Bodrum: Pirate Boat Trip with Lunch and Swim Stops

Bodrum’s Pirate Boat Trip offers a lively way to spend half a day along Turkey’s stunning Aegean coast. With a colorful, multi-deck vessel called “Cey Cey,” the cruise promises swimming stops at beautiful bays, a hearty onboard lunch, and a chance to soak up the sun and music amid turquoise waters. Like many boat tours here, it’s designed to be fun and relaxing — but as some travelers have pointed out, it might not meet every expectation, especially regarding the advertised stops and entertainment.

What I really like about this trip are its stunning scenery and the knowledgeable guides. The fact that the boat has three floors, spacious enough to find your own corner to lounge, makes it easy to relax and enjoy the views. Plus, the inclusion of lunch onboard — featuring chicken, pasta, salad, and fresh fruit — adds value, especially since food is often an extra cost on similar excursions. Finally, the hot springs at Cleopatra Island, also known as Black Island, are a unique highlight, offering a chance to swim in mineral-rich waters that some find quite invigorating.

That said, a possible drawback is the inconsistency reported in the stops and entertainment. Some reviews mention that the stops weren’t quite as described, with one traveler complaining about the lack of foam parties, snorkeling, and the DJ playing Turkish music and Bob Marley rather than the advertised playlist. If you’re expecting a lively party scene or specific activities, you might find this tour falls a bit short. Also, note that the entrance fee of €3 to Cleopatra Island is not included, and drinks are extra, which can add up if you’re thirsty.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Beautiful scenery and clear turquoise waters make this a worthwhile boat trip for photo lovers.
• Well-organized lunch onboard provides good value, with enough variety to satisfy most travelers.
• Black Island Hot Springs are a distinctive feature, offering relaxing mineral waters for swimming.
• Guide performance varies; some reviews praise a French-speaking guide with great explanations, while others note a lack of info during stops.
• The boat itself is large and comfortable, with three decks, wooden tables, and plenty of sunbathing space.
• Entertainment and stops may differ from expectations; some travelers felt the advertised activities like foam parties and snorkeling were missing.

Bodrum Pirate Boat Trip: An Authentic & Practical Review

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy a sunny day on the Aegean Sea, this Bodrum pirate boat trip might catch your eye. It’s a six-hour journey meant to combine sightseeing, swimming, dancing, and dining, on a boat that looks straight out of a pirate adventure. Starting from Halikarnas Port at around 11:30 AM, the trip promises a good mix of scenic bays, thermal springs, and a relaxing onboard meal for $40 per person — a price that offers decent value in a seaside tourist hub.

Setting Expectations for the Day

The boat, called “Cey Cey,” departs from Skele Cd. No:24, a small port near Bodrum’s lively center. The early start (arriving by 11:00 AM) gives you time to settle in and find your spot before the boat sets sail. The itinerary includes six main stops, beginning with Black Island’s hot springs, which provide the chance to swim in warm mineral waters. You’ll also visit Rabbit Bay and Aquarium Bay, known for their waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The trip wraps up with return to the same port around 5:30 PM.

What Makes This Trip Stand Out

I appreciate that the tour emphasizes scenic beauty, with some reviews mentioning the “splendid landscapes” that pass by as you cruise along. The inclusion of lunch served on board is a nice touch; the menu — chicken, pasta, salad, and fruit — offers a straightforward, filling meal that saves you from hunting for food elsewhere. The boat’s three floors and wood-paneled decks make it easy to find a comfortable spot, whether you prefer sunbathing or shaded seating.

The Highlights: Hot Springs and Bays

Perhaps the most memorable part of this tour is the stop at Black Island’s hot springs. These thermal waters are thought to have therapeutic properties and provide a warm, mineral-rich environment for swimming. Some travelers find this stop quite refreshing and different from typical boat trips. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours here, which includes swimming, snorkeling, and the chance to enjoy a packed lunch. Be aware that there’s a €3 entrance fee to the island, not included in the ticket price.

