Think about waking up on deck to the sight of emerald islands and historic citadel ruins because the solar warms the turquoise water round you. This can be a typical morning on Turkey’s famed Blue Cruise – a multi-day crusing journey alongside the Turquoise Coast the place historical past and pure magnificence unfold at each cove. Amongst all of the beautiful locales on these routes, one area stands out because the beating coronary heart of the Blue Cruise: Kekova.
Famed for its crystal-clear bays, half-sunken ruins, and peaceable villages solely reachable by boat, Kekova captures the essence of what makes a Blue Cruise magical. Whether or not you’re planning to be part of a cabin constitution with fellow vacationers or lease a non-public gulet for simply your group, likelihood is Kekova would be the spotlight of your journey – and understanding your cruise choices will aid you profit from it.
In a Hurry? Right here’s The way to Determine
When you don’t wish to learn the total breakdown, right here’s the short model:
Select a Cabin Constitution if:
✔ You’re touring solo, as a pair, or in a small group
✔ You desire a budget-friendly possibility
✔ You take pleasure in assembly new folks
✔ You’re glad following a hard and fast itinerary
👉 Prepared to affix the journey? Browse out there cabin cruises and safe your spot on a Kekova Blue Cruise.
Select a Non-public Gulet Constitution if:
✔ You’re touring with 6–12 mates or household
✔ You need full flexibility in your itinerary
✔ You like privateness and customized service
✔ You’re celebrating one thing particular
👉 Need the coast all to your self? Discover non-public gulet charters and request a customized quote in your dates.
What Is a Turkey Blue Cruise?
The “Blue Cruise” (or Mavi Yolculuk) has grow to be synonymous with leisurely crusing holidays in Turkey – suppose lazy days hopping between hidden bays, swimming over sunken ruins, and eating underneath the celebrities on deck. It’s a practice that started within the Fifties when a author began taking mates on gulet voyages from Bodrum, and right now it’s a bucket-list expertise for vacationers worldwide. Kekova, a scenic bay space between Fethiye and Antalya, is commonly cited because the jewel of the Blue Cruise route.
In reality, many cruises departing from western hubs like Fethiye or Bodrum spend most of their time within the Kekova space, drawn by its distinctive mix of pure and historic sights.
Geographically, Kekova sits roughly halfway alongside the Turquoise Coast, making it accessible from each instructions – some 4-day one-way cruises even begin in Fethiye and end close to Kekova (Demre), or vice versa, conveniently bridging vacationers to the Antalya area. It’s no surprise boats large and small, from tour boats to non-public yachts, repeatedly embrace Kekova on their itineraries
Why Kekova Is the Coronary heart of the Blue Cruise
Crusing into Kekova appears like coming into a dwelling museum within the open sea. The Kekova Particular Environmental Safety Space spans a big marine zone devoted to preserving its clear waters and wealthy biodiversity.
The end result? Pristine coves with unbelievable visibility, vibrant marine life, and well-preserved ruins just under the floor. Beneath are a few of Kekova’s highlights which have earned it a high spot on Blue Cruise itineraries:
Kaleköy (Simena Citadel)
A postcard-perfect Lycian village clinging to a hillside, Kaleköy has no street entry – it’s reachable solely by sea, which retains its appeal intact. Hike as much as the medieval Simena Citadel for breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and scatterings of historic ruins.
Don’t miss the eerie Lycian sarcophagus rising from the water close to the shore – a favourite swim-by picture op for guests. The entire setting makes you’re feeling such as you’ve stepped again in time.
Sunken Metropolis of Kekova
Simply throughout the channel on Kekova Island lie the half-submerged ruins of the traditional city of Dolichiste, typically known as the Sunken Metropolis. Destroyed by an earthquake within the 2nd century, its stays – stone partitions, staircases, and waterfront foundations – are nonetheless clearly seen beneath the water’s floor.
