Antalya/Kemer: Porto Genoese Boat Trip and Mud Bath w/ Lunch

Mud, fish, and secret coves, in one day. This Porto Genoese boat trip is built around turquoise swimming water and the silly-fun mud bath, with hotel transfers and a small max group size. I also like that you get multiple stops, not just one long beach lounge.

The day runs like a well-timed loop: pickup by van or bus, a break on the way to the port, then swims and snorkeling in three bays before heading back. One possible drawback to plan for is communication, since the trip includes English and Russian support, but guides may not always be equally comfortable with English for every detail of timing and announcements.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• Small-group feel (max 35) on a boutique-style boat, so it doesn’t feel like a cattle call.
• Porto Genoese Bay lunch plus mud bath, meaning the best stop is also the fun stop.
• Snorkel in clear water at multiple bays, including a spot where fish are easy to see.
• A real transfer day, with an on-road restaurant break before you even reach the port.
• Mud bath included, and yes, you’ll want a towel and a plan for washing off.

From Antalya to the port: how the day really starts

Your day begins with pickup in the Antalya area, depending on the option you select. The tour notes pickup from places like Antalya City Center, Lara, and Belek, and it also states the pickup starts several hours before the main 10:00 AM start time. In practice, that means you should be ready early, because drivers only wait up to 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Then comes the overland part: an approximate 2 to 2.5 hour ride to reach the port. Before you arrive, you stop at a breakfast restaurant for about 20 minutes, which is genuinely useful if you don’t want to start the boat hungry or under-caffeinated. One practical tip: once you reach the crowded port area, take a photo of your bus or plate number, because it can get chaotic.

The boat portion: a loop of swims, snorkels, and downtime

After pickup, you board and settle in for the water time. The overall trip is 7 to 8 hours, and the boat schedule is paced so you get time at each bay instead of rushing from one quick photo stop to the next.

You’ll have a total of three main swim breaks built into the route:

• Akseki Bay for a shorter swim and snorkeling window
• Porto Genoese Bay as the main event, with lunch and mud bath time
• Korsan Bay for another relaxed swim stop

This matters because the Mediterranean gets busy during peak hours. By spreading out stops, you’re more likely to catch the calmer, scenic moments rather than only the crowded ones.

Akseki Bay swim stop: great views, watch your feet

The first stop is Akseki Bay, with about 30 minutes to swim and relax. The water here is described as clear and swim-friendly, and the seabed can be a bit wild with sea urchins. That doesn’t mean you should panic, it means you should be sensible.

Your best move is to enjoy the snorkeling and fish spotting without trying to touch or poke around the seafloor. If you bring snorkeling gear, this is a good place to use it, since reviews mention lots of fish activity in the stops.

This first bay is also useful as a warm-up. You’re not yet dealing with the main mud-bath scramble, so it’s easier to settle in, get your bearings, and start feeling comfortable in the water.

Porto Genoese Bay: lunch, mud bath, and that postcard water

If there’s a reason people talk about Porto Genoese after the fact, it’s the combination of scenery, swimming time, and the mud bath. This is your longest stop, with about 1 hour at the bay, plus lunch and organized mud-bath fun.

Porto Genoese Bay is described as one of the nicest bays in Turkey, and it’s the place where the water looks especially “wow” because of the color contrast and the clarity. You’ll have time to swim and snorkel, then lunch is served here. The tour includes lunch plus tea and fruit, and multiple reviews note the fish lunch was a strong point.

Some lunches are described as fried fish, and one review mentions dorada specifically. Either way, you should expect a meal that’s filling and convenient, not a gourmet restaurant experience. Still, it’s a big value win because you don’t have to spend time and money finding lunch on shore.

Then comes the main event: the mud bath. Expect it to be literal, like a bucket of mud you apply to yourself. It’s weirdly entertaining, and it’s the kind of activity that makes a group day feel like an actual adventure, not just transportation to pretty water.

Practical advice before the mud:

• Bring a towel, and keep one dry if you can
• Plan to rinse well right after, because mud can be stubborn
• If you want to snorkel, don’t start with mud on your face and goggles

Korsan Bay: a quick reset after lunch

After Porto Genoese, you cruise for about 25 minutes to reach Korsan Bay. Then you get 40 minutes for another swim and fun break. This stop feels like a reset, because lunch and mud can make the body feel heavy, and a swim afterward helps you feel normal again.

The water quality is described as clear and inviting. You’ll likely use this time for casual swimming, photos, and one more chance to spot fish before the day ends.

Back on land: getting home without losing the day

Once the swim stops finish, your day wraps up and you’re returned to your hotel or address. The tour is designed as a full day, and the included transfers are part of the value. Without them, you’d likely spend extra money on transport and extra time figuring out timing.

One more logistics note: the port bus area can be extremely crowded. If you’re trying to get back fast or you want a stress-free exit, take that bus plate photo when you arrive, and keep an eye on the group size and boarding order.

Value for $27: what you’re actually paying for

At around $27 per person, this trip is priced like a budget-friendly “best-of” boat day, and the math makes sense because several items are included:

• Boat ride
• Lunch plus tea and fruit
• Hotel pickup and drop-off if you select that option

The big value is that you’re paying for a whole day of transport plus multiple bays, and the main stops are hard to reach by car. The mud bath also adds a unique experience you can’t easily replicate on your own without planning.

What’s not included is important for your wallet. Drinks are not included, and photos are not included. You’ll want to bring money or plan snacks and water if you prefer more than tea and fruit.

If you’re the type who hates paying extra at every stop, you’ll like that lunch is handled and you’re not scrambling for food between swims.

The group size and the vibe on the boat

This is marketed as a small group, max 35 people, which is a real difference compared to big group boat trips. Reviews specifically mention it can feel more like a family-owned, comfortable day rather than a packed tour.

Language support is listed as English and Russian. In real life, that can still mean English gets partial coverage depending on the guide and your group makeup. One review praises guides like Sura for being clear and keeping English-speaking guests updated, and another mentions Komila as a guide who provided good care for an English-speaking couple.

Crew members also get credit in reviews, with names like Cunjeyt, Yunus, and Mesut mentioned for explaining stops in English and Russian. So if English matters a lot to you, try to pick an option or time that explicitly includes English-speaking guidance, and come prepared to use gestures for small timing details.

Also, music choice can vary. One review calls out that music selection and interruptions weren’t ideal, which is a reminder that this is still a shared group day with a crew doing their thing, not a private charter.

What to pack so the day stays fun

You’ll have swimming and snorkeling, plus a mud bath and rinsing. That combination means your packing should be boring and practical.

Bring:

• A towel
• Swimwear and a change of dry clothes for the ride back
• Snorkeling mask if you have one, since there’s mention of many fish when snorkeling
• Sunscreen (you’ll be in the sun between stops)
• A bottle (one review mentions the chance to refill at spring water during a stop)

If you don’t like the idea of being sandy-muddy, you still can enjoy it. Just plan your clothing like you’re going to a water park plus a farm project.

Who should book, and who should skip it

This tour suits couples and families who want a relaxed boat day with actual swimming time. It’s also a good fit if you want a unique activity, since the mud bath is the kind of add-on that turns a scenic day into a story you’ll remember.

You should skip it if you have claustrophobia, since this is a boat experience and the trip format can involve enclosed spaces.

If you hate uncertainty about language and timing announcements, you might find it less comfortable. English support exists, but not every group gets perfectly even English coverage on every detail, especially around stop duration and meal timing.

Should you book this Porto Genoese boat trip?

I’d book it if you want a small-group Mediterranean boat day with real variety: multiple bays, clear-water swimming, a fun mud bath, and a lunch that’s included. The value at $27 works best if you will actually use the boat time and won’t mind that the day includes a transfer schedule and a bit of port crowding.

I wouldn’t book it if you need detailed English guidance for every announcement, or if mud is a hard no for you. Also, if you’re sensitive to crowds at the port, go in with the mindset of taking your bus plate photo early and staying flexible.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the pickup option. If you choose pickup, you should wait at the outside security area of your hotel, and drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled time.

How long is the trip?

The duration is listed as 7 to 8 hours. This includes the transfer time, the breakfast break before the port, and time at the bays.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Once you arrive at Adrasan Koyu, the meeting point is at the entrance. A greeter will hold a board with the Tur Turizm logo.

What stops are included during the boat ride?

The tour includes swims at Akseki Bay, Porto Genoese Bay, and Korsan Bay. Each stop has a set amount of time for swimming and relaxing.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with tea and fruit.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

What’s the boat group size?

The experience is described as more boutique style with a maximum group size of 35 people.

Is this tour suitable for claustrophobia?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with claustrophobia.

FAQ

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages do hosts or greeters speak?

The host or greeter is listed as English and Russian.