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Even before we’ve arrived back in Turkey we’ve already started day dreaming about a boat trip, and not just any boat trip. We have been on the Kelebek2 out of Bitez numerous times, and each time we think we might try a different boat, we change our minds and come running back to the Kelebek2 because we know we’re guaranteed a brilliant day out on the aegean seas.

If you’re looking for a chilled day out on a small boat, without the boom-boom-boom of music, and the masses getting drunk and falling over your feet, on one of the larger party boats you have to try a day trip on Ahmet and Liz’s boat the Kelebek2 (Kelebek is Turkish for Butterfly).

The Kelebek2 leaving Bitez Harbour

We have our favourite spot on the front of the boat, which is just behind where Captain Ahmet cranks the anchor up. But this time around we didn’t have to worry about negotiating for our our two front seats because there was some social distancing requirements for this trip, and instead of the usual 8 passengers, there were only 4.

I’d called Liz before we arrived in Turkey to see if we could go on a boat trip, and I put our name down for the first available voyage where there was another random couple looking to partner up for a day out. I think it only took about 3 days for Liz to find some willing participants to go on the boat with us. And that left us counting the days until Saturday to go on our first boat trip of the season.

The boat leaves at 9:30am, which is a little earlier than most of the other day boats, but that means that we get to the bays before the other day boats doing the same route.

First Stop Aquarium Bay

Although the rest of the route may change slightly because of tides or winds, the first stop on the Kelebek2 boat trip has always been Aquarium Bay. You’re greeted with great swaths of aqua water, and this first dip in the water is a great way to start your day.

There were lots of smaller fish swimming around the boat, but also a couple of larger barracuda. The water was blissfully cool and pristine, and I can’t think of a better way to start your day than jumping in Aquarium Bay for a splash about.

There were a few more boats in the bay – but not too many to ruin our moment. After a swim it was time for a hot drink and biscuits, while we waited for Neale to finish his snorkeling expedition.

Even though you can hike over the hill and make your way from Bitez Harbour to Aquarium bay, it’s a lot more effort than getting here by boat.

We’ve been to this bay so many times, but it never gets old. It’s the bluest water on the peninsula, and I just hope that it never gets spoilt by getting developed or built up. It needs to stay pristine and untouched, because this is what makes the bay a special place to visit.

Stopping off at Bagla Bay

You know you’re entering Bagla Bay, because of the tall mushroom tower on the hillside overlooking the bay. The larger Bagla Bay is fronted by a large resort, but it’s neighboring smaller sister bay doesn’t have any buildings or resorts on the hillside. It’s shallower here than Aquarium Bay and you only have to swim a few meters towards the shoreline to get your feet to touch the sandy bottom.

You can walk to the shore, but I’d always wanted to take my camera into the sea and take photos of the boat, so I spent my time framing the perfect pictures of the Kelebek2. I just love this angle of the boat from the water. (That’s Kos in the distance).

Although Aquarium Bay is my favourite—Bagla Bay is a close second. Neale went on another snorkeling recon to try and find octopus – but they chose today to be elusive.

Making new Friends

Your sailing companions are always a bit of a crap shoot—but we lucked out with today’s passengers – and interesting and entertaining couple from the UK. (Just as well, there was only four of us on the boat with the captain). We had such a fun day together, that we arranged to meet up the next night in Yalikavak for dinner at Sophie’s.

Talking of food…lunch on the Kelebek2 is always good, and the icing on the cake is Liz’s homemade chutney to go with our bumper slice of quiche.

If you fancy a boat trip and can make your way over to Bitez, the Kelebek2 boat trip won’t disappoint. We’re biding our time, until it’s time to go again.

You can connect with Liz on Facebook to arrange your own trip aboard the Kelebek2.