Sarigerme: 12 Islands Boat Trip with Lunch and Transfer

Twelve islands in one watery day. I like how this cruise turns the Göcek Gulf area into a simple, long beach day, with swim stops and plenty of time on the water. I also appreciate the included BBQ-style lunch on deck, so you are not hunting for food mid-cruise. One thing to plan for, though, is your spending on board since drinks are not included.

The day is guided, with an English and Turkish host, and it is paced around real sea time. You get classic highlights like Cleopatra Bath and several Yassica Islands, plus chances to cool off in clam-turquoise bays and sheltered coves.

The route is a lot of water and walking between your seat and the swim areas, so it is not a good fit if you have mobility limits. Also, expect a small-group feel, with seating and sunbeds onboard, but the transfer vans can feel busy at pickup.

Key things I’d plan around

• Small-group cruise feel with easier moving around on the boat
• Water-first itinerary, not a sit-and-watch sightseeing day
• Cleopatra Bath and underwater ruins for a memorable, story-driven stop
• Gobun Cove timing and depth, great for swimming, not for every boat and not for deep-water lounging
• Onboard lunch included, with paid snacks and drinks available

Why This 12-Islands Cruise Feels Like a Beach Day With Stories

This trip is built for one main goal: you spend your day near the water. You sail in and out of the bays, coves, and inlets of the Göcek Gulf region near Sarigerme, then stop often enough that you can actually swim instead of just taking photos from the rail.

What makes it more fun than a generic boat cruise is the mix of nature and human history. Cleopatra Bath connects the scenery to a famous legend, while stops like Gobun Cove and Tersane Adasi bring you to areas tied to submerged or ancient remains. Even if you only catch parts of the story, the setting is the star.

For value, the big point is what you are not paying extra for: hotel transfer, a guiding service, full insurance, and lunch all come included in the ticket price. That matters on a 10-hour day when you do not want surprise costs beyond drinks.

Getting to the Boat: Hotel Transfer and a Predictable Timeline

This is one of the smoother parts of the experience because you get free hotel transfer. You meet your driver at the main security gate of your hotel, about 10 minutes before pickup. The driver waits no longer than 5 minutes after your scheduled time, so build in a little buffer.

Onboard, it helps that the group can be relatively small (around 30 people in at least one recent experience). That makes boarding, moving to the top deck, and finding a swim routine easier than on the big party-style boats.

One practical note: the van transfers can run at capacity. If you are sensitive to crowding, you may want to plan your day so you are not already tired when pickup happens.

Cleopatra Bath: Ruins, a Hammam, and the Marc Antony Connection

Your first stop is Cleopatra Bath, tied to the story that Cleopatra bathed with Marc Antony during her honeymoon. Even if you treat the legend as legend, the physical setting is compelling.

You are looking at impressive remnants connected with an ancient hammam and remnants from the former Lydae city, now underwater. In other words, you are not just swimming in a pretty cove, you are swimming in a place with a layered past.

What I’d watch for here is your time management. With a cruise day like this, you want to use your swim moment early. The morning light usually feels best for seeing how the water color changes near the shoreline.

Yassica Islands and Saytanil Ada: Small Islets, Big Atmosphere

Next come the Yassica Islands, a cluster of five small islands that look like they belong on a postcard. Each island has its own little character, but the whole group works as a visual palette: rocky edges, sheltered bays, and spots where you can step down into the water and cool off.

Saytanil Ada is one of the islands tied to local folklore, said to be where the devil himself lived. You probably will not be checking folklore accuracy on the boat, but the story is part of why this stop feels more memorable than a random swim break.

A practical tip: if you want photos, do them in the first minutes of your stop. Once the boat has settled and everyone is in swim mode, your best shot opportunities shrink.

Gobun Cove: Underwater Ruins, Shallow Water, and a View If You Climb

Gobun Cove is the kind of stop that makes people talk after the trip. You get the chance to see underwater ruins connected with ancient settlements, and the viewpoint from above the cove gives you a broad panorama of Gocek Bay if you venture upward.

There is a key detail you should know: the water around Gobun Cove is only about 5 to 7 meters deep. That is perfect for swimming and snorkeling style water time, but it also means you are not going to get the same experience as deeper-water anchor points. Think of it as a swim-and-look stop, not a long float stop.

If you are prone to sea sickness, this itinerary tends to be manageable because the pace includes calmer moments between stops. One recent experience noted that someone who usually gets severe sea sickness felt fine during the trip. Still, pack your own comfort tricks, like staying hydrated and sitting where you feel the motion least.

Bedri Rahmi Cove to Tersane Adasi: Tombs, Oleanders, and Greek Ruins

Bedri Rahmi Cove is a meaningful stop for anyone who likes history but also loves the feel of nature. You can find simple tombs hidden among oleanders and turquoise water. The combination is what makes it work: you get an atmospheric, quiet feeling, not just a dot on a map.

Then Tersane Adasi, also called Dockyard Island, brings you to one of the larger stops in the gulf. Here, the pull is the presence of Greek ruins of an ancient watchtower. Again, it is not a museum visit, it is a sea setting where you can see remnants and let your imagination do some of the heavy lifting.

