ensuring clear communication.

Practical Tips

Bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, camera, and cash. The tour is not suitable for those with heart problems or wheelchair users, so plan accordingly. Vegetarian options are available for lunch if you specify when booking.

How the Tour Compares to Similar Experiences

This tour offers a balanced mix of swimming, history, and relaxing scenery. Compared to other options, it’s quite affordable at $42 per person, considering the inclusions and the 8 hours of activity. The reviews praise knowledgeable guides and the stunning views—a testament to how well the trip delivers on its promises.

Some similar experiences include boat trips with unlimited drinks, more days in the same area, or additional stops, but this tour’s focus on the key highlights makes it a straightforward choice for a first-time visitor or someone wanting a relaxing, well-organized day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys peaceful bays, swimming in clear waters, and a touch of history, this trip hits all those marks. It’s especially good for travelers who want a full day of activities without feeling rushed. Families may appreciate the calm waters and amenities onboard, while couples will enjoy the scenic views and romantic beaches.

This trip isn’t ideal if you’re after intense adventure or want to explore more distant locations—it’s more about soaking in the beauty at a comfortable pace. The long day might be tiring for some, but if you love being on the water and exploring picturesque spots, you’ll likely come away very satisfied.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel transfers in air-conditioned buses are included, from your hotel or apartment to the harbor and back.

How long is the boat trip?
The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, with the boat trip itself taking most of the day, starting in the morning and ending in the early evening.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and some cash for extras or entrance fees.

Are meals included?
Yes, a barbecue lunch with chicken, salad, pasta, and bread is included, along with soft drinks. Vegetarian options are available if requested.

Can I explore Cleopatra Island on my own?
Yes, you get about 3 hours of free time to walk, swim, sunbathe, and explore the ruins and beaches.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for people with heart problems or wheelchair users. Children over a certain age who enjoy boat trips should find it enjoyable.

What’s the cost for entry to Cleopatra Island?
The entry fee to Cleopatra Island isn’t included in the price, so you’ll need some cash if you want to explore beyond the beach.

Is there any entertainment or activities on the boat?
The focus is mainly on swimming, relaxing, and sightseeing. The crew is friendly and attentive, but there’s no mention of additional entertainment onboard.

Is this trip suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the calm waters, facilities, and relaxed pace make it a good option for families with older children who enjoy swimming and exploring beaches.

This boat trip from Icmeler to Cleopatra Island and Gokova Bay delivers a lovely blend of scenery, history, and leisure. For those seeking a relaxed, scenic day with good food and plenty of swimming, it’s a reliable choice that offers great value for money. Just remember to pack your essentials, keep some cash handy, and get ready for a memorable day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: