-Asia.Turkiye.Bodrum-
It is always exciting when sailing into a new port of call – even more so when it is a port never seen before. In this case it was Bodrum in Turkiye. I woke up early in the morning eager to catch a glimpse when the ship started to pull in. I can honestly say that this is one of the most beautiful and picturesque. Check out the picture if you don’t believe me.
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Table of Contents
Excursion in Bodrum
Along our Greek Island cruise, this is the only port of call that is not in Greece. Bodrum is very close geographically to the island of Kos of Greece. There was previously no opportunity to really swim and so it was not a very difficult decision to take a boat trip that would bring us to the beautiful bays for swimming and snorkeling.
Seeing Bodrum with an independent booked tour
We booked our boat trip via excursion mania, which costed 20 Euros / person. Here is the link if you are interested in the same one we did. First off, I do want to say that in the end it turned out to be a nice and relaxing trip.
However the whole trip planning was not so relaxing: we were not told exactly which boat and where we would be boarding. I had to do several email communications with the organizing company to clarify. In the advertisement it is mentioned that pick-up was included however they informed me it is not included when I asked. I only got the exact meeting time and location the day before arriving in Bodrum and only after I followed up. Needless to say, the whole trip got me on edge until we were safely on the boat. It ended up that it was a pleasant walk of about 15 minutes to get from our ship to the boat. When we arrived at the pier we asked around and the boat we are to be on board was then revealed. We could see our ship; the Virgin Voyages from the boat as in the picture above.
You might want to check out boat tours in GetYourGuide below as well. It could well be better organized and you can cancel anytime and easily 24-hours before the trip.
The Boat...
This is a similar boat to the one we were on. 2-storeys with people who love to worship the sun finding places at the top and those who prefer shade at the bottom part of the boat. The boat has several different points to jump into the blue waters from, also from the top. The bottom deck has tables and chairs and also a bar where you can get drinks. Lunch and tea break is included but not drinks – this has to be purchased at the bar.
The boat is equipped with washrooms, much cleaner than I expected honestly. Only thing is you cannot throw used toilet paper into the bowl and flush it away, only into a bin provided.
I did not see any snorkeling equipment provided and did not ask either. I guess vests can be provided if requested.
Above: a picture of us on the boat. we had a sun shade at the back of the boat which made it the best place to sit. The bottom deck apparently had ashtrays which meant people smoked and we were not fond of the smell.
Left: Lunch with chicken and pasta and salad. 2 pieces of bread included.
Sail away, sail away, sail away
We set sail and had several stops. I honestly lost track of where we went but one of the stops I had wanted was Black Island or Karaada home to Cleopatra’s cave a natural thermal bath. It is extra to pay for entry to swim inside.
*Tip: So if you want to visit this too- remember to check the itinerary for Karaada stop on the boat trip.
Check out a short recap of our boat trip below.
Other interesting things to do in Bodrum
If it is the beach that you are looking for: the good news is that it is just a short walking distance from the port.
There are the beach clubs in Bodrum in different categories depending on what you are into whether to chill or to party. Here is a link for more information.
The bazaar is a big draw – while on the ship , I overheard snatches of conversation where the ladies were excited to go shopping for high quality fakes that were supposedly like the real deal. Head for the happening “bar street” and sharpen your bargaining skills.
Visit the cultural sites like the Bodrum castle (the main picture) or the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus – one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Last but not least, besides the shared boat trip we took. There is also an option to charter a gulet for a private group for the day. A gulet is a wooden sailboat with 2 or 3 masts and often comes with a skipper and crew.
Check out your options with GetYourGuide
Summary
Bodrum is a lively beach town packed with loads of options. We happened to visit for just a few hours but it only whet my appetite to see more of Turkiye. Who knows I just might drop by Bodrum again to do all the things I didn’t get around to this time.
Sail away on a boat trip in the Turkish Riviera- and enjoy the views including the gorgeous sunset.
Here are some scenes taken in Bodrum.
For more information check the blog post https://zeweekendtraveller.com/index.php/asia/a-boat-trip-on-bodrum/
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Standing still in the midst of a happening square in Europe. Any guesses where this exact location is ?
Correct guess will get comment pinned 😜
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This is definitely my way of "going green" .
Weekends finding hidden spots like this green paradise right here satisfies my inner explorer.
I love a great weekend hangover when weekdays are for recovering and planning for the next great adventure.
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When I think about instagrammable hotels, our recent stay at the Montien Hotel Surawong immediately comes to mind. The place has so many cozy spots and beautiful spaces - and the highlight has got to be its Garden Lounge.
After renovation and refurbishment the Garden Lounge reveal is nothing short of spectacular. I was very impressed and was not able to stop taking photos here.
