Belek Fishing Trip | Breakfast, Lunch and Crab Catching Included

• 06:30 — Pick-up from hotels in air-conditioned, comfortable vehicles
• 07:00 — Arrival at Acısu Creek and boarding the boat
• Departure towards the fishing grounds with breakfast served on board
• Open-sea fishing activity, equipment distribution and brief instruction from the captain
• Blue crab catching experience in the creek
• Lunch break with freshly cooked fish from the day's catch
• 12:30 — Return to the harbour
• 13:00 — Drop-off at hotels

Imagine stepping aboard a boat in the calm early hours, lowering your line into the Mediterranean and hearing nothing but birdsong and the gentle lapping of waves. That is exactly how a fishing day off the Belek coast begins. If you are looking for the most peaceful hours of your holiday out on the open water, this is the experience for you.

A Belek fishing trip combines bottom fishing, blue crab catching, a hearty breakfast and a freshly prepared fish lunch into roughly six and a half hours of pure seaside enjoyment. You are picked up from your hotel early in the morning and transferred to the harbour at Acısu Creek. From the moment you step on deck, the programme unfolds naturally, giving you time to fish, explore and eat without feeling rushed.

Fish Species You Can Catch off the Belek Coast

The Mediterranean waters off Belek are home to a rich variety of species. Sea bream is the most frequently caught fish; it is abundant and prized for its flavour. Sea bass is common around rocky bottom areas and puts up an exciting fight on the line. Bonito moves closer to shore in autumn, while mackerel is plentiful in shallow waters throughout summer. Red mullet favours soft, sandy seabeds and is a true culinary treat. Depending on the season, you may also hook white sea bream, black sea bream, bogue or even small tuna.

Blue Crab Catching on Acısu Creek

What sets this trip apart is the blue crab catching session held on Acısu Creek. Originally from the Atlantic, blue crabs have spread rapidly along the eastern Mediterranean coast in recent years. Acısu Creek is one of the areas where they are found in the highest numbers. Wading into the shallows with nets and traps to catch crabs is particularly entertaining for families with children and often turns out to be the highlight of the day. Those who wish can have their crabs cooked and served on the spot.

Fishing Techniques and Bait

The main method used during the trip is bottom fishing. A weighted line carries the bait down to the seabed, targeting species that feed near the bottom. The captain uses a sonar device to locate schools of fish and positions the boat at the most productive spot. Shrimp, squid pieces and sardine are used as bait; these are the most effective choices for Mediterranean bottom-dwelling species. In certain conditions, silicone lures may also be used.

Never Fished Before? No Problem

You do not need any prior experience to enjoy this trip. As soon as you board, the captain gives a short briefing on how to hold the rod, attach the bait and what to do when a fish bites. All equipment is provided and ready to go, so there is no need to bring your own gear. The captains have years of hands-on experience and patiently assist guests of every skill level throughout the day.

Essential Tips for First-Time Anglers

• Get an early night before the trip; aim for at least seven hours of sleep ahead of the 06:30 pick-up.
• Remember that breakfast is served on the boat, so avoid eating a heavy meal at the hotel.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher and reapply every two hours without fail.
• When a fish bites, resist the urge to jerk the rod; reel in calmly and steadily instead.
• If you hook an unfamiliar species, ask the crew for help rather than touching it with your hands.
• Keep your phone in a waterproof case; saltwater spray can damage electronics quickly.
• Wear light-coloured, breathable fabrics to stay cool under the sun.
• Be patient; fishing teaches you to slow down and follow nature's rhythm.

Do You Need a Fishing Licence in Turkey

Recreational shore fishing with a rod in Turkey does not require an individual licence. For organised boat trips, all necessary permits are obtained by the tour operator in advance. You do not need to arrange any documents or permits yourself.

Best Months, Hours and Weather Conditions

Mediterranean fishing in Belek is possible for most of the year, but the most productive period runs from May to October. During these months the sea temperature ranges between 22 and 29 degrees Celsius and fish activity peaks. Sea bream and sea bass are found close to shore in summer, bonito arrives in autumn, and mackerel is most plentiful around midsummer. The most productive window of the day is between 07:00 and 10:00, before the sun climbs too high, which is why the trip is scheduled to start early in the morning. Belek enjoys long sunny days and generally calm seas throughout the summer months. In the event of a sudden south-westerly wind or strong gusts, the trip may be postponed for safety reasons and an alternative date will be offered.

Five Ways to Prevent Seasickness

• Take a motion sickness tablet from a local pharmacy half an hour before departure; this is the single most effective remedy.
• Stay in the open air on deck and keep your eyes on the horizon; staying in an enclosed area makes nausea worse.
• Avoid heavy or greasy food; eating light keeps your stomach settled.
• Drink plenty of water; dehydration intensifies seasickness symptoms.
• Acupressure wristbands worn on the inner wrist can offer drug-free relief for some people.

Group Trip vs Private Boat Charter

Fishing trips in Belek are offered in two formats.

A group trip is the smartest choice for anyone who wants a quality fishing experience in Belek on a reasonable budget. A private boat is ideal for special occasions such as birthday celebrations or friend reunions. TourBelek organises both options and can help you choose the right one.

Joining from Bogazkent

Bogazkent is only a few minutes away from Belek. The transfer vehicle departing from Bogazkent hotels brings you directly to the Acısu harbour. There is no difference in the programme; you board the same boat and follow the same route as all other participants.

Joining from Kadriye

Guests staying at the large hotel complexes in Kadriye can join the Belek boat fishing trip with ease. An early-morning hotel pick-up ensures a comfortable ride to the harbour. Families travelling from Kadriye especially enjoy the crab catching section together with their children.

Joining from Serik

Serik town centre is very close to the Acısu harbour. For guests staying in Serik, this is the most accessible sea fishing activity available. Because the transfer route is short, morning pick-up times may be slightly later than for other areas.

How to Fit It into Your Holiday Schedule

Because the trip starts early and finishes by early afternoon, it does not take up your entire day. You are back at your hotel by around 13:00, leaving the whole afternoon free. If you spent the previous day on an action-packed land excursion, a calm morning on the water is the perfect way to balance things out. Pair it with a poolside or beach afternoon and you have a well-rounded holiday day.

Do Not Worry About the Early Start

Being in the hotel lobby at 06:30 might sound challenging when you are in holiday mode, but the hours before the sun fully rises are when fish are most active. The breakfast waiting for you on board makes waking up much easier. Transfer vehicles are air-conditioned and comfortable, so you can ease into the morning on the ride over.

Dining on Board

As soon as you step on the boat, hot tea and coffee are served alongside a freshly prepared breakfast. The real surprise comes at lunchtime: the fish you caught are cleaned by the crew and cooked right there on deck. It is hard to find a shorter journey from sea to plate anywhere else. This dining element turns the Belek fishing trip into something far more than a simple angling activity.

Suitability for Families with Children

This trip is perfectly suited for families with children. Kids particularly love wading into the shallows to catch crabs with a net. During the fishing session, they get to try their first rod under the captain's guidance. Generally, children aged five and above can participate actively; for younger children, constant adult supervision is essential.

• The thrill of bottom fishing in the open Mediterranean with a professional crew and landing your very first catch
• A unique nature activity exclusive to Belek: catching blue crabs in Acısu Creek
• An unmatched sea-to-plate dining experience as your freshly caught fish are cooked and served hot on deck
• A complete half-day programme on the water, from breakfast to lunch, from rod fishing to a swimming break