Bodrum: Cleopatra Island Tour with Lunch and Swimming Stops

Turquoise water beats the Bodrum crowds. On a 35-meter, two-deck boat (Ezgi 4), I especially like the swim stops and the included lunch, which keeps the day easy instead of turning into a hunt for meals and tickets. You get a simple flow: sail out, hit Cleopatra Island for its hot springs and grotto, then spend the rest of the cruise hopping between color-soaked bays.

My main caution is that you should plan for a little schedule wobble, and you may see extra costs tied to Cleopatra thermal sites and drinks on board.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Cleopatra Island Hot Springs: bath in a grotto area outside the rocks, plus a cave visit time
• Swimming between bays: Black Island, then Aquarium Bay, and Rabbit Bay, with more time on the water
• Fish-viewing at Aquarium Bay: you can watch different species without needing fancy gear
• Lunch is included on board: chicken, salad, spaghetti, bread, plus afternoon tea
• Snorkel support, with limits: snorkel hire is usually available, but it can run short on sets
• Ezgi 4 comfort: 35 meters long with two decks for sun, shade, and downtime

Ezgi 4 setup: two decks, real swimming time, and an easy day rhythm

This is the kind of Bodrum outing that feels like a vacation from your vacation. You’re on the water for about 6.5 hours, aboard the Ezgi 4, a 35-meter boat with two decks. That matters because it gives you options. You can find shade when the sun gets too serious, then move up top when you want full view of the sea.

What I like about this style of cruise is the rhythm. You do not spend the day “touring.” Instead, you sail, stop, swim, and repeat. The schedule gives you a clear structure, and the bays are timed well enough that you can actually enjoy the water instead of just changing locations.

One more practical note: all drinks are extra on board. That’s common for boat tours here, but it affects your budget. If you plan to buy soda, water, or anything stronger, factor it in. The upside is lunch and afternoon tea are included, so you’re not paying for every single break.

Timing and the meeting point that can catch you off guard

You start with check-in at Cumhuriyet Cd. No:132/A. The boat is docked at the port in the first row, and you can show your mobile ticket to check in. Arrive at 10:30 so you are not sprinting around the marina like it is a scene from a movie.

Departure is 11:00 a.m. After that, there is roughly a 30-minute sailing stretch before you reach Black Island. If you get seasick easily, this early cruise time is a good window to settle in and decide where you want to sit.

Also, plan your route to the meeting point. One useful heads-up: the departure area is far from Bodrum Otogar, and it can be too much walking. A taxi is usually the calmer move.

Cleopatra Island (Black Island) hot springs and cave visit: the only stop with heat

The first major “wow” is Cleopatra Island, often linked with its thermal springs and cave area. You arrive at Black Island (Cleopatra Island) for about one hour.

This is where the cruise gives you contrast. Most of your day is cool sea water. Here, you shift gears into something warmer and more unusual: there is time to bathe in a grotto area outside the rocks. You also get a cave visit portion, which gives the island more character than a basic beach stop.

What makes this worthwhile is the setup. The grotto bath is not something you typically do from shore. Being on the boat and having time set aside means you can treat the hot springs like an activity, not a “quick look, then back on the boat” moment.

Two things to keep in mind. First, you should bring swimwear and plan to change or rinse if you need to before the next bay. Second, while lunch and tea are included, extra payments can come up at the Cleopatra thermal area. If your goal is strictly value, budget a little extra just in case, and keep an eye on what is or isn’t included on-site.

Meteor Bay: the in-between stop that often decides your mood

After Cleopatra Island, the itinerary continues with more bay time. One of your stops is Meteor Bay, which is typically where the cruise lets you settle into the “swim and float” phase.

Meteor Bay is not described as a snorkel-only location. The point is enjoyment. Think of it as a reset stop: get back in the water, cool off, and decide if you want to snorkel or just swim at your own pace.

If you like your days to have variety, this is a good moment. You already did the hot-springs grotto and cave experience. Now you’re back to pure sea time, which feels like a reward.

If you prefer to snorkel more than swim, you can use this stop to test how comfortable you feel with the water. Some boats can have limited snorkel sets, so if you want gear, it’s smart to sort it out early rather than waiting until the later bay.

Akvaryum Koyu (Aquarium Bay): fish viewing without turning it into a project

Next up is Akvaryum Koyu, also called Aquarium Bay. You get about one hour here, and the vibe is simple: water clarity plus fish you can actually see.

The tour description focuses on watching different fish species, and that is exactly the appeal. You do not need to be a marine biologist. You just need to be in the right water with enough visibility. When the bay is clear, it can feel surprisingly alive, the kind of calm that makes you stop scrolling and just look.

Practical tip: if you have your own snorkelling gear, bring it. The boat may offer snorkelling hire, but there are limited sets on board. One review mentioned only about five or six sets, which means popular times can mean you wait. If you show up prepared, you buy yourself peace of mind.