Tell me are you more likely to choose a Hotel that has grand staircases like this ?
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Me, Myself and I -
When I can`t decide what to do at the poolside of Montien Surawong Bangkok.
Whether its lounging , sitting or ordering snacks and drinks from the bar , its all in style surrounded by the tall buildings and yet cocooned away from it all -
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Enjoy my quiet afternoon with @ Bose Earbuds II. The noise cancelling is amazing! I love use it when doing yoga. Really easy to focus on workout. #SoundIsPower bose
I can get used to having a mobile office here. Surrounded by skyscrapers I love this warmly decorated hotel room with those floor to ceiling views.
My blog post for the review of Hotel Oberoi / Anantara Downton Dubai is up. Read all about it at
https://zeweekendtraveller.com/index.php/europe/hotel-oberoi-a-5-star-stay-in-dubai/
Who else loves hotel room with views ?
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🌞💙 "There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul." - Victor Hugo 💙🌞
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🌞 Imagine yourself here facing this extraordinary place... Meteora - either in or out the monasteries - is the place for interiority and for me interiority is a real force. No words needed.... Fab-ulous !! 💙🌞
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🌞 Just one advice for women about clothes to wear : no shorts, no trousers only a long dress or skirt to come in the monasteries... otherwise you`d have to wear one of this kinda pareo. I assure you`d feel like in a play and laugh 😂
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We have only visited Turkiye by cruise ship but we did not dock at Bodrum. A nice variety of excursions available in this port. But great to use that port for a boat tour to explore the coast. I will keep Black Island on my list in case we visit to see the natural thermal bath at Cleopatra’s cave.
It was nice and relaxing there, I highly recommend it
Ah! This brings back such memories. We also did a cruise through the Greek isles and stopped at Bodrum. We did a boat tour, although there were only 8 or so folks on our boat. But it was the best experience! I totally think you’re right that it’s the perfect choice when stopping in Bodrum. So beautiful!
Did not know the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus – one of the seven wonders of the ancient world is in Bodrum. Its just that Every time during my visit to Turkey, am mostly in Istanbul, have not visited Bodrum or Greek island of Kos as Istanbul is almost 500 miles from Bodrum, the turquoise sea water in the picture with the boat must have been amazing!
Yes I was completely awestruck by the waters here
Looks like a fun trip! Black Island or Karaada sounds interesting. I would love to experience that thermal bath in Cleopatra’s cave. The historical site of Bodrum castle is definitely a place I like to go. The ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus sounds awesome. I have not been to Turkey yet not even Isanbul. So I have a lot of catching up to do including Bodrum. I am bookmarking your blog post.
The view of Bodrum from the ship looks so dreamy! I have wanted to visit Turkiye for a while now, especially the coastal areas. I like that the boat trip you went on was very relaxing. I also like that the boat was relatively small and that it has spaces for both people who loved the sun and those who wanted to stay in the shade. Did you go swimming in Cleopatra’s cave in the end? If so, how warm was the water?
Ah , no I didn’t but a little tip: on the other side where the boat was docked was also warm water!
Glad to know that the trip ended nicely despite the little hassle at the onset of the trip. I guess this trip would be okay without too many expectations. Clean washrooms and availability of food are good enough for me after all the view is amazing and the experience is definitely worth it.
Enjoyed watching the video. The water is so clear.
Thank you for watching the video Clarice – and yes it went well in the end
The boat ride looks fun with a padded deck on the top so people can lie down, don’t have to stand all the time. I’m not fond of cigarettes, too, so it’s a good info about the bottom deck. Fortunately, you had a pleasant 15-minute walk to the boat from your cruise ship. The first view of Bodrum is like from the Bible era.
Bodrum sounds like a dreamy beach town with beautiful views. I love it that you had a sun shade at the back of the boat. Although the cost is very economical for the cruise but the fact that you had to follow up for instructions to board etc isn’t pleasant. Glad though your experience in the end made up for it!
Your boat trip on Bodrum in Turkiye looks to be an exciting one. A boat trip is always refreshing sailing over cool blue waters. It’s God that your boat was just a 15 minutes walk from the ship even if pick up was not included. And it’s a beautiful boat with two storeys, lunch and tea break included with all the facilities. I would love to go on such a boat trip. I have cruised on motor boat in lake Tahoe, Big Bear lake and lake Geneva and really enjoyed it.
Bodrum looks beautiful. I haven’t visited Turkiye yet but when I do go, Bodrum is certainly on my list. The water looks amazing and the view of the bay and castle is stunning. I love to go on boats and swim, so I love the option of a boat trip here.