Bodrum Aquarium Bay Tour with Lunch & Swimming Stops

Bodrum Aquarium Bay Tour with Lunch & Swimming Stops: A Practical Review for Sun and Sea Lovers

If you’re considering a day out on the water around Bodrum, the Bodrum Aquarium Bay Tour offers a lively, relaxed way to enjoy Turkey’s famous coastline. This 6-hour excursion on a 35-meter boat with two decks promises plenty of swimming opportunities, scenic views, and delicious onboard lunch. While reviews highlight some hiccups, the experience remains a solid choice for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation.

What we love about this tour is how it balances bays exploration with comfortable boat facilities, making it easy to unwind and soak in the beauty of the Aegean Sea. The chance to visit the famous Aquarium Bay, known for its vibrant schools of fish, stands out as a highlight. Plus, the inclusion of lunch onboard—featuring options for vegetarians—adds value, removing the need to hunt for food during your day at sea.

However, a potential consideration is the possibility of mechanical issues — as one traveler reports a boat breakdown, with no immediate communication. While this seems to be an isolated incident, it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re a particularly cautious traveler. This tour suits families, solo travelers, or groups who enjoy sun, swimming, and scenic boat rides, especially if they’re looking for a budget-friendly way to experience the coast with minimal fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $39 per person, this tour offers good value for a full day on the water with meals included.
• Multiple Bay Visits: Explore Aquarium Bay, Rabbit Bay, and Meteor Bay, each offering unique scenery and swimming possibilities.
• Comfortable Boat: The Ezgi 4 boat provides a roomy, two-deck setting that’s suitable for relaxing and socializing.
• Onboard Lunch: Enjoy a simple but tasty menu—chicken, salad, spaghetti, bread—with vegetarian options available.
• Thermal Baths Option: A visit to thermal springs is possible for an extra €3, offering a therapeutic break.
• Flexible Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding peace of mind.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour kicks off at 11 a.m. from the bustling port in Bodrum, with check-in starting as early as 10 a.m. You’ll be aboard the Ezgi 4 boat, which docks right at the front row of the port—making it easy to find and board. After a 45-minute sail, the real fun begins with visits to Meteor Bay, Aqua Bay, and Rabbit Bay.

The Bay Visits

Aquarium Bay is the star attraction, famed for its colorful fish and clear waters. We loved the way the bay’s vivid marine life creates a lively underwater scene, perfect for snorkeling or just watching from the boat’s deck. The name suggests a sort of aquatic zoo, and you’ll get enough time to dip in and explore.

Rabbit Bay and Meteor Bay follow, each offering their own charm. Rabbit Bay, with its tranquil atmosphere, is ideal for a relaxing swim, while Meteor Bay’s rock formations make for some striking scenery. Both stops typically allow about an hour for swimming, which is enough time to cool off and enjoy the sea.

The Thermal Baths

A notable feature of this trip is the option to visit thermal springs on the island, for a €3 entrance fee. While not included in the base price, many find this a worthwhile detour. The thermal baths are thought to have healing properties, and soaking in warm spring waters out amidst nature can be a therapeutic experience.

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Lunch on Board

Around mid-afternoon, the boat anchors for a delicious onboard lunch. The menu includes chicken, salad, spaghetti, and bread, with vegetarian options available upon request. This setup is convenient—no need to search for local restaurants in the middle of your day. Be aware that all drinks are extra, so bring some cash if you want beverages other than water.

