Jeep Safari in Marmaris – Soaked, Sworn At, and Still Worth It!

If you’re considering a Jeep Safari in Marmaris, picture this: breathtaking landscapes, water fights with strangers, dodgy stepping stones, and the occasional camel. Oh, and one of the most colourful tour intros you’ll ever hear. This off-road adventure in Marmaris turned out to be one of the most chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly reflective experiences of our trip to Turkey in November 2023. Here’s how it played out – and what you should know before you sign up.

The Pre-Water Fight Pep Talk: Not Exactly PG

The trip began with a rousing (read: foul-mouthed) speech from our main tour guide, who seemed far more used to hosting stag parties than family groups. His enthusiastic use of F-words left most of the parents open-mouthed and the kids wide-eyed. To his credit, he noticed our horror and toned it down – but not before delivering a “motivational” talk that could’ve come straight from a lads’ weekend in Magaluf.

Watch the Swearing Clip (Language Warning!)

Soaked, Surprised, and Slightly Hysterical

Next came the water pistols. I naively thought I’d sit quietly in the back filming – until I got absolutely drenched in the first 60 seconds. By the end, I looked like I’d had a bath in my clothes, while the rest of the jeep convoy gleefully unloaded on me. It was chaotic, it was hilarious, and I was clearly marked as the over-60 target for maximum splash value. Elaine remained smugly dry. The boys were howling with laughter. I was checking if GoPros are waterproof.

Jesus Beach: Slightly Less Miraculous Than Expected

After all the chaos of the water fights, we arrived at Jesus Beach — a place that sounds like it should be the highlight of the tour. Sadly, it turned out to be more of a tourist trap than a divine revelation. There were camels for hire, souvenir stalls, and the kind of commercial setup you’d expect on a motorway services car park, not a spiritual sandbank. The much-hyped “walking on water” effect was… well, more like wading through a shingly paddling pool. And speaking of shingle — bring water shoes. Unless you enjoy the feeling of walking barefoot across Lego bricks while trying to look serene for the family photo, it’s not ideal. That said, the scenery was still nice, and the boys didn’t seem to mind. But if you’re expecting a peaceful, Instagram-worthy miracle — you may want to adjust your expectations (or your footwear).

Waterfalls, Woods, and Wobbly Stepping Stones

Before Jesus Beach, we were taken to see some waterfalls – and while they were pretty, we’ve been spoiled by Welsh waterfalls back home. The walk to get there was through some lovely wooded paths, which made a nice change from the rocky dust of the jeep route. But accessibility-wise, it’s definitely not one for the dodgy-kneed or less mobile. At one point, we were all leaping between slippery stepping stones, and I found myself mentally checking whether our travel insurance covered “ill-advised rock hopping.” It was beautiful — but I was watching the boys like a hawk and thinking more about bruised ankles than the cascading water.

Lunch: Lovely Setting, But a Challenge for a Stammer

Lunch was in a peaceful little outdoor spot, with long communal tables under the trees. The food was standard jeep safari fare — grilled chicken, rice, salad. Perfectly pleasant. But if, like me, you live with a stammer, these kinds of settings can stir up a bit of anxiety. Sitting with strangers, trying to find the right time to speak up, hoping you don’t get asked something you’ll block on — it’s not ideal. It’s not a peaceful countryside tour. It’s a Marmaris jeep tour full of loud moments, dodgy terrain, and total unpredictability. But it’s also unforgettable, hilarious, and a brilliant memory-maker.

Top Tips for Surviving a Marmaris Jeep Safari

• Wear swimwear or quick-dry clothes – you WILL get soaked.
• Bring water shoes – Jesus Beach is brutal on bare feet.
• Take cash – for snacks, camel rides (if you dare), or emergency souvenirs.
• Prepare for a bumpy ride – and possibly bumpy language.
• Check your travel insurance – especially for hopping across slippery rocks.

It’s wild. It’s ridiculous. And it’s proof that life after 60 isn’t slowing down — it’s just getting better. And that, friends, is why Sixty Rocks. Check out Dalyan boat trip blog – a perfect contrast to the wild ride above.

Watch the Jeep Safari Chaos