Turquoise bays and thermal springs in one trip. I love the chance to cool off in multiple swimming stops—especially Aquarium Bay where you can watch fish—plus a Cleopatra Island grotto soak at Black Island. One thing to keep in mind: departures can run late, and there may be an extra payment for the thermal-springs access once you’re there.

This is a classic Aegean “sea day” on the Ezgi 4 (a 35-meter boat with two decks). You sail out after an 11 a.m. departure, get about an hour at each main stop, and return around 5 p.m., which makes it easy to plan the rest of your Bodrum day.

I also like that lunch is handled for you: chicken, salad, spaghetti, bread, and even afternoon tea are included onboard. The day is built for sun, swim time, and relaxing from the water, so just bring your beachwear and expect drinks to be extra.

Key highlights you’ll feel the moment you’re on the boat

• Black Island hot springs on Cleopatra Island (with cave/grotto bathing) for a very Bodrum twist
• Aquarium Bay fish-watching while you float and watch the water
• Meteor Bay and Rabbit Bay swimming time that doesn’t feel rushed
• Included lunch onboard (simple, tasty, and easy with the sea day rhythm)
• Friendly English-speaking crew and two-deck layout for shade and views
• Snorkelling gear is limited onboard—bring your own if you have it

Ezgi 4 in Bodrum: what the two-deck boat day feels like

The experience runs on a proper sized boat: Ezgi 4 is about 35 meters long and has two decks. That matters more than it sounds. More space means you’re not constantly pressed up against people during boarding, lunch, and the long relax stretches between swim stops.

You’ll sail out from the port area in Bodrum, and the meeting point is specific: Ezgi 4 is docked at the port in the first row. After you show your mobile ticket, you check in and get yourself settled. You can check in after 10 a.m., but the recommendation is to be at the port by 10:30 a.m., especially if you want an easy start without stress.

If you’re traveling with family or friends, the two-deck setup also makes it easier to split up a bit: some people want shade and sea air up top, others want to stay closer to the water for quick jumps in. And because drinks are extra, having space where you can grab a hot or cold drink when you want (instead of hunting for it during swim time) makes the day smoother.

Timing and logistics: the 11 a.m. departure that shapes the whole day

This cruise is set up for a very clear rhythm. It’s about 6.5 hours total, departing at 11 a.m. and heading back around 5 p.m. The first sailing segment is roughly 30 minutes, then you start the first major stop.

Why that timing matters: you get your first water moment reasonably early, so you’re not stuck on the boat wishing you had started swimming sooner. The schedule also builds in enough breathing room between bays. Each main stop is listed as about one hour, which is long enough to do one swim session, snorkel if you want, and still have time to relax on board.

Logistics note that can save you hassle: the departure area is a walk far from Bodrum otogar. If you’re coming from the bus station, take a cab rather than counting on a long on-foot trek.

Also, check what you’re paying attention to. Lunch is included, but drinks on board are extra. So if you like soda, juices, or alcohol, decide before you board so you don’t feel surprised mid-day.

Black Island (Cleopatra Island) hot springs: bathing in a rocky grotto

Black Island is where the tour gets memorable fast—because it’s not just “a pretty cove.” You go to Black Island (Cleopatra Island) for about an hour, and the key activity is soaking in natural springs that come up from cave areas.

What to expect on the ground: there’s a setting for bathing in a grotto area that feels tucked out of the rocks. The goal is therapeutic, but it’s still a sea day—so you’ll want to treat it like part swim, part rest.

A practical consideration: one downside to flag is that there can be an extra fee for the thermal-springs access. So if you budget on the low end, you might want a little cash ready just in case you’re asked to pay onsite for something related to the Cleopatra thermal area.

This is also a good stop for photos, because the contrast is interesting: rocky grotto bathing paired with open Aegean water views. If you’ve been spending time on Bodrum’s streets, this feels like a change of pace without requiring extra planning.

Meteor Bay and Aquarium Bay: where the water turns into a viewing spot

After Black Island, you move through the main swimming bays: Meteor Bay and Akvaryum Koyu (Aquarium Bay) are part of the tour’s highlights. Each stop gets about an hour, which is perfect for one good swim window plus a chance to float and watch what’s happening around you.

Aquarium Bay is the standout for many people, and you’ll feel why once you’re there. You can watch different fish species, and the water makes it easy to notice movement close to the surface. It’s not a “sit and wait” bay. You’ll likely spend time in the water, then come back aboard to rest with a cool drink while you keep an eye on the sea.

Meteor Bay is more about that Aegean swimming vibe—another place to get wet, cool down, and enjoy the day from deck level between swims. If you like the mix of active swim time and calm boat time, Meteor Bay fits well.

Snorkelling note: snorkelling is part of the tour experience, and you may be able to hire sets on the boat. The important catch is that there are only a limited number of sets onboard (around 5–6), so if snorkelling is a priority for you, bring your own gear if you have it.

Rabbit Bay: the last swim stop with room to relax

Rabbit Bay is the final named swim stop and it’s given about one hour. This is the kind of bay where you’ll likely use the time to wind down rather than race through activities.

In practice, Rabbit Bay tends to be where people stretch the day out: swim, float, take photos, then step back onboard for one more round of relaxing. The water color here is often mentioned as stunning, and it’s the sort of place where you can feel time slow down because you’re not changing locations constantly.

A fun detail from experience on this route: an ice-cream boat sometimes arrives at the last water stop. It’s a small thing, but it matches the mood—sun on your shoulders, salty hair, and a sweet break before you head back.

If you’re the type who likes structure, this stop still gives you it: roughly an hour means you can plan for one last swim session, then start looking at the time so you’re not scrambling when the crew calls everyone back.

Lunch and afternoon tea onboard: easy food made for sea time

Lunch is included, and it’s simple in a good way: chicken, salad, spaghetti, bread, plus afternoon tea. The biggest value here is not that it’s fancy—it’s that it’s timed for a boat day.

You don’t have to go find food in Bodrum, stand in line, or decide what to eat at noon while you’re thinking about swim gear and timing. Instead, you can eat, rest your body, and keep the day moving.

Food expectations: the chicken-and-pasta-style meal is described as tasty and easy, and it caters to different tastes. There’s also a vegetarian lunch option available, so you’re not stuck with a plain plate if you don’t eat meat.

One caution: if you’re picky about food portions or expecting more variety, this menu might feel basic. Still, for the price point and the fact that lunch is already paid for, it usually lands well.

And because drinks are extra, having afternoon tea included helps cover part of your beverage needs. If you’re someone who prefers frequent sips throughout the day, set aside a budget for onboard drinks early.

Price value: is $42 worth it for a 6.5-hour sea day?

At $42 per person, this tour is priced like a value-focused boat outing, not a luxury yacht day. The value is strongest because several items are bundled:

• lunch onboard (with tea)
• English live guidance
• multiple swimming stops
• time at Black Island for hot springs bathing

That combination matters. If you tried to replicate it on your own—boat rental, fuel/crew, access to stop points, and lunch on top—you’d likely spend more and lose the simple pacing.

What can affect your final cost: drinks are extra, and there may be an onsite extra payment for the thermal spring experience at Cleopatra/Black Island. So I’d treat $42 as the core price, then expect you might pay additional amounts depending on your habits and what’s required onsite.

Who gets the best value? People who want:

• a planned day on the water without logistics stress
• real swim time across several bays
• a simple onboard meal that keeps the schedule running

Who should book this Cleopatra Island boat tour

This is a great fit if you’re traveling with a mix of swimmers and relaxers. The boat has enough space to spread out, and the schedule gives you swim time without turning the day into a nonstop checklist.

It’s also a good choice if you want Bodrum’s sea scenery without committing to a full-day private charter. You get the key “wow” factor—turquoise water, fish in Aquarium Bay, and the unusual thermal-springs stop at Black Island—within a tight half-day window.

Families can do well here too. The included lunch and the laid-back pacing help with group dynamics, and the crew is described as friendly and helpful.

You might skip it if:

• you’re very time-sensitive and hate delays (there’s at least one report of a late departure)
• you expect the food to feel like a full restaurant meal with lots of variety
• you don’t want any possible extra onsite fees related to thermal springs access

Practical tips that make the day smoother

Bring the items the tour asks for: camera, beachwear, and cash. Cash is especially useful since drinks are extra and there may be an additional onsite fee at Cleopatra/Black Island.

Think about snorkelling realistically. Since the boat may only have a limited number of rental sets, bring your own snorkel gear if you want to guarantee you can use it comfortably when you arrive.

For the Bodrum port logistics, plan a cab if you’re starting from farther out (like Bodrum otogar). The departure area isn’t set up for a short easy walk from the bus station.

Finally, plan your onboard spending. Lunch and tea are included, but drinks aren’t. If you’re the type who buys drinks frequently, decide ahead of time so you don’t feel it later.

Should you book this Bodrum cruise?

If your ideal Bodrum day includes swimming in multiple bays, a Cleopatra Island thermal-springs stop, and an onboard meal without extra planning, this tour is a solid booking. The included lunch and tea, plus the easy 11 a.m.–5 p.m. timing, make it a convenient way to experience the water around Bodrum without renting anything.

If you’re budget-sensitive or extremely strict about timing, budget a little buffer for drinks and possible thermal-related fees, and be prepared that departures can run late. Do that, and you’ll be in a good position to enjoy what this trip does best: sun, water, and a change of pace that feels genuinely holiday-simple.

FAQ

What time does the Bodrum boat tour depart?

The tour departs at 11:00 a.m. You should be at the port by 10:30 a.m. for check-in.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Cumhuriyet Cd. No:132/A. The Ezgi 4 boat docks at the port in the first row.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6.5 hours, and you return to the port around 5:00 p.m.

Is lunch included, and what’s on the menu?

Yes. Lunch is included and the menu lists chicken, salad, spaghetti, and bread.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. All drinks are extra on board.

Is there a vegetarian lunch option?

Yes. A vegetarian menu is available.

Which swimming stops are part of the itinerary?

The tour includes swimming stops at Black Island (Cleopatra Island) and bays including Aquarium Bay, Meteor Bay, and Rabbit Bay.

Is an English-speaking guide included?

Yes. The tour includes a live English tour guide.

Can I check in with a mobile ticket?

Yes. You can show your mobile ticket and check in for the tour.

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