Sailing Day Tour with skipper and private chef in Kas Islands

Kas looks different from a sailboat. What makes this day tour work so well is how the crew turns a simple sail into a private experience, with Capt. Erdem (often the skipper you’ll see listed) coordinating by message so you know exactly where to board and what you want to do. I also love that there’s an onboard chef cooking for you, not just a snack and a wave.

Two standouts for me: the snorkeling and swimming at calm, secluded bays with crystal-clear water, plus the way lunch feels like a real meal. You’re anchored in scenic places long enough to actually enjoy them, not just “stop, rinse, move on.”

One thing to plan for: drinks are not included. Also, like any sailing day, your exact timing can shift a bit with wind and conditions since the tour requires good weather.

Key things I’d plan around before you go

• Private skipper planning so you can confirm where you want to sail, or let Capt. Erdem suggest routes
• Beneteau Oceanis 48 (2014), a comfortable 48-foot yacht with space to lounge at anchor
• Snorkel focus at multiple swim breaks, including underwater caves and a shipwreck area
• Chef-prepared multi-course lunch cooked fresh on board, served at the right temperature
• On-water extras included snorkeling gear, SUP, and a GoPro to capture the day
• A full rhythm of food and breaks, with fruit platters, tea and coffee, plus cake

Finding the boat and getting the day right

The first nice touch is how the crew helps you get oriented. Before departure, you’ll get in contact with the skipper, Capt. Erdem, to confirm where to find Kaş Setur Marina and your sailing yacht. Then you can tell them what you feel like doing that day, from more snorkeling to a slower, lounging-forward outing.

This matters because it sets expectations early. You’re not guessing where you’ll end up, and you’re less likely to feel rushed in the morning. It also keeps the vibe relaxed for a private group of up to 6.

If you’re meeting yourself, head to the office and marina area listed as Kaş Sailing & Catamaran Tours on Uğur Mumcu Cd. in Kaş. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

The yacht vibe: Beneteau comfort with “real sea time”

You depart Kas Marina aboard a 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 48. On a boat this size, you get the sweet spot between small-yacht freedom and real comfort. There’s room to spread out, choose where to sit, and enjoy the movement without feeling cramped.

The itinerary is built around sail time between anchored breaks, so you’re not stuck in one place all day. And there’s a fun part that’s easy to underestimate: you may be invited to help pilot the yacht. Even if you’re just steering a little, it’s a memorable way to feel like part of the day, not just a passenger watching from the rail.

Practical note: the tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to bring your own. You’ll still want to wear something easy to rinse, and plan on sunscreen.

Stop 1: sailing Kas while the chef sets the tone

The day starts with departure around late morning. The schedule says 09:30, and the start time is also listed as 10:00, so expect a morning push-out and rely on the confirmation message for the exact time.

Right as you get under way, the chef prepares a coffee and cookie plate. It’s served so you can enjoy it on the front of the boat while the morning air hits you. That small detail changes the whole feel. Instead of scrambling to eat, you’re already in vacation mode.

Then the skipper takes you into the Kas area, setting up the stops ahead. This is when you’ll feel how the water shifts around the bays, and why the later swim breaks are so good.

Stop 2: Mandraki Paradise, caves, and a shipwreck snorkel

One of the best-loved parts of the day is the first serious swim stop in the 5 Islands area of Kaş, after passing nearby Greek Kastellorizo. This is where the skipper can take you to underwater caves and a shipwreck area for snorkeling.

What I like about this stop is that it’s guided and structured. You get about an hour there, which is enough time to snorkel, regroup, and enjoy the water without turning it into a marathon. If you want a more “see and swim” approach, tell the skipper early and they can match your pace.

Possible consideration: if you’re not confident in the water, you may prefer to focus on floating and enjoying the views from the boat. The itinerary is flexible in the sense that you can split time between snorkeling, swimming, and just relaxing.

Stop 3: Inönü Koyu lunch, swim break, and a boat kitchen doing real work

After the first swim, the next anchor is İnönü Koyu, described as calm and secluded, with crystal-clear water, a tiny sand area, and even a small cave. You’re there for about two hours, so it’s a true break, not a quick splash-and-go.

Then lunch happens onboard. This is the big value moment of the day. The chef prepares a multi-course meal using fresh ingredients, and the menu is built around choice. For the main, you can have fish, steak, meatballs, or chicken. It typically comes with rice and salad plus 5 to 6 different Turkish mezes, with fresh fruit and sweets later.

They also mention an accompanying wine selection with lunch. Alcohol is listed as not included, though, so plan on drinks being extra if you want them.

The practical magic is how this kind of cooking stays enjoyable at sea. The boat has a limited galley space, yet the meal is served at the right temperatures, which is exactly what you want on a sailing day. You’re eating outside or at a deck table, not in a cramped interior.

After lunch, you get more time to snorkel, swim, and sightsee from the yacht while cruising between spots. That “movement after eating” is one of the reasons this feels like a full day, not just a floating lunch.

Stop 4: Ufakdere Bay, fresh fruit, and another calm swim window

Next comes Ufakdere Bay, also called Little River Bay. After about an hour of sailing from the lunch anchor, you get another swimming break for roughly two hours.

This stop has one of those details that sounds small until you’re actually there. The chef brings a self-prepared fruit plate right to your resting spot near the front. Expect fresh watermelon, grapes, bananas, nectarines, and more, with presentation that makes it feel like a treat, not just “some fruit.”

If you’ve ever done boat days where you feel like you’re running on schedule, this is the opposite. It’s a slower, more sensory pause. Swim, float, take photos, and let the boat drift in the sheltered bay.

Stop 5: Cukurbag Peninsula, pigeon island, and tea by sunset

Before heading back to Kas Marina, there’s one more stop around the Cukurbag Peninsula. The day includes a last swimming time at pigeon island, plus tea and coffee with cake.

The war-tank detail is a nice conversation starter here. The itinerary mentions a war tank underwater that you can discover. If you like seeing unusual underwater objects, this is a bonus that makes the last swim feel a bit more special than another standard anchor stop.

As the light changes, the tea and coffee service becomes a natural wind-down. Then you cruise back toward Kas Marina, returning around 18:00 based on the schedule.

What’s included, and what you’ll likely pay extra for

This tour is built around “most of the good parts included,” which is how it stays good value for the money.

Included:

• Lunch onboard
• Coffee and/or tea
• Snorkeling equipment
• SUP use
• GoPro use
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges

Not included:

• Drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

That drinks line is the main thing to budget. If you want soda, beer, wine, or cocktails, you’ll need to pay separately. Everything else is handled, which means less planning and fewer surprise costs once you’re on the water.

SUP and the GoPro are also smart inclusions. The SUP gives you a different way to enjoy the calm water, and the GoPro helps you capture the day without hauling your own gear.

Price and value for up to 6 people

At $1,448.19 per group for up to 6, this isn’t a budget boat day. But it’s priced like a private experience with real food and real time at anchor.

Here’s why it can make sense:

• You’re paying for a private skipper plus a chef who prepares meals onboard.
• You get multiple swim breaks, including one focused on caves and a shipwreck area.
• Lunch is a multi-course meal, with multiple meze options and main choices.
• Gear is covered (snorkel equipment, SUP, GoPro), so you’re not paying extra for rentals.

If you split it among a group, the price can start to feel reasonable compared with piecemeal day tours where you pay separately for transfers, lunch, and activities. If it’s just two people, it can still be worth it if you want privacy and don’t want to share space with strangers or worry about finding your own lunch plan.

Who this sailing day suits best

I think this works best if you want:

• A private group day with a skipper planning the route for your interests
• A boat lunch that feels like dining, not a sandwich
• Time in quiet bays where you can swim and snorkel in a calm rhythm
• A comfortable yacht for lounging, photos, and easy water time

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re trying to keep costs as low as possible
• You rely on hotel pickup, since none is included
• You’re sensitive to timing changes due to wind and weather, since the tour requires good weather and sailing conditions can affect the day

Should you book this Kaş sailing day tour?

Yes, if you’re choosing between a standard group tour and a private sailing experience, this is the kind of day that can feel like the highlight of Kaş. The combination of a luxury 2014 Beneteau, multiple anchored swim breaks, and chef-prepared lunch is exactly how you get your money’s worth in this region.

I’d book it if you care about three things: good water time, a real meal onboard, and a day that runs at your pace because the group is just you. If you’re the type who wants drinks on board all day, plan for that extra budget. If you want a low-effort day with high payoff, this fits.

If you’re unsure, message the crew when you book and ask for your preferred balance of snorkeling versus lounging. That early coordination is one of the reasons this tour stays smooth once you’re out on the water.

FAQ

How long is the sailing day tour in Kaş?

The tour is listed as about 7 to 8 hours, depending on conditions and the route taken that day.

What is the group size for this private tour?

It’s a private tour/activity, with up to 6 people per group.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Kaş Sailing & Catamaran Tours in Kaş, Turkey, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with coffee and/or tea. Drinks are not included.

What snorkeling and water gear is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included. SUP use is also included, and a GoPro is provided.

Where do you go for swimming and snorkeling?

You have multiple swim breaks, including a stop in the 5 Islands area for snorkeling at underwater caves and a shipwreck zone, plus swimming time at Inönü Koyu and Ufakdere Bay, with more breaks later in the day.

Can children join the tour?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What happens if weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.