Mud on your skin, then turquoise water rinse. This Porto Genoese boat trip from Antalya mixes small-boat comfort with multiple swim stops and a mud bath that’s honestly the main event.

I really like the setup: it runs like a smaller-group cruise (up to about 35 people), so you’re not packed shoulder to shoulder. I also love that Porto Genoese Bay is given real time, plus lunch and a chance to have fun with the mud bath.

One consideration: timing is tight at each cove, and if you don’t read Russian, you’ll want to rely on body language and watching the crew. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it can matter if you’re hoping for detailed guidance in English at every step.

Key takeaways

• Small-group feel (max ~35) for a more relaxed boat day than the big-bus crowds.
• Porto Genoese Bay gets the longest stop with lunch and mud bath time built in.
• Snorkeling is part of the day, but there’s also real sea-life viewing where you should avoid touching.
• Akseki Bay has sea urchins, so snorkel and look, don’t poke the rocks.
• Korsan Bay is a quick hit: another swim block before you head back.

Porto Genoese Boat Day: Small Boat, Big Water Views

This is one of those Antalya-area trips that feels like it was designed for people who came for water, not for shopping stops. You trade city streets for open Mediterranean time, with swim breaks at bays that are hard to reach by car without planning. And the highlight is not subtle: the mud bath is part entertainment, part photo moment, and part weirdly relaxing.

The boat size matters. When you’re on a smaller vessel capped around 35 people, the vibe is calmer, you can move around more, and you tend to get better access to the best spots to watch the scenery. If you’ve done the mega-day trips where you feel like you’re in a floating bus, this one is a noticeable change.

The second big win is how they structure the day. You’re not just “drive-by sightseeing.” You get multiple real swim opportunities, and Porto Genoese gets the most time, so you can actually soak in the famous-looking water and then stay for lunch and the mud bath.

Getting There From Antalya and Lara: What the Ride Really Means

Plan for a long day. Total duration is listed at 7 to 8 hours, and that includes transportation. Pickup (if you select it) can start several hours before the tour’s 10:00 AM start time, and the drive to the port area is about 2 to 2.5 hours after pickup.

Before you reach the port, you stop at a breakfast restaurant for about 20 minutes. It’s short, but it helps you avoid arriving hungry and irritated. If you’re the type who gets cranky without coffee, bring patience or grab what you can during that break.

One practical thing you’ll want to do: the port area where buses park gets extremely crowded. Take a photo of your bus’s plate number so you can find your vehicle quickly on the way back. This is the kind of small move that saves time and stress later.

Akseki Bay Swim: Sea Urchins, Snorkel Time, and Gentle Cautions

Akseki Bay is your first stop. You’ll get about 30 minutes for swimming and relaxing. The water is clear enough that you can spot life while snorkeling, and the seafloor is described as a bit “wild” because there are sea urchins.

So here’s the rule: enjoy the snorkeling and watching, but don’t touch. That sounds obvious, but on a sunny morning people forget safety when the water looks inviting. If you want the best experience here, float, look, and keep your footing deliberate if you’re stepping in.

This first bay is also a good warm-up. It’s a shorter block than the next two stops, which means you’re likely to move faster, swim more, and not get “coved out” before Porto Genoese. If your goal is to maximize water time, Akseki works as the appetizer stop.

Porto Genoese Bay: Lunch, Mud Bath, and the Day’s Main Water Time

Porto Genoese Bay is the reason many people pick this trip. You get about 1 hour here, which is enough time to swim, take pictures, and still feel like you’re not rushing. The water is described as glamorous and turquoise, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll look down a lot and then look up to check the coastline again.

Lunch happens during this stop. You’ll be served what’s included: lunch plus tea and fruit. What to expect food-wise is pretty straightforward: it’s not a fine-dining meal, but several people note the fish was better than they expected, including fried fish options and fish like dorada mentioned in feedback.

Then comes the mud bath, and it’s where the trip turns playful. The mud bath is essentially you applying mud and then washing off in the sea. People describe it as funny and messy in the best way. Bring a towel if you want to dry yourself comfortably later, and be ready for the fact that mud takes some rinsing.

A small but helpful tip: if you want to snorkel at Porto Genoese, consider bringing your own snorkeling mask. One strong suggestion is that there are plenty of fish, and having your own mask makes it easier to enjoy longer. If you don’t have one, you might still manage, but you’ll get more out of the stop with the gear you trust.

Korsan Bay: Another Swim Break Before Heading Home

After Porto Genoese, there’s a cruise segment of about 25 minutes before you reach the next bay: Korsan Bay. This stop is about 40 minutes, giving you another swim and fun break before the return trip.

Korsan Bay is shorter than Porto Genoese but longer than Akseki, which makes it a nice pacing choice. You get a final round of water time when you’re warmed up from the earlier stops. It’s also a good moment to reset your energy before the bus ride back.

One practical add-on from people who’ve done this: you may be able to get spring water at a stop, so if that matters to you, bring a bottle. Even if you don’t plan to refill, having a bottle helps you stay comfortable in the longer transport day.

Price and Value: Why About $27 Can Make Sense Here

At $27 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled rather than from any one thing being fancy. You’re paying for a boat ride plus hotel pickup and drop-off (if you choose that option), plus lunch, tea, and fruit. Drinks are not included, and photos are not included, so don’t expect full add-on costs covered.

The price feels especially reasonable when you compare it to paying separately for boat time, transport, and a meal. This trip also gives you multiple swim blocks, not just one quick stop, and Porto Genoese is built into the schedule as the main event.

What you should calibrate: food is included, but it’s still a boat-trip meal. Most people find it enjoyable enough to satisfy you, with some describing it as quite good. If you’re picky about portion sizes, you’ll want to manage expectations. Some mention the lunch is not huge, but enough so you don’t go hungry.

What’s Included vs. What You’ll Pay For

Included in the package:

• Boat ride
• Lunch
• Tea and fruit
• Hotel pickup/drop-off if selected
• Transportation to and from the port as part of the day plan

Not included:

• Drinks on board
• Photos

That means you should budget for water or other drinks if you’re the kind of person who drinks a lot during hot weather. It also means you may want to bring your own power bank for photos, since you’ll likely take a lot during Porto Genoese Bay and the mud-bath moment.

Language and the Crew: When English Works and When It Doesn’t

The experience runs with English and Russian support, and there’s typically an English/Russian host or greeter. On board, guidance may vary depending on the crew that day.

I like that you’re not completely cut off if you don’t speak Russian. There are examples of guides doing what’s needed to keep English-speaking couples comfortable, including names like Sura and Komila being called out for being friendly and clear. Other crew members mentioned include Cunjeyt, Yunus, and Mesut, who reportedly explained stop durations in both English and Russian.

Still, there’s one real “heads up.” If you’re hoping for step-by-step narration in English for every moment, you might not get it consistently. One person noted limited English translation during the tour and wanted clearer timing info. So if you want to feel fully in control, watch for cues: when people start gathering, when the crew signals the next swim block, and when lunch is served.

What to Bring for a Mud Bath Day That Actually Feels Easy

This is a water + mud + rinse day. You don’t need fancy gear, but you do need the basics.

Pack:

• Towel (you will want it after mud)
• Swimsuit you don’t mind getting roughened by mud
• Snorkeling mask if you have one (highly recommended because there are lots of fish)
• Sunscreen (strong sun on open water)
• A water bottle (especially if you like the idea of spring water refills)

Skip surprises:

• Don’t count on drinks being included.
• Don’t count on photos being provided.
• Don’t step around in Akseki Bay like it’s a playground if you’re not sure where the sea urchins are.

And if you’re sensitive to mess: the mud bath is literally that. It’s fun, but it’s not a subtle spa treatment.

Who This Trip Is Best For (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This tour fits best if you want:

• Multiple swim stops in one day
• A small-ish group feel on a boat (max around 35)
• A fun activity that’s not just swimming, namely the mud bath
• A straightforward schedule that saves you the planning work of finding bays yourself

It’s also a good match for couples and families. The pacing is simple: bus pickup, port ride, breakfast break, three bay swim blocks, lunch and mud bath, then back to your hotel.

One caution: it’s listed as not suitable for people with claustrophobia. If that describes you, think carefully about the boat environment and any enclosed areas you might pass through during the trip.

Should You Book the Porto Genoese Boat Trip With Mud Bath?

If you want a water-focused day with enough time at Porto Genoese Bay to actually enjoy it, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of boat ride, lunch + tea, and the mud bath for about $27 makes it strong value, especially compared to paying for transport and boat time separately.

I’d especially recommend it if you like snorkeling but also want a playful activity that turns the day into a story, not just a photo album. You’ll likely come away with two things: sore-from-swimming legs and that first “how did I get this muddy” laugh.

Book it with a couple of realistic expectations:

• The food is included but not a restaurant experience.
• Language support can be great, but English details may vary.
• You should plan for a crowded port pickup/drop-off experience, so take that bus-plate photo.

If you’re after a simple, fun Mediterranean day with real swim time and a mud bath moment you’ll remember, this one is worth your spot.

FAQ

How long is the Porto Genoese boat trip?

The duration is listed as 7 to 8 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed at $27 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if the pickup option is selected.

What bays are included, and how long do you stop at each?

You stop for swimming at Akseki Bay (about 30 minutes), Porto Genoese Bay (about 1 hour), and Korsan Bay (about 40 minutes).

Is lunch included?

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

Do drinks come with the tour?

No. Drinks are not included.

Where do you meet the guide or staff?

After you arrive at Adrasan Koyu, staff greet you at the entrance holding a Tur Turizm board.

Is the trip suitable for people with claustrophobia?

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

Is there a snorkeling component?

Yes. The trip includes swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, and it’s recommended to bring your own snorkeling mask.