The Return Journey

After a scenic drive back to Bodrum, you’ll arrive at around 5 p.m.. The route back offers additional views of the coast, with the opportunity to relax and reflect on the day.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

• Start at Cumhuriyet Cd. No:132/A: Your meeting point is well-placed, right at the front of the port, making check-in straightforward. Arrive by 10:30 a.m. to ensure a relaxed start.
• Stop 1: Rabbit Bay: Located just off the coast, this spot is perfect for an hour of swimming and unwinding. Its calm waters are great for families or less experienced swimmers.
• Stop 2: Aquarium Bay: Known for vibrant marine life, this is the highlight for anyone interested in snorkeling or simply watching colorful fish from the boat. The calm waters make it accessible for most.
• Stop 3: Aegean Coast Region / Lunch: The onboard meal provides a break and sustains you for the afternoon. The menu is simple but satisfying, with vegetarian options available.
• Stop 4: Bodrum Scenic Drive: After lunch, the boat heads back, offering views of the coast and the chance to relax on deck.
• Stop 5: Optional Thermal Baths: If you choose, you can visit the thermal springs—a short trip that adds a therapeutic element to the day.
• Return to Start Point: The journey wraps up at the original port, with plenty of time to stroll through Bodrum’s lively streets afterward.

The Experience Provider and Review Context

Operated by Morning Tour Travel Services, this tour offers the convenience of live English guides, making it easier to understand the history and sights. The company provides free cancellation up to 24 hours before, which is reassuring given some reports of mechanical issues—though these seem rare.

One traveler’s review mentions a boat breakdown with no communication, which is unfortunate but not necessarily typical. Such incidents remind us to be flexible and prepared for the unexpected.

Analyzing the Value

At $39 per person, this tour hits a sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers wanting a comprehensive day out. The price covers transportation, the boat, swimming stops, and lunch, making it a hassle-free way to experience the coast. Just remember, additional drinks are extra, so pack some water or buy on board.

While the boat’s size and facilities are suitable for groups and families, the experience’s success largely depends on weather and boat condition that day. The shorter swimming stops and the focus on scenic views make it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed pace over intense adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is best suited for families, solo travelers, or groups who want a straightforward, affordable way to enjoy Bodrum’s coastline. It’s ideal if you’re happy with a structured itinerary that offers some swimming, scenic views, and a decent meal. Travelers looking for a luxurious yacht experience might want to look elsewhere, but for a value-packed day with minimal planning, this trip fits the bill.

Those with flexibility and a sense of adventure will appreciate the possibility of thermal baths and the opportunity to see different bays. However, if you’re concerned about boat reliability, it’s good to keep in mind that reviews have mentioned breakdowns; such incidents are rare but worth noting.

Final Thoughts

The Bodrum Aquarium Bay Tour provides a cost-effective way to explore some of Turkey’s most scenic coastal spots. You’ll get to swim in clear waters, enjoy a local meal, and relax on a boat with great views of the Aegean coast. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a relaxed, social day at sea with minimal hassle and predictable highlights.

While not perfect, especially if boat issues arise, the tour offers enough memorable moments—vivid marine life, beautiful bays, and warm springs—that make it worthwhile for sun lovers and sea enthusiasts. It’s not a luxury cruise, but for the price, it delivers a satisfying mix of adventure and relaxation in a beautiful setting.

FAQs

What is the starting point for the tour?
The tour departs from the port in Bodrum at Cumhuriyet Cd. No:132/A, with check-in available from 10 a.m. and the boat leaving at 11 a.m.

How long is each swimming stop?
Each bay visit typically allows about an hour for swimming and relaxing. This includes stops at Rabbit Bay, Aquarium Bay, and Meteor Bay.

Is the onboard lunch included in the price?
Yes, the lunch menu—featuring chicken, salad, spaghetti, and bread—is included. Vegetarian options are available, but all drinks are extra.

Can I visit the thermal baths?
Yes, for an additional €3, you can visit the thermal springs, which are situated on the island and offer a warm, relaxing soak.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring swimwear, towels, sun protection, and some cash for drinks or extra expenses. The boat provides basic facilities, but extras like beverages are not included in the price.

What if the boat breaks down?
One review mentions a boat breakdown with no immediate information given. While such incidents seem rare, it’s wise to be prepared for possible delays or mechanical issues.

Whether you’re after a relaxing day on the water or a scenic adventure along Turkey’s coast, this tour offers a decent balance of fun, scenery, and affordability. Just keep an eye on the weather and be ready for some unpredictability, and you’ll likely have a memorable day by the sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: