Bodrum's day boats come in several moods, and the pirate trip is the most playful. The boat is a large wooden vessel dressed up as a buccaneer ship, with a crew in costume, a sun deck, a top deck for lounging and plenty of music. It leaves from the harbour in the morning and cruises along the peninsula's coast to a handful of swimming bays, where the engine stops and everyone jumps into clear water, with snorkelling gear and often a slide or a jump from the deck. Lunch is served on board, usually a barbecue-style meal with salads and bread, and in the afternoon comes the signature moment, a foam party on deck with music and bubbles that children and teenagers love. By the time the boat returns to the harbour in late afternoon, most passengers are salty, sunburned and ready for a nap.
Expect an energetic atmosphere rather than a quiet cruise. If your idea of a perfect boat day is a calm swim and silence, the Orak Island and Kara Island trips elsewhere in this guide will suit you better, while the pirate boat is for people who want to splash, dance and laugh.
The format works especially well for families with children over about four, groups of friends and anyone travelling on a budget, because lunch and the swim stops are usually bundled into one price. Drinks are often extra, so ask what is included and bring some cash or a card for the bar.
Choose your day carefully. Pirate boats run from late spring to early autumn, with the busiest departures in July and August when the harbour is crowded and the sea is at its warmest. In the shoulder months the water is cooler but the boats are quieter, and a trip in June or September often has the best balance of weather and space.
The meltemi wind can make afternoons choppy in midsummer, so a morning swim may be calmer than a late one, and the crew will adjust the route to find sheltered water. If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, take a remedy before you leave and sit on the lower deck near the centre of the boat.
What to bring is simple. Pack swimwear, a towel, reef shoes if the shoreline is rocky, high-factor sun cream, a hat and sunglasses, plus a dry change of clothes for the way home, because the foam party soaks everyone on deck. A waterproof pouch protects your phone, and a light cover-up is useful when the breeze picks up. Life jackets are available for children and weaker swimmers, and the crew generally supervises the swimming stops, but parents remain responsible for their own children in the water.
Ask about hotel pickup when you reserve, since many departures include a transfer from the main resort areas. Combined with a hamam the next morning and a quiet dinner in the old town, a pirate day is a lively counterpoint to the castle and the ancient sites, and it gives children a big day out that they will remember long after the history lessons fade. Arrive at the harbour twenty minutes before departure so that you can choose a good spot on deck, and keep valuables in a locker or at the hotel.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day group cruise on a pirate-themed wooden boat with swim and snorkel stops, lunch on board and a foam party on deck.
Best time
June and September for a good balance of warm water and smaller crowds; July and August are busiest.
How long
Roughly six to seven hours, usually departing mid-morning and returning late afternoon.
Tips
Bring a dry change of clothes, sun protection and a waterproof pouch, and ask which drinks are included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children, groups of friends and budget travellers who want a lively day on the water.
- Families
- Very popular with children and teenagers; life jackets are available, and parents supervise their own children in the water.
- Couples
- Fun and social rather than romantic; choose a sunset cruise for a quieter evening.
- Pair with
- A hamam the next morning to recover, or a quiet old-town dinner.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Is lunch included?+
Lunch is normally served on board, but drinks are often extra, so check what is included when you reserve.
Is the pirate boat suitable for young children?+
Yes, many families join, and life jackets are available. Parents should supervise children closely during swim stops and the foam party.
What happens at the foam party?+
Foam and music fill the deck in the afternoon, and passengers dance and play in the bubbles. Expect to get wet.
Can I snorkel?+
Yes, snorkelling gear is usually provided at the swim stops, though it is worth bringing your own mask if you have one.
When does the boat run?+
Day boats operate mainly from late spring to early autumn. Winter departures are rare, so check dates in the cooler months.
