Bodrum: Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch and Swim Stops

Bodrum: Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch and Swim Stops – a lively 6-hour excursion along Turkey’s stunning Aegean coastline. Whether you’re craving beautiful scenery, refreshing swims, or a lively party on the water, this tour offers a combination of all three. While it’s a popular choice for fun-seekers, some reviews highlight that the experience can vary depending on expectations and the day’s vibe.

What we love about this tour is its focus on scenic stops like Cleopatra Island’s thermal springs and two gorgeous bays perfect for swimming. The inclusion of lunch onboard makes it convenient, and the boat’s three floors give ample space for relaxing or dancing. However, a possible downside is that some guests felt the stops didn’t quite match the advertised itinerary, and the music playlist might not be everyone’s cup of tea. This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a lively day with opportunities to swim, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

Good To Know

• Stunning Bays & Scenic Stops: Visit Rabbit Bay, Aquarium Bay, and Black Island Hot Springs.
• Inclusive Lunch: Enjoy a simple but tasty meal of chicken, pasta, salad, and fruit.
• Flexible Swimming & Snorkeling: Multiple swim stops allow plenty of time for cooling off.
• Atmosphere & Entertainment: A relaxed vibe with music and space to chill or dance.
• Variable Experience: Some reviews mention the stops and activities don’t always match descriptions.
• Ideal for those seeking a lively, social day on the water with scenic backdrops.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Starting Point at Halikarnas Port

The adventure begins at the small Halikarnas port at Skele Cd. No.24, where you’ll find the pirate-themed boat “Cey Cey” waiting. Arriving by 11:00 AM is essential since the boat departs sharply at 11:30 AM. The walk to the boat is straightforward, and the crew is generally friendly and ready for a fun day.

The Journey Through Beautiful Bays

As soon as you’re underway, the atmosphere is relaxed, with music playing and guests chatting. The boat itself is spacious, with three floors—wooden tables on the first, sun beds on the upper decks, giving plenty of room to lounge, sunbathe, or dance. We loved the way the boat’s design encourages socializing while maintaining space for quieter moments.

Stop 1: Black Island Hot Springs

This is often highlighted as a key attraction, mainly because of the natural thermal springs. The hot springs at Cleopatra Island are a unique feature, and the water’s mineral content makes for a soothing experience. Guests can swim, snorkel, and relax here for about 1.5 hours. The entrance fee of 3 euros isn’t included but is worth the visit for the chance to soak in warm mineral waters while enjoying views of the sea. Reviewers mention that the landscape here is quite picturesque, and the waters are both warm and relaxing.

However, one reviewer noted that the hot springs’ description as a “thermal spring” might be slightly exaggerated—it’s more like a thermal pool than a natural spring, but still enjoyable.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Stop 2: Rabbit Bay

Next up is Rabbit Bay, a favorite for swimming and soaking up the sun. With about 1.5 hours allocated, this bay offers clear waters perfect for a swim or snorkel. The calm environment and scenic surroundings are ideal for relaxing after the busy morning. One reviewer pointed out that the landscapes here are “splendid,” making it a worthwhile stop.

Stop 3: Akvaryum Koyu (Aquarium Bay)

The final swim stop is at Aquarium Bay, renowned for its transparent waters, perfect for snorkeling and observing the marine life. Guests have ample time here to float around and take in the scenery. The reviews don’t specify many details about the marine life, but the clear waters suggest decent visibility for snorkelers.

Return & Final Remarks

After approximately 1.5 hours at Aquarium Bay, the boat heads back to Skele Cd., arriving around 5:30 PM. The cruise concludes with guests disembarking at the starting point, tired but hopefully satisfied with their day of sun, sea, and scenery.

The Food and Drinks

Lunch is included in the price, served on board. The menu offers simple, hearty options—chicken, pasta, salad, and fresh fruit—designed to fuel up guests for the day ahead. While some reviewers appreciated the convenience, others felt the meal was basic but adequate considering the price point.

Note: All drinks apart from the meal are extra, so if you’re craving soft drinks, juice, or alcohol, you’ll need to budget for those separately.

The Vibe and Atmosphere

The boat features music that can be lively or relaxing depending on your and crew’s choices. The guide, who spoke perfect French, was praised for being engaging and knowledgeable about the scenery, although some reviews mention a lack of commentary during stops. One reviewer pointed out that the “DJ played a playlist with Turkish music and Bob Marley,” which might not suit everyone’s taste, especially if you’re expecting a “foam party” or more lively entertainment—both of which were reportedly absent.

The overall atmosphere is laid-back, with plenty of space to chill out or dance. For some, the music and the vibe might be the highlight, but others could find it less engaging if their expectations are more party-focused.

The Review Spectrum

The experience is quite mixed based on reviews. One guest called it “the worst horror trip” due to issues with the stops and music, citing loud Turkish tunes and unfulfilled promises of foam parties. Conversely, others found it “good” or appreciated the stunning landscapes. A recurring theme is that the guides are knowledgeable and the scenery is undeniably beautiful, making it worthwhile for those seeking a scenic, social day on the water.

Pricing & Value

At $40 per person, this tour offers a decent price for a full day of sea, sun, and scenery, especially considering lunch and swim stops are included. The boat’s size and the multiple stops make it a flexible and varied experience. However, the value can fluctuate depending on your expectations—if you’re looking for a lively party with lots of activities, be prepared for some limitations. The additional 3-euro fee for Cleopatra Island’s hot springs is a small extra but worth noting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want to combine scenic bay visits with some relaxing swimming and enjoy a laid-back social environment. It’s perfect for those who don’t mind a sometimes inconsistent experience but value stunning views and a chance to cool off in warm waters. If you’re after a lively party atmosphere or highly structured activities, you might be disappointed. Conversely, if you enjoy casual boat trips with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and light entertainment, this is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

The Bodrum Pirate Boat Trip offers an accessible way to explore Turkey’s beautiful coastline with a mix of scenic stops, swimming, and relaxing onboard ambiance. While the experience can be hit or miss depending on expectations—some reviews mention the stops not matching descriptions or the music playlist being less lively—the overall package provides a good value for a 6-hour adventure.

The stunning bays, thermal springs, and large boat with ample space make it ideal for travelers wanting a day on the water without fuss. The included lunch, scenic views, and the chance to swim make it a practical choice for families, groups, or solo travelers eager to enjoy Turkey’s Aegean coast.

In summary, if you’re looking for a laid-back, scenic, and social boat trip with opportunities to chill and cool off, this tour can be a memorable part of your Bodrum holiday. Just keep your expectations aligned with the reviews—this isn’t a wild party, but a pleasant day on the water with plenty of beautiful scenery.

FAQ

What is the starting point for the tour?
It begins at Halikarnas Port at Skele Cd. No.24. Arrive by 11:00 AM as the boat departs promptly at 11:30 AM.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, ending around 5:30 PM back at the starting point.

What foods are included in the lunch?
Lunch features chicken, pasta, salad, and bread, served onboard. Fruit is also provided.

Are drinks included?
No, all drinks are extra, so you should budget for soft drinks, alcohol, or water separately.

What are the main stops during the trip?
Stops include Cleopatra Island’s thermal springs, Rabbit Bay, and Aquarium Bay, each offering swimming and scenic views.

Is there an extra fee for anything?
Yes, there’s a €3 entrance fee for Cleopatra Island’s hot springs, not included in the tour price.

To sum it up, this boat trip offers a fun, scenic escape for those who enjoy relaxing, social days on the water with opportunities for swimming in warm, clear bays. While it’s not perfect and can vary depending on the day, it remains a popular choice for travelers seeking a straightforward, enjoyable escape from the bustle of Bodrum.

You can check if your dates are available here: