REVIEW · SAILING YACHT CHARTERS

Private Sailing Yacht With Crew in Kas – Kekova Tour

★ 5.0 · 32 reviews 10 hours (approx.) $1,442 whole boat, up to 6 Operated by BoatTripTurkey / Travel & Yachting · Bookable on Viator
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Kekova is best seen from the water, where the coast opens into quiet coves, ancient tombs, caves, and rocky hills that are hard to reach by road. This private yacht trip gives you a full day with Captain Ergün and his crew, rather than a crowded boat and a fixed public-tour routine.

I like the freedom to stop for a swim when the water looks inviting, and I like the generous boat setup, with several seating levels, shaded areas, a clean toilet, and room to spread out. Lunch, fruit, Turkish tea, coffee, and water are included. The main consideration is price: at $1,441.68 for up to six people, this makes the most sense for a family or friend group sharing the cost.

Key points at a glance

Private Sailing Yacht With Crew in Kas - Kekova Tour - Key points at a glance

  • Private boat for up to six: You get the whole yacht, so the day can feel personal rather than scheduled around strangers.
  • Kekova by water: See the rocky coast, caves, Lycian tombs, and waterfront ruins from viewpoints unavailable by land.
  • Several swimming stops: The itinerary is unrushed, with time for swimming and snorkeling in clear coves.
  • Lunch and Turkish tea included: Expect a prepared meal, fruit, coffee or tea, afternoon tea, and bottled water.
  • A comfortable yacht: The boat has multiple decks, dining tables, cushioned seating, shaded areas, and a clean toilet.
  • Bring your own drinks and snorkel gear: Alcoholic drinks and other drinks cost extra, while available snorkeling equipment is limited.

Why a private yacht is the right way to see Kekova

Private Sailing Yacht With Crew in Kas - Kekova Tour - Why a private yacht is the right way to see Kekova

The real strength of this outing is privacy. Your group of up to six has the boat to itself, which changes the feel of a long day at sea. You can sit together for lunch, choose a quiet corner, play music through the boat’s sound system, or simply let the day unfold without a stranger’s schedule beside you.

That matters on a 10-hour trip. A public boat can be good value, but it usually means set stops, shared seating, and less say over the pace. Here, Captain Ergün can shape the day around swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing. The tour begins at 10:00 am at Setur Kaş Marina and returns there later the same day.

I also like the boat itself. It is described as large, clean, and comfortable, with a lower level containing dining tables and two more levels with cushions for sitting or sunbathing. The upper deck has covered seating and a table, so you can move around as the sun changes. A clean onboard toilet is another small feature that becomes important after several hours on the water.

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Setting out from Kaş Marina

You meet the crew at Setur Kaş Marina, on Uğur Mumcu Caddesi in Kaş. The marina is near public transportation, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point, keeping the day simple for anyone staying in town.

From the start, the boat gives you views that Kaş cannot offer from its streets. The town recedes, the sea opens around you, and the coast becomes a series of rocky points and small bays. The route heads toward Kekova Island, located west of Antalya and known as one of the region’s main destinations for boat trips and yacht cruising.

The ride is not only about reaching a final stop. The coast itself provides the entertainment. Look for caves, rough stone slopes, goat farming, and the unusual pyramids of smoldering wood made by local people producing charcoal. These details give the route a lived-in quality. You are not just passing empty holiday scenery, but seeing traces of work and daily life along the shore.

Kekova’s rocky coast and ancient shoreline

Private Sailing Yacht With Crew in Kas - Kekova Tour - Kekova’s rocky coast and ancient shoreline

Kekova is a place where history is easiest to understand from offshore. The stony coastline has been shaped by earthquakes, settlement, farming, and centuries of use. From the yacht, you can inspect shorelines and ruins without trying to cover a large area on foot in the heat.

The most famous views are connected with the partially submerged ancient settlement along the Kekova coast. The tour description emphasizes viewing waterfront attractions from the boat, including places that cannot be reached by land. That makes the water-level viewpoint especially useful. You see the relationship between the ruins, the sea, and the steep coast in one frame.

Do not expect a museum-style visit with long explanations at every site. This is primarily a sailing and swimming day, with historic scenery woven into the route. If you want extensive archaeological interpretation, you may find the experience light on formal guiding. If you prefer to look, photograph, and ask questions at your own pace, the private format is a better fit.

Teimiussa and the Lycian tombs

On the mainland opposite Kekova Island, the yacht passes Teimiussa. You may choose to stop there to see the Lycian necropolis and its chest-style tombs along the coast.

These tombs are among the most distinctive sights in the region. Their simple stone forms are easy to spot against the rocky shore, and viewing them from the boat helps you see how closely the ancient settlement was tied to the water. The stop also gives the day a useful change of pace: after sitting on deck, you may have the option to go ashore and walk along tracks through the rough surroundings.

The exact balance between sailing, shore time, and swimming can depend on the day and your group. That flexibility is a benefit, but it also means you should speak clearly with the crew at the start. Tell Captain Ergün if your group cares most about ruins, long swims, snorkeling, or simply a slow cruise.

Kaleköy, wildlife, and the chance to go ashore

The route can include Kaleköy and other bays in the Kekova area. The shore offers a mix of ancient remains, rocky ground, and wildlife. The experience is less about ticking off formal attractions and more about moving through a remarkable coastal setting at a comfortable pace.

If you go ashore, expect tracks and uneven rocky ground rather than a polished walkway. Wear shoes that can handle rough surfaces, especially if you plan to explore beyond the waterfront. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not promise a fully accessible route on land.

