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Bodrum boat trips & turquoise bays

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Bodrum boat trips & turquoise bays

A day on a wooden gulet, swimming in turquoise bays around Bodrum.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
Half a day
Entry
Paid (boat trip)
Best time
June–September
Area
Peninsula

Clear bays around the peninsula, best reached by boat.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Day boats leave from Bodrum harbour (Neyzen Tevfik Avenue) and from Turgutreis and Yalıkavak

  • From Bodrum: Most day boats leave from the harbour by the castle around 10–11 am and return before sunset.
  • Private gulets: Charter a private boat for a group or family from the marina.
  • Transfers: Many tours include hotel pickup on the peninsula.

The story of the Bodrum bays

The coast around Bodrum is a maze of coves, islands and clear water, best seen from the sea. Since the 1960s writers and artists have sailed this coast on the "Blue Voyage", and day trips now make it easy for anyone.

Typical stops include Orak Island, with its bright turquoise water, Black Island with warm natural springs in a cave, and the Aquarium Bay, named for its visibility. Lunch is usually cooked on board.

Best time to visit

Best season

June to September for warm water; May and October are cooler but quiet.

Best time of day

Full-day trips from late morning to late afternoon.

Wind

Afternoon winds can make the sea choppy; larger gulets are steadier.

Tips before you go

  • Join a boat day trip with swimming stops.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel and water shoes.
  • Ask what is included: lunch, drinks and number of swim stops vary.

Best hotels near the Bodrum bays

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

The Marmara Bodrum

Hilltop design hotel with views over the castle and the bay.

See prices

Marina Hotel Bodrum

Small hotel close to the yacht marina and the old town.

See prices

Diamond of Bodrum Hotel

Seafront hotel on Kumbahçe beach near the castle.

See prices
All hotels near the Bodrum bays

What's around the Bodrum bays

  • Orak IslandFamous for its turquoise, glass-clear water.
  • Black Island (Kara Ada)Warm spring cave and mud baths.
  • Bodrum CastleBack on shore at the harbour.
  • Bitez BayCalm beach for families, 15 minutes away.

Questions travellers ask

How much does a Bodrum boat trip cost?

Prices vary by season and boat; shared day trips are good value and usually include lunch.

Is it suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes, you can stay on board, and many boats have life jackets.

Which bays are the best?

Orak Island and the Aquarium Bay are favourites for their clear water.

More in Bodrum

Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter)

Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter)

Read the guide
Bodrum Marina

Bodrum Marina

Read the guide
Gümüşlük

Gümüşlük

Read the guide
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Travel Plan · Bodrum boat trips & turquoise bays Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure