Think about waking up on deck to the sight of emerald islands and historic fort ruins because the solar warms the turquoise water round you. It is 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 a 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 assist you take advantage of it.
In a Hurry? Right here’s How one can Resolve
In the event you don’t need to learn the complete breakdown, right here’s the fast 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 pleased following a set itinerary
👉 Prepared to affix the journey? Browse accessible cabin cruises and safe your spot on a Kekova Blue Cruise.
Select a Personal Gulet Constitution if:
✔ You’re touring with 6–12 pals or household
✔ You need full flexibility in your itinerary
✔ You favor 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 turn into synonymous with leisurely crusing holidays in Turkey – suppose lazy days hopping between hidden bays, swimming over sunken ruins, and eating below the celebs on deck. It’s a convention that started within the Fifties when a author began taking pals on gulet voyages from Bodrum, and immediately 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.
The truth is, 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 points of interest.
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 personal yachts, frequently embrace Kekova on their itineraries
Why Kekova Is the Coronary heart of the Blue Cruise
Crusing into Kekova looks like getting 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 slightly below the floor. Under are a few of Kekova’s highlights which have earned it a prime spot on Blue Cruise itineraries:
Kaleköy (Simena Fort)
A postcard-perfect Lycian village clinging to a hillside, Kaleköy has no highway entry – it’s reachable solely by sea, which retains its allure intact. Hike as much as the medieval Simena Fort 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, usually referred to 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 website 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 better look, gliding above submerged relics of Byzantine and Roman instances.
After the Italian occupation of Kastelorizo, Kekova — which on the time was briefly 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 facet, 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 Setting and Forest. Every kind of diving and swimming have been prohibited and required particular permits from authorities places of work. In later years, the prohibition has been lifted apart 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.
The truth is, 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 light creatures throughout boat journeys. Don your masks, and also you would possibly end up snorkeling alongside a sea turtle or watching one glide by your gulet.
Residing Lycian Historical past
Simply inland from Kekova’s shores are treasures of Turkey’s Lycian heritage. The area is dwelling to the Historic Metropolis of Myra, recognized 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 follow on-water actions and panoramic views, however if you happen to’re a historical past buff on a non-public constitution, you might have the liberty to rearrange a cease in Demre to go to these websites up shut.
Many Blue Cruise visitors 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 set group route.
All advised, it’s straightforward 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 take a look at how one can discover Kekova (and past) by way of the 2 predominant Blue Cruise types: cabin charters and personal gulet charters.
Cabin Constitution Cruises in Kekova: Social Crusing Adventures
In the event you’re a solo traveler, a pair, or simply trying to be a part of a enjoyable group on board, a cabin constitution is a perfect strategy to expertise the Blue Cruise.
In a cabin constitution, you guide a cabin on a shared gulet that follows a preset itinerary, crusing with a blended group of passengers and knowledgeable crew. Consider it like becoming a member of a floating hostel – however much more snug 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 an alternative of renting a complete boat, you pay per particular person or per cabin, which considerably lowers the associated fee in comparison with a non-public constitution. The value normally contains your lodging, meals ready by the onboard chef, and primary actions, so it’s an all-inclusive deal with out breaking the financial institution.
However maybe the most important 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 pals over the few days at sea. In the event you love a little bit of journey and don’t thoughts the corporate, cabin cruises could be extremely enjoyable. The truth is, about 70–80% of cabin visitors say the social side was a spotlight of their journey
Sorts of cabin cruises
There are totally different types of cabin cruises to go well with totally different traveler sorts. Some are labeled “18-39 Younger Adults”, geared towards youthful vacationers or the young-at-heart in search of a energetic, upbeat vibe. Different cabin journeys are mixed-age cruises, which are usually extra relaxed and family-friendly – excellent if you happen to choose a mellower atmosphere or are touring with children or older members of the family. You may 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 traditional 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 additional time for hidden bays. One standard week-long route, as an illustration, sails Fethiye → Kekova → Fethiye, providing you with ample time to discover the Göcek coves, Kaş city, Kekova’s many gems, and again – superb if you wish to begin and finish in the identical port.
Professionals and cons
On a cabin constitution, the itinerary is fastened by the operator, which has its execs and cons. The great half is you don’t need to plan a factor – the route is expertly crafted to hit all of the must-see spots and greatest swim stops, so that you’re assured to expertise the highlights.
Sooner or later you would possibly 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 prime points of interest.
The flip facet is you received’t have a lot flexibility to stray from the schedule. Everybody follows the identical recreation plan, which could embrace set meal instances, swim breaks, and in a single day anchorage in designated bays. If, say, you completely cherished Kaleköy and wished to remain longer, on a cabin journey you sometimes need to sail on when it’s time.
However for many, that’s a minor trade-off given the comfort and worth. (And if you happen to fall in love with the Blue Cruise expertise, you possibly can at all times plan a non-public journey subsequent time to customise your route!)
Personal Gulet Charters in Kekova: Freedom and Personalization
In case you have a household group, a bunch of pals, or just crave privateness and adaptability, then a non-public gulet constitution could be 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 affordable 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 may focus on the route each day along with your captain and linger the place you want, skip locations you’re not concerned about, 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 possibly can slot in an additional island earlier than dinner. The itinerary is tailor-made to your pursuits, inside the bounds of climate and security. This flexibility is superb for exploring Kekova, the place there’s a lot to see.
