Boat Trip

Marmaris Marina and the bay

Your day starts at the marina in Marmaris, one of the largest yacht harbours on the Turkish coast, set at the foot of the old town and its small hilltop castle. The bay of Marmaris is almost enclosed by pine-covered mountains and islands, which keeps the water calm and makes it ideal for boat trips throughout the season.

The boat has an open sun deck and an air-conditioned saloon, a welcome feature in July and August when temperatures are high. As you leave the marina you see the long seafront promenade, the resort of İçmeler at the far end of the bay and the green islands near the entrance. The host welcomes everyone, explains safety on board and outlines the route of the day.

Aquarium Bay: clear water for snorkelling

Aquarium Bay is one of the most popular swim stops on any boat trip from Marmaris. Sheltered from the wind, it has exceptionally clear water where you can see the rocky seabed and shoals of fish from the deck, which is how it earned its name.

Bring a mask and snorkel if you have them: around the rocks you can spot bream, wrasse and small silver fish, and children love watching them right next to the boat. You can dive from the deck or use the ladder, and there is enough time for several swims. Is a Marmaris boat trip worth it? For the clear water of stops like Aquarium Bay alone, most guests would say yes.

The Wishing Cave (Phosphorus Cave)

The boat also visits the Wishing Cave, a sea cave in the cliffs where sunlight reflected from the white seabed makes the water glow an unreal, bright blue. It is also known as the Phosphorus Cave, and it is one of the most photographed spots on the Marmaris coast, especially around midday when the light is strongest.

Local tradition says that if you throw a coin into the water and make a wish, it will come true. When the sea is calm, good swimmers can swim into the cave entrance to see the colour up close, while others enjoy it from the deck. The crew tells you when it is safe to swim and how long the stop lasts.

More swim stops, lunch and the foam party

Between the main sights, the captain chooses further sheltered coves along the coast, depending on the wind, such as the bays around Cennet Island at the mouth of the bay. Lunch is served on board, and soft drinks are unlimited all day, so you can stay refreshed between swims. Other drinks and photos are not included.

In the afternoon, as the boat heads back towards Marmaris, the crew starts the foam party on deck, with music and plenty of bubbles that children and adults enjoy alike. The best time for a boat trip in Marmaris is from May to October, with the warmest sea in July and August. The trip lasts about six and a half hours, returning to the marina in the late afternoon.