A drawback to keep in mind: as you move from cove to cove, the day adds up. You will get steps, sun time, and water time. If you like to pace yourself, take your breaks seriously.

Knight Cove, Zeytin Ada, and Olive Oil Workshop Lore

Knight Cove is named after the Knights of Rhodes, who once inhabited the area. Today, the island has plenty going on, with cafes and motels you can explore depending on time and crowd flow.

Zeytin Ada, also known as Olive Island, is another highlight because it connects the scenery with an Ottoman period olive oil workshop. It is a nice change from pure swim stops because it gives you a different kind of texture to the day. Even if you only catch a portion of what is available on the island, the setting helps the story stick.

For planning, decide in advance what you want from these stops. If you want swimming, keep your swim routine tight. If you want strolling, treat it as short walks rather than a full explore mission.

Domuz Adasi to Delikili Adalar: The Calm Notes at the End

Domuz Adasi is tied to local context about boars in earlier times, now replaced by fantastic natural scenery and calmer vibes. It is a stop that tends to work well for people who want something scenic without feeling rushed.

Then the day rounds out with Delikili Adalar, a group of four islands: Heybeliada, Buyukada, Kinaliada, and Burgazada. This part feels more like a relaxed retreat from the more intense swim and history stops earlier.

Even though this is still part of the cruise, the setting is quieter by comparison. It helps the day feel balanced, especially after you have already had several swim opportunities.

Lunch on Deck, Real Portions, and How Drinks Change the Budget

Lunch is included, and it is served on the boat’s deck. You should think of it as a proper onboard meal, not a token snack.

One recent experience described it as a three course meal, starting with cheese rolls and onion rings, followed by pasta, chicken, and salad, and ending with chocolate pudding. Portion sizes can be generous, and at least one person noted they were served more than one portion.

Because lunch is covered, the value part is strong for a 10-hour tour. The part that can surprise your budget is that snacks and drinks on board cost extra. There is also a note in the rules that food and drinks are not allowed to be brought with you, so you are expected to use what is sold onboard for beverages.

If you like cocktails, you might find a menu available for ordering. Just plan for it. This is the most common place where the day shifts from good value to costly if you do not watch spending.

The Day at Sea: Sunbeds, Snorkel Moments, and Small Comforts

This trip is built around staying comfortable on the boat. There tends to be plenty of seating and sunbeds for everyone, and you can move to the top deck once the boat is under way. That makes it easier to spread out if one area gets crowded.

Snorkeling can be a big part of the experience at some stops, and people do swim often. To make it easy on yourself, bring swimwear and a towel, and keep your cash handy since drinks and snacks are paid.

One small downside that came up in at least one recent experience was an off-putting toilet smell. It is not the end of the world, but if bathrooms are a big factor for you, use your judgment. Plan to spend most of your time above deck and treat the bathroom as a quick necessity.

Sea conditions matter too. While the water can be calm at times, it is still open water, so if you are sensitive, bring motion-sickness support and keep an eye on how you feel after each cove stop.

Who This Boat Trip Suits Best

You should strongly consider this trip if you want a mix of swimming and sightseeing without complicated planning. It is especially good for couples, friends, and small families who want a long day on the water with an included meal.

You will likely enjoy it most if you:

• Like swimming in sheltered bays and don’t mind a lot of time outdoors
• Want story-led stops like Cleopatra Bath and the Knights of Rhodes connection
• Appreciate that the day includes guidance and logistics, not just a boat rental

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, since it is a cruise format with stairs, deck movement, and boarding at sea stops.

Should You Book the Sarigerme 12 Islands Boat Trip?

If you want a straightforward, 10-hour water day with hotel pickup and an included lunch, this is a solid option. The value is strongest when you count what you get included: transfer, guiding, full insurance, and lunch. For $83, it lands in a sensible range for a day that otherwise would cost you time and money to organize yourself.

I would book if you love:

• Swim breaks in multiple coves
• Historic stories tied to the sea
• A top-deck day where you can relax between swim moments

I would hesitate only if:

• You are very budget-focused and do not want to deal with extra onboard drink costs
• You prefer dry land sightseeing with fewer water stops
• You have mobility needs that make deck movement difficult

If you are the type who likes to compare prices, it can be smart to check what you pay versus what’s available on the ground. But if convenience is your priority, this trip does the work for you.

FAQ

How long is the Sarigerme 12 Islands Boat Trip?

The trip lasts 10 hours.

Where and when do I get picked up?

Pickup is included. You wait at the main security gate of your hotel about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. The driver will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

What is included in the price?

The ticket includes free hotel transfer, guiding service, full insurance, and lunch.

Is lunch provided during the trip?

Yes, lunch is included.

Are drinks included?

No, drinks are not included.

What should I bring for the boat trip?

Bring swimwear and a towel, and have some cash for any purchases on board.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No. Food and drinks are not allowed.

Is this trip suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What languages will the guide or host speak?

The host or greeter speaks English and Turkish.