For instance, in case your group is absolutely into kayaking, you may have the crew prepare sea kayaks and spend a morning paddling across the Sunken Metropolis up shut. Or if you happen to’re historical past buffs, you would possibly dedicate additional time to climb Simena Fort and nonetheless go to these onshore Lycian websites like Myra.
Wish to pop ashore in Demre to see the Church of St. Nicholas or the Roman theater? On a non-public constitution, no downside – you possibly can construct in a fast land tour (one thing group cruises don’t sometimes provide). Primarily, non-public gulets unlock experiences that cabin journeys can’t, as a result of you might have the luxurious of selection.
Luxurious vs Normal Gulets
Talking of luxurious, non-public charters additionally allow you to select your model of boat. Gulets vary from normal, cozy vessels to ultra-luxury yachts, and the value scales accordingly. A conventional normal gulet has snug 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.
However, if you happen to’re after indulgence, luxurious gulets come decked out like floating boutique accommodations: suppose king-size beds, air-conditioning, connoisseur menus, and probably 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 need to elevate a finger. Most non-public charters embrace your primary meals and normal actions, however you possibly can usually request particular touches. Fancy a seashore BBQ one night time or have a birthday to have fun? The crew could make it occur. Simply bear in mind, all this exclusivity comes at the next value: you’re renting all the boat for every week, so the value is within the hundreds (various by boat measurement and season) somewhat than tons of per particular person.
The excellent news is that you probably have a decent-sized group (normally 6 to 12 folks), if you cut up the constitution charge, the per-person value can turn into surprisingly cheap – generally near what you’d pay on a cabin cruise for every week. For instance, ten pals 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 could 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 visitors. It’s excellent for household reunions, a visit with {couples} or pals, or celebrating an important day. Wish to play your personal music playlist all day? Go for it. Favor a quiet night stargazing with no distractions? Executed.
The crew adjusts fully 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 traditional picket yacht all to yourselves in secluded bays. On the flip facet, you received’t have the built-in social scene of a cabin constitution – however that’s precisely the purpose for individuals who select this route. (In the event you’ll miss assembly new folks, you possibly can at all times befriend different gulets when anchored in the identical bay – a pleasant swim over to say hello is just not unusual!)
Favor 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 would possibly 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 Personal Gulet: Which to Select?
Each cabin and non-public gulet cruises will allow you to dwell the Blue Cruise expertise – waking as much as turquoise bays, swimming in sun-kissed waters, and exploring Turkey’s coastal historical past – however the proper selection relies on your journey model, funds, and group wants.
Right here’s a fast side-by-side comparability that can assist you determine:
| Function | Cabin Constitution | Personal Gulet |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Decrease per particular person | Increased total, shared value |
| Social Environment | Very social | Personal |
| Flexibility | Mounted itinerary | Absolutely customizable |
| Facilities | Normal | Normal to luxurious |
Value Per Particular person
For budget-conscious vacationers or smaller events, cabin charters win on worth. Just a few hundred euros can guide you a 3–4 night time journey. Personal charters require paying for the entire boat (hundreds in whole), so until you might have a bigger group to separate the associated fee, they’ll be considerably pricier per particular person. (Tough estimate: a regular non-public gulet in peak season would possibly run ~€1,000+ per particular person with a full group, versus €600–€900 on a cabin cruise.)
For 8+ folks, although, a non-public constitution’s value per head drops quite a bit and might method cabin-cruise charges. Do the maths along with your group measurement and see what is smart.
Environment & Social Life
Cabin cruises are all in regards to the group vibe – making new pals, 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 below the celebs with various shipmates. In the event you’re outgoing or touring alone, this generally is a blast.
Personal 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 best than the opposite; they’re simply totally different flavors. Select cabin if you happen to thrive in social settings; select non-public if you happen to worth privateness and a self-directed environment.
Itinerary Flexibility
Personal constitution is the hands-down selection for flexibility. You may work with the captain to regulate plans each 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 follow a set schedule, which reliably covers the highlights however doesn’t enable impromptu detours. So, you probably have a really particular wishlist (say, you should spend a sundown at a selected hidden cove, otherwise you need to add a scuba dive at Kaş), a non-public constitution allows you to do it. In the event you’re pleased to calm down and observe 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 – snug however not opulent, and also you share the crew’s consideration with all visitors.
Personal charters offer you extra selection in boat consolation (normal vs. luxurious) and sometimes 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 possibly can choose a ship that gives these on a non-public constitution. Cabin cruises provide an enthralling, genuine expertise however normally with out the frills (and word: on some funds cabin journeys, cabins won’t have AC 24/7, which is price contemplating in peak summer time).
In the long run, your resolution would possibly boil all the way down to practicality
Are you a pair or small group trying to preserve prices low and make pals? Or do you have an even bigger group (or greater funds) and a want for a custom-made journey?
The excellent news is, both manner 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 visitors may have the enjoyment of experiencing Kekova’s serene mornings all to themselves.
Whichever model you select, put together for an unforgettable journey. The Turkish coast has a manner of fascinating vacationers – you would possibly 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 straightforward 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 fort – multi function afternoon?
So hoist the anchor and set sail for Kekova’s enchanting waters. Whether or not you’re mingling with new pals on a cabin constitution or luxuriating within the freedom of a non-public gulet, the Turquoise Coast’s greatest awaits. Pleased cruising – or as we are saying in Turkey, iyi yolculuklar! (Have an excellent journey!)