Also, this stop is a good time for a “half in, half out” strategy. Swim for a bit, then hop back on board to rest, drink something cool, and dry off before the next water change. That balance is what makes a 6.5-hour cruise feel relaxing rather than exhausting.

Rabbit Bay: turquoise water, snorkelling moments, and an easy landing

The last big bay on the itinerary is Rabbit Bay in Bodrum. Like the other swimming stops, you get about one hour. This is often the part of the day where you want the most freedom, because you’re past the early check-in nerves and you’re fully in holiday mode.

Rabbit Bay is where the cruise leans into what sea-day travellers love most: the water color, the swimming, and the chance to snorkel if you want. The description specifically mentions rabbit bay and snorkelling, and the overall tone of the stops supports that this is not just a photo stop.

One small detail that can add fun: an ice-cream boat may sometimes arrive during the later stop. It’s not guaranteed for every trip, but if you have cash, it’s worth being ready. It turns the final hour into something playful, not just “back on board then done.”

Lunch on board: included, straightforward, and timed for the sea

Food on boats can be hit or miss. Here, the structure is solid because lunch is built into the cruise rather than added later as a separate plan.

Lunch is served on board and included at no extra cost. The menu is listed as:

• Chicken
• Salad
• Spaghetti
• Bread
• Afternoon tea

There is also a vegetarian menu available. In practice, you should still expect simple, practical meal choices. One consistent theme is that the food is tasty and easy, not fancy, and that’s exactly what you want mid-cruise. Your job is to eat enough so you can swim without feeling heavy.

A smart strategy: eat after one swim, not immediately before. You’ll feel better in the water. And since drinks are extra, you might want to budget for water, soft drinks, or anything you prefer to sip between swims.

Snorkelling and swim comfort: what to pack and what to plan for

This tour is built around swimming stops, so packing matters. You should bring:

• Beachwear
• Camera
• Cash

Cash is especially useful because drinks are extra and snorkel hire, if available, may be paid on board. Also, if you end up paying anything connected with Cleopatra thermal sites, having cash helps you avoid awkward last-minute searches.

Snorkelling expectations: snorkelling is part of the experience, and gear hire can be offered. But since sets can be limited, bring your own if you want to snorkel confidently when you arrive.

If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t panic. These bays are stops where you can typically choose your level. You can keep it simple by swimming near the boat, or even just hanging out in the water with a relaxed pace.

Price and value: why $42 can work, and where your total can climb

The tour price is $42 per person for a 6.5-hour cruise with multiple swimming stops and included lunch. For Bodrum, that can be good value because you’re paying for boat time, docking at several bays, and a meal plan that saves you from finding food separately.

Here’s the honest part: the base price is not the whole story. Drinks are extra, and additional payments can show up for Cleopatra thermal stops. Snorkel hire, if you need it, can also add cost.

Still, compared with a day where you pay for transport, beach access, and lunch all separately, this tour often comes out simpler. You trade flexibility for structure, and the structure is pretty traveler-friendly. You get a full morning-to-afternoon window focused on sea time instead of city hopping.

Who this tour is best for (and who might not love it)

This cruise is a great match if you want a sun-and-sea day without overthinking logistics. You’ll probably enjoy it if you like:

• Swimming in multiple bays in one day
• Seeing fish at a clear-water stop
• A guided, English-speaking tour with a straightforward schedule
• Families who want an organized outing rather than a private boat

It may not be ideal if you:

• Hate waiting around, because every stop has a set time block
• Are very strict about timing, since departure can run behind
• Want all-inclusive everything, because drinks and some thermal items can cost extra
• Expect gourmet restaurant-level food, since lunch is simple and practical

Also, for people who care about snorkelling, go in with a plan. Bring your own gear if you can. If not, be ready to share and rotate.

Should you book this Bodrum boat cruise?

If your ideal day in Bodrum is clear water, quick hot-springs contrast, and multiple swim stops with lunch taken care of, I think this is a smart booking. The included meal and afternoon tea remove a common headache, and the bay sequence gives you both novelty and relaxation.

I would especially consider it if you value an easy plan where you show up, check in, and spend the day outside. Just go in knowing two things: drinks are extra, and timing can be imperfect. If you budget a little for those extras and arrive early enough to check in smoothly, you’re set up for a very enjoyable sea-day.

FAQ

What time does the Bodrum Cleopatra Island boat tour depart?

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

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Cumhuriyet Cd. No:132/A. The boat docks at the port in the first row, and you can check in using your mobile ticket.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 6.5 hours.

Is lunch included, and what is on the menu?

Yes, lunch is included and served on board. The menu lists chicken, salad, spaghetti, bread, plus afternoon tea. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included?

No. All drinks are extra on board.

Is the tour guide English-speaking?

Yes, there is a live tour guide in English.