Where to Go When Renting a Boat in Bodrum?

Bodrum is Turkey's tourism showcase; however, there is a mountain of difference between the crowded Beach Clubs you see on Google or Instagram and the peace in the middle of the sea. Bodrum yacht charter means experiencing the "real" Bodrum with only the sound of the wind and cicadas, without being exposed to traffic, parking problems, and high-decibel music.

Based on our experience in the sector, the Bodrum route does not proceed on a single plane. On one side, there is the Türkbükü line, preferred by those who want to "see and be seen", and on the other side, there is the Orak Island line, the escape point for those seeking "Maldives blue".

Here are 5 strategic stops away from the crowd on your private boat tour departing from Bodrum:

1. Orak Island: The Maldives of Turkey

Reached by a cruise of about 1-1.5 hours east from Bodrum center, Orak Island possesses the undisputed clearest water in the region. Its secret lies in the white sand and limestone structure on the bottom. When your boat approaches the island, the color of the water turns from dark navy blue to a phosphorescent turquoise. There is no settlement on the island.
Limancepte Tip: This place is very popular at noon. Ask your captain to bring you here around 10:00 AM before the daily tour boats arrive.

2. Karaada (Cleopatra Hot Spring): Natural Spa

Located right across Bodrum port, this large island is a route visited not only for swimming but also for healing. On the northern side of the island, there is sulfurous hot water and mud coming out of a cave. According to legend, these waters, to which Cleopatra owed her beauty, are good for skin diseases. It is a unique location for "Hot-Cold" therapy.

3. Aquarium Bay: Transparent as Its Name

Located on the cape between Gümbet and Bitez, Aquarium Bay is an isolated paradise where land access is difficult. Its technical feature is that the sea bottom looks like glass. You can watch fish at a depth of 20-30 meters from the boat deck. It is usually a windless bay with "pool" calmness. It is the most preferred shake-free stop for lunch service.

4. Cennet Bay (Golturkbuku): Luxury and Nature

If you want to turn your route to the north of the Bodrum peninsula, to the more "high-society" side, Cennet Bay (Paradise Bay) is the right address. This is where pine forests approach the sea the most. However, the detail that makes this place special is the ultra-luxury hotels and mansions around it. You can see the world's most expensive superyachts here. Also, in this bay, you have the opportunity to request food service to your boat from luxury restaurants via zodiac boats.

5. Aspat and Bagla Bay: Ice Cold Coolness

Located in the southwest of Bodrum, these bays have the cleanest and coolest waters of the peninsula. Especially on the hottest days of summer, while Bodrum's water warms up, the sea off Bagla and Aspat is always vigorous and cool. Bagla Bay is famous for its fine sand. Aspat hosts Venetian castle ruins. It is the most refreshing stop of the route.

Which Route is For You? (North vs. South)

Bodrum geography offers two different experiences due to the wind (Meltem). Here is the technical comparison: