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

Antalya/Kemer: Porto Genoese Boat Trip and Mud Bath with Lunch provides a well-rounded day out for those looking to experience Turkey’s stunning coastline, enjoy some fun in the mud, and relax with great food. While it’s not perfect—long ride times and language barriers at some stops—its highlights make it a worthwhile adventure for nature enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

What we love about this experience is its combination of secluded swimming spots, the unique mud bath fun, and the local Turkish cuisine onboard. The small group vibe (max 35 people) adds a cozy, friendly feel, and the scenic stops are truly picture-worthy. A possible consideration is the long transfer time, which might feel tiring after a full day. This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy discovering hidden corners, relaxing in nature, and don’t mind some bus travel.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more intimate and relaxed experience.
• Three main stops including Porto Genoese Bay, Akseki Bay, and Korsan Bay offer varied swimming and scenic opportunities.
• Fun mud bath adds a playful element that appeals to all ages.
• Delicious Turkish lunch and tea onboard provide great value and cultural taste.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup (if selected), though the transfer can take around 2-2.5 hours.
• Authentic experience with guides speaking English and Russian, with some reviews noting language limitations at stops.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting Sail on the Mediterranean: What to Expect

This tour starts with pickups from Antalya city center, Lara, or Belek, making it convenient for most travelers staying in these areas. After a brief 20-minute breakfast stop en route, the real adventure begins with a roughly two-hour scenic drive to the port, which some find a bit long—so packing patience is advised.

Once at Adrasan Koyu, you’ll meet the crew with a friendly greeting, and the boat awaits. Expect to be on a small, boutique-style boat with a maximum of 35 passengers, which means you’ll avoid the crowds typical of larger tours. This smaller size creates a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for chatting with fellow travelers and enjoying personalized service.

First Stop: Akseki Bay

The first swimming stop is at Akseki Bay, where you get about 30 minutes to cool off. The water here is “a bit wild,” with sea urchins lurking near the bottom—making it a fantastic snorkel spot if you’re into marine life (though praise is often given to the area’s natural beauty despite the rocky bottom). It’s a peaceful spot, good for relaxing or taking photos of the rugged coastline. A review mentions that this bay’s waters are wild but fun for snorkelers willing to watch sea urchins from a safe distance.

Porto Genoese Bay: The Highlight

The main attraction is Porto Genoese Bay, one of Turkey’s most beautiful bays. Expect around an hour here to soak in the scenery, swim in the pristine, turquoise waters, and enjoy the stunning surroundings that many describe as “breathtaking.” The water quality impresses most visitors—crystal clear and ideal for swimming or taking photos.

Here, you’ll also get the chance to indulge in lunch, typically including delicious Turkish dishes like fried fish, which reviews rave about, especially noting how well it’s cooked. Plus, there’s a mud bath that turns this tour into a playful, memorable experience. Guests love “getting covered in mud and washing off in the sea,” describing it as “great fun” and noticing that their skin feels wonderfully smooth afterward. It’s a hit with families and groups alike, adding a unique, messy twist to a day of relaxation.

Korsan Bay: Final Swim and Relaxation

After a breezy 25-minute cruise, the boat stops at Korsan Bay for roughly 40 minutes. This spot is praised for its peaceful waters, perfect for a last swim, and provides a calming end to your aquatic adventures. Reviewers mention that this final stop is a relaxing place to unwind, with plenty of time to take in the scenery and enjoy the water.

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The Food and Cultural Touches

One of the most appreciated parts of this tour is the lunch onboard. It’s typically Turkish fare—fried fish is commonly highlighted—prepared fresh and served as part of the day’s experience. Guests also receive tea and fruit, which complements the relaxing day at sea. Considering the price, many reviewers mention that the lunch and drinks made this a fantastic value, especially given the exclusivity of the bays visited.

Guides and Language

The tour is hosted in English and Russian, with guides generally praised for their friendliness and knowledge. One reviewer specifically credits Sura for keeping everyone informed and making sure non-Russian speakers felt included. However, some mentions exist of the bus trip being mostly in Russian, with limited English translation, which can be a minor drawback if language is a concern.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Duration, and Group Size

The transfer from your hotel to the port lasts roughly 2-2.5 hours, and some travelers find this a bit long, especially after a full day of activities. If you opt for hotel pickup, be prepared for an early start, with the tour beginning around 10:00 AM.

The tour lasts 7-8 hours, offering plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Small group sizes mean you’ll get a more personalized experience—less noise, more space, and friendly interactions. The boat’s smaller size also allows for more secluded swimming spots, which larger boats might not reach.

Cost and Value

Priced affordably, this tour offers good value—combining several scenic bays, fun mud baths, a hearty Turkish lunch, and relaxing sea time—all packed into a full day. Plus, the inclusion of hotel pickup (if selected) and the intimate boat experience makes it a practical choice for those wanting quality over quantity.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Gems

Reviewers repeatedly mention the authentic feel of this trip—family-owned boats, local guides, and the chance to see some of Turkey’s most beautiful and inaccessible bays. The small group setting encourages a friendly, relaxed vibe, perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a more genuine experience.

Guests especially love the opportunity to snorkel in clear waters, relax in tranquil coves, and have fun in the mud, making it a memorable day full of varied activities. The delicious food on board and scenic stops at unspoiled bays highlight the tour’s value, especially compared to larger, more commercial options.

The Sum Up

This boat trip to Porto Genoese Bay, combined with mud bathing and Turkish lunch, offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural flavor. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate natural beauty, small group intimacy, and good value for money. The scenic stops and fun mud bath make it a memorable outing, although the transfer times and language barriers at some stops might require a bit of patience.

If you’re after a day exploring Turkey’s lesser-known gems—away from crowded beaches—this tour delivers. Expect stunning scenery, a lively atmosphere, and plenty of chances to unwind in nature.

FAQ

How long is the transfer from Antalya?
The transfer takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours each way, with a brief 20-minute breakfast stop along the way.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), boat ride, lunch, tea, and fruit. Beverages and photos are not included.

Are there multiple stops for swimming?
Yes. The first stop is Akseki Bay for about 30 minutes, then Porto Genoese Bay for an hour, and finally Korsan Bay for about 40 minutes.

Is the boat experience suitable for everyone?
The boat is small and boutique-style, ideal for those who prefer intimate settings. It’s not suitable for people with claustrophobia or mobility issues.

What is the mud bath like?
It involves covering yourself in mud for about 10-15 minutes, then rinsing it off in the sea. Guests report it’s a fun and amusing experience, leaving skin feeling very smooth.

How do guides communicate during the tour?
Guides speak both English and Russian. Some reviews note that at certain stops, information might be limited in English, so be prepared for some language differences.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towel, camera, and a bottle of water are recommended. Bring cash for additional drinks or souvenirs, and a change of clothes for after the mud bath.

Is it worth the price?
Based on reviews, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the scenic stops, delicious food, and personal touch of small-group travel.

In essence, this tour combines scenic beauty, culture, and a fun-filled day in Turkey’s stunning waters. Whether you’re after a relaxing beach day or an adventurous outing, it proves to be a memorable way to see the coast of Antalya beyond the usual tourist spots.

You can check availability for your dates here: