What makes a boat trip worth it is not the distance covered but the quality of the water you swim in. Our swim-focused boat trip in Bodrum has four stops, and all four offer different water. This article describes the character of each bay so you know in advance what to do at which stop.
The rules that apply to every stop
At each bay the boat anchors and the break lasts 30-40 minutes. The ladder goes down and anyone who wants to can jump from the platform. Life jackets are within reach on deck, so guests who cannot swim can still get into the water. Total swimming time approaches two hours — usually more than a day on land delivers.
1. Dalgıç Bay — the flat water of the morning
The first stop of the day, at around 11:15. At this hour the sea has not yet picked up any wind; the surface is glassy and visibility is the best it will be all day. The crowds have not built up either. This is where the first dive feels best. The water is a touch cooler in the morning; give yourself five minutes to adjust.
2. Ada Boğazı — sheltered and steady
The strait between two landmasses acts as a natural shield against the wind, which is why swell is least noticeable here. That is also why the lunch break happens at this stop: the boat sits still and moving around with a plate is no problem. On windy days this is the most comfortable moment of the tour.
3. Aşıklar Bay — the hour the deck comes alive
Mid-afternoon, around 15:00. The music keeps running through this break; as many people stay on deck as go into the water. The light comes in from the side at this hour, which makes it the best stop for photographs. The water has warmed up — the morning chill is gone.
4. Akvaryum Bay — the snorkelling stop
The final break of the day, around 16:00. It takes its name from its clarity; visibility to the seabed is noticeably better than in the other three bays. Seeing fish with a snorkel genuinely happens here. If you brought a mask, this is where you use it.
Which stop should you not miss?
If swimming is the priority: Dalgıç and Akvaryum. If resting is: Ada Boğazı. If photos and atmosphere are: Aşıklar. You are not obliged to swim at all four — staying on deck and sunbathing is a perfectly valid choice.
Which of these bays can also be reached by road is covered in our comparison article. How the whole day flows is described in the 6.5-hour account. For a frequently asked swimming spot that is not on our route, see our Bağla Bay article. The official programme is on the tour programme page.