Reviewed · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Private Sailing Yacht With Crew in Kas – Kekova Tour

★ 5.0 · 32 reviews 10 hours (approx.) From $1,441.68 Operated by BoatTripTurkey / Travel & Yachting · Bookable on Viator
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Kekova looks good from land. The boat makes it personal. This private full-day sailing yacht in Kas turns the usual day-trip route into a relaxed, you-and-your-group schedule, with swim and snorkel pauses where you choose to drop anchor. You also get the star advantage of Kekova, dramatic scenery that is hard or impossible to reach by land.

I love the privacy. You are not sharing your day with strangers, and the crew works the itinerary around your pace instead of rushing everyone through. I also love the food rhythm: lunch plus afternoon tea, coffee or tea, and bottled water, all served on board while you are floating above that famously rocky coastline.

One consideration is snorkeling expectations. The water can be stunningly clear, but sea life and coral are not guaranteed. If you want a guaranteed reef full of action, you may leave a little hungry for more.

Key things to know before you go

Private Sailing Yacht With Crew in Kas - Kekova Tour - Key things to know before you go

  • Private group of up to 6 means you set the tone, quiet conversation or music on deck.
  • Crew service that feels personal, including attention to comfort and timing around your needs.
  • Food plan built in: lunch, afternoon tea, and coffee or tea, so you are not hunting meals mid-cruise.
  • Kekova from the water gives you caves, shoreline texture, and ruins views you cannot really get on foot.
  • Minimal snorkeling kit and limited flippers are on board, so bring your own gear if you are picky.
  • Music setup on the boat lets you connect your playlist and keep the day relaxed.

Entering Kas waters: the marina, the boat, and how the day starts

You meet at Setur Kaş Marina Andifli, in downtown Kas. The start time is 10:00 am, and the plan runs about 10 hours. So think morning departure, midday anchoring and breaks, then a slow return that still feels like a full day out at sea.

The big practical win here is how the boat is set up for a group like yours. Past guests describe a yacht that is clean, comfortable, and large enough that you can spread out. There is seating for dining and games downstairs, sun-friendly cushions on multiple levels, plus a top deck area with covered seating. You also get a restroom on board, and that sounds basic until you have ever taken a long boat day without one.

If you are coming from your hotel in Kas, the marina being near public transport helps. If you are staying closer to the harbor, you will likely feel like you are just walking into the day, not doing a whole transfer circus first.

The vibe you should expect

The day feels more like a private boat outing than a rigid tour. That matters because Kekova is not just one viewpoint. It is bays, headlands, caves, and little stopping points where you either want to jump in or you want to stay on deck. A private setup lets you choose.

Kekova Island’s coastline: ruins, charcoal history, and the views you can’t walk to

Private Sailing Yacht With Crew in Kas - Kekova Tour - Kekova Island’s coastline: ruins, charcoal history, and the views you can’t walk to
Kekova is west of Antalya, and it is one of the main day-trip anchors for boats. From the water, the island’s stony coastline becomes the whole show. You get angles that you simply cannot replicate on foot, including dramatic cliff lines, cave openings, and the kind of rugged shoreline that makes you understand why boats dominate this route.

As you cruise, you pass and can spot small-scale, older-world details along the coast, including caves and what are described as pyramids of smoldering wood where charcoal gets made by local peasants. Whether you are a history nerd or you just like watching life unfold, these are the visual cues that make the area feel lived-in, not staged.

You will also notice why boats are welcome here. Kekova offers a practical anchorage for yachts on longer routes, so the place has a working relationship with seafaring. Even if you keep your schedule soft, the coastline still makes you want to slow down, look longer, and ask questions.

Kaleköy ruins: why seeing them from the sea hits different

Kaleköy comes up in the experience as a major point of interest. The feel here is that you are viewing a coastal past from the exact angle it was built to face. From the deck, ruins can look both fragile and strangely grand, and you can make sense of the shoreline layout in a way you cannot from a bus window.

Some boat days allow you to go ashore to meander along tracks and see the rocky environment and wildlife. If your group enjoys walking without pressure, that shore time is often the best kind of break, a slow change from rocking water to firmer ground.

Swim and snorkel stops: crystal water, realistic expectations

The day is built around stopping for swimming or snorkeling. That is the practical value of a private yacht day: you can spend time in the water instead of feeling like the schedule is yanking you back to your seats every ten minutes.

From past experiences shared by couples and families, the water commonly shows up as bright aquamarine shades, which is exactly what you want when you are getting in for a quick swim. On clear days, even without colorful reefs, the visibility can make the whole thing feel special.

What to expect for marine life

Here is the honest part. One itinerary description noted that there were not many fish or corals and that no turtles were seen on that particular day. That does not mean it is always like that, but it does mean you should not assume a reef aquarium experience. Instead, go for:

  • clean water and a few fish sightings
  • snorkeling as a fun bonus, not the main guarantee
  • photos that show the coastline and water color

Gear reality check

There is minimal snorkeling equipment on board. One review also mentioned flippers are available, but sizes may be limited. If you are used to your own gear, bring it. If you do not, it is not a deal-breaker, but it can affect comfort.

A small pro tip: bring your own GoPro or phone mount only if you already have a rhythm. With sun reflection and movement, you want to be ready before you jump in.

The mainland opposite Kekova: Teimiussa and Lycian necropolis tombs

Kekova sits opposite the mainland, and the view from the boat includes a strong possibility to spot and even stop for Teimiussa. This area is connected to Lycian history, including a necropolis with chest style tombs along the coastline.

Even if you only have a short window, a stop at ruins like this is worth it because it adds context. Kekova can feel like a beautiful coastal zone floating in your imagination, but Teimiussa helps put names and human scale back into the landscape. You see how people used the coastline, how they carved tombs into the sea-facing setting, and why the Lycian identity shows up so often around Antalya’s shore.

A good way to pace ruins time

In a private boat day, you can treat shore time like a choose-your-own-adventure. If your group loves history, you can linger. If you just want a stretch and a few photos, you can keep it light and get back to the water.

Lunch, afternoon tea, and Turkish chai on deck

This is one of those days where the food is not an afterthought. Past guests emphasize that the lunch can be better than a restaurant meal, and it is hard to argue with a plate delivered while you are looking at open water.

The included meal plan is clear:

  • Lunch
  • Afternoon tea
  • Coffee or tea
  • Bottled water

One review specifically praised the chai, calling it very good. So yes, you can get your tea fix without leaving the sea.

Why this matters for value

Food is where many boat days quietly lose their value. If you have to buy drinks, snacks, and a full lunch at marinas later, the cost creeps up. Here, the essentials are handled, and it keeps the day smooth. Alcohol is not included, but it is available to purchase. That means you can choose, soft drinks or your own pace.

Crew and service: Captain Ergun and Merve’s customer-first style

The crew is a major reason this tour earns a 5-star vibe. The name that comes up again and again is Captain Ergun. Guests describe a captain who is careful, personable, and attentive, the kind of host who notices details without making it weird.

There is also a teammate named Merve, praised for help during booking and for communication. That matters because the best boat day starts before you ever reach the marina, especially when you are coordinating timing and meeting points.

The standout service moments

One review tells a story about the captain helping with translation at a hospital when a mom had an accident on a moped. Even if that is not a normal situation, it signals something real about the crew mindset, they show up when it counts.

Other reviews highlight everyday service wins:

  • delicious food and snacks like fruit
  • a clean, comfortable toilet onboard
  • a smooth experience with no fuss
  • music from the boat speakers, letting you connect and play a playlist
  • kindness, including small birthday touches like cake and celebration support when requested

A small eco-minded detail

One guest mentioned Captain Ergun takes drone shots of people who pick up garbage from the sea. That is a memorable twist, and it points to a crew that thinks about the area beyond just tourism.

Price and value for a private group up to 6

The price is $1,441.68 per group, for up to 6 people. That sounds like a lot until you do the math and remember you are paying for a whole yacht, crew, and the included food plan.

At full capacity, that works out to about $240 per person for a full-day private yacht cruise with lunch, afternoon tea, coffee or tea, bottled water, and fuel surcharge plus local taxes. If your group is smaller, the per-person cost rises. This is a tour that makes most sense when you can fill the group slots with people you actually want to spend time with.

What you get for that money

You are buying:

  • a private schedule instead of a packed-boat scramble
  • access to swimming and snorkeling locations
  • a captain and mate who manage the day
  • included meals so you do not lose time on food runs
  • a clean, comfortable boat with a restroom

If you are already paying for taxis, lunch, and boat tickets separately, the bundled feel becomes the value.

Practical tips to make your day smoother

These are the small things that can change the whole experience.

  • Bring your own snorkel gear if you care about fit and comfort. The provided kit is described as minimal.
  • Plan for sun and water breaks. Even when you are not snorkeling, you will be on deck a lot.
  • If you want music, bring your phone playlist ready. Guests report the boat has speakers and you can connect.
  • Pack swimwear and a light layer for when you cool down after a swim. Boat wind can surprise you.
  • If you are sensitive about toilet comfort, you can feel better knowing past guests specifically praised the cleanliness of the onboard restroom.
  • If you want photos, ask about the captain’s approach. One guest noted drone shots linked to sea clean-up, but how that plays out is always up to the day.

Who should book this Kekova private sailing yacht day?

This tour fits best if you want a full day on the water without the pressure of a crowded itinerary. It is ideal for:

  • families with kids who need flexible swim pauses
  • friend groups who want music, privacy, and good food
  • couples who like calm boat time and photo-friendly scenery
  • people who want Kekova’s ruins and coastline from the water, not just a quick shore stop

It might be less ideal if:

  • you are chasing a super reliable, coral-heavy snorkeling experience
  • your group size will be far under the maximum, because the per-person price becomes harder to justify
  • you dislike boats without a lot of guaranteed wildlife sightings

Should you book this Kas to Kekova private yacht tour?

Yes, if you want a private, crew-led day that feels smooth from start to finish and you value food plus multiple swimming stops. Kekova is one of those places where the boat view matters, and this itinerary style lets you linger where you want, especially around bays and coastline points of interest like Kaleköy and Teimiussa.

If you are booking with a group near the up to 6 limit, you get the best value. If your priority is snorkeling with lots of marine life, keep expectations realistic and treat snorkeling as a fun bonus to the scenery and swimming.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Kas to Kekova private sailing yacht tour?

It runs for about 10 hours.

What time does the tour start in Kas?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Setur Kaş Marina Andifli, Uğur Mumcu Cd., 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Türkiye.

Is this tour private or shared with other groups?

This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What is included in the price?

Fuel surcharge, local taxes, afternoon tea, lunch, coffee and/or tea, a driver/guide, and bottled water are included.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, but they are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.

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