Think about waking up on deck to the sight of emerald islands and historical fortress 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 hire a non-public gulet for simply your group, chances are high Kekova would be the spotlight of your journey – and understanding your cruise choices will enable you to profit from it.
In a Hurry? Right here’s The right way to Resolve
Should you don’t wish to learn the total 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 choice
✔ You take pleasure in assembly new folks
✔ You’re comfortable following a set itinerary
👉 Prepared to affix the journey? Browse accessible cabin cruises and safe your spot on a Kekova Blue Cruise.
Select a Non-public Gulet Constitution if:
✔ You’re touring with 6–12 associates 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 to your dates.
What Is a Turkey Blue Cruise?
The “Blue Cruise” (or Mavi Yolculuk) has develop into synonymous with leisurely crusing holidays in Turkey – suppose lazy days hopping between hidden bays, swimming over sunken ruins, and eating beneath the celebrities on deck. It’s a convention that started within the Fifties when a author began taking associates on gulet voyages from Bodrum, and at this time 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 actual fact, 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 marvel boats large and small, from tour boats to non-public yachts, frequently embrace Kekova on their itineraries
Why Kekova Is the Coronary heart of the Blue Cruise
Crusing into Kekova looks 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 Fortress)
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 Fortress for breathtaking panoramic views of the coast and scatterings of historical ruins.
Don’t miss the eerie Lycian sarcophagus rising from the water close to the shore – a favourite swim-by photograph op for guests. The entire setting makes you are 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 under 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 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 historical 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 positioning of an historical 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. All types of diving and swimming had been prohibited and required particular permits from authorities workplaces. 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.
In actual fact, the bays round Kaş and Kekova supply implausible possibilities tospot endangered Caretta caretta turtles surfacing for air; it’s fairly frequent and thrilling to come across these light 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 dwelling 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 keep on with on-water actions and panoramic views, however should you’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 company 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 attainable on a set group route.
All instructed, 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 historical 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 predominant Blue Cruise types: cabin charters and personal gulet charters.
Cabin Constitution Cruises in Kekova: Social Crusing Adventures
Should 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 option to expertise the Blue Cruise.
In a cabin constitution, you ebook a cabin on a shared gulet that follows a preset itinerary, crusing with a combined group of passengers and knowledgeable crew. Consider it like becoming a member of a floating hostel – however way more snug and scenic! You’ll get your individual non-public cabin to sleep in, however all of the frequent areas and the journey itself are shared, making for a really social ambiance.
Why select a cabin constitution?
For one, it’s budget-friendly. As an alternative of renting a whole boat, you pay per particular person or per cabin, which considerably lowers the price 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 all over the world – sunbathing, snorkeling, and having fun with sundown cocktails collectively. Many vacationers make lifelong associates over the few days at sea. Should you love a little bit of journey and don’t thoughts the corporate, cabin cruises may be extremely enjoyable. In actual fact, about 70–80% of cabin company say the social facet was a spotlight of their journey
Varieties of cabin cruises
There are totally different types of cabin cruises to go well with totally different traveler varieties. Some are labeled “18-39 Younger Adults”, geared towards youthful vacationers or the young-at-heart in search of a full of life, upbeat vibe. Different cabin journeys are mixed-age cruises, which are typically extra relaxed and family-friendly – excellent should you desire a mellower surroundings or are touring with children or older members of the family. You’ll be able to select shorter journeys vs. longer journeys too.
Typical Routes (Fethiye to Olympos, and so on.)
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 good 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 common 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 – best 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 nice 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.
Someday 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 option 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 cherished 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 should you fall in love with the Blue Cruise expertise, you may at all times 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 associates, or just crave privateness and suppleness, 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 individual captain and crew, and you name the photographs (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’ll be able to focus on the route day by day along with your captain and linger the place you want, skip locations you’re not considering, 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 best for exploring Kekova, the place there’s a lot to see.