Next, the boat takes you to Rabbit Bay and Akvaryum Koyu (Aquarium Bay), known for their calm waters and abundant marine life. Here, you’ll have plenty of time to swim, relax, or snorkel. Again, roughly 1.5 hours are allocated for each stop, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the scenery and water activities. The reviews mention that these bays can be quite beautiful, making them great spots for photos and peaceful moments.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

Onboard, the crew is generally friendly, and some reviews praise the guide’s language skills — notably, one mentions a guide fluent in French. The boat’s music is controlled by a DJ who plays Turkish tunes and Bob Marley, helping set a festive mood, albeit some travelers found the volume too loud or not in line with their musical tastes. The overall atmosphere can swing from lively to laid-back, depending on the crowd and the day.

Criticisms and Considerations

Not everything is perfect, though. Several reviews report that the stops weren’t quite as advertised — specifically, that activities like foam parties or snorkeling didn’t happen, which can be disappointing if you’re expecting a party vibe. One traveler described this trip as the “worst horror trip,” mainly due to the DJ playlist and the lack of advertised activities. The guide, while friendly, was noted to have minimal engagement during stops, focusing mostly on drinks and payments rather than providing detailed info about the sites.

If you’re someone who values lively entertainment or specific activities, this might not be the trip for you. However, if your goal is relaxing scenery, a swim in warm waters, and a straightforward tour with decent food, it still offers value.

Price and Overall Value

At $40, this tour is an economical way to spend a summer day, especially considering lunch, swimming stops, and the scenic bays. Still, keep in mind that drinks are extra, and the entrance fee for Cleopatra Island is €3. The overall experience hinges on your expectations — if you’re looking for a party atmosphere, you might be disappointed. But if you want a comfortable boat with good views, some swimming, and a chance to relax, it’s worth considering.

Who Would Enjoy This?

This trip suits travelers who appreciate natural beauty and a laid-back day on the water. It’s good for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a simple, scenic outing. It’s less ideal for those seeking lively entertainment or specific activities like snorkeling or foam parties, as some reviews indicate these were not delivered as advertised.

Final Thoughts

The Bodrum pirate boat trip offers a charming way to see the coast and enjoy some basic water activities, especially if you’re after a scenic, relaxing day. The highlight for many is the thermal springs at Black Island and the spacious, comfortable boat. The included lunch adds a nice touch of convenience, and the views are undeniably gorgeous.

However, remember that some advertised features may not materialize, and the entertainment might not be to everyone’s taste. The reviews serve as a good reminder to manage expectations — this is a tour for laid-back, scenic fun rather than wild parties or action-packed activities. Overall, it’s a decent value for the price and a chance to enjoy Bodrum from a different perspective.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?
The total duration is around 6 hours, starting at 11:30 AM and returning by 5:30 PM.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers the cruise itself, lunch (chicken, pasta, salad, fruit), and swim stops. Drinks onboard and the €3 entrance fee to Cleopatra Island are extra.

Where do I meet the boat?
Look for the boat named “Cey Cey” at Halikarnas Port, Skele Cd. No:24. Arrive by 11:00 AM to board on time.

Are there guided explanations during stops?
The guide reportedly speaks perfect French, but some reviews mention limited commentary during stops. Most focus on drinks and payment.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, beachwear, and sunscreen. You might also want to bring your snorkeling mask if you have one, although snorkeling equipment was not always provided.

Is this trip suitable for families?
Yes, especially if your family enjoys relaxing boat rides and swimming. However, consider the lack of active or educational stops if traveling with young kids expecting more engagement.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

This Bodrum pirate boat trip is a straightforward, scenic outing that packs in swimming, good views, and a decent meal for a fair price. Just keep your expectations in check regarding entertainment and advertised activities, and you’ll likely find it a relaxing way to enjoy the Aegean coast.