There are two ways to get out on the water in Bodrum: buy a seat on a busy boat or charter the whole boat. Both take you to sea, but the experience is very different. In this article we put the differences and the cost calculation side by side.
Shared tour: pros and cons
- Pro: you pay per person – the cheapest option for solo travellers and couples.
- Pro: easy to book, ready-made programme.
- Con: fixed route and times – you can’t stay longer in a bay you love.
- Con: dozens of strangers on board; music, noise and deck space are shared.
Private yacht: pros and cons
- Pro: the boat is yours alone; route, stops and music are up to you.
- Pro: stay two or three hours in a bay you love instead of thirty minutes.
- Pro: privacy for celebrations, surprises or business meetings.
- Con: higher total price; with few people the per-person cost rises.
Cost per person: really so different?
On a private charter you pay per boat, so the per-person cost falls as the group grows. Simple examples:
- 2 people, €1,800 boat: €900 per person
- 6 people, €1,800 boat: €300 per person
- 10 people, €2,500 boat: €250 per person
For big groups, high-capacity boats bring this figure down further. For current ranges see our price guide.
The difference over a day
On a shared tour the boat calls at set bays at set times, each stop has a fixed length and lunch is served to everyone at the same time. On a private tour you might start swimming at Orak Island in the morning, have lunch in the bay of your choice, spend the afternoon in Paradise Bay and return watching the sunset at sea. The plan follows your pace entirely.
Which suits you?
- Shared tour: solo travellers, couples on a tight budget, anyone who only wants a few hours in the sea.
- Private yacht: families, groups of 6 or more, honeymooners, celebrations, business guests and anyone who values flexibility.
Suggestions for groups
Queen Of Angel or Dream Of Angel for 6–12 people, First Angel for 30–42 people and the 125-guest Black Angel for very large groups keep the per-person cost low.
Frequently asked questions
Do we decide the route completely on a private tour?
Yes; the captain only steers it for safety and weather.
When is the boating season in Bodrum?
From April to November; the busiest months are July and August.
Let’s work out together which option makes more sense for your group: write to us.