For instance, in case your group is actually into kayaking, you possibly can have the crew prepare sea kayaks and spend a morning paddling across the Sunken Metropolis up shut. Or should you’re historical past buffs, you may dedicate further time to climb Simena Fortress 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 drawback – you may construct in a fast land tour (one thing group cruises don’t sometimes supply). Primarily, non-public gulets unlock experiences that cabin journeys can’t, as a result of you might have 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 standard normal gulet has snug however easy cabins (normally with ensuite tub), a pleasant eating deck, and possibly a smaller crew – nice for an genuine, homey ambiance on a decrease finances.
Alternatively, should you’re after indulgence, luxurious gulets come decked out like floating boutique lodges: 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 carry a finger. Most non-public charters embrace your fundamental meals and normal actions, however you may usually 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 value: you’re renting all the boat for every week, so the value is within the 1000’s (various by boat dimension and season) somewhat than tons of per particular person.
The excellent news is that when you have a decent-sized group (normally 6 to 12 folks), while you break up the constitution charge, the per-person value can develop into surprisingly affordable – typically near what you’d pay on a cabin cruise for every week. For instance, ten associates 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 may be nice worth for the expertise you get.
Lastly, non-public charters supply an ambiance that you simply 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 company. It’s excellent for household reunions, a visit with {couples} or associates, or celebrating an important day. Wish to play your individual music playlist all day? Go for it. Choose a quiet night stargazing with no distractions? Completed.
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 basic picket 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. (Should you’ll miss assembly new folks, you may at all times befriend different gulets when anchored in the identical bay – a pleasant swim over to say hello will not be unusual!)
Choose 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 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 best selection depends upon your journey type, finances, and group wants.
Right here’s a fast side-by-side comparability that can assist you resolve:
| Function | Cabin Constitution | Non-public Gulet |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Decrease per particular person | Increased total, shared value |
| Social Environment | Very social | Non-public |
| Flexibility | Mounted itinerary | Absolutely customizable |
| Facilities | Customary | Customary to luxurious |
Value Per Individual
For budget-conscious vacationers or smaller events, cabin charters win on value. A number of hundred euros can ebook you a 3–4 night time journey. Non-public charters require paying for the entire boat (1000’s in whole), so until you might have a bigger group to separate the price, they’ll be considerably pricier per particular person. (Tough estimate: an ordinary non-public gulet in peak season may 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 loads and might strategy cabin-cruise charges. Do the mathematics along with your group dimension and see what is sensible.
Environment & Social Life
Cabin cruises are all in regards to the group vibe – making new associates, possibly partying at night time in a cove (sure, Smuggler’s Inn in Kekova is a well-liked cease for some youth-oriented cruises!), enjoying playing cards or swapping tales beneath the celebrities with various shipmates. Should you’re outgoing or touring alone, this could be a blast.
Non-public cruises are intimate and tailor-made – nice for high quality time with your individual folks, however you’ll forego the possibility to satisfy different vacationers on board. It’s not that one is best than the opposite; they’re simply totally different flavors. Select cabin should you thrive in social settings; select non-public should you worth privateness and a self-directed ambiance.
Itinerary Flexibility
Non-public constitution is the hands-down selection for flexibility. You’ll be able to 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 keep on with a set schedule, which reliably covers the highlights however doesn’t enable impromptu detours. So, when 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 helps you to do it. Should you’re comfortable to chill out and observe a ready-made itinerary, cabin cruises are splendidly hassle-free.
Facilities & Consolation
On a shared cabin cruise, you’ll have a comfy 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 company.
Non-public charters offer you 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 supply a captivating, genuine expertise however normally with out the frills (and notice: on some finances cabin journeys, cabins won’t have AC 24/7, which is price contemplating in peak summer time).
Ultimately, your resolution may boil all the way down to practicality
Are you a pair or small group seeking to hold prices low and make associates? Or do you have an even bigger group (or larger finances) and a need for a personalized journey?
The excellent news is, both method you’ll get to enjoy Kekova’s magic. Cabin cruisers will bond over shared awe the primary time they glide over the Sunken Metropolis’s ruins, and personal constitution company can 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 method 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 straightforward to see why so many name it the guts 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 fortress – multi functional afternoon?
So hoist the anchor and set sail for Kekova’s enchanting waters. Whether or not you’re mingling with new associates 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 an excellent journey!)