This archaeological web site is protected (no swimming or diving allowed right here), however your gulet will slowly cruise by, and you’ll peer straight down via the glassy water at 2,000-year-old ruins beneath you. Some vacationers even kayak alongside the shore for a more in-depth look, gliding above submerged relics of Byzantine and Roman instances.
After the Italian occupation of Kastelorizo, Kekova — which on the time was quickly inhabited in summer time for wooden harvesting — was disputed between Italy and Turkey. The 1932 Conference between Italy and Turkey assigned it to Turkey.
On its northern aspect, there are the partly sunken ruins of Dolchiste/Dolikisthe, an historic city which was destroyed by an earthquake in the course of the 2nd century. Rebuilt and nonetheless flourishing in the course of the Byzantine Empire interval, it was lastly deserted due to Arab incursions. Tersane (which means “dockyard”, as its bay was the location of an historic metropolis Xera and dockyard, with the ruins of a Byzantine church) is on the northwest of the island.
The Kekova area was declared a specifically protected space on 18 January 1990 by the Turkish Ministry of Surroundings and Forest. All types of diving and swimming have been prohibited and required particular permits from authorities workplaces. In later years, the prohibition has been lifted aside from the half the place the sunken metropolis is.
Hidden Coves and Sea Life
The Kekova space is dotted with quiet bays like Tersane and Gökkaya, which make idyllic stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. These sheltered coves are a part of a marine sanctuary, so the waters are exceptionally clear and wealthy with life – faculties of fish, corals, and even loggerhead sea turtles.
In reality, the bays round Kaş and Kekova provide incredible possibilities tospot endangered Caretta caretta turtles surfacing for air; it’s fairly widespread and thrilling to come across these mild creatures throughout boat journeys. Don your masks, and also you may end up snorkeling alongside a sea turtle or watching one glide by your gulet.
Dwelling Lycian Historical past
Simply inland from Kekova’s shores are treasures of Turkey’s Lycian heritage. The area is residence to the Historic Metropolis of Myra, identified for its spectacular rock-cut tombs and a grand Roman theater, in addition to the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre – the burial place of the real-life 4th-century St. Nicholas (sure, the origin of Santa Claus!).
Cabin cruises sometimes persist with on-water actions and panoramic views, however when you’re a historical past buff on a non-public constitution, you’ve gotten the liberty to rearrange a cease in Demre to go to these websites up shut.
Many Blue Cruise friends don’t understand how shut they’re to such cultural gems; non-public gulet journeys can seamlessly mix onshore excursions like Myra’s ruins or a fast pilgrimage to St. Nicholas’ Church into your crusing itinerary, one thing not potential on a hard and fast group route.
All informed, it’s simple to see why sailors dub Kekova “the pearl of the Mediterranean.” This compact area alone provides a microcosm of the Blue Cruise expertise – from historic Lycian relics to untouched pure magnificence and blissful turquoise swim spots.
Now, let’s have a look at how one can discover Kekova (and past) by way of the 2 important Blue Cruise types: cabin charters and personal gulet charters.
Cabin Constitution Cruises in Kekova: Social Crusing Adventures
When you’re a solo traveler, a pair, or simply seeking to be part of a enjoyable group on board, a cabin constitution is a perfect strategy to expertise the Blue Cruise.
In a cabin constitution, you e-book a cabin on a shared gulet that follows a preset itinerary, crusing with a combined group of passengers and an expert crew. Consider it like becoming a member of a floating hostel – however much more comfy and scenic! You’ll get your personal non-public cabin to sleep in, however all of the widespread areas and the journey itself are shared, making for a really social environment.
Why select a cabin constitution?
For one, it’s budget-friendly. As a substitute of renting a complete boat, you pay per individual or per cabin, which considerably lowers the fee in comparison with a non-public constitution. The worth normally consists of your lodging, meals ready by the onboard chef, and fundamental actions, so it’s an all-inclusive deal with out breaking the financial institution.
However maybe the largest draw is the camaraderie: you’ll be assembly new folks from around the globe – sunbathing, snorkeling, and having fun with sundown cocktails collectively. Many vacationers make lifelong mates over the few days at sea. When you love a little bit of journey and don’t thoughts the corporate, cabin cruises might be extremely enjoyable. In reality, about 70–80% of cabin friends say the social facet was a spotlight of their journey
Varieties of cabin cruises
There are completely different types of cabin cruises to swimsuit completely different traveler sorts. Some are labeled “18-39 Younger Adults”, geared towards youthful vacationers or the young-at-heart in search of a vigorous, upbeat vibe. Different cabin journeys are mixed-age cruises, which are typically extra relaxed and family-friendly – excellent when you favor a mellower surroundings or are touring with youngsters or older relations. You possibly can select shorter journeys vs. longer journeys too.
Typical Routes (Fethiye to Olympos, and so forth.)
Cabin charters in Turkey sometimes are available two flavors: 4 days/3 nights or 7 days/6-7 nights.
The shorter 3-night variations are sometimes one-way routes nice for these on a decent schedule – for instance, the well-known Fethiye to Olympos itinerary (ending close to Kekova) is a 4-day cruise that passes iconic spots like Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kaş, and the Sunken Metropolis of Kekova.
This basic route is commonly cited as the preferred gulet cruise in Turkey, beloved by backpackers and journey seekers. Longer 7-night cruises normally do a round-trip loop (or cowl extra distance one-way) with further time for hidden bays. One fashionable week-long route, as an example, sails Fethiye → Kekova → Fethiye, providing you with ample time to discover the Göcek coves, Kaş city, Kekova’s many gems, and again – perfect if you wish to begin and finish in the identical port.
Execs and cons
On a cabin constitution, the itinerary is fastened by the operator, which has its professionals and cons. The great half is you don’t must plan a factor – the route is expertly crafted to hit all of the must-see spots and finest swim stops, so that you’re assured to expertise the highlights.
Sooner or later you may hike to a hillside monastery or paraglide over Ölüdeniz, the following you’ll be cruising previous Kekova’s Sunken Metropolis or exploring a quaint city like Kaş. It’s a stress-free strategy to see the Turquoise Coast’s high sights.
The flip aspect is you received’t have a lot flexibility to stray from the schedule. Everybody follows the identical sport plan, which could embrace set meal instances, swim breaks, and in a single day anchorage in designated bays. If, say, you completely liked Kaleköy and wished to remain longer, on a cabin journey you sometimes must sail on when it’s time.
However for many, that’s a minor trade-off given the comfort and worth. (And when you fall in love with the Blue Cruise expertise, you may all the time plan a non-public journey subsequent time to customise your route!)
Non-public Gulet Charters in Kekova: Freedom and Personalization
If in case you have a household group, a bunch of mates, or just crave privateness and suppleness, then a non-public gulet constitution is perhaps your dream come true. Chartering a gulet privately means you get the entire boat to your self, with your personal captain and crew, and you name the pictures (to an inexpensive extent) on the place to go and what to do every day.
It’s like having a floating villa for every week – one which comes with a devoted chef, skipper, and the ever-changing yard of the Mediterranean Sea!
Why go non-public?
In a single phrase: freedom. With a non-public constitution, you’re not tied to a preset group itinerary. You possibly can talk about the route day by day together with your captain and linger the place you want, skip locations you’re not occupied with, even change plans on a whim if the temper strikes. Love a selected bay? Drop anchor and swim all afternoon.
Feeling adventurous? Ask the captain to sail early so you may slot in an additional island earlier than dinner. The itinerary is tailor-made to your pursuits, throughout the bounds of climate and security. This flexibility is perfect for exploring Kekova, the place there’s a lot to see.
For instance, in case your group is admittedly into kayaking, you can have the crew organize sea kayaks and spend a morning paddling across the Sunken Metropolis up shut. Or when you’re historical past buffs, you may dedicate further time to climb Simena Citadel and nonetheless go to these onshore Lycian websites like Myra.
Need to pop ashore in Demre to see the Church of St. Nicholas or the Roman theater? On a non-public constitution, no downside – you may construct in a fast land tour (one thing group cruises don’t sometimes provide). Basically, non-public gulets unlock experiences that cabin journeys can’t, as a result of you’ve gotten the luxurious of selection.
Luxurious vs Customary Gulets
Talking of luxurious, non-public charters additionally allow you to select your type of boat. Gulets vary from normal, cozy vessels to ultra-luxury yachts, and the value scales accordingly. A conventional normal gulet has comfy however easy cabins (normally with ensuite tub), a pleasant eating deck, and perhaps a smaller crew – nice for an genuine, homey environment on a decrease funds.
Alternatively, when you’re after indulgence, luxurious gulets come decked out like floating boutique inns: suppose king-size beds, air-conditioning, gourmand menus, and presumably even a jacuzzi or jet skis on board.
With a bigger crew to pamper you, the service on a luxurious constitution is top-notch – you received’t must elevate a finger. Most non-public charters embrace your fundamental meals and normal actions, however you may typically request particular touches. Fancy a seashore BBQ one night time or have a birthday to rejoice? The crew could make it occur. Simply bear in mind, all this exclusivity comes at the next price: you’re renting the complete boat for every week, so the value is within the hundreds (various by boat dimension and season) moderately than a whole lot per individual.
The excellent news is that in case you have a decent-sized group (normally 6 to 12 folks), while you cut up the constitution price, the per-person price can grow to be surprisingly cheap – generally near what you’d pay on a cabin cruise for every week. For instance, ten mates sharing a €10,000/week normal gulet is about €1,000 every, which is in the identical ballpark as some cabin excursions. Thus, with sufficient journey buddies, going non-public might be nice worth for the expertise you get.
Lastly, non-public charters provide an ambiance that you just simply can’t get on a shared boat. It’s simply your group on board, so that you’ll take pleasure in full privateness and the liberty to be yourselves with out worrying about different friends. It’s excellent for household reunions, a visit with {couples} or mates, or celebrating a special day. Need to play your personal music playlist all day? Go for it. Desire a quiet night stargazing with no distractions? Performed.
The crew adjusts solely to your preferences, providing you with a really customized journey. Many individuals additionally select non-public gulets for honeymoons or anniversaries, because it’s extremely romantic to have a basic wood yacht all to yourselves in secluded bays. On the flip aspect, you received’t have the built-in social scene of a cabin constitution – however that’s precisely the purpose for many who select this route. (When you’ll miss assembly new folks, you may all the time befriend different gulets when anchored in the identical bay – a pleasant swim over to say hello just isn’t unusual!)
Desire the posh of freedom?
Discover non-public gulet charters to craft your dream Blue Cruise. Whether or not you go for a charming normal gulet or a high-end luxurious vessel, a non-public constitution means Kekova and the Turquoise Coast are yours to find by yourself schedule. You may spend an additional day amongst Kekova’s coves since you simply can’t get sufficient of the tranquility, or navigate to a quieter anchorage that large excursions skip – it’s all as much as you.
Cabin Constitution or Non-public Gulet: Which to Select?
Each cabin and non-public gulet cruises will allow you to stay the Blue Cruise expertise – waking as much as turquoise bays, swimming in sun-kissed waters, and exploring Turkey’s coastal historical past – however the precise selection will depend on your journey type, funds, and group wants.
Right here’s a fast side-by-side comparability that can assist you determine:
| Characteristic | Cabin Constitution | Non-public Gulet |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Decrease per individual | Larger total, shared price |
| Social Ambiance | Very social | Non-public |
| Flexibility | Mounted itinerary | Absolutely customizable |
| Facilities | Customary | Customary to luxurious |
Price Per Individual
For budget-conscious vacationers or smaller events, cabin charters win on value. A number of hundred euros can e-book you a 3–4 night time journey. Non-public charters require paying for the entire boat (hundreds in complete), so except you’ve gotten a bigger group to separate the fee, they’ll be considerably pricier per individual. (Tough estimate: an ordinary non-public gulet in peak season may run ~€1,000+ per individual with a full group, versus €600–€900 on a cabin cruise.)
For 8+ folks, although, a non-public constitution’s price per head drops rather a lot and might method cabin-cruise charges. Do the mathematics together with your group dimension and see what is smart.
Ambiance & Social Life
Cabin cruises are all in regards to the group vibe – making new mates, perhaps partying at night time in a cove (sure, Smuggler’s Inn in Kekova is a well-liked cease for some youth-oriented cruises!), taking part in playing cards or swapping tales underneath the celebrities with numerous shipmates. When you’re outgoing or touring alone, this is usually a blast.
Non-public cruises are intimate and tailor-made – nice for high quality time with your personal folks, however you’ll forego the possibility to fulfill different vacationers on board. It’s not that one is healthier than the opposite; they’re simply completely different flavors. Select cabin when you thrive in social settings; select non-public when you worth privateness and a self-directed environment.
Itinerary Flexibility
Non-public constitution is the hands-down selection for flexibility. You possibly can work with the captain to regulate plans day by day – linger longer in that excellent bay, go to onshore websites like Myra that group journeys skip, and even change the path to chase good climate.
Cabin charters persist with a hard and fast schedule, which reliably covers the highlights however doesn’t enable impromptu detours. So, in case you have a really particular wishlist (say, you should spend a sundown at a selected hidden cove, otherwise you wish to add a scuba dive at Kaş), a non-public constitution allows you to do it. When you’re glad to loosen up and comply with a ready-made itinerary, cabin cruises are splendidly hassle-free.
Facilities & Consolation
On a shared cabin cruise, you’ll have a comfortable cabin and customary areas, however gulets used for cabin charters are sometimes normal class – comfy however not opulent, and also you share the crew’s consideration with all friends.
Non-public charters provide you with extra selection in boat consolation (normal vs. luxurious) and infrequently the next crew-to-guest ratio, which means extra customized service. Additionally, if having facilities like AC at night time or fancy water toys is essential, you may choose a ship that gives these on a non-public constitution. Cabin cruises provide a captivating, genuine expertise however normally with out the frills (and observe: on some funds cabin journeys, cabins may not have AC 24/7, which is value contemplating in peak summer time).
Ultimately, your choice may boil all the way down to practicality
Are you a pair or small group seeking to hold prices low and make mates? Or do you have an even bigger group (or greater funds) and a want for a personalized journey?
The excellent news is, both means you’ll get to experience Kekova’s magic. Cabin cruisers will bond over shared awe the primary time they glide over the Sunken Metropolis’s ruins, and personal constitution friends could have the enjoyment of experiencing Kekova’s serene mornings all to themselves.
Whichever type you select, put together for an unforgettable journey. The Turkish coast has a means of fascinating vacationers – you may begin your cruise as strangers or simply vacationers, however you’ll finish it as sun-kissed Blue Cruisers with a deep appreciation for Turkey’s heritage and pure magnificence.
And in Kekova’s case, it’s simple to see why so many name it the center of the Blue Cruise: the place else are you able to kayak above a 2nd-century metropolis, swim with turtles, and clink glasses beneath a medieval citadel – multi function afternoon?
So hoist the anchor and set sail for Kekova’s enchanting waters. Whether or not you’re mingling with new mates on a cabin constitution or luxuriating within the freedom of a non-public gulet, the Turquoise Coast’s finest awaits. Completely satisfied cruising – or as we are saying in Turkey, iyi yolculuklar! (Have a very good journey!)
