If you're passing through Bodrum, the Orak Island excursion is definitely one you shouldn't miss. We did it with Bayside & Tora Boat Trips and it was fantastic: stunning scenery, several swimming stops, lunch on board, and even turtles cruising along the water. A fun day from start to finish! I'll tell you everything you need to know to plan it perfectly 👇
What is the excursion to Orak Island?
Orak Island is a small, uninhabited island off the Bodrum Peninsula, renowned for its turquoise waters and white sand. The excursion is a full-day boat trip, with several swimming stops in different bays, lunch on board, and beautiful views of the peninsula's coastline throughout the journey.
The day's program on Orak Island
- 😄 A really nice team on board, with guides who speak English or French, it's convenient to fully enjoy the excursion without any language barriers.
- 🛥️ 11:00 : departure from Halikarnas port (Bayside & Tora Boat Trips), aboard a lovely, comfortable and well-equipped boat
- 🏖️ Red Bay : first short swim (approximately 30 minutes), with snorkeling (fins, mask, snorkel provided)
- 🏝️ Orak Island : the highlight of the program: approximately 2 hours to swim in crystal-clear waters and enjoy the white sand, with lunch served on board (fresh salad, grilled chicken, rice or pasta).
- 🐢 Turtles to spot drifting by, a real bonus that delighted everyone on board.
- 🏖️ German Bay : new stop for swimming and snorkeling, with dessert served (melon)
- 🏖️ Rabbit Bay : last stop for swimming, with Turkish tea and biscuits
- 🚤 Return to the port of Halikarnas in the late afternoon, with views of the picturesque coastline of the peninsula
The exact route may vary slightly depending on the sea conditions of the day, but you are sure to stop in several beautiful sheltered bays of the Bodrum peninsula.
For me, the most memorable thing is the beautiful, refreshing water: it felt amazing to cool off at every stop. The atmosphere on board was fantastic, and we had a great time chatting with the other passengers. And a little personal scare: at one stop, I almost crashed my drone! The wind was so strong I couldn't get it to land on the boat… I was so scared 😅 If you're planning on flying one, keep that in mind.
Price and booking for the Orak Island excursion
Count approximately €25 to €35 per person depending on the organizer and the time of year (transportation, lunch, dessert, and tea/biscuits included). Drinks (sodas, alcohol) are not included and are not free on board; please bring some cash. Here is the link we used to book:
Our practical advice
- 🧴 Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses: you're in full sun all day
- 👙 Burkini or swimsuit, you're swimming at the first stop
- 📸 A waterproof camera or a waterproof case for your phone, so you can enjoy the colors of the water without worrying
- 🧺 A beach towel; some boats don't provide them.
- 💶 Please bring cash for drinks on board (sodas, alcohol), as they are not included in the price.
In conclusion, our opinion on the Orak Island excursion
If you only have time for one boat trip in Bodrum, this should be it. Sublime scenery, a lovely crew, a fun atmosphere, a fantastic boat, and even turtles on the itinerary – a truly unforgettable experience not to be missed if you're in the area.
Are you also planning the rest of your stay? Find everything you need to know before going to Bodrum here (accommodation, restaurants, car rental…).
Let me know in the comments if you want more details!
FAQ: Orak Island in Bodrum
Is the excursion to Orak Island worth it?
Yes, if you only had time for one boat trip in Bodrum, this would be it. Several swimming stops in turquoise waters, about 2 hours on Orak Island, lunch on board and even turtles: for the price, it's a very nice day out.
How much does the excursion to Orak Island cost?
Expect to pay around €25 to €35 per person, depending on the organizer and the time of year. The price includes the boat trip, lunch, dessert, and tea with biscuits. Drinks (sodas, alcohol) are extra: bring some cash.
Where does the boat to Orak Island leave from?
Our boat, the Bayside & Tora Boat Trips boat, left from the port of Halikarnas, in Bodrum, at 11 a.m. The return trip was in the late afternoon, to the same place.
How long does the excursion to Orak Island last?
It's a day trip: departure at 11am and return in the late afternoon. You make four swimming stops (Red Bay, Orak Island, German Bay and Rabbit Bay), including about 2 hours on Orak Island itself.
Is lunch included in the Orak Island excursion?
Yes, lunch is served on board: fresh salad, grilled chicken, rice or pasta. Then you have melon for dessert, followed by Turkish tea and biscuits at the last stop.
Can we see turtles during the excursion to Orak Island?
Often, yes. We saw them along the way, and it was a real bonus for everyone on board. But they are wild animals: their presence is never guaranteed.
What should I pack for the excursion to Orak Island?
Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, your swimsuit or burkini, a towel (some boats don't provide them), a waterproof pouch for your phone, and some cash for drinks. Masks, fins, and snorkels are provided. And if you're flying a drone, watch out for the wind: I almost lost mine!
As a photographer and content creator based near Paris, I share my Muslim-friendly travels, detailed budgets, and tried-and-tested addresses here to help you plan your own trips with peace of mind.
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