You might find the wildlife more interesting than the water life. The coast is known for goats and its rugged natural setting. In the sea, conditions vary. Clear water does not guarantee abundant fish, coral, or turtles on every outing. One account of the day saw a few fish and a squid but no turtles, so bring realistic expectations if marine life is your main reason for booking.

Swimming, snorkeling, and four possible stops

Swimming is one of the best reasons to choose this trip over a land-based visit. The yacht can anchor in attractive bays, giving you a chance to enter the water away from the shore and return to the boat when you are ready.

The day may include about four stops, depending on the chosen route and conditions. You might swim in one cove, snorkel in another, then spend time near a historic shoreline before stopping for lunch. The private format means your group can ask for a little longer in a favorite bay instead of rushing because a large boat must keep moving.

The water is known for striking shades of blue and green. Still, snorkeling equipment is limited. Flippers are available, but the sizes may not suit everyone, and the supplied equipment is described as basic. I would bring your own mask and snorkel if those activities matter to you. An inflatable paddleboard is also available, though it is not considered especially sturdy.

There is no promise that every stop will be calm or that every person will want to swim. If you prefer to stay dry, the boat has plenty of seating and viewpoints. If you want a full day of active snorkeling, ask about equipment before departure and consider bringing your own.

Lunch, tea, and life aboard the yacht

Food is a strong part of this experience. Lunch is included, along with fruit or snacks, coffee, tea, afternoon tea, and bottled water. Turkish tea, or chai, is served by the crew and adds a local touch that suits a slow afternoon on deck.

The menu is not specified, so do not book expecting a particular dish. What you can count on is that the meal is part of the day rather than an extra stop where you need to find a restaurant. You can eat at a table on the lower deck or use one of the other seating areas.

Drinks need a little planning. Alcoholic drinks are available to buy, but alcohol and other drinks are not included. You can arrange extra beverages for the day, and the boat has a good refrigerator for keeping them cold. Since this is a private yacht, your group has more control over what you bring and how you spend the long lunch break.

The crew also has a sound system that lets you connect your own playlist. That is a pleasant feature for a family birthday or a day with friends, though you should keep the volume considerate if the crew needs to communicate or if you want to hear the guide.

Captain Ergün and the personal touch

Captain Ergün is central to the experience. The crew is described as friendly and attentive, with Captain Ergün taking time to look after people individually. Merve handles booking communication and has been especially helpful with arrangements.

The service goes beyond steering the boat and serving lunch. Captain Ergün has helped a visitor translate at a hospital during a family emergency, an act that shows the personal care associated with this small operation. That does not change the route, but it gives you a sense of the human side of booking with an owner-led crew.

The team has also shown care for the sea. If you collect rubbish from the water, the captain may document the effort with drone footage. Drone shots and other photos may be part of the memories from the day, but do not assume a specific photography package is included unless you confirm it before departure.

Special occasions are well suited to this setup. The crew has arranged birthday food, drinks, music, and cake for private groups. Champagne or special extras are not part of the standard inclusions, so request them in advance and expect to pay separately.

Is $1,441.68 good value for six people?

The listed price is $1,441.68 per group, with up to six people included. Split six ways, that is about $240.28 per person before any extra drinks or special requests. For a couple, the cost is much harder to justify. For six family members or friends who want a private boat for a full day, it becomes more reasonable.

You are paying for exclusivity, fuel, local taxes, a crew, lunch, drinks such as tea and coffee, and nearly a full day on the coast. You are also avoiding the compromises of a large shared excursion. The value improves if your group plans to spend most of the day aboard and makes use of the swimming stops, meal, and flexible pace.

I would not choose this tour solely as the cheapest way to see Kekova. Shared boat trips can cost less. I would choose it for privacy, comfort, control over the day, and the chance to mark a special occasion without strangers at your table.

Who should book this Kekova sailing day?

This trip suits families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups who want the boat to themselves. It is especially useful for a group with mixed interests, since some people can swim while others relax in the shade or watch the coast from the deck.

It also suits visitors who value food and service as much as sightseeing. The crew prepares lunch, keeps the boat comfortable, and provides tea and snacks throughout the day. People who enjoy a slow day on the water will likely get more from it than visitors trying to see as many land attractions as possible.

You should think twice if you want a tightly scheduled archaeology tour, a large selection of professional snorkel equipment, or guaranteed turtles and coral. The sea is beautiful, but marine life is not assured. The route is flexible, which is a strength for some groups and less appealing to anyone who wants every stop fixed in advance.

The activity is offered in English, and confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 10:00 am start time; late cancellations and late changes are not accepted.

Should you book the private Kaş to Kekova cruise?

Book it if you have a group of up to six and want a relaxed, private day with good food, several swim stops, historic coastlines, and a crew that pays attention to personal details. The strongest reasons are the private boat, comfortable decks, flexible pace, and Captain Ergün’s attentive approach.

Before paying, confirm the details that matter most to you: the planned shore stops, food preferences, extra drinks, available snorkel sizes, and any birthday arrangements. If your group can share the cost and values time together more than the lowest possible price, this is a very appealing way to see Kekova.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Setur Kaş Marina, Andifli, Uğur Mumcu Cd., 07580 Kaş, Antalya, Türkiye.

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The private cruise lasts approximately 10 hours and ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The price covers one private group of up to six people. Only your group participates.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, afternoon tea, coffee or tea, bottled water, fuel surcharge, local taxes, and a driver or guide are included.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, but they are not included in the tour price. Other drinks are also listed as not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Some snorkeling equipment is available, including flippers, but the supply and sizing are limited. Bringing your own gear is useful if snorkeling is important to you.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.

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