Bodrum: Orak Island, German Bay & Red Bay Boat Tour w/ Lunch

Orak Island is the main event on this six-hour boat trip: a long swim stop among pale sands and clear water, reached after a quick dip at Red Bay. The route then takes in other Bodrum bays, with coastal views on the ride back to Halikarnas Harbor.

I like two things in particular: the two-hour stop at Orak Island gives you time to swim without rushing, and lunch, Turkish tea, melon, and biscuits are served aboard. The blue water and bay scenery are the draw here, not a guided history lesson.

One thing to plan for: drinks and snorkeling masks cost extra, and the boat’s other extras may add to the price. The route and stops can also change with sea and weather conditions.

What to know before you book

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• Orak Island gets the longest stop: Plan on about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch.
• The boat leaves at 11:00: Meet at Halikarnas Harbor 15 minutes early for the EZGI 4.
• Lunch is included: The usual meal is grilled chicken, salad, and rice or pasta, followed by melon, Turkish tea, and biscuits.
• Bring your own mask if you want to snorkel: Snorkeling gear is not included, and drinks are extra.
• The route can change: Sea conditions, weather, and traffic may affect the schedule and swimming stops.
• Expect a shared boat outing, not a guided tour: English-speaking staff are included, but a tour guide is not.

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A day on the water from Halikarnas Harbor

This is a straightforward way to trade Bodrum’s town streets for a day among its bays. You board the EZGI 4 at Halikarnas Harbor for an 11:00 departure and return to the same harbor at about 17:00. That makes it a substantial outing, but not an all-day commitment that takes you far from town.

The appeal is the change of pace. Instead of spending the day at one beach, you move between several swimming spots, with time to stretch out and sunbathe on the boat between stops. The sea is the main attraction, and the route gives you a few different chances to get in it.

There is no tour guide included, so don’t book this expecting a narrated account of Bodrum’s coast. English-speaking staff are on board, but the experience is built around swimming, scenery, and lunch. If you want a relaxed boat day more than a history lesson, that distinction is useful.

Red Bay: a quick first swim

Red Bay is the first stop, described as a quick swim. Think of it as a chance to get into the water and start the day, rather than a long beach stay. If you’re still settling in after departure, this short stop gives you a taste of the day ahead.

The schedule also names Bodrum Bay, where there is another guided-tour stop. The exact length and activity at each bay are not specified, so don’t assume every stop has the same amount of swimming time. The order and timing may shift with conditions.

That flexibility is sensible on a boat trip, but it means you should treat the itinerary as a plan rather than a minute-by-minute promise. If a particular bay is your reason for booking, keep in mind that weather and sea conditions can change the route.

Orak Island: the longest swim stop

Orak Island is the centerpiece, with about two hours set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch on board. The island is known for a pristine bay and white sands, and it’s the place where you’ll have the most time to enjoy the water. You can swim, try snorkeling if you bring your own gear, or take a break on deck.

Two hours is a practical amount of time: enough to eat and swim without making the whole trip feel like a single beach stop. Lunch is served during the visit, so you don’t need to leave the boat to find a meal. The menu usually includes fresh salad, grilled chicken, and rice or pasta, though seasonal ingredients may change what is served.

The clear blue sea is the strongest reason to book. A recent account of the trip specifically praised the scenery and the color of the water. It also pointed out that items on the boat may cost extra, and that masks were not provided. Bring a mask if snorkeling matters to you, and budget for drinks rather than assuming they come with lunch.

German Bay and Rabbit Island

After Orak Island, the route includes German Bay and Rabbit Island. German Bay is another swimming stop, while the itinerary also lists Rabbit Island as a stop on the return route. The details do not promise a set amount of time at either place, so consider them part of a changing coastal route rather than fixed-length beach visits.

The tour description also allows for two additional swimming stops depending on sea conditions. That means the precise sequence or choice of bays may vary. On a calm day, you may get the planned succession of places; if conditions or traffic intervene, the schedule can change.

This is one reason to treat the outing as a scenic day on the water rather than a checklist of guaranteed beach time. You get variety and a look at several bays, but the boat crew has to work with the day’s conditions.

Lunch, snacks, and what is extra

Lunch is included, with grilled chicken, salad, and a rice or pasta side as the usual meal. The menu may change with the season and ingredient availability. Later, melon, Turkish tea, and biscuits are served, giving you a simple afternoon snack before the return.

Drinks are not included, and snorkeling equipment is not supplied. One trip account also noted that items aboard required additional payment, so it’s wise to ask about prices before ordering anything beyond the included meal and treats. That small bit of planning helps keep a low starting fare from turning into a surprise bill.

At a starting price of US$34.35, the tour can be good value if you want several swimming stops, transport by boat, and lunch in one package. The price is less attractive if you expect drinks, a mask, or other onboard purchases to be covered. Compare the total you’ll spend, not just the base fare.

What the six-hour schedule means for you

The listed departure is 11:00, with a return to Halikarnas Harbor at 17:00. You’ll spend much of the day either on deck or at the water stops, so wear swimwear under your clothes if that suits your plans and bring what you need for a day in the sun. The boat is a place to relax between swims, not simply a transfer from one beach to another.

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The meeting point is Halikarnas Harbor, and the boat name is EZGI 4. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable, so don’t cut your timing too close.

The voucher is valid only for the date and time selected. Changes are generally allowed until 24 hours before the activity, subject to listed restrictions, and cancellations made at least 24 hours ahead receive a full refund. Confirm the details on your booking before making plans around the trip.

Who will enjoy this boat tour

I’d consider this trip if your priority is swimming in several Bodrum-area bays without arranging separate transport, and you’re happy with a simple onboard lunch. The long stop at Orak Island is especially useful if you don’t want a rushed photo stop followed by an immediate departure. The views from the boat and the chance to sunbathe between swims add a welcome change from staying on shore.

It may be less suitable if you want a guided cultural tour, an all-inclusive food and drink package, or equipment provided for snorkeling. No child seats are available, and the activity is not accessible by wheelchair or stroller. Children under four are treated as infants based on official identification.

The provider is Tourmania. The tour is a join-in experience, but the group size is not specified, so don’t assume a private or small-group outing. If you prefer a more personal trip, compare it with a private boat option; if you’re mainly after a reasonably priced day on the water, this shared tour is the simpler choice.

Should you book the Orak Island boat tour?

Book it if you want a six-hour, swim-focused outing with Orak Island as the main stop, several bays along the way, and lunch served aboard. The blue water and coastal scenery are its strongest draws, and the included food makes the starting price more useful than a boat ride alone.

Skip it if you need a guide, want drinks and snorkeling equipment included, or need accessible boarding arrangements. For the best value, bring your own mask, check what onboard items cost, and arrive early. That way, you can spend the day thinking about the sea rather than the extras.

FAQ

What time does the boat leave?

The listed departure time is 11:00. Arrive at Halikarnas Harbor 15 minutes beforehand.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Halikarnas Harbor in Bodrum on the EZGI 4 boat.

When does the tour return?

The listed return time is 17:00 at the same harbor where the tour starts.

How long is the stop at Orak Island?

About two hours are set aside at Orak Island for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and usually consists of grilled chicken, salad, and rice or pasta. The menu may change with the season and ingredient availability.

Are drinks and snorkeling masks included?

No. Drinks and snorkeling gear are not included.

Does the tour include a guide?

No tour guide is included. English-speaking staff are provided.

Is the tour accessible by wheelchair or stroller?

No. The activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, and child seats are not available.